Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Simulation of Tunneling Contact Resistivity in Non-polar AlGaN/GaN Heterostructures

We have evaluated the tunneling contact resistivity based on numerical calculation of tunneling current density across an AlGaN barrier layer in non-polar AlGaN/GaN heterostructures. In order to reduce the tunneling contact resistivity, we have introduced an n + -Al x Ga 1-x N layer between an n + -GaN cap layer and an i-AlGaN barrier layer. The tunneling contact resistivity has been optimized by varying Al composition and donor concentration in n + -Al x Ga 1-x N. Simulation results show that the tunneling contact resistivity can be improved by as large as 4 orders of magnitude, compared to the standard AIGaN/GaN heterostructure.
Dynamic expression pattern of Sonic hedgehog in developing cochlear spiral ganglion neurons

Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling plays important roles in the formation of the auditory epithelium. However, little is known about the detailed expression pattern of Shh and the cell sources from which Shh is secreted. By analyzing ShhCreEGFP/+ mice, we found that Shh was first expressed in all cochlear spiral ganglion neurons by embryonic day 13.5, after which its expression gradually decreased from base to apex. By postnatal day 0, it was not detected in any spiral ganglion neurons. Genetic cell fate mapping results also confirmed that Shh was exclusively expressed in all spiral ganglion neurons and not in surrounding glia cells. The basal‐to‐apical wave of Shh decline strongly resembles that of hair cell differentiation, supporting the idea that Shh signaling inhibits hair cell differentiation. Furthermore, this ShhCreEGFP/+ mouse is a useful Cre line in which to delete floxed genes specifically in spiral ganglion neurons of the developing cochlea. Developmental Dynamics 239:1674–1683, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Connectivity Weakness Impacts on Coordination in Wireless Sensor and Actor Networks

The combination of sensor and actor nodes in wireless sensor actor networks (WSANs) has created new challenges notably in coordination. In this paper, we survey, categorize, and bring into perspective existing researches on weak connectivity and its impacts on coordination ranging from a node failure to disability of actor nodes to communicate with other actors permanently. We present challenges in each category alongside existing provisions and approaches in the context of the proposed coordination-oriented connectivity categorization. Alongside explanation of general concepts for a communication generalist, we compare the proposed protocols using parameters related to weak connectivity and coordination. Powerful actors can help weaker sensors in many aspects such as routing and data forwarding and many sensors can help few actors in the regions that actors are sparsely deployed. Actors can carry, move and charge sensors while sensors can detect partitions of inter-actor network. Considering lessons learned from surveyed works, we show that actor and sensor nodes in a WSAN must cooperate to provide an integrated network when network connectivity is weak.
Characterization of Nanoparticles of Lead Free Solder Alloys

Nanoparticles of Sn-4.0Ag-0.5Cu and Sn-0.4Co-0.7Cu (wt% composition) lead free solder alloys were manufactured and characterized for potential applications in microelectronics packaging. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis was carried out in order to study the morphology and size distribution of the nanoparticles. It was observed that nanoparticles of lead free alloys were almost spherical in shape. The observed size distribution of both lead free solder alloy nanoparticles is between 20 ~ 80 nm. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) was used to analyse the detailed nanostructure and oxide layer present on the nanoparticles surface. The observed oxide layer thickness is about 25Aring (2.5 nm). The depression in melting point due to nanosize effect was calculated theoretically as a function of particle size for the above mentioned lead free solder alloys and the theoretical results were compared with differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). Onset calculation was used to determine the depression in melting point due to nanosize effect in respect to bulk material. The melting point difference obtained by DSC for Sn-4.0Ag-0.5Cu and Sn-0.4Co-0.7Cu lead free solders are between 1.1 to 7.8degC and 0.24 to 2.4degC respectively depending on the definition of the melting point determination by DSC
Lipopolysaccharide augments the in vivo lethal action of doxorubicin against mice via hepatic damage

The effect of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the in vivo lethal action of doxorubicin (DOX) against mice was studied. DOX killed LPS‐pretreated mice much earlier than untreated mice, and exhibited a stronger toxic action against LPS‐pretreated mice. DOX‐induced lethality in LPS‐pretreated mice was due to severe hepatic damage, but there were no significant lesions in the heart, kidney and lung. Hepatic lesions were accompanied by caspase 3‐positive cells and fragmented DNA‐positive cells, suggesting the involvement of apoptosis. DOX induced the production of a high level of interferon (IFN)‐γ and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in LPS‐pretreated mice, but not in non‐treated mice. The DOX‐induced lethality was prevented significantly by anti‐IFN‐γ antibody, but not anti‐TNF‐α antibody. Administration of recombinant IFN‐γ in place of LPS augmented definitively the DOX‐induced lethality. LPS augmented the DOX‐induced lethality in TNF‐α‐deficient mice. Taken together, LPS was suggested to enhance DOX‐induced IFN‐γ production and augment the in vivo lethal action via hepatic damage.
Nano-scale control of composite polymer films by mass-controlled layer-by-layer sequential adsorption of polyelectrolytes

The mass of polyelectrolyte films adsorbed onto a surface during the deposition of a thin polymer film by a layer-by-layer sequential adsorption process was systematically controlled using a feedback system with a computer. For the deposition process, a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with an integrated oscillation circuit was attached to the arm of an automatic slide stainer and the frequency shift during adsorption or rinsing of the polyelectrolytes was monitored by a computer attached to a frequency counter. By feeding back the data acquired by the in situ QCM measurement, the mass of material deposited was controlled and a high quality self-assembly film was produced. This method is termed mass-controlled layer-by-layer sequential adsorption. The accuracy of the layer thickness in the multiplayer film was found to be approximately 1 nm. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Do's and Don'ts of Wettability Characterization in Textiles

Surface treatments introduce chemical modifications to the fiber surface that affect the surface free energy (SFE). This is done either with the obvious aim to change the wetting behavior, or to affect related properties, such as, e.g., adhesion phenomenon, surface conductivity, adsorption of proteins, etc. On planar substrates, the measurement of contact angles of specific liquids and making use of formalisms such as Neumann or Owens–Wendt equations is a commonly used approach to determine the surface free energy. It is to be observed that this direct approach is often and lightheartedly applied to porous and textured samples, such as textiles, too. The geometry of a textile is extremely complex and defined by the topography of the fiber, the construction of the yarn, and the construction of the fabric. In addition, polymer fibers may be porous and take up water from the environment. Accordingly, wetting is the result of simultaneous spreading on a rough surface, penetration, and capillary motion in the multi-porous system. Therefore, the critical consideration of any analytical method for wettability measurements cannot be overemphasized, and the present paper is meant to critically discuss the pros and cons of various methods common to the textile researcher. It can be summarized that contact angles can be useful for comparative measurements on hydrophobic samples, while the established drop penetration tests characterize the effects of fabric finishing, fiber surface modifications, etc. with limited quantification. By no means can these test be used to derive the SFE, and in all cases it is essential to avoid accidental distortions of the fabric. The single fiber micro-Wilhelmy method can be regarded as the only reliable method to obtain advancing and receding contact angles.
Texture-based classification for reticular pattern and ground glass opacity in high resolution computed tomography Thorax images

Lung disease is a global disease that affects a large group of people and is of growing interest to researches. The role of Computer Aided Diagnosis (CAD) systems to assist doctors to diagnose and detect disease is a beneficial one. Most techniques used to classify diseases stem from the textural method that is commonly associated with Gray Level Co-occurrence Matrix (GLCM). For this study, the objective is to classify the presence of two medical features in lung diseases which are Reticular Pattern (RP) and Ground Glass Opacity (GGO). A senior radiologist rates each slice and lung of a patient for the RP and GGO. Five slices of predetermined level of HRCT Thorax images that representing the whole lung of ten diseased patients and ten normal patients were used in this study. The textural features are extracted from each patient using the GLCM method. Classification was done using the WEKA, a machine learning tool. The classifiers used were the Naive Bayes, Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN), Radial Basis Function Network, Random Forest and Decision Table classifiers. The classifiers showed that it is possible to have a classifier with an overall accuracy of 0.81 with RF classifier.
Another Sys Called Qanda

2 Principal contact: This year our primary goal was to improve on the performance of our TREC-8 system. In addition to improving the system directly, we worked on a number of tools to aid our development. We continued our work on a tool for automatic scoring of system responses, a “judge” program. We designed a tool for doing regression testing of question answering systems. We developed a measure of candidate confusability which measures the effectiveness of a set of features for reducing the choices that a ranking system has to make: a coarse form of perplexity. Finally, we performed preliminary work on a method for generating supervised training data.
Brain and behavior changes associated with an abbreviated 4‐week mindfulness‐based stress reduction course in back pain patients

Mindfulness‐based stress reduction (MBSR) reduces depression, anxiety, and pain for people suffering from a variety of illnesses, and there is a growing need to understand the neurobiological networks implicated in self‐reported psychological change as a result of training. Combining complementary and alternative treatments such as MBSR with other therapies is helpful; however, the time commitment of the traditional 8‐week course may impede accessibility. This pilot study aimed to (1) determine if an abbreviated MBSR course improves symptoms in chronic back pain patients and (2) examine the neural and behavioral correlates of MBSR treatment.
Female Rose Bitterling Prefer MHC-Dissimilar Males: Experimental Evidence

The role of genetic benefits in female mate choice remains a controversial aspect of sexual selection theory. In contrast to “good allele” models of sexual selection, “compatible allele” models of mate choice predict that females prefer mates with alleles complementary to their own rather than conferring additive effects. While correlative results suggest complementary genetic effects to be plausible, direct experimental evidence is scarce. A previous study on the Chinese rose bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus) demonstrated a positive correlation between female mate choice, offspring growth and survival, and the functional dissimilarity between the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) alleles of males and females. Here we directly tested whether females used cues associated with MHC genes to select genetically compatible males in an experimental framework. By sequentially pairing females with MHC similar and dissimilar males, based on a priori known MHC profiles, we showed that females discriminated between similar and dissimilar males and deposited significantly more eggs with MHC dissimilar males. Notably, the degree of dissimilarity was an important factor for female decision to mate, possibly indicating a potential threshold value of dissimilarity for decision making, or of an indirect effect of the MHC.
Performance Analysis of Trial and Error Algorithms

Model-free decentralized optimizations and learning are receiving increasing attention from theoretical and practical perspectives. In particular, two fully decentralized learning algorithms, namely Trial and Error Learning (TEL) and Optimal Dynamical Learning (ODL), are very appealing for a broad class of games. Indeed, ODL has the property to spend a high proportion of time in an optimum state that maximizes the sum of the utilities of all players, whereas, TEL has the property to spend a high proportion of time in an optimum state that maximizes the sum of the utilities of all players if there is a pure Nash equilibrium, otherwise, it spends a high proportion of time in a state that maximizes a trade-off between the sum of the utilities of the players and a predefined stability function. On the other hand, estimating the mean fraction of time spent in the optimum state (as well as the mean time duration to reach it) is challenging due to the high complexity and dimension of the inherent Markov chains. In this article, under some specific system model, an evaluation of the above performance metrics is provided by proposing an approximation of the considered Markov chains, which allows overcoming the problem of high dimensionality. A comparison between the two algorithms is then performed which allows a better understanding of their performance.
Progress in reducing mortality among persons 65 to 74 years of age in Wisconsin.

OBJECTIVES To assess progress in reducing mortality between 1980 and 1999 among Wisconsin residents aged 65-74, to identify disparities, and to propose future goals. METHODS Mortality rates for 1980-1984 were compared to those from 1995-1999 using data obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's WONDER database. Percent change in rates were calculated and projected to 2010, and annual numbers of lives saved were estimated. RESULTS The mortality rate for persons aged 65-74 has decreased 12.4%-17.5% in men and 6.3% in women. However, no reductions were observed for blacks. An estimated 1325 fewer deaths occur each year, with white men accounting for >80% of these savings. Mortality rates decreased for heart disease (-38%) and stroke (-26%), but increased for cancer (+6%). CONCLUSIONS Significant progress has been made in reducing mortality among Wisconsin residents aged 65-74, but not among blacks. Most of the progress is due to decreased deaths from heart disease and stroke, particularly for white men.
Efficacy of Candesartan Cilexetil Alone or in Combination With Amlodipine and Hydrochlorothiazide in Moderate-to-Severe Hypertension

This multicenter study evaluated the efficacy of candesartan cilexetil, an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist, used alone or in combination with amlodipine or in combination with amlodipine and hydrochlorothiazide in the treatment of patients with moderate-to-severe essential hypertension. After a 2-week, single-blind, placebo run-in period, patients entered a 12-week, open-label, dose-titration period. The candesartan cilexetil dose was increased from 8 to 16 mg once daily; amlodipine (5 mg once daily), hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg once daily), and additional medication were also added sequentially if necessary. Patients then entered a final 4-week, parallel-group, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled withdrawal period of candesartan alone. A total of 216 patients were recruited. After a 2-week run-in period on placebo tablets, mean sitting blood pressure (BP) was 175/108 mm Hg. At the end of the 12-week dose-titration/maintenance period, mean sitting BP fell to 141/88 mm Hg. In 67 patients who were randomized to placebo and had their candesartan withdrawn, there was a highly significant increase in mean systolic/diastolic BP (13/6 mm Hg) compared with those patients who continued with candesartan (ANCOVA, P <0.0001). In conclusion, candesartan cilexetil is an effective BP-lowering drug when used alone or in combination with amlodipine or amlodipine plus hydrochlorothiazide in the treatment of moderate-to-severe essential hypertension. The drug was well tolerated throughout the investigation period.
The Effects of Fluctuations in the Nutrient Supply on the Expression of Five Members of the AGL17 Clade of MADS-Box Genes in Rice

The ANR1 MADS-box gene in Arabidopsis is a key gene involved in regulating lateral root development in response to the external nitrate supply. There are five ANR1-like genes in Oryza sativa, OsMADS23, OsMADS25, OsMADS27, OsMADS57 and OsMADS61, all of which belong to the AGL17 clade. Here we have investigated the responsiveness of these genes to fluctuations in nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) mineral nutrient supply. The MADS-box genes have been shown to have a range of responses to the nutrient supply. The expression of OsMADS61 was transiently induced by N deprivation but was not affected by re-supply with various N sources. The expression of OsMADS25 and OsMADS27 was induced by re-supplying with NO3 − and NH4NO3, but downregulated by NH4 +. The expression of OsMADS57 was significantly downregulated by N starvation and upregulated by 3 h NO3 − re-supply. OsMADS23 was the only gene that showed no response to either N starvation nor NO3 − re-supply. OsMADS57 was the only gene not regulated by P fluctuation whereas the expression of OsMADS23, OsMADS25 and OsMADS27 was downregulated by P starvation and P re-supply. In contrast, all five ANR1-related genes were significantly upregulated by S starvation. Our results also indicated that there were interactions among nitrate, sulphate and phosphate transporters in rice.
Experimental detection of entanglement via witness operators and local measurements

Abstract In this paper we address the problem of detection of entanglement using only few local measurements when some knowledge about the state is given. The idea is based on an optimized decomposition of witness operators into local operators. We discuss two possible ways of optimizing this local decomposition. We present several analytical results and estimates for optimized detection strategies for NPT states of 2 × 2 and N × M systems, entangled states in 3 qubit systems, and bound entangled states in 3 × 3 and 2 × 4 systems.
A Method to Optimize Ceramic Masses for Coatings through Delineation of Experiments

This article presents a method to optimize the formulation of ceramic masses for coatings using the statistical design of experiments. The project of simplex mixtures in pseudocomponents considered six control factors (wt. %): talc, quartz, limestone, phyllite, dolomite and clay and three response variables: linear retraction, bending resistance and water absorption. The proposed method was implemented in the stages: (1) identification of the problem, (2) planning and execution of the experiments and (3) optimization and discussion of the results. The optimization method is defined through the simulation, imposing the restrictions that each response demands.
On the Complexity of Envy-Free Cake Cutting

We study the envy-free cake-cutting problem for $d+1$ players with $d$ cuts, for both the oracle function model and the polynomial time function model. For the former, we derive a $\theta(({1\over\epsilon})^{d-1})$ time matching bound for the query complexity of $d+1$ player cake cutting with Lipschitz utilities for any $d> 1$. When the utility functions are given by a polynomial time algorithm, we prove the problem to be PPAD-complete. For measurable utility functions, we find a fully polynomial-time algorithm for finding an approximate envy-free allocation of a cake among three people using two cuts.
Evaluation of elastic modulus and hardness of thin films by nanoindentation

Simple equations are proposed for determining elastic modulus and hardness properties of thin films on substrates from nanoindentation experiments. An empirical formulation relates the modulus E and hardness H of the film/substrate bilayer to corresponding material properties of the constituent materials via a power-lawrelation. Geometrical dependence of E and H is wholly contauned in the power-law exponents, expressed here as sigmoidal functions of indenter penetrationrelative to film thickness. The formulation may be inverted to enable deconvolution of film properties from data on the film/substrate bilayers. Berkovich nanoindentation data for dense oxide and nitride films on silicon substrates are used to validate the equations and to demonstrate the film property deconvolution. Additional data for less dense nitride films are used to illustrate the extent to which film properties may depend on the method of fabrication.
Automated Agent Synthesis for Situation Awareness in Service-Based Systems

Service-based systems have many applications, such as collaborative research and development, e-business, health care, environmental control, military applications, and homeland security. In dynamic service-oriented computing environment, situation awareness (SAW) is needed for system monitoring, adaptive service coordination and flexible security policy enforcement. Furthermore, various application software systems in such environments often need to reuse situational information for providing better quality of service. Hence, to greatly reduce the development effort of situation-aware application software in service-based systems as well as supporting runtime system adaptation, it is necessary to automate the development of reusable and autonomous software components, called SAW agents, for context acquisition, situation analysis and reactive behavior of the systems. In this paper, an automated agent synthesis approach for SAW in service-based systems is presented. This approach is based on AS calculus and logic, and our declarative model for SAW
A 5‐Year Cohort Study of the Effects of High Protein Intake on Lean Mass and BMC in Elderly Postmenopausal Women

Long‐term effects of high dietary protein intake on muscle and bone structure in the elderly are not clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between baseline protein intake and lean mass and BMC 5 yr later in a cohort of elderly postmenopausal women. A total of 862 community‐dwelling women 75 ± 3 yr of age provided baseline data including nutrient intake assessed by a food frequency questionnaire. At 5 yr, upper arm muscle area (UAMA) and body composition using DXA were measured. Baseline protein intake was 81 ± 28 g/d (1.2 ± 0.4 g/kg/d), contributing 19 ± 3% of total energy intake. There were positive correlations between baseline protein intake and whole body and appendicular bone‐free lean mass and BMC (r = 0.14–0.18, p < 0.001) and UAMA (r = 0.08, p < 0.05). Compared with those in the lowest tertile of protein intake (<66 g/d), women in the top tertile (>87 g/d) had 5.4–6.0% higher whole body and appendicular lean mass and UAMA and 5.3–6.0% higher whole body and appendicular BMC. These effects remained after adjusting for potential confounders. However, the effect on BMC disappeared after further adjustment for lean mass. This study shows that high protein intake is associated with long‐term beneficial effects on muscle mass and size and bone mass in elderly women. The protein effect on bone may be partly mediated by its effects on muscle.