Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paracrine Action of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Revealed by Single Cell Gene Profiling in Infarcted Murine Hearts

Background Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been recently demonstrated as a promising stem cell type to rescue damaged myocardium after acute infarction. One of the most important mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects is the secretion of paracrine factors. However, the expression profile of paracrine factors of MSCs in infarcted hearts, especially at single cell level, is poorly defined. Methods and Results We aimed to depict the transcriptional profile of paracrine factors secreted by MSCs in vivo, with particular interest in the comparison between normal and infarcted hearts. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells were isolated and injected into mice hearts immediately after infarction surgery. Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) indicated a proportion of cells still alive even up to 10 days post surgery. Paralleled with survived cells, cardiac function was significantly improved after MSC injection compared to that in PBS-injected mice, indicated by MRI and histology. Despite increased number of vessels in MSC-injected hearts, endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes transdifferentiation were not observed in infarcted hearts 5 days after infarction. Furthermore, laser capture microdissection (LCM) followed by high through-put real time PCR was employed in our study, uncovering that the injected MSCs, compared to local cardiomyocytes, displayed elevated levels of secreted factors. To further investigate the regulation of those factors, we performed single cell analysis to dissect the gene expression profile of MSCs at single cell level in infarcted and normal hearts, respectively. Consistent with the in vivo observation, a similar regulation pattern of those factors was detected in cultured MSCs under hypoxia. Conclusions Our study, for the first time, elucidated gene expression profiles, as well as regulation of paracrine factors, of MSCs at single cell level in vivo, indicating that paracrine factors from MSCs account for the improvement of cardiac function after infarction.
Design of a pipeline inspection robot with belt driven ridged cone shaped skate model

This paper presents a pipeline inspection robot with a linkage mechanical clutch, which consists a novel belt driven ridged cone shaped skate model that can be used to conquest irregular environmental barriers. The mechanical clutch is a 3-bar linkage mechanism. The robot is designed to be conformal to the environment: each chain being in touch with the walls of pipeline or tunnel. Thus, the robot can be operated in various configurations and sizes of pipeline, and can utilize the belt driven corrugate-ridged cone shaped skate model to advance in irregular barriers of pipeline. The prototype of the robot system has been developed, and experiments were carried out to verify the validity of the proposed design.
Speckle reduction characterization of high power broad-area edge-emitting diodes lasers

We investigated the speckle contrast reduction characterization of high power broad-area edge-emitting red and blue laser. The speckle contrast is measured with different pulse driving conditions. It can be observed from the measurement that the speckle contrast reduces with the increasing of pulse duration and pulse amplitude. The highest speckle contrast reduction that can be achieved with the red and the blue lasers is 27.9% and 10.4% respectively. The reduction of speckle contrast is due to the shift of emission wavelength and the incoherence of the laser beam at high driving current.
Metals@MOFs – Loading MOFs with Metal Nanoparticles for Hybrid Functions

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) as well as porous coordination polymers (PCPs) are porous, organic–inorganic hybrid solids with zeolite-like structures and properties. Due to their extraordinarily high surface area and well defined pore structure MOFs can be used for the stabilization of metal nanoparticles with adjustable size. The embedded metal nanoparticles are still accessible for other reagents due to the high porosity of the MOF systems. This fact makes “metal@ MOF” systems especially interesting for heterogeneous catalysis, gas storage and chemical sensing. This review compiles the cases of metal nanoparticles supported by or embedded into MOFs reported so far and the main aspects and
Integration of VGI and sensor data in a Web GIS-based platform to support emergency response

The major goal of this work is to develop a web GIS-based platform integrating geographic information from different sources to provide additional information to civil protection entities. It will integrate official geographic information (GI), Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI) and physical sensors data. This paper presents an analysis on how the VGI data from multiple sources and with different structures can be acquired and reorganized to be compiled in a single system.
Consistent Query Answering for Self-Join-Free Conjunctive Queries Under Primary Key Constraints

A relational database is said to be uncertain if primary key constraints can possibly be violated. A repair (or possible world) of an uncertain database is obtained by selecting a maximal number of tuples without ever selecting two distinct tuples with the same primary key value. For any Boolean query q, CERTAINTY(q) is the problem that takes an uncertain database db as input and asks whether q is true in every repair of db. The complexity of this problem has been particularly studied for q ranging over the class of self-join-free Boolean conjunctive queries. A research challenge is to determine, given q, whether CERTAINTY(q) belongs to complexity classes FO, P, or coNP-complete. In this article, we combine existing techniques for studying this complexity classification task. We show that, for any self-join-free Boolean conjunctive query q, it can be decided whether or not CERTAINTY(q) is in FO. We additionally show how to construct a single SQL query for solving CERTAINTY(q) if it is in FO. Further, for any self-join-free Boolean conjunctive query q, CERTAINTY(q) is either in P or coNP-complete and the complexity dichotomy is effective. This settles a research question that has been open for 10 years.
Weighted overcomplete denoising

We consider the familiar scenario where independent and identically distributed (i.i.d) noise in an image is removed using a set of overcomplete linear transforms and thresholding. Rather than the standard approach where one obtains the denoised signal by ad hoc averaging of the denoised estimates (corresponding to each transform), we formulate the optimal combination as a linear estimation problem for each pixel and solve it for optimal estimates. Our approach is independent of the utilized transforms and the thresholding scheme, and extends established work by exploiting a separate degree of freedom that is in general not reachable using previous techniques. Surprisingly, our derivation of the optimal estimates does not require explicit image statistics but relies solely on the assumption that the utilized transforms provide sparse decompositions. Yet it can be seen that our adaptive estimates utilize implicit conditional statistics and they make the biggest impact around edges and singularities where standard sparsity assumptions fail.
Taking the aggravation out of data aggregation: A conceptual guide to dealing with statistical issues related to the pooling of individual‐level observational data

Field data often include multiple observations taken from the same individual. In order to avoid pseudoreplication, it is commonplace to aggregate data, generating a mean score per individual, and then using these aggregated data in subsequent analyses. Aggregation, however, can generate problems of its own. Not only does it lead to a loss of information, it can also leave analyses vulnerable to the “ecological fallacy”: the drawing of false inferences about individual behavior on the basis of population level (“ecological”) data. It can also result in Simpson's paradox, where relationships seen at the individual level can be completely reversed when analyzed at the aggregate level. These phenomena have been documented widely in the medical and social sciences but tend to go unremarked in primatological studies that rely on observational data from the field. Here, we provide a conceptual guide that explains how and why aggregate data are vulnerable to the ecological fallacy and Simpson's paradox, illustrating these points using data on baboons. We then discuss one particular analytical approach, namely multi‐level modeling, that can potentially eliminate these problems. By highlighting the issue of the ecological fallacy, and increasing awareness of how datasets are often organized into a number of different levels, we also highlight the manner in which researchers can more positively exploit the structure of their datasets, without any information loss. These analytical approaches may thus provide greater insight into behavior by permitting more thorough investigation of interactions and cross‐level effects. Am. J. Primatol. 77:727–740, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The k-proper index of complete bipartite and complete multipartite graphs

Let $G$ be a nontrivial connected graph of order $n$ with an edge-coloring $c:E(G)\rightarrow\{1,2,\dots,t\}$,$t\in\mathbb{N}$, where adjacent edges may be colored with the same color. A tree $T$ in $G$ is a \emph{proper tree} if no two adjacent edges of it are assigned the same color. Let $k$ be a fixed integer with $2\leq k\leq n$. For a vertex subset $S\subseteq V(G)$ with $|S|\geq 2$, a tree is called an \emph{$S$-tree} if it connects $S$ in $G$ . A \emph{$k$-proper coloring} of $G$ is an edge-coloring of $G$ having the property that for every set $S$ of $k$ vertices of $G$, there exists a proper $S$-tree $T$ in $G$. The minimum number of colors that are needed in a $k$-proper coloring of $G$ is defined as the \emph{$k$-proper index} of $G$, denoted by $px_k(G)$. In this paper, we determine the 3-proper index of all complete bipartite and complete multipartite graphs and partially determine the $k$-proper index of them for $k\geq 4$.
Gene Aging Nexus: a web database and data mining platform for microarray data on aging

The recent development of microarray technology provided unprecedented opportunities to understand the genetic basis of aging. So far, many microarray studies have addressed aging-related expression patterns in multiple organisms and under different conditions. The number of relevant studies continues to increase rapidly. However, efficient exploitation of these vast data is frustrated by the lack of an integrated data mining platform or other unifying bioinformatic resource to enable convenient cross-laboratory searches of array signals. To facilitate the integrative analysis of microarray data on aging, we developed a web database and analysis platform ‘Gene Aging Nexus’ (GAN) that is freely accessible to the research community to query/analyze/visualize cross-platform and cross-species microarray data on aging. By providing the possibility of integrative microarray analysis, GAN should be useful in building the systems-biology understanding of aging. GAN is accessible at .
Short-Term Blood Pressure Variability Relates to the Presence of Subclinical Brain Small Vessel Disease in Primary Hypertension

Blood pressure (BP) variability is associated with stroke risk, but less is known about subclinical cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD). We aimed to determine whether CSVD relates to short-term BP variability independently of BP levels and also, whether they improve CSVD discrimination beyond clinical variables and office BP levels. This was a cohort study on asymptomatic hypertensives who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging and 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring. Office and average 24-hour, daytime and nighttime BP levels, and several metrics of BP variability (SD, weighted SD, coefficient of variation, and average real variability [ARV]) were calculated. Definition of CSVD was based on the presence of lacunar infarcts and white matter hyperintensity grades. Multivariate analysis and integrated discrimination improvement were performed to assess whether BP variability and levels were independently associated with CSVD and improved its discrimination. Four hundred eighty-seven individuals participated (median age, 64; 47% women). CSVD was identified in 18.9%, related to age, male sex, diabetes mellitus, use of treatment, ambulatory BP monitoring–defined BP levels, and ARV of systolic BP at any period. The highest prevalence (33.7%) was found in subjects with both 24-hour BP levels and ARV elevated. BP levels at any period and ARV (24 hours and nocturnal) emerged as independent predictors of CSVD, and discrimination was incrementally improved although not to a clinically significant extent (integrated discrimination improvement, 5.31%, 5.17% to 5.4%). Ambulatory BP monitoring–defined BP levels and ARV of systolic BP relate to subclinical CSVD in hypertensive individuals.
Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Al2O3-ZrO2 Based Composites Prepared by EPD

Alumina and both tetragonal and cubic zirconia based composites with various volume fractions of constituents as well as with addition of carbon nanofibers were prepared by EPD. Mechanical properties (hardness, Youngs modulus) were measured by depth sensing indentation methods and related to chemical composition. Tribological behavior was studied using pin-on-disc technique at room temperatures in air at dry sliding. Coefficient of friction and wear rates were measured, the types of wear regimes were observed and damage micromechanisms identified.
The Treatment of Iron Deficiency*

Many new iron preparations have been and are being introduced on the market for the treatment of anaemia. Each of these is accompanied by the support of intensive advertising. Under these circumstances there is a danger of confusion as to the true value of these compounds. In order to obtain a clear picture of the situation one must look at the published work of the past. In 1936 Witts published his paper on the therapeutic action of iron in which was embodied all the recent work of that time (Heath, I933; Fullerton, 1934; Witts, I93'; 1933). The dose of the different iron compounds required for effective treatment of iron deficiency had only then become accurately known. The effective therapeutic amounts of ferrous sulphate, and iron and ammonium citrate are shown in Table i. These two compounds remain today perfectly satisfactory in the treatment of iron deficiency. As
On the Pitfalls of UML 2 Activity Modeling

With the introduction of new Petri net-like semantics for Activities in UML 2.0, these have become a complete language for modeling behavior. Thus, UML Activities are nowadays investigated for application in many areas from embedded systems to business process modeling. However, some issues have been discovered that currently seem to limit the practical applicability of Activities. In this paper, we present an overview of the identified semantic and syntactic problems, and point at possible solutions and directions for future research.
Support for Machine and Language Heterogeneity in a Distributed Shared

InterWeave is a distributed middleware system that supports the sharing of strongly typed, pointer-rich data structures across heterogeneous platforms. Unlike RPC-style systems (including DCOM, CORBA, Java RMI), InterWeave does not require processes to employ a procedural interface: it allows them to access shared data using ordinary reads and writes. To save bandwidth in wide area networks, InterWeave caches data locally, and employs two-way diffing to maintain coherence and consistency, transmitting only the portions of the data that have changed. pp In this paper, we focus on the aspects of InterWeave specifically designed to accommodate heterogeneous machine architectures and languages. Central to our approach is a strongly typed, platform-independent wire format for diffs, and a set of algorithms and metadata structures that support translation between local and wire formats. Using a combination of microbenchmarks and real applications, we evaluate the performance of our heterogeneity mechanisms, and compare them to comparable mechanisms in RPC-style systems. When transmitting entire segments, InterWeave achieves performance comparable to that of RPC, while providing a more flexible programming model. When only a portion of a segment has changed, InterWeaveUs use of diffs allows it to scale its overhead down, significantly outperforming straightforward use of RPC.
Navigational efficiency of broad vs. narrow folksonomies

Although many social tagging systems share a common tripartite graph structure, the collaborative processes that are generating these structures can differ significantly. For example, while resources on Delicious are usually tagged by all users who bookmark the web page cnn.com, photos on Flickr are usually tagged just by a single user who uploads the photo. In the literature, this distinction has been described as a distinction between broad vs. narrow folksonomies. This paper sets out to explore navigational differences between broad and narrow folksonomies in social hypertextual systems. We study both kinds of folksonomies on a dataset provided by Mendeley - a collaborative platform where users can annotate and organize scientific articles with tags. Our experiments suggest that broad folksonomies are more useful for navigation, and that the collaborative processes that are generating folksonomies matter qualitatively. Our findings are relevant for system designers and engineers aiming to improve the navigability of social tagging systems.
Foregrounds and Forecasts for the Cosmic Microwave Background

One of the main challenges facing upcoming cosmic microwave background (CMB) experiments will be to distinguish the cosmological signal from foreground contamination. We present a comprehensive treatment of this problem and study how foregrounds degrade the accuracy with which the Boomerang, MAP, and Planck experiments can measure cosmological parameters. Our foreground model includes not only the normalization, frequency dependence, and scale dependence for each physical component, but also variations in frequency dependence across the sky. When estimating how accurately cosmological parameters can be measured, we include the important complication that foreground model parameters (we use about 500) must be simultaneously measured from the data as well. Our results are quite encouraging: despite all these complications, precision measurements of most cosmological parameters are degraded by less than a factor of 2 for our main foreground model and by less than a factor of 5 in our most pessimistic scenario. Parameters measured though large-angle polarization signals suffer more degradation: up to 5 in the main model and 25 in the pessimistic case. The foregrounds that are potentially most damaging and therefore most in need of further study are vibrating dust emission and point sources, especially those in the radio frequencies. It is well known that E and B polarization contain valuable information about reionization and gravity waves, respectively. However, the cross-correlation between polarized and unpolarized foregrounds also deserves further study, as we find that it carries the bulk of the polarization information about most other cosmological parameters.
Tensile behavior of nanocomposites from latex and cellulose whiskers

Cellulose whiskers have been used as reinforcement in a copolymer matrix prepared from a latex phase. If a water suspension-mixing procedure is adopted, the fibril breakage that usually occurs during the mixing with a molten polymer can be avoided, and an enhanced filler dispersion can be expected. In this study, different processing methods have been used to prepare composite films, either by film casting (water evaporation) or by freeze drying, followed by classical compression or extrusion processes. The thermomechanical properties of these nanocomposites have been investigated, and the influence of processing conditions and the effect of whisker content have been considered. Processing conditions have a large influence on the mechanical behavior and can be classified in ascending order of their reinforcement efficiency : It can be attributed to a decrease of the apparent whisker aspect ratio, due to gradual breakage and/or orientation of the whiskers when hot pressing or extrusion is used. Below T g , good agreement is found between experimental moduli and the theoretical predictions of the Halpin-Kardos equation. On the other hand, above T g , a spectacular reinforcing effect is observed, which is widely underestimated by this short fiber composite model. This is related to the presence of a rigid cellulose network, linked by hydrogen bonds, when the whisker content is above its percolation threshold. The quality of this network (i.e., density and homogeneity) and thus, the magnitude of the reinforcing effect, depend on processing conditions.
Materials Data Science: Current Status and Future Outlook

The field of materials science and engineering is on the cusp of a digital data revolution. After reviewing the nature of data science and Big Data, we discuss the features of materials data that distinguish them from data in other fields. We introduce the concept of process-structure-property (PSP) linkages and illustrate how the determination of PSPs is one of the main objectives of materials data science. Then we review a selection of materials databases, as well as important aspects of materials data management, such as storage hardware, archiving strategies, and data access strategies. We introduce the emerging field of materials data analytics, which focuses on data-driven approaches to extract and curate materials knowledge from available data sets. The critical need for materials e-collaboration platforms is highlighted, and we conclude the article with a number of suggestions regarding the near-term future of the materials data science field.
Computer Recognition of Roads from Satellite Pictures

A program which recognizes real roads, their intersections, and objects which are road-like is presented. Although the work has been strongly motivated by the real roads as they are seen from the ERTS satellite, the visual model of a road can be used for recognition of any road-like objects. This model is structured in such a way that it can handle real roads as well as rivers and streams as they are seen on satellite pictures, tracks in bubble chambers, and veins under the appropriate magnification.
Massively Parallel Processing of Whole Genome Sequence Data: An In-Depth Performance Study

This paper presents a joint effort between a group of computer scientists and bioinformaticians to take an important step towards a general big data platform for genome analysis pipelines. The key goals of this study are to develop a thorough understanding of the strengths and limitations of big data technology for genomic data analysis, and to identify the key questions that the research community could address to realize the vision of personalized genomic medicine. Our platform, called Gesall, is based on the new "Wrapper Technology" that supports existing genomic data analysis programs in their native forms, without having to rewrite them. To do so, our system provides several layers of software, including a new Genome Data Parallel Toolkit (GDPT), which can be used to "wrap" existing data analysis programs. This platform offers a concrete context for evaluating big data technology for genomics: we report on super-linear speedup and sublinear speedup for various tasks, as well as the reasons why a parallel program could produce different results from those of a serial program. These results lead to key research questions that require a synergy between genomics scientists and computer scientists to find solutions.