Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crystallization Kinetics of Calcium-Magnesium Aluminosilicate

The crystallization kinetics of a calcium-magnesium aluminosilicate (CMAS) glass with composition relevant for aerospace applications, like air-breathing engines, were evaluated using differential thermal analysis (DTA) in powder and bulk forms. Activation energy and frequency factor values for crystallization of the glass were evaluated. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to investigate the onset of crystallization and the phases that developed after heat treating bulk glass at temperatures ranging from 690 to 960 °C for various times. Samples annealed at temperatures below 900 °C remained amorphous, while specimens heat treated at and above 900 °C exhibited crystallinity originating at the surface. The crystalline phases were identified as wollastonite (CaSiO3) and aluminum diopside (Ca(Mg,Al) (Si,Al)2O6). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to examine the microstructure and chemical compositions of crystalline phases formed after heat treatment.
Parallelizing a sequential logic simulator using an optimistic framework based on a global parallel heap event queue: an experience and performance report

We have parallelized the Iowa Logic Simulator a gate-level fine-grained discrete-event simulator by employing an optimistic algorithm framework based on a global event queue implemented as a parallel heap. The original code and the basic data structures of the serial simulator remained unchanged. Wrapper data structures for the logical processes (gates) and the events are created to allow roll-backs, all the earliest events at each logical processes are stored into the parallel heap, and multiple earliest events are simulated repeatedly by invoking the simulate function of the serial simulator. The parallel heap allowed extraction of hundreds to thousands of earliest events in each queue access. On a bus-based shared-memory multiprocessor simulation of synthetic circuits with 250,000 gates yielded speedups of 3.3 employing five processors compared to the serial execution time of the Iowa Logic Simulator and limited the number of roll-backs to within 2,000. The basic steps of parallelization are well-defined and general enough to be employable on other discrete-event simulators.
Tobacco Control and Health Advocacy in the European Union: Understanding Effective Coalition-Building

Introduction: Coalitions of supporters of comprehensive tobacco control policy have been crucial in achieving policy success nationally and internationally, but the dynamics of such alliances are not well understood. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured, narrative interviews with 35 stakeholders involved in developing the European Council Recommendation on smoke-free environments. These were thematically analyzed to examine the dynamics of coalition-building, collaboration and leadership in the alliance of organizations which successfully called for the development of comprehensive European Union (EU) smoke-free policy. Results: An alliance of tobacco control and public health advocacy organizations, scientific institutions, professional bodies, pharmaceutical companies, and other actors shared the goal of fighting the harms caused by second-hand smoke. Alliance members jointly called for comprehensive EU smoke-free policy and the protection of the political debates from tobacco industry interference. The alliance’s success was enabled by a core group of national and European actors with long-standing experience in tobacco control, who facilitated consensus-building, mobilized allies and synchronized the actions of policy supporters. Representatives of Brussels-based organizations emerged as crucial strategic leaders. Conclusions: The insights gained and identification of key enablers of successful tobacco control advocacy highlight the strategic importance of investing into tobacco control at European level. Those interested in effective health policy can apply lessons learned from EU smoke-free policy to build effective alliances in tobacco control and other areas of public health.
A language independent approach for detecting duplicated code

Code duplication is one of the factors that severely complicates the maintenance and evolution of large software systems. Techniques for detecting duplicated code exist but rely mostly on parsers, technology that has proven to be brittle in the face of different languages and dialects. In this paper we show that is possible to circumvent this hindrance by applying a language independent and visual approach, i.e. a tool that requires no parsing, yet is able to detect a significant amount of code duplication. We validate our approach on a number of case studies, involving four different implementation languages and ranging from 256 K up to 13 Mb of source code size.
Scaffold-free adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) improve experimentally induced osteoarthritis in rabbits.

BACKGROUND Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis seen clinically. Current treatments for OA are limited to decreasing associated pain, maintaining or improving joint function, and minimizing disability. However, these treatments have no effect on the regeneration of hyaline cartilage. Since mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been described as promising cell sources for cartilage repair, the present study was designed to examine whether intra-articular injection of scaffold-free adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) obtained from subcutaneous adipose tissue could restore the matrix of arthritic knee joints in mature animals. METHODS OA was induced in adult white New Zealand rabbits by unilateral anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT); the contralateral knee was considered the sham-operated group. At 12 weeks following surgery, the ASCs treated group was injected intra-articularly with a single dose of 1 × 10(6) cells suspended in 1 mL of medium. The control group received 1 mL of medium without cells and the sham-operated group received no treatment. All rabbits were sacrificed at 16 and 20 weeks after surgery. OA progression was evaluated radiologically, grossly, and histologically using hematoxylin and eosin, Safranin-O, and toluidine blue staining. RESULTS At 12 weeks after surgery all knees subjected to ACLT showed radiological signs of OA. The findings showed significant differences in the quality of cartilage between ASCs-injected group compared to control group, particularly at 20 weeks after surgery. CONCLUSION This study suggests that ASCs obtained from subcutaneous adipose tissue could be a viable approach for treating OA.
Automatic Representation and Classifier Optimization for Image-based Object Recognition

The development of image-based object recognition systems with the desired performance is – still – a challenging task even for experts. The properties of the object feature representation have a great impact on the performance of any machine learning algorithm. Manifold learning algorithms like e.g. PCA, Isomap or Autoencoders have the potential to automatically learn lower dimensional and more useful features. However, the interplay of features, classifiers and hyperparameters is complex and needs to be carefully tuned for each learning task which is very time-consuming, if it is done manually. This paper uses a holistic optimization framework with feature selection, multiple manifold learning algorithms, multiple classifier concepts and hyperparameter optimization to automatically generate pipelines for image-based object classification. An evolutionary algorithm is used to efficiently find suitable pipeline configurations for each learning task. Experiments show the effectiveness of the proposed representation and classifier tuning on several high-dimensional object recognition datasets. The proposed system outperforms other state-of-the-art optimization frameworks.
On the equilibrium of simplicial masonry structures

We present a novel approach for the analysis and design of self-supporting simplicial masonry structures. A finite-dimensional formulation of their compressive stress field is derived, offering a new interpretation of thrust networks through numerical homogenization theory. We further leverage geometric properties of the resulting force diagram to identify a set of reduced coordinates characterizing the equilibrium of simplicial masonry. We finally derive computational form-finding tools that improve over previous work in efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Enhanced feedback robustness against communication channel uncertainties VIS scaled dithers in networked systems

In this paper, a new method is introduced to enhance feedback robustness against communication gain uncertainties. Themethod employs a fundamental property in stochastic differential equations to add a scaled stochastic dither under which tolerable gain uncertainties can be much enlarged, beyond the traditional deterministic optimal gain margin. Algorithms, stability, convergence, and robustness are presented for first-order systems. Simulation results are used to illustrate the merits of this methodology.
CNTF/LIF/gp130 receptor complex signaling maintains a VZ precursor differentiation gradient in the developing ventral forebrain

The extrinsic signaling pathways responsible for the formation and maintenance of the unique laminar organization of the forebrain germinal zones are largely unknown. In the present study, we asked whether ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF)/leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF)/gp130 signaling plays a role in the development of the germinal layers in the lateral ganglionic eminence. We found that CNTF/LIF/gp130 receptor signaling promotes the self-renewal/expansion of a subpopulation of fibroblast growth factor-responsive ventricular zone (VZ) precursors in the ventral forebrain. Analysis of Lifr-/- mice suggests that CNTF/LIF/gp130 signaling maintains a subpopulation of GSH2+ VZ precursors, which are necessary for normal growth of the early ventral forebrain and for maintaining a gradient of VZ precursor differentiation in the lateral ganglionic eminence, as defined by GSH2, MASH1 and DLX2 expression. Furthermore, addition of exogenous CNTF to embryonic forebrain explant cultures deprived of choroid plexus-derived CNTF, was sufficient to promote a VZ differentiation gradient. In contrast to the forebrain, CNTF/LIF/gp130 signaling reduced, rather than enhanced, precursor self-renewal/expansion in the spinal cord. These results demonstrate a novel region-specific role for CNTF/LIF/gp130 signaling in the development of the germinal layers of the embryonic telencephalon.
Performance Analysis of a Multicast Protocol for Wireless Environments

This paper presents a performance study, using both analytical modeling and simulation techniques, of a new end-to-end reliable multicast protocol for use in environments with wireless access. The proposed pro tocol, called the reliable mobile multicast protocol (RM2), divides a multicast tree into sub-trees where subcasting is applied within the relatively smaller regions using a hierarchical tree of retransmission servers (RSs). RM2 is receiver-oriented in that the transmitter does not need to know its receivers, hence offering better scalability. The Internet Group Management Protocol is used to manage group membership whereas the IETF's Mobile IP offers support to user mobility through a temporary IP address. Each RS has a retransmission subcast ad dress shared by its members which may be dynamically configured using allocation schemes such as the IETF's MADCAP. More important, RM2 uses a dynamic re transmission strategy to switch between multicast and unicast retransmission modes according to the amount of extra load generated in the network and in the wire less interfaces by packet retransmissions. It is shown through analytical modeling and simulation that RM2's dynamic adaptation is not only important but also necessary when considering mobile wireless access.
Recognition of wobbling and nutating cone-shaped targets

Recognition of wobbling and nutating cone-shaped targets is a major challenge in space target recognition area. In this paper, we develop a signal model of multiple scattering centers on the wobbling and nutating cone-shaped targets, analyze the micro-Doppler characteristics of their echo. It is concluded that the micro-Doppler features have remarkable differences due to their different micro-motion. Therefore, we apply viterbi algorithm to extract the micro-Doppler and micro-motion parameters, the simulation results demonstrate that the wobbling and nutating cone-shaped targets can be recognized effectively in this way.
Gsh‐4 encodes a LIM‐type homeodomain, is expressed in the developing central nervous system and is required for early postnatal survival.

We present an initial characterization of the murine Gsh‐4 gene which is shown to encode a LIM‐type homeodomain. Genes in this category are known to control late developmental cell‐type specification events in simpler organisms. Whole mount and serial section in situ hybridizations show transient Gsh‐4 expression in ventrolateral regions of the developing neural tube and hindbrain. Mice homozygous for a targeted mutation in Gsh‐4 suffer early postnatal death resulting from immature lungs which do not inflate. Prenatal administration of progesterone and glucocorticoid, to extend gestational term and accelerate maturation, resulted in lung inflation at birth. Nevertheless, the hormonally treated mutants generally failed to survive beyond an hour after birth, due to ineffective breathing efforts. It is concluded that Gsh‐4 plays a critical role in the development of respiratory control mechanisms and in the normal growth and maturation of the lung.
An Evaluation of Computerized Tests as Predictors of Job Performance: II. Differential Validity for Global and Job Element Criteria

Abstract : The report presents data concerning the validity of a set of experimental computerized and paper-and-pencil tests for measures of on-job performance on global and job elements. It reports on the usefulness of 30 experimental and operational variables for predicting marks on 42 job elements and on a global criterion for Electrician's Mate, Personnelman, Sonar Technician, and Apprenticeship rating groups.
Simultaneous Wireless Information and Power Transfer for Downlink Multi-User Massive Antenna-Array Systems

We propose a simultaneous wireless information and power transfer scheme based on the power-splitting technique for the downlink of multi-user massive antenna-array systems. The base station (BS) can transmit both the wireless energy and information simultaneously to the user equipments (UEs). Using the harvested energy, each UE can transmit its pilot signal to the BS for the downlink channel estimation by exploiting the channel reciprocity of the time division duplexing system. When the antenna scale is large enough, the ergodic achievable rates of UEs are derived in closed-form. To maximize the minimum achievable rate among all the UEs, an iterative algorithm with low-complexity is proposed to jointly optimize the power allocation coefficients of the BS and the power-splitting ratios of the UEs. In each iteration of the proposed algorithm, the optimal power-splitting ratios can be determined according to the closed-form expressions for a given power allocation coefficient. The convergency, optimality, and complexity of our proposed algorithm are analyzed theoretically. The equal power allocation is shown to be optimal when the transmit power of BS is large enough. Furthermore, the optimal number of antennas is determined to maximize the energy efficiency. Simulation results are provided to validate our closed-form approximations and verify the efficiency of our proposed algorithm.
Genomic Interspecies Microarray Hybridization: Rapid Discovery of Three Thousand Genes in the Maize Endophyte,Klebsiella pneumoniae 342, by Microarray Hybridization with Escherichia coli K-12 Open Reading Frames

ABSTRACT In an effort to efficiently discover genes in the diazotrophic endophyte of maize, Klebsiella pneumoniae 342, DNA from strain 342 was hybridized to a microarray containing 96% (n = 4,098) of the annotated open reading frames fromEscherichia coli K-12. Using a criterion of 55% identity or greater, 3,000 (70%) of the E. coli K-12 open reading frames were also found to be present in strain 342. Approximately 24% (n = 1,030) of the E. coli K-12 open reading frames are absent in strain 342. For 1.6% (n= 68) of the open reading frames, the signal was too low to make a determination regarding the presence or absence of the gene. Genes with high identity between the two organisms are those involved in energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism, cofactor synthesis, cell division, DNA replication, transcription, translation, transport, and regulatory proteins. Functions that were less highly conserved included carbon compound metabolism, membrane proteins, structural proteins, putative transport proteins, cell processes such as adaptation and protection, and central intermediary metabolism. Open reading frames of E. coli K-12 with little or no identity in strain 342 included putative regulatory proteins, putative chaperones, surface structure proteins, mobility proteins, putative enzymes, hypothetical proteins, and proteins of unknown function, as well as genes presumed to have been acquired by lateral transfer from sources such as phage, plasmids, or transposons. The results were in agreement with the physiological properties of the two strains. Whole genome comparisons by genomic interspecies microarray hybridization are shown to rapidly identify thousands of genes in a previously uncharacterized bacterial genome provided that the genome of a close relative has been fully sequenced. This approach will become increasingly more useful as more full genome sequences become available.
Phenthonium, a quaternary derivative of (−)−hyoscyamine, enhances the spontaneous release of acetylcholine at rat motor nerve terminals

1 A quaternary derivative of (−)−hyoscyamine, phenthonium (Phen) induced a concentration‐dependent increase in the rate of spontaneous quantal release of acetylcholine (ACh) at the mammalian neuromuscular junction, as shown by intracellular recordings of the miniature endplate potentials (m.e.p.ps) in rat diaphragm muscles. 2 The prejunctional effect of Phen (10–50 μm) was reversible, unrelated to temperature (22°‐35°C), unaltered by either changes in [Ca2+]o or by high [Mg2+]o, and was not induced by membrane depolarization. 3 Simultaneously, Phen reduced the amplitude of m.e.p.ps by a postjunctional action. 4 The muscarinic agonist oxotremorine did not prevent the increase in m.e.p.p. frequency induced by Phen. Cholinesterase inhibition with neostigmine potentiated the prejunctional effect induced by a low (20 μm) but not a high (50 μm) concentration of Phen. 5 The increase in m.e.p.p. frequency induced by Phen was not influenced by previous incubation with either atropine (0.01–10 μm) or (+)‐tubocurarine (0.05‐0.1 μm). Each antagonist however, intensified the postjunctional effect of Phen. 6 Phen (20 μm) did not influence the quantal contents of e.p.ps in cut‐muscle preparations or in the presence of high [Mg2+]o. A high concentration of Phen (50 μm) increased the rundown of e.p.p. trains evoked at 10–50 Hz. 7 The results indicate that the facilitatory prejunctional action of Phen cannot be explained by an antimuscarinic activity. A possible interaction of the antagonist with putative prejunctional nicotinic cholinoceptors however, was not excluded.
Cellular barcoding tool for clonal analysis in the hematopoietic system.

Clonal analysis is important for many areas of hematopoietic stem cell research, including in vitro cell expansion, gene therapy, and cancer progression and treatment. A common approach to measure clonality of retrovirally transduced cells is to perform integration site analysis using Southern blotting or polymerase chain reaction-based methods. Although these methods are useful in principle, they generally provide a low-resolution, biased, and incomplete assessment of clonality. To overcome those limitations, we labeled retroviral vectors with random sequence tags or "barcodes. " On integration, each vector introduces a unique, identifiable, and heritable mark into the host cell genome, allowing the clonal progeny of each cell to be tracked over time. By coupling the barcoding method to a sequencing-based detection system, we could identify major and minor clones in 2 distinct cell culture systems in vitro and in a long-term transplantation setting. In addition, we demonstrate how clonal analysis can be complemented with transgene expression and integration site analysis. This cellular barcoding tool permits a simple, sensitive assessment of clonality and holds great promise for future gene therapy protocols in humans, and any other applications when clonal tracking is important.
Formal Verification of a Grid Resource Allocation Protocol

As the adoption of grid technology moves from science to industry, new requirements arise. In todays grid middlewares, the notion of paying for a job is a secondary requirement. In addition, the concept of selling computational power on a market is not established. On the other hand, the lack of billing capabilities hinders the commercial adoption. In this paper, we present our resource allocation protocol that suits the needs of commercial solution providers. We have developed an auction-based resource broker which uses a distributed agent infrastructure to communicate the user's requirements to resource providers and monetary prices back. The protocol has been formally verified and guarantees certain properties - for example, we can guarantee that the right stakeholder is billed for a job.
The relationship between teachers' mathematical knowledge and the mathematics achievement of students in grades four and five

Title of dissertation: THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHERS’ MATHEMATICAL KNOWLEDGE AND THE MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN GRADES FOUR AND FIVE Jana E. Palmer, Doctor of Education, 2014 Dissertation directed by: Professor Dennis Kivlighan Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a relationship between teacher mathematical knowledge (content and pedagogy) and the mathematics achievement of students in grades four and five. This study used a quantitative approach using Hierarchical Linear Modeling (HLM). Through a quantitative study based upon a teacher assessment of mathematics content and pedagogy and a student assessment entitled the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), the researcher measured the teachers’ mathematical content knowledge, mathematical pedagogy knowledge, and analyzed the data to determine if there was a relationship between teacher knowledge and student achievement. The assessments were based on the Maryland state curricular standards. All teachers involved in the study were considered generalists at the elementary level. Student achievement was measured through MAP. Through the use of the teacher knowledge assessment, the study provided valuable data that could be used to inform colleges providing training to pre-service teachers, principals, supervisors, and those providing professional development to elementary teachers. Additionally, the study could be used to inform teacher education and education policy efforts intended to strengthen and support teacher quality while improving the achievement of students in mathematics. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TEACHERS’ MATHEMATICAL KNOWLEDGE AND THE MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN GRADES FOUR AND FIVE
Inkjet Printing of Conductive Inks with High Lateral Resolution on Omniphobic “RF Paper” for Paper‐Based Electronics and MEMS

The use of omniphobic "fluoroalkylated paper" as a substrate for inkjet printing of aqueous inks that are the precursors of electrically conductive patterns is described. By controlling the surface chemistry of the paper, it is possible to print high resolution, conductive patterns that remain conductive after folding and exposure to common solvents.