Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Wood fibers as reinforcing fillers for polyolefins

Wood pulp fibers possess strength and modulus properties which compare favorably with glass fibers when the differences in fiber densities are considered. Softwood pulp fibers with fiber aspect ratios near 100 are readily dispersed into high-density polyethylene or isotactic polypropylene with the aid of carboxyic dispersing agents to form mixtures containing 50 weight-percent wood pulp which can be readily injection molded. The mechanical properties of the molded specimens were similar for all types of pulp including Kraft (bleached and unbleached), mechanical and chemical-mechanical pulps, waste pulps, and reclaim newspapers. Comparisons of the stiffness/weight efficiencies revealed that pulp composites equal or exceed the stiffness of most traditional materials of construction including steel, aluminum, glass-fiber composites, and talefilled polyolefins, while retaining a major material cost advantage. The measured strength values of the pulp composites were less than the theoretically predicted values due to the presence of voids created by the formation of volatiles during processing. Mechanical pulps which were available in dry form were preferred because of lower cost and ease of handling. Wood fibers are non-abrasive so that relatively large concentrations may be incorporated into polyolefins without causing serious machine wear during mixing and fabrication.
On the Preliminary Psychophysics of Fingerprint Identification

For a century, the matching of images of fingerprints has been used for forensic identification. Despite that history, there have been no published, peer-reviewed studies directly examining the extent to which people can correctly match fingerprints to one another. The results of three experiments using naïve undergraduates to match images of fingerprints are reported. The results demonstrate that people can identify fingerprints quite well, and that matching accuracy can vary as a function of both source finger type and image similarity.
The socio-economic status of communities predicts variation in brain serotonergic responsivity

Background. We reported previously that the socio-economic status (SES) of individuals predicts variation in brain serotonergic responsivity, as assessed by neuropharmacological challenge in an adult community sample, and that this association is qualified by allelic variation in the serotonin transporter gene-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR). Here we examine whether serotonergic responsivity covaries similarly with the SES of communities, as indexed by US Census data in the same study sample. Method. Community SES was defined by levels of income, economic disadvantage, housing costs, and educational attainment of census tracts in which 249 locally recruited study participants (54% male) resided. Serotonergic responsivity was assessed as the baseline-adjusted, peak plasma prolactin (Prl) concentration following acute administration of the serotonin-releasing agent, fenfluramine; tissue for DNA extraction and 5-HTTLPR genotyping was available on 131 participants. Results. Subjects residing in census tracts of lower SES showed a blunted Prl response to fenfluramine (diminished serotonergic responsivity) relative to individuals living in more affluent neighborhoods. When adjusted for personal income and education, SES at the community level continued to predict fenfluramine-stimulated Prl responses and did so independently of 5-HTTLPR genotype. Conclusions. Area-level indices of relative social and economic disadvantage covary with individual differences in brain serotonergic responsivity, and this association is, in part, independent of individually defined SES. These findings may be relevant to reported effects of low community SES on the prevalence of psychiatric disorders or behaviors associated with dysregulation of central serotonergic function, such as depression, impulsive aggression, and suicide.
Ultrasonic sealing versus heat conductive sealing of polyethylene/polybutene‐1 peel films

The ultrasonic sealing (USS) is a new and modern possibility to seal peel films for packaging, for example for food and for medical packages. The heat conductive sealing (HCS) in contrast is already well described in science and practice. This study is a comparison of the effectiveness of both the USS and the HCS method using low-density polyethylene/isotactic polybutene-1 peel films. The influence of the recipe of the film, i.e., the amount of the peel component used and the thickness of the peel layer, as well as the sealing parameters, i.e., the sealing temperature, time, and pressure in case of HCS and the sealing force, time, and amplitude in case of USS, on the peel behavior were investigated. To characterize the peel behavior, the peel force, the maximum peel force, and the fracture mechanics, energy release rate were used. The sealing force has a strong impact on the peel properties. This behavior is similar to the influence of the sealing temperature. The peel behavior can be adjusted by varying the content of isotactic polybutene-1. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Threshold relations in subsurface stormflow: 1. A 147‐storm analysis of the Panola hillslope

Subsurface stormflow is a dominant runoff‐producing mechanism in many upland environments. While there have been many trench‐based experimental studies, most of these investigations have examined only a handful of storms. We analyzed subsurface stormflow in response to 147 rainstorms at a trenched hillslope in the Panola Mountain Research Watershed between February 1996 and May 1998. We used this unique long‐term data set to examine how often the hillslope delivers water, the contribution of pipe flow to total flow, and the persistence of spatial patterns of flow at the trench face. The long‐term data set showed a clear threshold response of subsurface stormflow to storm total precipitation. For storms smaller than the precipitation threshold of 55 mm, little subsurface stormflow was observed. For events exceeding the threshold, there was an almost 2 orders of magnitude increase in subsurface flow compared to subsurface flow from storms smaller than the threshold. Pipe flow was an important component of total subsurface flow and showed a similar threshold behavior. We observed a linear relation between total pipe flow and total subsurface stormflow. Contributions of different trench segments to total trench flow changed seasonally and with changes in precipitation and antecedent conditions. Our results suggest that the threshold relation at the hillslope scale may be an emergent behavior of combined processes internal to the hillslope and perhaps point the way toward how to characterize hillslope processes. A companion paper (Tromp‐van Meerveld and McDonnell, 2006) explores the physical mechanisms responsible for the threshold behavior.
A model comparison reveals dynamic social information drives the movements of humbug damselfish (Dascyllus aruanus)

Animals make use a range of social information to inform their movement decisions. One common movement rule, found across many different species, is that the probability that an individual moves to an area increases with the number of conspecifics there. However, in many cases, it remains unclear what social cues produce this and other similar movement rules. Here, we investigate what cues are used by damselfish (Dascyllus aruanus) when repeatedly crossing back and forth between two coral patches in an experimental arena. We find that an individual's decision to move is best predicted by the recent movements of conspecifics either to or from that individual's current habitat. Rather than actively seeking attachment to a larger group, individuals are instead prioritizing highly local and dynamic information with very limited spatial and temporal ranges. By reanalysing data in which the same species crossed for the first time to a new coral patch, we show that the individuals use static cues in this case. This suggests that these fish alter their information usage according to the structure and familiarity of their environment by using stable information when moving to a novel area and localized dynamic information when moving between familiar areas.
Semantic Measurement of Related Degree between Unknown Word and Related Word for Automatic Extension of Lexical Dictionary

This paper deals with a research of semantic information retrieval, especially is to measure related degree between unknown word (UW), which is a big obstacle in an area of semantic document retrieval, and related word. To do this, we consider UW as word not defined in WordNet that is English lexical dictionary and grasp concepts related with UW from Web documents through co-occurrence and measure related degree using probabilistic and semantic method. This paper describes just a method for the measurement except an objective and quantitative evaluation comparing with other systems or results. However, we show possibility, expectation and value of the research using some kinds of sample documents.
Microtexture investigation of the relationship between strain and anomalous grain growth

Abstract Strain-induced anomalous grain growth has been investigated in pure nickel. It was found that slow heating to a holding temperature of 1000[ddot]C greatly increased the proportion of anomalous growth compared with isothermal annealing at 1000[ddot]C. There were also differences in the misorientation distributions of the two specimens, although the main feature of both was that the majority of boundaries were high-mobility types. Mechanisms for strain-induced grain growth are discussed, both in terms of the present data and in a wider context. It is suggested that the often observed ‘grain growth incubation period’ is in fact a grain-boundary recovery stage when boundaries are able to rearrange towards connected groups having a lower energy and/or higher mobility. This in turn increases the selectivity of sites for the initiation of grain growth and hence the degree of anomalous grain growth.
Extended duration human-robot interaction: Tools and analysis

Extended human-robot interactions possess unique aspects which are not exhibited in short-term interactions spanning a few minutes or extremely long-term spanning days. In order to comprehensively monitor such interactions, we need special recording mechanisms which ensure the interaction is captured at multiple spatio-temporal scales, viewpoints and modalities(audio, video, physio). To minimize cognitive burden, we need tools which can automate the process of annotating and analyzing the resulting data. In addition, we also require these tools to be able to provide a unified, multi-scale view of the data and help discover patterns in the interaction process. In this paper, we describe recording and analysis tools which are helping us analyze extended human-robot interactions with children as subjects. We also provide some experimental results which highlight the utility of such tools.
Frequenin/NCS-1 and the Ca2+-channel α1-subunit co-regulate synaptic transmission and nerve-terminal growth

Drosophila Frequenin (Frq) and its mammalian and worm homologue, NCS-1, are Ca2+-binding proteins involved in neurotransmission. Using site-specific recombination in Drosophila, we created two deletions that removed the entire frq1 gene and part of the frq2 gene, resulting in no detectable Frq protein. Frq-null mutants were viable, but had defects in larval locomotion, deficient synaptic transmission, impaired Ca2+ entry and enhanced nerve-terminal growth. The impaired Ca2+ entry was sufficient to account for reduced neurotransmitter release. We hypothesized that Frq either modulates Ca2+ channels, or that it regulates the PI4Kβ pathway as described in other organisms. To determine whether Frq interacts with PI4Kβ with consequent effects on Ca2+ channels, we first characterized a PI4Kβ-null mutant and found that PI4Kβ was dispensable for synaptic transmission and nerve-terminal growth. Frq gain-of-function phenotypes remained present in a PI4Kβ-null background. We conclude that the effects of Frq are not due to an interaction with PI4Kβ. Using flies that were trans-heterozygous for a null frq allele and a null cacophony (encoding the α1-subunit of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels) allele, we show a synergistic effect between these proteins in neurotransmitter release. Gain-of-function Frq phenotypes were rescued by a hypomorphic cacophony mutation. Overall, Frq modulates Ca2+ entry through a functional interaction with the α1 voltage-gated Ca2+-channel subunit; this interaction regulates neurotransmission and nerve-terminal growth.
Evading User-Specific Offensive Web Pages via Large-Scale Collaborations

Web pages polluted by unhealthy contents (e.g. pornography or violence) have offended many users and become a social headache. This paper presents a collaborative rating system and a light-weight algorithm to detect polluted pages and thus improve user experience of web browsing. It mainly tackles two challenges. First, the system should cater to web users' different tastes and judging standards on which polluted pages they like or dislike. Second, the system should be resilient to dishonest ratings and collusions. The model and the algorithm are evaluated by simulations which show that they can work well.
Inter-Clade Protection Offered by Mw-Adjuvanted Recombinant HA, NP Proteins, and M2e Peptide Combination Vaccine in Mice Correlates with Cellular Immune Response

We documented earlier that Mw (heat-killed suspension of Mycobacterium indicus pranii) adjuvant when used with conserved antigens, nucleoprotein (NP), and ectodomain of matrix (M2) protein (M2e) provided complete protection against homologous (clade 2.2) virus challenge in mice. The present study extends these observations to inter-clade challenge (clade 2.3.2.1) H5N1 virus and attempts to understand preliminary immunologic basis for the observed protection. Female BALB/c mice immunized with a single or two doses of vaccine formulations (clade 2.2 antigens) were challenged with 100LD50 homologous or heterologous (clade 2.3.2.1) virus. To understand the preliminary immunologic mechanism, we studied proportions of selected immune cell types, immune response gene expression, and Th1/Th2 cytokines induced by antigen-stimulated splenocytes from immunized mice, at different time points. Complete protection was conferred by Mw-HA, Mw-HA + NP, and Mw-HA + NP + M2e against homologous challenge. The protection correlated with IgG2a antibody titers indicating important role of Th1 response. Despite high inter-cladal antigenic differences, complete protection against the heterologous strain was achieved with Mw-HA + NP + M2e. Of note, a single dose with higher antigen concentrations (50 µg HA + 50 μg NP + 50 μg M2e) led to 80% protection against clade 2.3. 2.1 strain. The protection conferred by Mw-HNM correlated with induction of IFN-γ, CD8+ T cytotoxic cells, and CD4+ T helper cells. Mw-adjuvanted HA + NP + M2e combination represents a promising vaccine candidate deserving further evaluation.
NCTUns 5.0: A Network Simulator for IEEE 802.11(p) and 1609 Wireless Vehicular Network Researches

NCTUns is a novel network simulator and emulator that has many unique features over traditional network simulators and emulators. It is an open-source software running on Linux and is being used by many researchers in the world. According to the NCTUns official Web site (http://NSL.csie.nctu.edu.tw/nctuns.html), as of June 1, 2008, more than 11,546 people from 124 countries have registered and downloaded this software and these numbers are still fast increasing. In its 5.0 release, NCTUns provides a complete implementation of the IEEE 802.11(p)/1609 standards defined for wireless vehicular networks. In this paper, we present the capabilities of NCTUns 5.0 focusing on its uses for IEEE 802.11(p)/1609 wireless vehicular network researches.
Towards Social Complexity Reduction in Multiagent Learning: the ADHOC Approach

This paper presents a novel method for classifying adversaries that is designed to achieve social complexity reduction in large-scale, open multiagent systems. In contrast to previous work on opponent modelling, we seek to generalise from individuals and to identify suitable opponent classes. To validate the adequacy of our approach, we present initial experiments in a multiagent Iterated Prisoner’s Dilemma seenario and we discuss directions for future work on the subject.
Visible and near infrared autofluorescence and hyperspectral imaging spectroscopy for the investigation of colorectal lesions and detection of exogenous fluorophores

Colonoscopy is the most widely prescribed method of colonic imaging for the clinical surveillance of colorectal cancer. This white light-based imaging technique is often used for the detection of adenomatous polyps, the dysplastic precursors of cancer, that are subsequently removed to prevent progression to colonic carcinoma. However, some adenomas are diminutive and flat, making them difficult to discriminate from non-neoplastic tissue even for the most experienced of colonoscopists. We report here an optical system for performing excitation resolved visible and near-infrared (NIR) autofluorescence imaging and hyperspectral reflectance imaging for the investigation of differences in the spectral signatures between neoplastic and non-neoplastic mucosa along the gastrointestinal tract. This is demonstrated on ex vivo colorectal tissues using our multimodal laparoscopic imaging system, which consists of a supercontinuum excitation source and a digital multimirror device (DMD) for tuneable wavelength selection. We also demonstrate the discrimination of exogenous fluorophores applied to the tissue using the Isomap dimensionality reduction technique for visualisation of the acquired image data.
Development of pancreatic cancers during long-term follow-up of side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS Side-branch intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (SB-IPMNs), and associated synchronous and metachronous pancreatic cancers are increasingly detected as imaging modalities become more sensitive. We investigated the natural history of SB-IPMN, and the incidence and characteristics of pancreatic cancers among patients undergoing long-term follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS We reviewed the clinical, imaging, and pathological features in 103 patients, diagnosed at the Aichi Cancer Center between September 1988 and September 2006 as having SB-IPMN, and conservatively followed up for ≥ 2 years (median 59 months) based on an endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) database. RESULTS 74 (71.8 %) patients had nonprogressive lesions. Overall, six patients (5.8 %) developed pancreatic cancers during follow-up, with intraductal papillary mucinous (IPM) carcinoma in four, and ductal carcinoma of pancreas that was not IPMN in two patients. Of the six pancreatic cancers, five were diagnosed at a resectable stage. The 5-year and 10-year actuarial rates of development of pancreatic cancer were 2.4 % and 20.0 %, respectively. Although, at the last follow-up, cyst size, main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter, mural nodule size, and frequency of metachronous and/or synchronous cancers of other organs were significantly higher in patients who developed IPM carcinoma, resected SB-IPMNs without mural nodules and dilated MPDs had no IPM carcinomas. CONCLUSIONS The frequency of pancreatic cancers is high on long-term follow-up of SB-IPMN. Although conservative management is appropriate for selected patients, regular and long-term imaging, especially by EUS is essential, even if SB-IPMN remains unchanged for 2 years. Presence of mural nodule and dilated MPD seem to be more appropriate indicators for resection than cyst size alone for SB-IPMNs.
The Glucagon Receptor Is Required for the Adaptive Metabolic Response to Fasting

SUMMARY Glucagon receptor (Gcgr) signaling maintains hepatic glucose production during the fasting state; however, the importance of the Gcgr for lipid metabolism is unclear. We show here that fasted GcgrÀ/À mice exhibit a significant increase in hepatic triglyceride secretion and fasting increases fatty acid oxidation (FAO) in wild-type (WT) but not in GcgrÀ/À mice. Moreover fasting upregulated the expression of FAO-related hepatic mRNA transcripts in Gcgr+/+ but not in GcgrÀ/À mice. Exogenous glucagon administration reduced plasma triglycerides in WT mice, inhibited TG synthesis and secretion, and stimulated FA beta oxidation in Gcgr+/+ hepatocytes. The actions of glucagon on TG synthesis and FAO were abolished in PPARaÀ/À hepatocytes. These findings demonstrate that the Gcgr receptor is required for control of lipid metabolism during the adaptive metabolic response to fasting.
On the Power of Absolute Convergence Tests 1

This paper analyzes whether or not the econometric methods usually applied to test for absolute convergence have provided a fair chance to this hypothesis. We show that traditional (absolute and conditional) convergence tests are not consistent with even the simplest model that indeed displays convergence. Furthermore, claims of divergence on the grounds of bimodalities in the distribution of per capita GDP can be made consistent with models in which neither divergence nor twin peaks are present in the long run.
Photothermal properties of gold nanorods and their application to five-dimensional optical recording

The development of controllable synthesis methods in the 1990s has sparked an enormous interest in gold nanorods, both fundamentally and application driven. Their anisotropic shape induces a splitting of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) into a transverse and a longitudinal component, of which the latter occurs in the near-infrared wavelength range and is extremely sensitive to the wavelength and polarization of the impinging light. At the longitudinal SPR wavelength, gold nanorods exhibit strong light absorption, which makes them ideal photothermal energy converters. In this thesis we investigate the photothermal properties of gold nanorods, and apply them to achieve five-dimensional optical recording. In the past decades many optical recording techniques have been proposed which exploit the wavelength, polarization or the three spatial dimensions for multiplexed recording. However, the lack of a suitable recording medium has hampered the integration of these techniques to achieve a five-dimensional recording method, which could increase the information capacity by orders of magnitude. We used the photothermal properties of gold nanorods to achieve for the first time five-dimensional optical recording. To achieve this goal we developed a high-yield synthesis method which is viable at high temperatures. Elevating the reaction temperature increased the growth rate by almost three orders of magnitude, resulting in a synthesis protocol which enables rapid synthesis of gold nanorods on a large scale. We studied the photothermal properties of these nanorods using a combination of electron microscopy, white light spectroscopy, and ultrafast laser spectroscopy.