Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different surface modifications for titanium implants installed into the goat iliac crest.

OBJECTIVES This in vivo study with implants installed in the goat iliac crest was performed to determine whether the biological and mechanical properties of the bone-to-implant interface are influenced by (i) the type of implant anchorage (i.e., mono- vs. bicortical placement), and (ii) the presence of a bioactive hydroxyapatite (HA) or composite HA/bioactive glass (BG) coatings. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 96 titanium (Ti) implants w/- coatings (Ti, Ti-HA & Ti-HABG; n = 8) were mono- or bicortically placed in the iliac crest of eight goats. At installation and after 4 weeks, implant stability was determined using insertion and removal torque testing (ITQ & RTQ). The peri-implant bone response was histologically and histomorphometrically evaluated by means of bone-to-implant contact (BIC%) and bone area (BA%). RESULTS Monocortical implants demonstrated significantly lower RTQ values in comparison to ITQ values, whereas for bicortical implant placement RTQ and ITQ were similar. Further, mean RTQ values for monocortical implants were significantly lower in comparison to bicortical implants. Histomorphometrical evaluation demonstrated higher BIC% and BA% for bicortical implants compared to monocortical implants. For bicortical implants, BA% in the inner peri-implant region (0-500 μm) was significantly higher compared to the middle (500-1000 μm) and outer (1000-1500 μm) region. Also, a significant correlation was observed for monocortical implants between RTQ and BIC% and BA%. For surface modifications, no significant differences were found in ITQ and RTQ, for neither mono- nor bicortical implants. Histomorphometrically, HABG-coated implants demonstrated significantly higher BIC% compared to GAE surfaces for both mono- and bicortical implants. Bicortical HA-coated implants revealed significant higher BA% in the inner peri-implant region (0-500 μm) in comparison to bicortical GAE implants. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated that bicortical implant placement beneficially affects implant stability during the early phase of osseointegration. A significant correlation between removal torque and bone-to-implant contact and bone area for monocortical implants was observed, but not for bicortical implants. Therefore, histomorphometrical data should be interpreted with caution to predict the biomechanical implant fixation of bone implants over time. Regarding surface modifications, in the present implantation model, the addition of BG to an RF magnetron sputtered HA coating enhanced the biological behavior of the coating compared to grit-blasted/acid-etched implants.
Exercise Preconditioning Protects against Spinal Cord Injury in Rats by Upregulating Neuronal and Astroglial Heat Shock Protein 72

The heat shock protein 72 (HSP 72) is a universal marker of stress protein whose expression can be induced by physical exercise. Here we report that, in a localized model of spinal cord injury (SCI), exercised rats (given pre-SCI exercise) had significantly higher levels of neuronal and astroglial HSP 72, a lower functional deficit, fewer spinal cord contusions, and fewer apoptotic cells than did non-exercised rats. pSUPER plasmid expressing HSP 72 small interfering RNA (SiRNA-HSP 72) was injected into the injured spinal cords. In addition to reducing neuronal and astroglial HSP 72, the (SiRNA-HSP 72) significantly attenuated the beneficial effects of exercise preconditioning in reducing functional deficits as well as spinal cord contusion and apoptosis. Because exercise preconditioning induces increased neuronal and astroglial levels of HSP 72 in the gray matter of normal spinal cord tissue, exercise preconditioning promoted functional recovery in rats after SCI by upregulating neuronal and astroglial HSP 72 in the gray matter of the injured spinal cord. We reveal an important function of neuronal and astroglial HSP 72 in protecting neuronal and astroglial apoptosis in the injured spinal cord. We conclude that HSP 72-mediated exercise preconditioning is a promising strategy for facilitating functional recovery from SCI.
Erd\"os-Ko-Rado theorems for chordal and bipartite graphs

One of the more recent generalizations of the Erd\"os-Ko-Rado theorem, formulated by Holroyd, Spencer and Talbot, defines the Erd\"os-Ko-Rado property for graphs in the following manner: for a graph G and a positive integer r, G is said to be r-EKR if no intersecting subfamily of the family of all independent vertex sets of size r is larger than the largest star, where a star centered at a vertex v is the family of all independent sets of size $r$ containing v. In this paper, we prove that if G is a disjoint union of chordal graphs, including at least one singleton, then G is r-EKR if $r\leq mu(G)/2$, where mu(G) is the minimum size of a maximal independent set. We will also prove Erd\"os-Ko-Rado results for chains of complete graphs, which are a class of chordal graphs obtained by blowing up edges of a path into complete graphs. We also consider similar problems for ladder graphs and trees, and prove preliminary results for these graphs.
IGroup: web image search results clustering

In this paper, we propose, IGroup, an efficient and effective algorithm that organizes Web image search results into clusters. IGroup is different from all existing Web image search results clustering algorithms that only cluster the top few images using visual or textual features. Our proposed algorithm first identifies several query-related semantic clusters based on a key phrases extraction algorithm originally proposed for clustering general Web search results. Then, all the resulting images are separated and assigned to corresponding clusters. As a result, all the resulting images are organized into a clustering structure with semantic level. To make the best use of the clustering results, a new user interface (UI) is proposed. Different from existing Web image search interfaces, which show only a limited number of suggested query terms or representative image thumbnails of some clusters, the proposed interface displays both representative thumbnails and appropriate titles of semantically coherent image clusters. Comprehensive user studies have been completed to evaluate both the clustering algorithm and the new UI.
Morphology Controlling of CaCO3 in 3D Bacterial Cellulose Nanofibres

Hierarchical structure of biomaterials comprised of three dimensional organic matrix and inorganic minerals exhibit unique morphologies and outstanding properties. Herein, modified bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibres/CaCO3 composites are prepared using the ammonium carbonate diffusion method at room temperature. The copper coinage shaped aragonite has been synthesized in the 3D matrix and investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy. It can be concluded that the carboxyl modified BC nanofibres can control the mineralization in vivo by physical confinement within the organic structure to allow the growth of non-equilibrium morphology and chemical interaction to influence polymorph selection and oriented nucleation. The system which was to mimic the biomineralization in vivo can help to produce bio-mimetic materials similarly in living creatures.
Generation of Ground Truth for Object Detection While Playing an Online Game: Productive Gaming or Recreational Working?

In this paper we present a flash game that aims at generating easily ground truth for testing object detection algorithms. Flash the Fish is an online game where the user is shown videos from underwater environments and has to take photos of fish by clicking on them. The initial ground truth is provided by object detection algorithms and, subsequent, cluster analysis and user evaluation techniques, allow for the generation of ground truth based on the weighted combination of these "photos". Evaluation of the platform and comparison of the obtained results against a hand drawn ground truth confirmed that reliable ground truth generation is not necessarily a cumbersome task both in terms of effort and time needed.
A Small Isolated Power System SCUC Model with State-Controllable Wind Power

Small isolated power systems are generally located in remote areas which are rather far away from the power grid. Renewable energy such as wind power is introduced into small isolated power systems directly to reduce power generation cost and increase the economy. However, it brings challenges on the operation and control of small isolated power system. To insure the economy and stability of small isolated power systems, this paper puts forward a small isolated power system unit commitment model with state-controllable wind power. Wind turbines are regarded as state-controllable and discrete-regulated random power sources in the proposed model to reduce the operation risk of power system. Furthermore, based on scenario analysis, the model is solved with L-shaped algorithm which decouples discrete variables and continuous variables while decoupling of deterministic and random variables is used to decrease calculation burden of the problem. Finally, the case analysis indicates the feasibility and validity of the proposed model.
Modeling and Testing Strain Rate-Dependent Tensile Strength of Carbon/Epoxy Composites

Tensile strength is an important material property and usually can be determined experimentally. The strain rate dependent behavior of T300 carbon/epoxy matrix composite was characterized over a wide strain rate range (10×10-5 s-1to10×104s-1). The low to moderate strain rate experiments were carried out on a MTS machine, while the high strain rate experiment was conducted with a split Hopkinson tensile bar. A rate dependent model was introduced to simulate the material response. Two kinds of stacking sequence of composite specimens [(45/-45)4]s and [(0/45/90/-45)2]s were tested at different strain rates, and the results were used to determine parameters of the model. The predictions of the model showed to agree fairly well with the experimental results. The tensile strength and initial elastic modulus of the composites increase when the strain rate increases.
A 21.5/43-GHz dual-frequency balanced Colpitts VCO in SiGe technology

A balanced Colpitts voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is designed and fabricated in a commercially available 0.25-/spl mu/m SiGe BiCMOS process. It has the characteristics of the push-push VCO, i.e., the VCO has simultaneously a differential output at a fundamental frequency of 21.5 GHz and a single-ended output at the second harmonic frequency of 43 GHz. A differential tuning technique is applied to reduce the phase noise. The measured phase noise at 1-MHz offset is -113 dBc/Hz at 21.5 GHz and -107 dBc/Hz at 43 GHz. The corresponding output power is about -6 and -17 dBm, respectively, with a 5% tuning range and a 130-mW dc power consumption.
Affective Modelling: Profiling Geometrical Models with Human Emotional Responses

In this paper, a novel concept, Affective Modelling, is introduced to encapsulate the idea of creating 3D models based on the emotional responses that they may invoke. Research on perceptually‐related issues in Computer Graphics focuses mostly on the rendering aspect. Low‐level perceptual criteria taken from established Psychology theories or identified by purposefully‐designed experiments are utilised to reduce rendering effort or derive quality evaluation schemes. For modelling, similar ideas have been applied to optimise the level of geometrical details. High‐level cognitive responses such as emotions/feelings are less addressed in graphics literatures. This paper investigates the possibility of incorporating emotional/affective factors for 3D model creations. Using a glasses frame model as our test case, we demonstrate a methodological framework to build the links between human emotional responses and geometrical features. We design and carry out a factorial experiment to systematically analyse how certain shape factors individually and interactively influence the viewer's impression of the shape of glasses frames. The findings serve as a basis for establishing computational models that facilitate emotionally‐guided 3D modelling.
Closing the loop in primate prefrontal cortex: inter-laminar processing

Prefrontal cortical (PFC) activity in the primate brain emerging from minicolumnar microcircuits plays a critical role in cognitive processes dealing with executive control of behavior. However, the specific operations of columnar laminar processing in prefrontal cortex (PFC) are not completely understood. Here we show via implementation of unique microanatomical recording and stimulating arrays, that minicolumns in PFC are involved in the executive control of behavior in rhesus macaque nonhuman primates (NHPs) performing a delayed-match-to-sample (DMS) task. PFC neurons demonstrate functional interactions between pairs of putative pyramidal cells within specified cortical layers via anatomically oriented minicolumns. Results reveal target-specific, spatially tuned firing between inter-laminar (layer 2/3 and layer 5) pairs of neurons participating in the gating of information during the decision making phase of the task with differential correlations between activity in layer 2/3 and layer 5 in the integration of spatial vs. object-specific information for correct task performance. Such inter-laminar processing was exploited by the interfacing of an online model which delivered stimulation to layer 5 locations in a pattern associated with successful performance thereby closing the columnar loop externally in a manner that mimicked normal processing in the same task. These unique technologies demonstrate that PFC neurons encode and process information via minicolumns which provides a closed loop form of “executive function,” hence disruption of such inter-laminar processing could form the bases for cognitive dysfunction in primate brain.
Uniquely Hominid Features of Adult Human Astrocytes

Defining the microanatomic differences between the human brain and that of other mammals is key to understanding its unique computational power. Although much effort has been devoted to comparative studies of neurons, astrocytes have received far less attention. We report here that protoplasmic astrocytes in human neocortex are 2.6-fold larger in diameter and extend 10-fold more GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein)-positive primary processes than their rodent counterparts. In cortical slices prepared from acutely resected surgical tissue, protoplasmic astrocytes propagate Ca2+ waves with a speed of 36 μm/s, approximately fourfold faster than rodent. Human astrocytes also transiently increase cystosolic Ca2+ in response to glutamatergic and purinergic receptor agonists. The human neocortex also harbors several anatomically defined subclasses of astrocytes not represented in rodents. These include a population of astrocytes that reside in layers 5–6 and extend long fibers characterized by regularly spaced varicosities. Another specialized type of astrocyte, the interlaminar astrocyte, abundantly populates the superficial cortical layers and extends long processes without varicosities to cortical layers 3 and 4. Human fibrous astrocytes resemble their rodent counterpart but are larger in diameter. Thus, human cortical astrocytes are both larger, and structurally both more complex and more diverse, than those of rodents. On this basis, we posit that this astrocytic complexity has permitted the increased functional competence of the adult human brain.
The Role of Interface in Electronic Commerce: Consumer Involvement with Print Versus On-Line Catalogs

The theory of interface involvement is used to analyze the influence of physical-medium and content-presentation interfaces on consumer response. Consumer responses to print and Web-based catalog stimuli are examined. The results support interface-involvement theory, which holds that a print physical-medium interface is more effective than a Web-based physical-medium interface in stimulating consumer involvement with retailer offerings and a positive consumer response. They also indicate that media vividness and other elements of the content-presentation interface employable on a Web site stimulate higher levels of consumer involvement with retailer offerings and a more positive consumer response than a content-presentation interface of direct on-line replication of printed material. The implications for academics and practitioners are discussed.
STATISTICAL APPROACH TO INGRESS OF CHLORIDE IONS IN SILICA FUME CONCRETE FOR BRIDGE DECKS

This paper presents the results of a study of chloride ion ingress into silica fume concretes designed for full-depth and overlay placements of highway bridge decks. Mixtures for each application were prepared over a range of silica fume contents and water-to-cementitious material ratios (w/cm). Concrete laboratory specimens were prepared for ponding of chloride solution over 180 days. Cores taken from the specimens were milled at 1 mm increments and powders analyzed for total chloride ion. Data were then fitted to Fick's second law of diffusion to obtain apparent chloride ion diffusion coefficients. Regression analyses were performed on data developed from the laboratory testing, and response surface models were developed. Analyses of variance were carried out to compare behavior of Type K cement concretes and concretes prepared with silica fume in slurry form. For any given w/cm, as silica fume content was increased, the apparent chloride ion diffusion coefficient dropped. The most sensitive region was in the lower range of silica fume contents, where the apparent chloride ion diffusion coefficient changed at a faster rate as the silica fume content was increased. At silica fume contents over 4-6%, a much greater addition was needed to effect a large change in diffusivity. A point of diminishing returns may be reached at silica fume contents over approximately 6%. At the lower w/cm values, the apparent chloride ion diffusion coefficient is relatively insensitive to increases in the silica fume content above 6%. The effects of w/cm on apparent chloride ion diffusion coefficient were much less than that of silica fume content. Use of Type K cement or type of silica fume did not have a significant effect on results.
Effects of low-level laser therapy on the oxidative metabolism and matrix proteins in the rat masseter muscle.

OBJECTIVE This study aims to analyze the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the oxidative activity and the expression/activity of metalloproteinases of the masseter muscle. BACKGROUND DATA Currently in dentistry LLLT has been used on patients with muscular disorders, such as the temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) but its effect at the cellular level has not been fully elucidated. METHODS Thirty male Wistar rats divided into 6 groups (n=5) received 10 laser irradiations (780 nm, 5 mmW, CW laser, illuminated area 0.04 cm(2), power density 125 mW/cm(2)), with different energy densities (group I-0; group II-0.5; group III-1.0; group IV-2.5; group V-5.0; and group VI-20 J/cm(2)). Muscles were processed for nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide diaphorase (NADH) and sucinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activities and zymography. The photomicrographs were evaluated by the point counting method using a test system and ImageJ software; and by the ANOVA statistical test. The proteinases' secretion/activity was qualitatively analyzed by zymography. RESULTS LLLT significantly increased (p<0.05) masseter muscle oxidative metabolism shown by the increased area of intermediary fibers in the NADH (groups IV, V, and VI) and SDH (group V) reactions. The same metabolic pattern was observed among the groups in both reactions. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) zymography detected only the MMP-2 expression/activity for the untreated-control group (group I). The exposure to LLLT increased the activity of MPP-2 in group VI and the activity of MMP-9 in all groups exposed to different energy densities of laser irradiation (groups II, III, IV, V, and VI). CONCLUSIONS Thus, LLLT stimulated the oxidative metabolism and the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs) of the masseter muscle, which may indicate a matrix remodeling process. However, group VI did not show the best results for oxidative metabolism, probably indicating that the dosage they were given was high for this protocol.
Learning Qualitative Spatial Relations for Robotic Navigation

We consider the problem of robots following natural language commands through previously unknown outdoor environments. A robot receives commands in natural language, such as "Navigate around the building to the car left of the fire hydrant and near the tree. " The robot needs first to classify its surrounding objects into categories, using images obtained from its sensors. The result of this classification is a map of the environment, where each object is given a list of semantic labels, such as "tree" or "car", with varying degrees of confidence. Then, the robot needs to ground the nouns in the command, i.e., mapping each noun in the command into a physical object in the environment. The robot needs also to ground a specified navigation mode, such as "navigate quickly" or "navigate covertly", as a cost map. In this work, we show how to ground nouns and navigation modes by learning from examples demonstrated by humans.
Spectrographic seam patterns for discriminative word spotting

This paper presents a novel method for deriving patterns for classification of speech sounds. In contrast to conventional methods that attempt to capture time-frequency patterns as represented by spectral envelopes or peaks, our method captures patterns of high-energy tracks, or seams, of maximum “whiteness” across frequency in spectrograms. Our hypothesis is that these seams could potentially carry relatively invariant signatures of underlying sounds. We present a method to derive feature vectors from seam patterns for discriminative word spotting. We show experimentally that spectrographic seam patterns are indeed distinctive for different spoken words, and are effective for word spotting.
Irrationality measures for some automatic real numbers

Abstract This paper is devoted to the rational approximation of automatic real numbers, that is, real numbers whose expansion in an integer base can be generated by a finite automaton. We derive upper bounds for the irrationality exponent of famous automatic real numbers associated with the Thue–Morse, Rudin–Shapiro, paperfolding and Baum–Sweet sequences. These upper bounds arise from the construction of some explicit Padé or Padé type approximants for the generating functions of these sequences. In particular, we prove that the Thue–Morse–Mahler numbers have an irrationality exponent at most equal to 4. We also obtain an explicit description of infinitely many convergents to these numbers.
Linguistic Analysis of Users' Queries: Towards an Adaptive Information Retrieval System

Most of information retrieval systems transform natural language users' queries into bags of words that are matched to documents, also represented as bags of words. Through such process, the richness of the query is lost. In this paper we show that linguistic features of a query are good indicators to predict systems failure to answer it. The experiments described here are based on 42 systems or system variants and 50 TREC topics that consist of a descriptive part expressed in natural language.