Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Classroom Study of Using Crowd Feedback in the Iterative Design Process

Crowd feedback systems offer designers an emerging approach for improving their designs, but there is little empirical evidence of the benefit of these systems. This paper reports the results of a study of using a crowd feedback system to iterate on visual designs. Users in an introductory visual design course created initial designs satisfying a design brief and received crowd feedback on the designs. Users revised the designs and the system was used to generate feedback again. This format enabled us to detect the changes between the initial and revised designs and how the feedback related to those changes. Further, we analyzed the value of crowd feedback by comparing it with expert evaluation and feedback generated via free-form prompts. Results showed that the crowd feedback system prompted deep and cosmetic changes and led to improved designs, the crowd recognized the design improvements, and structured workflows generated more interpretative, diverse and critical feedback than free-form prompts.
Combinatorial Polymer Electrospun Matrices Promote Physiologically-Relevant Cardiomyogenic Stem Cell Differentiation

Myocardial infarction results in extensive cardiomyocyte death which can lead to fatal arrhythmias or congestive heart failure. Delivery of stem cells to repopulate damaged cardiac tissue may be an attractive and innovative solution for repairing the damaged heart. Instructive polymer scaffolds with a wide range of properties have been used extensively to direct the differentiation of stem cells. In this study, we have optimized the chemical and mechanical properties of an electrospun polymer mesh for directed differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) towards a cardiomyogenic lineage. A combinatorial polymer library was prepared by copolymerizing three distinct subunits at varying molar ratios to tune the physicochemical properties of the resulting polymer: hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG), hydrophobic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), and negatively-charged, carboxylated PCL (CPCL). Murine ESCs were cultured on electrospun polymeric scaffolds and their differentiation to cardiomyocytes was assessed through measurements of viability, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), α-myosin heavy chain expression (α-MHC), and intracellular Ca2+ signaling dynamics. Interestingly, ESCs on the most compliant substrate, 4%PEG-86%PCL-10%CPCL, exhibited the highest α-MHC expression as well as the most mature Ca2+ signaling dynamics. To investigate the role of scaffold modulus in ESC differentiation, the scaffold fiber density was reduced by altering the electrospinning parameters. The reduced modulus was found to enhance α-MHC gene expression, and promote maturation of myocyte Ca2+ handling. These data indicate that ESC-derived cardiomyocyte differentiation and maturation can be promoted by tuning the mechanical and chemical properties of polymer scaffold via copolymerization and electrospinning techniques.
Directed Search and Job Rotation

We consider the impact of job rotation in a directed search model in which firm sizes are endogenously determined and match quality is initially unknown. A large firm benefits from the opportunity of rotating workers so as to partially overcome loss of mismatch. As a result, in the unique symmetric equilibrium, large firms have higher labor productivity and lower separation rates. In contrast to the standard directed search model with multi-vacancy firms, this model can generate a positive correlation between firm size and wage without introducing any ex ante productivity differences or imposing any non-concave production function assumption.
Processing and electromechanical properties of lead zirconate titanate thick films by electrophoretic deposition

Electrophoretic deposition (EPD) was used for the fabrication of piezoelectric [lead zirconate titanate (PZT)] thick films on alumina substrates. The EPD was performed in constant current mode from an ethanol based suspension consisting of PZT and PbO particles. The influence of addition of ethyl cellulose (EC) and sintering temperature on the thickness, density, homogeneity and functional response of PZT thick films is studied. Results show that the highest electromechanical performance is obtained for the PZT thick films sintered at 900 or 950°C, with a thickness coupling factor kt of 50%. The addition of EC influenced the thickness of the PZT thick films but had only minor effect on the porosity content for sintering temperatures over 900°C. Moreover, elastic constants of the thick films based on the suspension with EC were lower, which leads to lower acoustic impedance (15 MRa) while maintaining high (kt) value. In this last case, a better acoustic matching can be expected with propagation media such as water or biological tissues for ultrasound medical imaging applications.
Transductive Adaptation of Black Box Predictions

Access to data is critical to any machine learning component aimed at training an accurate predictive model. In reality, data is often a subject of technical and legal constraints. Data may contain sensitive topics and data owners are often reluctant to share them. Instead of access to data, they make available decision making procedures to enable predictions on new data. Under the black box classifier constraint, we build an effective domain adaptation technique which adapts classifier predictions in a transductive setting. We run experiments on text categorization datasets and show that significant gains can be achieved, especially in the unsupervised case where no labels are available in the target domain.
Extremely low‐frequency magnetic fields modulate nitric oxide signaling in rat brain

Our previous study has shown that an extremely low‐frequency magnetic field (ELF‐MF) induces nitric oxide (NO) synthesis by Ca2+‐dependent NO synthase (NOS) in rat brain. The present study was designed to confirm that ELF‐MF affects neuronal NOS (nNOS) in several brain regions and to investigate the correlation between NO and nNOS activation. The exposure of rats to a 2 mT, 60 Hz ELF‐MF for 5 days resulted in increases of NO levels in parallel with cGMP elevations in the cerebral cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. Cresyl violet staining and electron microscopic evaluation revealed that there were no significant differences in the morphology and number of neurons in the cerebral cortex, striatum, and hippocampus. Differently, the numbers of nNOS‐immunoreactive (IR) neurons were significantly increased in those cerebral areas in ELF‐MF‐exposed rats. These data suggest that the increase in NO could be due to the increased expression and activation of nNOS in cells. Based on NO signaling in physiological and pathological states, ELF‐MF created by electric power systems may induce various physiological changes in modern life. Bioelectromagnetics 33:568–574, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Memory efficient hardware accelerator for kernel support vector machine based pedestrian detection

Pedestrian detection being a vital as well as complex problem poses a unique challenge from accuracy and complexity point of view. On-chip memory requirement is one of the key issues for sliding window based detectors. In this paper a memory efficient hardware architecture is proposed which estimates the weights from a partially stored model at runtime. It uses a simple and robust feature with histogram intersection classifier. The implementation results show 80% reduction in logic resources and 46% reduction in memory without sacrificing accuracy as compared to the state of the art hardware implementations.
Columnar-to-Equiaxed Transition in Metal-Matrix Composites Reinforced with Silicon Carbide Particles

The present work is focused on the study of the effect of directional heat extraction on the silicon-carbide (SiC) distribution in zinc-aluminum matrix composites (MMCs) and on the columnar-to-equiaxed (CET) position in directionally solidified samples. To this end, a ZA-27 alloy matrix was reinforced with ceramic particles of SiC and vertically directionally solidified. The cooling rates, temperature gradients, and interphase velocities were then measured, and their influence on the solidification microstructure of the MMCs was analyzed. The recalescence detected and measured during the equiaxed transition was of the order of 3.5°C to 1.1°C. The values of the temperature gradients reached a minimum during the CET and were even negative in most cases (between −3.89 K and 0.06 K). The interphase velocities varied between 0.07 mm/s and 0.44 mm/s at the transition. Also, the presence of ceramic particles in ZA-27 alloys affected the thermodynamic local conditions and the kinetics of nucleation, producing a finer microstructure.
Temporal Development Methods for Agent-Based Systems

In this paper we overview one specific approach to the formal development of multi-agent systems. This approach is based on the use of temporal logics to represent both the behaviour of individual agents, and the macro-level behaviour of multi-agent systems. We describe how formal specification, verification and refinement can all be developed using this temporal basis, and how implementation can be achieved by directly executing these formal representations. We also show how the basic framework can be extended in various ways to handle the representation and implementation of agents capable of more complex deliberation and reasoning.
Fast Planning in Domains with Derived Predicates: An Approach Based on Rule-Action Graphs and Local Search

The ability to express "derived predicates" in the formalization of a planning domain is both practically and theoretically important. In this paper, we propose an approach to planning with derived predicates where the search space consists of "Rule-Action Graphs", particular graphs of actions and rules representing derived predicates. We present some techniques for representing rules and reasoning with them, which are integrated into a method for planning through local search and rule-action graphs. We also propose some new heuristics for guiding the search, and some experimental results illustrating the performance of our approach. Our proposed techniques are implemented in a planner that took part in the fourth International Planning Competition showing good performance in many benchmark problems.
Motor Imagery Learning Modulates Functional Connectivity of Multiple Brain Systems in Resting State

Background Learning motor skills involves subsequent modulation of resting-state functional connectivity in the sensory-motor system. This idea was mostly derived from the investigations on motor execution learning which mainly recruits the processing of sensory-motor information. Behavioral evidences demonstrated that motor skills in our daily lives could be learned through imagery procedures. However, it remains unclear whether the modulation of resting-state functional connectivity also exists in the sensory-motor system after motor imagery learning. Methodology/Principal Findings We performed a fMRI investigation on motor imagery learning from resting state. Based on previous studies, we identified eight sensory and cognitive resting-state networks (RSNs) corresponding to the brain systems and further explored the functional connectivity of these RSNs through the assessments, connectivity and network strengths before and after the two-week consecutive learning. Two intriguing results were revealed: (1) The sensory RSNs, specifically sensory-motor and lateral visual networks exhibited greater connectivity strengths in precuneus and fusiform gyrus after learning; (2) Decreased network strength induced by learning was proved in the default mode network, a cognitive RSN. Conclusions/Significance These results indicated that resting-state functional connectivity could be modulated by motor imagery learning in multiple brain systems, and such modulation displayed in the sensory-motor, visual and default brain systems may be associated with the establishment of motor schema and the regulation of introspective thought. These findings further revealed the neural substrates underlying motor skill learning and potentially provided new insights into the therapeutic benefits of motor imagery learning.
What is a moment? "Cortical" sensory integration over a brief interval.

Recognition of complex temporal sequences is a general sensory problem that requires integration of information over time. We describe a very simple "organism" that performs this task, exemplified here by recognition of spoken monosyllables. The network's computation can be understood through the application of simple but generally unexploited principles describing neural activity. The organism is a network of very simple neurons and synapses; the experiments are simulations. The network's recognition capabilities are robust to variations across speakers, simple masking noises, and large variations in system parameters. The network principles underlying recognition of short temporal sequences are applied here to speech, but similar ideas can be applied to aspects of vision, touch, and olfaction. In this article, we describe only properties of the system that could be measured if it were a real biological organism. We delay publication of the principles behind the network's operation as an intellectual challenge: the essential principles of operation can be deduced based on the experimental results presented here alone. An interactive web site (http://neuron.princeton.edu/ approximately moment) is available to allow readers to design and carry out their own experiments on the organism.
Using live distributed objects for office automation

Web services and platforms such as . NET make it easy to integrate interactive end-user applications with backend services. However, it remains hard to build collaborative applications in which information is shared within teams. This paper introduces a new drag-and-drop technology, in which standard office documents (spreadsheets, databases, etc.) are interconnected with event-driven middleware ("live distributed objects"), to create distributed applications in which changes to underlying data propagate quickly to downstream applications. Information is replicated in a consistent manner, making it easy for team members to share updates and to coordinate their actions. We present our middleware platform, and show that it offers good performance and scalability, with small resource footprint. Moreover, because the approach is highly automated, and the underlying middleware is highly configurable, we're in a position to automatically address security and reliability needs that might otherwise be onerous. In addition to reviewing our existing system, we list open issues, which include integration with external data sources, and updating stored, but inactive objects.
Development and characterization of photocrosslinkable hyaluronic acid hydrogels for cartilage regeneration

Damage to cartilage from general wear, disease, or injury can lead to joint pain and tissue degeneration. With its limited ability for self-repair, cartilage has become a target for tissue engineering (TE). As current treatments have yet to provide long-term functional cartilage repair, this dissertation introduces the development and use of photopolymerizable hyaluronic acid (HA) based hydrogels for TE to optimize cellular interactions and neocartilage formation. By altering hydrogel design parameters (e.g., molecular weight and macromer concentration), a wide range of hydrogel properties were obtained. These hydrogels all preserved the rounded morphology of chondrocytes, but cell viability and neocartilage formation were dependent on hydrogel design, where increased crosslinking resulted in cell death and increased macromer molecular weight yielded inhomogeneities in cell and ECM distribution within the hydrogel. These variables also influenced the formed neocartilage properties. The ability of HA hydrogels to promote neocartilage formation was also dependent on cell source and culture. The expansion of chondrocytes in 2D in vitro affected neocartilage formation in HA hydrogels after the second passage, as construct properties further decreased with continued passage. Chondrocytes from different tissue sources also behaved variably in the hydrogels; auricular chondrocytes excelled in static culture and subcutaneous culture over articular chondrocytes, while articular chondrocytes were stimulated in a mechanically loaded environment. As the use of chondrocytes for cartilage TE is limited clinically, we turned to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In vitro culture of MSC-laden HA hydrogels demonstrated that these HA hydrogels not only supported, but enhanced chondrogenesis when compared to relatively inert hydrogels, potentially due to receptor interactions with HA. However, in these hydrogels, ECM was localized to pericellular regions. To accelerate the diffusion and distribution of ECM proteins, hydrolytically degradable HA macromers were synthesized to create a dynamic environment. When degradation complemented ECM deposition, ECM distribution and ultimately the functional maturation of the construct were improved. While this dissertation focused on material development to improve cartilage regeneration, growth factor delivery optimization and successful implementation of these hydrogels in cartilage defect models remain, towards our goal of a successful long-term repair solution to cartilage damage. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Bioengineering This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/24 First Advisor Jason A. Burdick
Computing the real variety of an ideal: a real algebraic and symbolic-numeric algorithm

Solving systems of polynomial equations is a classical problem of mathematics with an emerging number of modern applications, such as coding theory, robotics, computational statistics, etc. Its importance is reflected by the broad literature that deals with algorithms, ranging from numerical continuation methods to exact methods based e.g. on Gröbner or border bases; see e.g. the monograph [1] and the references therein. However in many practical applications one is only interested in real solutions. The literature tailored to the problem of real solving systems of polynomials is by far not as broad.
Evaluation of SWI in Children with Sickle Cell Disease

A sample of 21 patients with sickle cell disease were assessed with SWI and compared with controls. The MRI findings were correlated with hematologic parameters. Venous volumes were lower in the SCD group but not associated with the hematologic parameters included in this study. Arterial hypointensity was seen in nearly all patients with SCD. Quantitation of venous volume with SWI may be useful for the assessment of cerebrovascular pathology in patients with SCD. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: SWI is a powerful tool for imaging of the cerebral venous system. The SWI venous contrast is affected by blood flow, which may be altered in sickle cell disease. In this study, we characterized SWI venous contrast in patients with sickle cell disease and healthy control participants and examined the relationships among SWI venous contrast, and hematologic variables in the group with sickle cell disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of MR imaging and hematologic variables from 21 patients with sickle cell disease and age- and sex-matched healthy control participants was performed. A Frangi vesselness filter was used to quantify the attenuation of visible veins from the SWI. The normalized visible venous volume was calculated for quantitative analysis of venous vessel conspicuity. RESULTS: The normalized visible venous volume was significantly lower in the group with sickle cell disease vs the control group (P < .001). Normalized visible venous volume was not associated with hemoglobin, percent hemoglobin F, percent hemoglobin S, absolute reticulocyte count, or white blood cell count. A hypointense arterial signal on SWI was observed in 18 of the 21 patients with sickle cell disease and none of the 21 healthy control participants. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the variable and significantly lower normalized visible venous volume in patients with sickle cell disease compared with healthy control participants. Decreased venous contrast in sickle cell disease may reflect abnormal cerebral blood flow, volume, velocity, or oxygenation. Quantitative analysis of SWI contrast may be useful for investigation of cerebrovascular pathology in patients with sickle cell disease, and as a tool to monitor therapies. However, future studies are needed to elucidate physiologic mechanisms of decreased venous conspicuity in sickle cell disease.
Plantasmed: a mobile application to promote the rational use of medicinal plants in Brazil’s countryside based on participatory HCI design and popular education for health

Family farming is responsible for producing most of the food consumed in Brazil, occupying an important role in national development and at the reduction of social inequalities. The sustainability of these family communities depends heavily on the range of primary health care. The rational use of medicinal plants is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an important element of healing practices and nutrition education. The development of applications for mobile devices can contribute to both the rational use of medicinal plants and herbal medicines as to the health sustainability of communities of family farming, therefore contributing to the improvement of the quality of primary health care in ethnic and traditional communities and to the preservation of popular knowledge. This paper proposes a methodology for the development of applications for mobile devices geared to popular health education based on participatory human-computer interface (HCI) design, seeking to improve the quality of basic health care by aiding communitary health agents and popular communities at health education for the rational use of medicinal plants. As a case study we developed a basic architecture and a prototype for Android, named PlantasMED, from the results of participatory workshops in a rural area of the North Forest in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. The participatory workshops were designed in order to promote the methodology of participatory HCI design.