Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale energy transport and conversion : a parallel treatment of electrons, molecules, phonons, and photons

This is a graduate level textbook in nanoscale heat transfer and energy conversion that can also be used as a reference for researchers in the developing field of nanoengineering. It provides a comprehensive overview of microscale heat transfer, focusing on thermal energy storage and transport. Chen broadens the readership by incorporating results from related disciplines, from the point of view of thermal energy storage and transport, and presents related topics on the transport of electrons, phonons, photons, and molecules. This book is part of the MIT-Pappalardo Series in Mechanical Engineering.
Design-corrected variation by centre in mortality reduction in the ERSPC randomised prostate cancer screening trial

Objectives To calculate design-corrected estimates of the effect of screening on prostate cancer mortality by centre in the European Randomised Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC). Setting The ERSPC has shown a 21% reduction in prostate cancer mortality in men invited to screening with follow-up truncated at 13 years. Centres either used pre-consent randomisation (effectiveness design) or post-consent randomisation (efficacy design). Methods In six centres (three effectiveness design, three efficacy design) with follow-up until the end of 2010, or maximum 13 years, the effect of screening was estimated as both effectiveness (mortality reduction in the target population) and efficacy (reduction in those actually screened). Results The overall crude prostate cancer mortality risk ratio in the intervention arm vs control arm for the six centres was 0.79 ranging from a 14% increase to a 38% reduction. The risk ratio was 0.85 in centres with effectiveness design and 0.73 in those with efficacy design. After correcting for design, overall efficacy was 27%, 24% in pre-consent and 29% in post-consent centres, ranging between a 12% increase and a 52% reduction. Conclusion The estimated overall effect of screening in attenders (efficacy) was a 27% reduction in prostate cancer mortality at 13 years’ follow-up. The variation in efficacy between centres was greater than the range in risk ratio without correction for design. The centre-specific variation in the mortality reduction could not be accounted for by the randomisation method.
Complex coefficient representation for IIR bilateral filter

In this paper, we propose an infinite impulse response (IIR) filtering with complex coefficients for Euclid distance based filtering, e.g. bilateral filtering. Recursive filtering of edge-preserving filtering is the most efficient filtering. Recursive bilateral filtering and domain transform filtering belong to this type. These filters measure the difference between pixel intensities by geodesic distance. Also, these filters do not have separability. The aspects make the filter sensitive to noises. Bilateral filtering does not have these issues, but it is time-consuming. In this paper, edge-preserving filtering with the complex exponential function is proposed. The resulting stack of these IIR filtering is merged to approximated edge-preserving in FIR filtering, which includes bilateral filtering. For bilateral filtering, a raised-cosine function is used for efficient approximation. The experimental results show that the proposed filter, named IIR bilateral filter, approximates well and the computational cost is low.
A Functional Taxonomy of Music Generation Systems

Digital advances have transformed the face of automatic music generation since its beginnings at the dawn of computing. Despite the many breakthroughs, issues such as the musical tasks targeted by different machines and the degree to which they succeed remain open questions. We present a functional taxonomy for music generation systems with reference to existing systems. The taxonomy organizes systems according to the purposes for which they were designed. It also reveals the inter-relatedness amongst the systems. This design-centered approach contrasts with predominant methods-based surveys and facilitates the identification of grand challenges to set the stage for new breakthroughs.
Angiogenesis in Peritoneal Dialysis

Long-term exposure to peritoneal dialysis fluid induces morphological alterations, including angiogenesis, leading to a loss of ultrafiltration (UF) capacity. We discuss the effect of different factors in peritoneal dialysis (PD) on angiogenesis. In addition, we describe the process of angiogenesis and the possible role of different cell types in the peritoneum upon PD contributing to new blood vessel formation. Furthermore, we review several interventions used in our rat PD exposure model to decrease angiogenesis in PD. Moreover, we show new data on the use of sunitinib to inhibit angiogenesis in this rat model. Although various interventions seem to be promising, well-randomised clinical trials showing absolute prevention of angiogenesis and UF failure are, yet, still missing. To make real progress in PD treatment, the aim should be to prevent angiogenesis as well as peritoneal fibrosis and PD-induced inflammation.
The First Simultaneous X-Ray/Radio Detection of the First Be/BH System MWC 656

MWC 656 is the first known Be/black hole (BH) binary system. Be/BH binaries are important in the context of binary system evolution and sources of detectable gravitational waves because they are possible precursors of coalescing neutron star/BH binaries. X-ray observations conducted in 2013 revealed that MWC 656 is a quiescent high-mass X-ray binary (HMXB), opening the possibility to explore X-ray/radio correlations and the accretion/ejection coupling down to low luminosities for BH HMXBs. Here we report on a deep joint Chandra/VLA observation of MWC 656 (and contemporaneous optical data) conducted in 2015 July that has allowed us to unambiguously identify the X-ray counterpart of the source. The X-ray spectrum can be fitted with a power law with Γ ∼ 2, providing a flux of ≃4 × 10−15 erg cm−2 s−1 in the 0.5–8 keV energy range and a luminosity of LX ≃ 3 × 1030 erg s−1 at a 2.6 kpc distance. For a 5 M⊙ BH this translates into ≃5 × 10−9 LEdd. These results imply that MWC 656 is about 7 times fainter in X-rays than it was two years before and reaches the faintest X-ray luminosities ever detected in stellar-mass BHs. The radio data provide a detection with a peak flux density of 3.5 ± 1.1 μJy beam−1. The obtained X-ray/radio luminosities for this quiescent BH HMXB are fully compatible with those of the X-ray/radio correlations derived from quiescent BH low-mass X-ray binaries. These results show that the accretion/ejection coupling in stellar-mass BHs is independent of the nature of the donor star.
Maternal Choline Supplementation Alters Fetal Growth Patterns in a Mouse Model of Placental Insufficiency

Impairments in placental development can adversely affect pregnancy outcomes. The bioactive nutrient choline may mitigate some of these impairments, as suggested by data in humans, animals, and human trophoblasts. Herein, we investigated the effects of maternal choline supplementation (MCS) on parameters of fetal growth in a Dlx3+/− (distal-less homeobox 3) mouse model of placental insufficiency. Dlx3+/− female mice were assigned to 1X (control), 2X, or 4X choline intake levels during gestation. Dams were sacrificed at embryonic days E10.5, 12.5, 15.5, and 18.5. At E10.5, placental weight, embryo weight, and placental efficiency were higher in 4X versus 1X choline. Higher concentrations of hepatic and placental betaine were detected in 4X versus 1X choline, and placental betaine was positively associated with embryo weight. Placental mRNA expression of Igf1 was downregulated by 4X (versus 1X) choline at E10.5. No differences in fetal growth parameters were detected at E12.5 and 15.5, whereas a small but significant reduction in fetal weight was detected at E18.5 in 4X versus 1X choline. MCS improved fetal growth during early pregnancy in the Dlx3+/− mice with the compensatory downregulation of Igf1 to slow growth as gestation progressed. Placental betaine may be responsible for the growth-promoting effects of choline.
Adaptive Correlation Model for Visual Tracking Using Keypoints Matching and Deep Convolutional Feature

Although correlation filter (CF)-based visual tracking algorithms have achieved appealing results, there are still some problems to be solved. When the target object goes through long-term occlusions or scale variation, the correlation model used in existing CF-based algorithms will inevitably learn some non-target information or partial-target information. In order to avoid model contamination and enhance the adaptability of model updating, we introduce the keypoints matching strategy and adjust the model learning rate dynamically according to the matching score. Moreover, the proposed approach extracts convolutional features from a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) to accurately estimate the position and scale of the target. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed tracker has achieved satisfactory performance in a wide range of challenging tracking scenarios.
Mechanical properties of collagen-based scaffolds for tissue regeneration

Collagen-glycosaminoglycan (CG) scaffolds for the regeneration of skin and nerve have previously been fabricated by freeze-drying a slurry containing a co-precipitate of collagen and glycosaminoglycan. Recently, mineralized collagen-glycosaminoglycan (MCG) scaffolds for bone regeneration have been developed by freeze-drying a slurry containing a co-precipitate of calcium phosphate, collagen and glycosaminoglycan. Bilayer scaffolds with CG and MCG layers have been developed for cartilage-bone joint regeneration. The mechanical properties (Young's modulus and strength) of scaffolds are critical for handling during surgery as well as for cell differentiation. The mechanical properties of the MCG scaffolds are low in the dry state (e.g. they can be crushed under hard thumb pressure) as well as in the hydrated state (e.g. they do not have the optimal modulus for mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) to differentiate into bone cells). In addition, there is interest in extending the application of CG scaffolds to tendon and ligament, which carry significant mechanical loads. This thesis aims to improve the mechanical properties of the both CG and MCG scaffolds and to characterize their microstructure and mechanical properties. Models for cellular solids suggest that the overall mechanical properties of the scaffold can be increased by either increasing the mechanical properties of the solid from which the scaffold is made or by increasing the relative density of the scaffold. In an attempt to increase the solid properties, the MCG scaffolds with increasing mineral content were fabricated. The mechanical properties were lower for the more highly mineralized scaffolds as a result of an increase in the number of defects such as cracked and disconnected walls. Next, we attempted to increase the mechanical properties by increasing the relative density of the MCG scaffolds. The volume fraction of solids in the slurry was increased by a vacuum-filtration technique. The slurry was then freeze-dried in the conventional manner to produce scaffolds with increased relative densities. Increasing the relative density by a factor of 3 increased the dry Young's modulus and crushing strength roughly by 9 and 7 times, respectively, allowing the dry scaffolds to withstand hard thumb pressure. The Young's modulus for the densest scaffold in the hydrated state was in the optimum range for MSC to differentiate into bone cells. Further, we attempted to improve the mechanical properties of the CG scaffold using the same technique. We were able to achieve an increase in its tensile Young's modulus in the dry state by a factor of aboutl0 times. Finally, the fraction of MC3T3 cells attaching to the CG scaffolds was found to increase linearly with the specific surface area of the scaffold, or with the number of binding sites available for cell attachment. Thesis Supervisor: Lorna J. Gibson Title: Matoula S. Salapatas Professor of Materials Science and Engineering -3-
Dynamic access point association using Software Defined Networking

Previous attempts in addressing Access Point (AP) association at overlapping zone of IEEE 802.11 networks have shown some issues. They work passively and estimate load from different network metrics such as frame delay, packet loss, number of users etc. that may not always true. Further the user behaviour is selfish i.e. illegitimate user consume high network resources. This adversely affect existing or new users which in turn motivates them to change locations. To alleviate these issues, we propose the use of a Software Defined Networking (SDN) enabled client side (wireless end user) solution. In this paper, we start by proposing a dynamic AP selection algorithm/framework in wireless user device. The device receive network resource related statistics from SDN Controller and guide the client device to associate itself with the best selected AP. We justify that the use of SDN discourage users to act selfishly. Further, a mathematical modelling of the proposed scheme is derived using Fuzzy membership function and the simulation is carried out. Results obtained from simulation necessitates to implement SDN enabled client side methods.
Ultrarapid Multimode Microwave Synthesis of Nano/Submicron β-SiC

This paper presents the design, development and realization of a fast and novel process for the synthesis of 3C silicon carbide (β-SiC) nanorods and submicron powder. Using SiO2 (or Si) and activated carbon (AC), this process allows β-SiC to be synthesized with almost 100% purity in timeframes of seconds or minutes using multimode microwave rotary tube reactors under open-air conditions. The synthesis temperature used was 1460 ± 50 °C for Si + AC and 1660 ± 50 °C for SiO2 + AC. The shortest β-SiC synthesis time achieved was about 20 s for Si + AC and 100 s for SiO2 + AC. This novel synthesis method allows for scaled-up flow processes in the rapid industrial-scale production of β-SiC, having advantages of time/energy saving and carbon dioxide emission reduction over comparable modern processes.
A 6.78 MHz Multiple-Receiver Wireless Power Transfer System With Constant Output Voltage and Optimum Efficiency

This paper develops a 6.78 MHz multiple-receiver wireless power transfer system driven by a Class E power amplifier. Constant output voltage is achieved for each receiver with optimized overall efficiency. A novel one-receiver model is built to analyze the overall power-efficiency characteristics. The loads and input voltage are then designed as two control variables. Through tuning the loads, constant output voltage is achieved by independent controllers at the receiver side. Then, the efficiency is optimized by tuning the input voltage at the transmitter side. Finally, the theoretical analysis and control scheme are validated using a three-receiver system. It shows that different constant output voltages, 5, 9, and 12 V can be achieved independently for different receivers. When the load resistance, real coupling, and number of receivers change, the voltage can be quickly regulated, and the overall optimum system efficiency is 66.6%.
Towards a Model for Research Portal Acceptance and Usage

Research portals have been suggested as both a knowledge management tool and a collaboration technology for research communities. This paper proposes a research model designed to understand the acceptance und usage of such portals. The model is based on UTAUT which we augment to include research portal-specific technology, individual and situational characteristics. Our model incorporates theories originating from the fields of knowledge management and collaboration technology. This paper thus answers the call for developing more technology-specific acceptance theories. It contributes to both research and practice, because it represents a first step towards developing research portals that are more widely used than they currently are.
Hydrogen Bonding of Tyrosine B10 to Heme-bound Oxygen in Ascaris Hemoglobin

The hemoglobin from Ascaris suum, a parasitic nematode, has a spontaneous dissociation rate for the dioxygen ligand that is 3 orders of magnitude less than for mammalian myoglobins or hemoglobins. In this hemoglobin, the distal histidine is replaced with a glutamine which is capable of forming a stabilizing hydrogen bond to the bound dioxygen. A single hydrogen bond from a glutamine is, under typical circumstances, not sufficient to account for the low off rate for oxygen. Several studies point to a second hydrogen bond to the heme-bound dioxygen originating from tyrosine B10 as the source of this unusual reactivity. In this study ultraviolet (UV) resonance Raman spectroscopy is used to directly observe the formation of this hydrogen bond upon oxygen binding. The study reveals that both oxygen and carbon monoxide induce similar conformational changes in the globin upon binding to the heme; however, in the case of oxygen, a strong hydrogen bond involving a tyrosine is also observed. Similar studies on the QE7L mutant of this Hb suggest that the glutamine plays a role in stabilizing a rigid tertiary structure associated with the distal heme pocket. This conformation maintains the tyrosine in an orientation conducive to hydrogen bond formation with a heme-bound dioxygen ligand.
Reflexive sonar-based navigation of intelligent robot manipulators in dynamic environments using fuzzy control

This paper presents intelligent robot motion planning based on fuzzy rules for the idea of artificial potential fields using analytic harmonic functions. The purpose of the fuzzy controller is to generate commands for the servo-systems of the robot so it can autonomously find its way to its goal, while reacting in real-time to unexpected events by using a specific active range finding device, i.e. an ultrasonic sensor. Sonar range data is used to build a description of the robot's surroundings. Range measurements are integrated using a robust method, which can cope with uncertainties and errors in the given data. The proposed approach is simple, computationally fast and applies to whole-arm collision avoidance for n d.o. f. arm manipulators. The stability of the overall closed-loop system composed by the nonlinear robot dynamics and the fuzzy controller is guaranteed by Lyapunov theory. Simulation results are provided to validate the theoretical concepts and a comparative analysis demonstrates the benefits of the proposed obstacle avoidance algorithm.
Traumatic events and posttraumatic stress in childhood.

CONTEXT Traumatic events are common and are related to psychiatric impairment in childhood. Little is known about the risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) across different types of trauma exposure in children. OBJECTIVE To examine the developmental epidemiology of potential trauma and posttraumatic stress (PTS) in a longitudinal community sample of children. METHODS A representative population sample of 1420 children aged 9, 11, and 13 years at intake were followed up annually through 16 years of age. Main Outcome Measure Traumatic events and PTS were assessed from child and parent reports annually to 16 years of age. Risk factors and DSM-IV disorders were also assessed. RESULTS More than two thirds of children reported at least 1 traumatic event by 16 years of age, with 13.4% of those children developing some PTS symptoms. Few PTS symptoms or psychiatric disorders were observed for individuals experiencing their first event, and any effects were short-lived. Less than 0.5% of children met the criteria for full-blown DSM-IV PTSD. Violent or sexual trauma were associated with the highest rates of symptoms. The PTS symptoms were predicted by previous exposure to multiple traumas, anxiety disorders, and family adversity. Lifetime co-occurrence of other psychiatric disorders with traumatic events and PTS symptoms was high, with the highest rates for anxiety and depressive disorders. CONCLUSIONS In the general population of children, potentially traumatic events are fairly common and do not often result in PTS symptoms, except after multiple traumas or a history of anxiety. The prognosis after the first lifetime trauma exposure was generally favorable. Apart from PTSD, traumatic events are related to many forms of psychopathology, with the strongest links being with anxiety and depressive disorders.
Hierarchical Subtask Discovery With Non-Negative Matrix Factorization

Hierarchical reinforcement learning methods offer a powerful means of planning flexible behavior in complicated domains. However, learning an appropriate hierarchical decomposition of a domain into subtasks remains a substantial challenge. We present a novel algorithm for subtask discovery, based on the recently introduced multitask linearly-solvable Markov decision process (MLMDP) framework. The MLMDP can perform never-before-seen tasks by representing them as a linear combination of a previously learned basis set of tasks. In this setting, the subtask discovery problem can naturally be posed as finding an optimal low-rank approximation of the set of tasks the agent will face in a domain. We use non-negative matrix factorization to discover this minimal basis set of tasks, and show that the technique learns intuitive decompositions in a variety of domains. Our method has several qualitatively desirable features: it is not limited to learning subtasks with single goal states, instead learning distributed patterns of preferred states; it learns qualitatively different hierarchical decompositions in the same domain depending on the ensemble of tasks the agent will face; and it may be straightforwardly iterated to obtain deeper hierarchical decompositions.
Systematic Chemical Analysis Approach Reveals Superior Antioxidant Capacity via the Synergistic Effect of Flavonoid Compounds in Red Vegetative Tissues

The flavonoid system comprises an abundance of compounds with multiple functions; however, their potential synergism in antioxidant function remains unclear. We established an approach using ever-red (RL) and ever-green leaves (GL) of crabapple cultivars during their development to determine interrelationships among flavonoid compounds. RL scored significantly better than GL in terms of the type, composition, and diversity of flavonoids than GL. Principal component analysis predicted flavonoids in RL to have positive interaction effects, and the total antioxidant capacity was significantly higher than the sum of antioxidant capacities of the individual compounds. This synergy was verified by the high antioxidant capacity in rat serum after feeding on red leaves. Our findings suggest that the synergistic effect is a result of the high transcription levels regulated by McMYBs in RL. In summary, individual flavonoids cooperate in a flavonoid system, thus producing a synergistic antioxidant effect, and the approach used herein can provide insights into the roles of flavonoids and other compounds in future studies.
Insect Epicuticular Grease Visualised by Scanning Probe Microscopy

The covering wings (elytra) in the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata appear shiny, smooth, water-repellent, and slightly slippery, (Fig. 1). These properties are due to the presence of epicuticle, the outermost layer of the insect integument, covered by a wax-like lipid surface layer called grease. Surface waxes have been previously reported in a variety of conditions, from liquid viscous coatings to crystalline structures in form of plates, rods and filaments from many insects (adults and larvae) and arachnids (Hadley, 1981a,b). Beament (1945) and Wigglesworth (1945) considered an outer thin layer of solid wax, whereas Lewis (1962) rather assumed an oil film on the epicuticle surface to be widespread throughout insects.