Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improved titanium and steel implants : Studies on bisphosphonate, strontium and surface treatments

Strontium ranelate increases bone mass and is used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Its effects in metaphyseal bone repair are largely unknown. We inserted a stainless steel and a PMMA screw into each tibia of male Sprague-Dawley rats. The animals were fed with ordinary feed (n =40) or with addition of strontium ranelate (800mg/kg/day; n = 20). As a positive control, half of the animals on control feed received alendronate subcutaneously. The pullout force of the stainless steel screws was measured after 4 and 8 weeks, and μCT was used to assess bone formation around the PMMA screws. No significant effects of strontium treatment on pullout force were observed, but animals treated with bisphosphonate showed a doubled pullout force. Strontium improved the microarchitecture of the cancellous bone below the primary spongiosa at the growth plate, but no significant effects were found around the implants. Strontium is known to improve bone density, but it appears that this effect is weak in conjunction with metaphyseal bone repair and early implant fixation.
Investigation of resistive switching in Cu-doped HfO2 thin film for multilevel non-volatile memory applications

In this paper, the resistive switching characteristics in a Cu/HfO2:Cu/Pt sandwiched structure is investigated for multilevel non-volatile memory applications. The device shows excellent resistive switching performance, including good endurance, long retention time, fast operation speed and a large storage window (ROFF/RON>107). Based on the temperature-dependent test results, the formation of Cu conducting filaments is believed to be the reason for the resistance switching from the OFF state to the ON state. By integrating the resistive switching mechanism study and the device fabrication, different resistance values are achieved using different compliance currents in the program process. These resistance values can be easily distinguished in a large temperature range, and can be maintained over 10 years by extrapolating retention data at room temperature. The integrated experiment and mechanism studies set up the foundation for the development of high-performance multilevel RRAM.
Embedded Parallel Systolic architecture for multi-filtering techniques using FPGA

Computing systems typically suffer from delay in data processing. This delay is caused by computational power, architecture of the processor unit, synchronization signals, and so on. To enhance the performance of these systems by increasing the processing power, a new architecture and clocking technique is carried out in this paper. This new architecture design called Embedded Parallel Systolic Filters (EPSF) that can process data gathered from sensors and landmarks are proposed in our study using a high-density reconfigurable device (FPGA chip). The results show that EPSF architecture and bit-flag with a flicker clock perform significantly better in multiple input sensors signals under both continuous and interrupted conditions. Unlike the usual processing units in previous tracking and navigation systems used in robots, this system allows autonomous control of the robot through a multiple technique of filtering and processing. Furthermore, it provides fast performance and a minimal size for the entire system that minimizing the delay about 70%.
Space-Frequency Coding for Dual Polarized Hybrid Mobile Satellite Systems

An increasing number of hybrid mobile systems comprising a satellite and a terrestrial component are becoming standardized and realized. The next generation of these systems will employ higher dimensions adopting multiple-input multiple-output orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (MIMO-OFDM) techniques. In this work, we build upon recent studies of dual polarization MIMO for each component and propose the use of full-rate full-diversity (FRFD) codes adopting a space-frequency paradigm. We also propose a scheme taking advantage of the separation between the subcarriers to enhance the coding gain. By critically assessing the different options for the 4 transmit, 2 receive hybrid scenario taking into account system and channel particularities, we demonstrate that the proposed scheme is a solution for enhancing the performance of next generation hybrid mobile satellite systems.
“When passion breeds justice”: procedural fairness effects as a function of authority's passion

The present research examined how procedural fairness predicts negative emotions and withdrawal behavior as a function of authority's display of passion. A first study revealed that reinforcing the concept of passion made the concept of justice and fairness more accessible to participants, as such suggesting that authority passion should make people focus more on procedural fairness information. Corroborating this line of reasoning, a scenario experiment and a laboratory experiment thereafter yielded consistent evidence that the effects of procedural fairness (i.e., voice vs. no voice) were stronger on negative emotions and willingness to withdraw when the authority was passionate relative to not being passionate. In addition, the results of both studies also revealed that negative emotions mediated the effect of procedural fairness on withdrawal, but only so when the authority was passionate (i.e., mediated moderation). It is concluded that more research is needed focusing on the interactions between different authority styles/characteristics and procedural fairness effects.
The therapeutic potential of targeting the epithelial–mesenchymal transition in cancer

Introduction: The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has long been advocated as a process during tumor progression and the acquisition of metastatic potential of human cancers. EMT has also been linked with resistance to cancer therapies. Areas covered: Basic research has provided evidence connecting EMT to increased invasion, angiogenesis and metastasis of cancer cells. A number of signaling pathways such as notch, wnt, hedgehog and PI3K-AKT, and various other individual factors therein, have been intricately connected to the onset of EMT. Here, we provide latest updates on the evidences that further highlight an association between various signaling pathways and EMT, with a focus on therapeutic targets that may have the potential to reverse EMT. Expert opinion: Our understanding of EMT and its underlying causes is rapidly evolving and a number of putative targets have been identified. It is crucial, now than ever before, to design novel translational and clinical studies for the benefit of advanced stage cancer patients with metastatic disease.
Validation d’un test d’inhibition auprès d’enfants présentant un trouble déficitaire de l’attention avec ou sans hyperactivité.

The objective of this study was to assess the development of inhibition in 5–11 year-old children with the “Stroop Fruit” task (see Archibald & Kerns, 1999; Catale & Meulemans, 2005) and to examine the clinical value of this tool. Three-hundred forty-six French-speaking children without any developmental disorders or learning disabilities were included in this study. A clinical group of 25 children with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder was also assessed with this task. Developmental analyses on age groups show an enhancement of performance in the interference condition between 5 and 8 years old. Furthermore, results also show that the clinical group performed significantly less accurately than the control group for the interference condition, which confirms the clinical interest of this tool.
Pathways of genetic influences on psychopathology

Quantitative genetics, using data from twin and adoptee studies, has shown substantial genetic influences on all forms of psychiatric disorder; however, with just a few exceptions, the evidence indicates that the disorders are multifactorial, with influences that are both genetic and environmental. In recent years, molecular genetics has begun to identify individual susceptibility genes; examples are given for schizophrenia, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and Alzheimer's disease. Both quantitative and molecular genetics have shown the importance of gene-environment interplay with respect to the commoner disorders of emotions and behaviour. In particular, it has been found that genetic influences moderate people's vulnerability to environmental risks. Five main alternative routes by which genes indirectly (via their effects on proteins) lead to multifactorial psychiatric disorders are described. Four main research issues are highlighted: the fuller delineation of the mechanisms involved in nature–nurture interplay and its role in aetiology; determination of how genes play a role in the neural underpinning of psychiatric disorders; identification of the ways in which genes suggest a dissection of disorders; and an understanding of the role of risk dimensions and disorder dimensions.
Okul öncesi öğretmen adaylarında çevre dostu davranışların araştırılması

Bu calismada, okul oncesi ogretmen adaylarinin cevreyi koruma konusunda ne kadar bilincli olduklari, cevrenin korunmasina yonelik davranislar ve bu davranislara etki eden degiskenler ele alinmistir. Ayrica bu ogretmen adaylarinin cevrenin korunmasina yonelik bilgilerinin ve cevreninin korunmasina yonelik olumlu tutumlarinin, cevrenin korumasina yonelik davranislar uzerine etkili olup olmadiklari arastirilmis ve tutarsizliklar ortaya konulmaya calisilmistir. Okul oncesi egitimde nasil bir cevre egitimi olmasi gerektigi sorusuna da cevap aranmistir
Parallelized Jaccard-based learning method and MapReduce implementation for mobile devices recognition from massive network data

The ability of accurate and scalable mobile device recognition is critically important for mobile network operators and ISPs to understand their customers' behaviours and enhance their user experience. In this paper, we propose a novel method for mobile device model recognition by using statistical information derived from large amounts of mobile network traffic data. Specifically, we create a Jaccard-based coefficient measure method to identify a proper keyword representing each mobile device model from massive unstructured textual HTTP access logs. To handle the large amount of traffic data generated from large mobile networks, this method is designed as a set of parallel algorithms, and is implemented through the MapReduce framework which is a distributed parallel programming model with proven low-cost and high-efficiency features. Evaluations using real data sets show that our method can accurately recognise mobile client models while meeting the scalability and producer-independency requirements of large mobile network operators. Results show that a 91.5% accuracy rate is achieved for recognising mobile client models from 2 billion records, which is dramatically higher than existing solutions.
Useful Pedagogies or Financial Hardships? Interactive Response Technology (Clickers) in the Large College Classroom

Interactive response systems “clickers” can provide multiple benefits to the students and faculty who use them, including immediate performance feedback and greater student engagement in learning. My own exploration of this technology has yielded five pedagogically different types of polling questions, specifically measurement of student confidence levels, their comfort levels with various topics, assessment of attitude change due to class discussions, retention of course information, and basic mastery of course content. The present investigation revealed that students acknowledge the possible benefits to the instructor of using these polling questions, yet they were most appreciative of the opportunity to see sample quiz questions. More surprising, these students were unaware of the price of “clickers,” despite having purchased them at the start of the semester, suggesting that use of this technology does not constitute a financial hardship for many students.
Challenges of Albania towards the European Integration

This paper examines the role of European Union has in developing a real democracy. At present, our country faces various challenges while it aligns itself in the road of democratization and in European integration. In my opinion, the most important three are: 1-The need for a well-rounded and good intending political and administrative elite. 2-The need for truly independent government branches as described in the constitution. 3-The need for an independent civic society. The main objectives of this study are to: Define the concept of the Albanian democracy; to identify the key factors affecting the lack of democracy. This paper tries to discuss the present problems and challenges towards the process of democratization and European integration too. At the last is to propose possible strategic approach for democracy to develop the whole society towards the European Integration. The paper is based on different theories related to democracy and political parties. This paper analyzes the relation between Albania and European Union is progressing during the transition period, try to give an overview between their relation these years and takes into consideration the impact of others actors in society in building a real democracy such as are: cultural factors, political parties, civil society and especially the relation between the citizens and representatives of a state (political parties). DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2015. v6n4s2p571
Sterol Carrier Protein 2, a Critical Host Factor for Dengue Virus Infection, Alters the Cholesterol Distribution in Mosquito Aag2 Cells

ABSTRACT Host factors that enable dengue virus (DENV) to propagate in the mosquito host cells are unclear. It is known that cellular cholesterol plays an important role in the life cycle of DENV in human host cells but unknown if the lipid requirements differ for mosquito versus mammalian. In mosquito Aedes aegypti, sterol carrier protein 2 (SCP-2) is critical for cellular cholesterol homeostasis. In this study, we identified SCP-2 as a critical host factor for DENV production in mosquito Aag2 cells. Treatment with a small molecule commonly referred to as SCPI-1, (N-(4-{[4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,3-thiazol-2-yl]amino}phenyl)acetamide hydrobromide, a known inhibitor of SCP-2, or knockdown of SCP-2 dramatically repressed the virus production in mosquito but not mammalian cells. We showed that the intracellular cholesterol distribution in mosquito cells was altered by SCP-2 inhibitor treatment, suggesting that SCP-2-mediated cholesterol trafficking pathway is important for DENV viral production. A comparison of the effect of SCP-2 on mosquito and human cells suggests that SCPI-1 treatment decreases cholesterol in both cell lines, but this decrease in cholesterol only leads to a decline in viral titer in mosquito host cells, perhaps, owing to a more drastic effect on perinuclear cholesterol storages in mosquito cells that was absent in human cells. SCP-2 had no inhibitory effect on another enveloped RNA virus grown in mosquito cells, suggesting that SCP-2 does not have a generalized anti-cellular or antiviral effect. Our cell culture results imply that SCP-2 may play a limiting role in mosquito—dengue vector competence.
"It's Your Game": An Innovative Multimedia Virtual World to Prevent HIV/STI and Pregnancy in Middle School Youth

Early sexual initiation is associated with increased risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection(STI). Effective HIV/STI/pregnancy prevention interventions for middle school youth are urgently needed. "It's Your Game, Keep It Real" (IYG) is a curriculum delivered in 7th and 8th grade that combines classroom activities with individualized, tailored computer-based activities embedded in a 'virtual world' environment. Interactive multimedia can offer a confidential, tailored, and motivational educational experience. Virtual world game interfaces offer further potential to immerse the learner. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the multimedia education program component of IYG on student attitudes of importance of the curriculum content, self-efficacy regarding refusal skills, and usability parameters of ease of use, credibility, understandability, acceptability, and motivation to determine that a broader efficacy field test would be indicated. Results of the study indicated acceptable usability criteria and impact on short-term psychosocial outcomes. IYG is currently being evaluated in a randomized controlled trial in ten Texas middle schools.
Targeted next-generation sequencing of candidate genes reveals novel mutations in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a major cause of sudden cardiac death and heart failure, and it is characterized by genetic and clinical heterogeneity, even for some patients with a very poor clinical prognosis; in the majority of cases, DCM necessitates a heart transplant. Genetic mutations have long been considered to be associated with this disease. At present, mutations in over 50 genes related to DCM have been documented. This study was carried out to elucidate the characteristics of gene mutations in patients with DCM. The candidate genes that may cause DCM include MYBPC3, MYH6, MYH7, LMNA, TNNT2, TNNI3, MYPN, MYL3, TPM1, SCN5A, DES, ACTC1 and RBM20. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and subsequent mutation confirmation with traditional capillary Sanger sequencing analysis, possible causative non-synonymous mutations were identified in ~57% (12/21) of patients with DCM. As a result, 7 novel mutations (MYPN, p.E630K; TNNT2, p.G180A; MYH6, p.R1047C; TNNC1, p.D3V; DES, p.R386H; MYBPC3, p.C1124F; and MYL3, p.D126G), 3 variants of uncertain significance (RBM20, p.R1182H; MYH6, p.T1253M; and VCL, p.M209L), and 2 known mutations (MYH7, p.A26V and MYBPC3, p.R160W) were revealed to be associated with DCM. The mutations were most frequently found in the sarcomere (MYH6, MYBPC3, MYH7, TNNC1, TNNT2 and MYL3) and cytoskeletal (MYPN, DES and VCL) genes. As genetic testing is a useful tool in the clinical management of disease, testing for pathogenic mutations is beneficial to the treatment of patients with DCM and may assist in predicting disease risk for their family members before the onset of symptoms.
An Investigation of Wideband Rectennas for Wireless Energy Harvesting

This paper is focused on a wireless energy harvesting system using a rectifying antenna (rectenna). The proposed device consists of a wideband cross-dipole antenna, a microwave low-pass filter and a doubling rectifying circuit using Shottcky diodes as rectifying elements. Previously, a few of wideband rectennas have been investigated at 1.7 to 2.5 GHz. The originality of this paper is on the new wideband rectenna design which can harvest the ambient radio frequency (RF) power at 1.7 to 2.5 GHz. In this system, a new wideband cross dipole is designed and used to achieve the required bandwidth and duel-polarization. In addition, the voltage doubling rectifying circuit is optimized to achieve the best performance at power density levels < 200 μW/cm2 which are typical in urban environments. The characteristics of the proposed rectenna over the desired frequency range are investigated, and the integrated rectenna is simulated, made and tested for low input power densities from 5 to 200 μW/cm2. The simulation and measurement results of the rectenna are compared and a good agreement is achieved. The results demonstrate that the maximum rectenna conversion efficiency is nearly 57% around 1.7 GHz and over 20% over the wideband of interest for the incident power density of 120 μW/cm2. It is noted that the impedance matching is one of the main factors affecting the rectenna energy conversion efficiency. This new wideband rectenna has great potential to harvest wireless energy in GSM/3G/4G and ISM 2.4 GHz bands.
Inter-professional Barriers and Knowledge Brokering in an Organizational Context: The Case of Healthcare

Our study examines brokering of situated knowledge within an organizational context, characterized by professional hierarchy. We examine how professional affiliation and associated power differentials impact upon knowledge brokering at the individual and group levels within an organization. Our empirical case, which combines social network analysis and qualitative fieldwork, is set in healthcare with a focus upon integration of management, psychosocial and clinical component knowledge domains deemed necessary for treatment of a long-term condition. Our study shows that peer-to-peer knowledge brokering, which is framed by professional hierarchy, remains pervasive with respect to medical knowledge brokering. However, social structures might be mediated through developing architectural knowledge, reflected in both formal and informal organizational routines and schema, which engenders community tendencies that transcend professional hierarchy, so that knowledge brokering is more widely distributed to benefit patients.
Out with the Old, In with the New? Habitus and Social Mobility at Selective Colleges

Sociologists have long recognized that cultural differences help explain the perpetuation of inequality by invisibly limiting access to elite cultural norms. However, there has been little investigation of the ways students reconcile shifts in habitus gained in educational settings with existing, nonelite habitus. The authors use both qualitative and quantitative data to examine the ways students navigate what Bourdieu called a “cleft habitus. ” In particular, the authors examine how students of low socioeconomic status experience contacts with their families and hometown friends, arguing that these moments are crucial to understanding whether and how their habitus is changing and whether that change creates a divide between those students and their origins. Interview and survey data both show that social mobility does not come without sacrifice and that these sacrifices warrant more serious study in the sociology of stratification.
Psychopathy as a Predictor of Institutional Misbehavior Among Sex Offenders

This study compares the utility of two measures of psychopathic traits, the Antisocial Features (ANT) scale of the Personality Assessment Inventory and the Psychopathy Checklist—Revised (PCL-R), to predict serious institutional misconduct among incarcerated sex offenders over a 2-year follow-up period. Archival disciplinary data for 58 offenders were classified as major infractions involving physical aggression, verbal aggression/acts of defiance, or nonaggressive offenses. Significant correlations were obtained between both measures of psychopathy and each type of disciplinary offense except physical aggression, the occurrence of which was rare in this sample. Regression analyses indicated that each measure accounted for unique—or incremental—variance in one of the criterion measures. Overall classification accuracy based on standard cut scores was somewhat more positive for ANT than for the PCL-R.