Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How to Prepare Biological Samples and Live Tissues for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

In this article we review the application and procedures involved in scanning electron microscope (SEM) to observe biological and live tissues through using SEM at high resolution. We discuss practical methods for optimizing tissue preservation to achieve the two principal goals of biological specimen preparation: (a) preserving biological structures as close to their living configuration as possible, and (b) rendering them visible with the desired imaging method. We also review and discuss the relative merits of different fixing (chemical fixation and cryofixation), drying (air-drying, critical point-drying, freeze-drying and chemical-drying) and coating procedures of biological specimens with metals to facilitate visualization in the SEM.
Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity of TiO 2 using β-Cyclodextrin on Solar Light Assisted Decoloration of Azocarmine G Dye

The photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 is enhanced by the addition of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) on decoloration of azocarmine G (AZG) dye under solar light irradiation. The morphologies, phase structures and optical properties of TiO 2 and TiO 2 -β-CD catalysts has been investigated by FE-SEM, PXRD and UV–visible DRS respectively. The interaction between AZG dye and β-CD has also been characterized by UV-visible and FT-IR spectral analyses. The TiO 2 –β-CD system exists higher photocatalytic activity than pure TiO 2 system. This is attributed to their large surface area, absorption enhancement in solar light region and effective separation of electrons and holes. The percentage removal (~98%) was achieved at acidic pH within 120 minutes. The observed results indicate that decolorization of the AZG dye follows pseudofirst-order kinetics.
Real-time navigation in crowded dynamic environments using Gaussian process motion control

In this paper, we propose a novel Gaussian process motion controller that can navigate through a crowded dynamic environment. The proposed motion controller predicts future trajectories of pedestrians using an autoregressive Gaussian process motion model (AR-GPMM) from the partially-observable egocentric view of a robot and controls a robot using an autoregressive Gaussian process motion controller (AR-GPMC) based on predicted pedestrian trajectories. The performance of the proposed method is extensively evaluated in simulation and validated experimentally using a Pioneer 3DX mobile robot with a Microsoft Kinect sensor. In particular, the proposed method shows over 68% improvement on the collision rate compared to a reactive planner and vector field histogram (VFH).
Social Gradients and Physical Activity Trends in an Obesogenic Dietary Pattern: Cross-Sectional Analysis of the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey 2008–2014

An energy-dense, high-fat, low-fibre dietary pattern has been prospectively associated with the development of obesity in childhood but is population-specific, which limits translating the pattern into interventions. We explored the generalisability and correlates of this obesogenic dietary pattern in the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey (NDNS) for the first time. Data came from participants (n = 4636 children and n = 4738 adults) with 4-day food diaries in NDNS 2008–2014. Reduced rank regression was applied to 51 food groups to explain variation in energy density, fibre and fat intake. Consistency of the pattern in population subgroups (according to sex, age, occupation and income) was compared with the whole sample pattern using coefficients of congruence (COC). Pattern correlates (sociodemographic, survey year, physical activity and eating related behaviours) were explored using multiple linear regression. Food group loadings were similar to the previously identified obesogenic dietary pattern and were generalisable across all sub-groups (COC: 0.93–0.99). An obesogenic diet was associated with eating takeaways, being omnivorous, a manual household occupation and lower household income in both adults and children (p < 0.0001). Dieting for weight loss, being older, more physically active and less sedentary was associated with a less obesogenic diet among adults (p < 0.0001). Future experimental studies should investigate if changes in this obesogenic pattern could be used to monitor the effectiveness of obesity prevention policies or develop personalised interventions.
Intense multi-state visible absorption and full-color luminescence of nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots for blue-light-excitable solid-state-lighting

Currently, the excitation-wavelength-dependent photoluminescence of traditional carbon dots does not constitute true tuning and their absorptions show gradual attenuation in the visible region. Herein, we report a facile strategy to realize intense visible absorption and full-color emissions of nitrogen doped carbon dots via the control of surface nitriding. The quantum yields of the carbon dots in aqueous solution reached 49.2%, 30.6% and 30.3% for blue, yellow and red emissions, respectively. Structural characterizations and spectroscopic analyses verify that three diverse emitting states, i.e., sp2 carbon core, CO and CN related surface defects, are responsible for the multi-state absorptions and tunable emissions of the carbon dots. The ability to truly tune luminescence into the red wavelength region with strong visible absorption enables these carbon dots to improve the correlated color temperature and color rendering index of traditional phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes.
Macromolecular Ester Prodrug of Prednisolone with Chondroitin Sulfate for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis

This paper introduces a drug delivery system candidate for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It was designed as a conjugate between prednisolone (PD) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) via a glycine linker. The obtained conjugate, named CS-GP was examined for the property and feasibility as the DDS for the treatment of RA. First, the release characteristics were investigated under different pH conditions. PD was released directly from CS-GP, it was gradually released at physiological pH (pH 7.4), and more slowly regenerated at acidic RA conditions (pH 6 – 7.3). The efficacy was evaluated using rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis. CS-GP suppressed the swelling of the joints more than PD alone and the mixture of PD and CS, which indicated that the conjugate improved the efficacy of PD. The pharmacokinetic analysis using normal rats exhibited the well-retained manner of CS in blood circulation, and organ distribution was small with i.v. injection of CS-GP. Furthermore, CS-GP showed higher localization to the inflammatory joints than normal ones, which supported that CS-GP should have a targeting potential to the inflammatory sites. These resultant physicochemical characteristics, biological functions and pharmacokinetic features of CS-GP demonstrated the possible usefulness of CS-GP as an anti-arthritic delivery system.
Effect of Airway Pressure Release Ventilation on Dynamic Alveolar Heterogeneity.

IMPORTANCE Ventilator-induced lung injury may arise from heterogeneous lung microanatomy, whereby some alveoli remain collapsed throughout the breath cycle while their more compliant or surfactant-replete neighbors become overdistended, and this is called dynamic alveolar heterogeneity. OBJECTIVE To determine how dynamic alveolar heterogeneity is influenced by 2 modes of mechanical ventilation: low tidal-volume ventilation (LTVV) and airway pressure release ventilation (APRV), using in vivo microscopy to directly measure alveolar size distributions. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In a randomized, nonblinded laboratory animal study conducted between January 2013 and December 2014, 14 rats (450-500 g in size) were randomized to a control group with uninjured lungs (n = 4) and 2 experimental groups with surfactant deactivation induced by polysorbate lavage: the LTVV group (n = 5) and the APRV group (n = 5). For all groups, a thoracotomy and in vivo microscopy were performed. Following lung injury induced by polysorbate lavage, the LTVV group was ventilated with a tidal volume of 6 mL/kg and progressively higher positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (5, 10, 16, 20, and 24 cm H2O). Following lung injury induced by polysorbate lavage, the APRV group was ventilated with a progressively shorter time at low pressure, which increased the ratio of the end-expiratory flow rate (EEFR) to the peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR; from 10% to 25% to 50% to 75%). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Alveolar areas were quantified (using PEEP and EEFR to PEFR ratio) to determine dynamic heterogeneity. RESULTS Following lung injury induced by polysorbate lavage, a higher PEEP (20-24 cm H2O) with LTVV resulted in alveolar occupancy (reported as percentage of total frame area) at inspiration (39.9%-42.2%) and expiration (35.9%-38.7%) similar to that in the control group (inspiration 53.3%; expiration 50.3%; P > .01). Likewise, APRV with an increased EEFR to PEFR ratio (50%-75%) resulted in alveolar occupancy at inspiration (46.7%-47.9%) and expiration (40.2%-46.6%) similar to that in the control group (P > .01). At inspiration, the distribution of the alveolar area of the control group was similar to that of the APRV group (P > .01) (but not to that of the LTVV group [P < .01]). A lower PEEP (5-10 cm H2O) and a decreased EEFR to PEFR ratio (≤50%) demonstrated dynamic heterogeneity between inspiration and expiration (P < .01 for both) with a greater percentage of large alveoli at expiration. Dynamic alveolar homogeneity between inspiration and expiration occurred with higher PEEP (16-24 cm H2O) (P > .01) and an increased EEFR to PEFR ratio (75%) (P > .01). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Increasing PEEP during LTVV increased alveolar recruitment and dynamic homogeneity but had a significantly different alveolar size distribution compared with the control group. By comparison, reducing the time at low pressure (EEFR to PEFR ratio of 75%) in the APRV group provided dynamic homogeneity and a closer approximation of the dynamics observed in the control group.
The Fast Evolution of SN 2010bh associated with GRB 100316D

Abstract We report on the type-Ic SN 2010bh associated with XRF 100316D at z = 0.059, which is among the latest spectroscopically confirmed GRB-SNe (Bufano et al. 2012). This supernova proves to be the most rapidly evolving GRB-SN to date.
The Impact of Smoking in Adolescence on Early Adult Anxiety Symptoms and the Relationship between Infant Vulnerability Factors for Anxiety and Early Adult Anxiety Symptoms: The TOPP Study

Cigarette smoking is increased in people with trait anxiety and anxiety disorders, however no longitudinal data exist illuminating whether smoking in adolescence can influence the developmental trajectory of anxiety symptoms from early vulnerability in infancy to adult anxiety expression. Using The Tracing Opportunities and Problems in Childhood and Adolescence (TOPP) Study, a community-based cohort of children and adolescents from Norway who were observed from the age of 18months to age 18–19years, we explored the relationship between adolescent smoking, early vulnerability for anxiety in infancy (e.g. shyness, internalizing behaviors, emotional temperaments) and reported early adult anxiety. Structural equation modeling demonstrated that adolescent active smoking was positively associated with increased early adulthood anxiety (β = 0.17, p<0.05), after controlling for maternal education (proxy for socioeconomic status). Adolescent anxiety did not predict early adult smoking. Adolescent active smoking was a significant effect modifier in the relationship between some infant vulnerability factors and later anxiety; smoking during adolescence moderated the relationship between infant internalizing behaviors (total sample: active smokers: β = 0.85,p<0.01, non-active smokers: ns) and highly emotional temperament (total sample: active smokers: β = 0.55,p<0.01,non-active smokers: ns), but not shyness, and anxiety in early adulthood. The results support a model where smoking acts as an exogenous risk factor in the development of anxiety, and smoking may alter the developmental trajectory of anxiety from infant vulnerability to early adult anxiety symptom expression. Although alternative non-mutually exclusive models may explain these findings, the results suggest that adolescent smoking may be a risk factor for adult anxiety, potentially by influencing anxiety developmental trajectories. Given the known adverse health effects of cigarette smoking and significant health burden imposed by anxiety disorders, this study supports the importance of smoking prevention and cessation programs targeting children and adolescence.
Detecting Fault Modules Applying Feature Selection to Classifiers

At present, automated data collection tools allow us to collect large amounts of information, not without associated problems. This paper, we apply feature selection to several software engineering databases selecting attributes with the final aim that project managers can have a better global vision of the data they manage. In this paper, we make use of attribute selection techniques in different datasets publicly available (PROMISE repository), and different data mining algorithms for classification to defect faulty modules. The results show that in general, smaller datasets with less attributes maintain or improve the prediction capability with less attributes than the original datasets.
A Dual-Link Soft Handover Scheme for C/U Plane Split Network in High-Speed Railway

The heterogeneous network architecture based on control/user (C/U) plane split is a research hot spot in the fifth generation (5G) communication system. This new architecture for the high-speed railway (HSR) communication system can provide high quality of service (QoS) for the passengers, such as higher system transmission capacity, better transmission reliability, and lower co-channel interference. The relatively critical C plane is expanded and maintained in a reliable low-frequency band to guarantee transmission reliability, and the U plane is supported by the available high-frequency band to meet the increasing system capacity demands. However, there are still many problems to be solved in the C/U plane split network to ensure reliable transmission. In the HSR communication system, the C plane and the U plane are supported by the macro evolved NodeBs (eNBs) and the small eNBs, respectively. The handover between the different macro eNBs involves two types of handovers, which directly reduces its applicability and reliability in HSR. Therefore, a dual-link soft handover scheme for C/U plane split network in HSR is proposed in this paper. By deploying a train relay station (TRS) and two antennas in the train, the handover outage probability will be reduced. Moreover, the bi-casting is adopted to decrease the communication interruption time and the signaling flows of the intra-macro eNB handover and inter-macro eNB handover are designed in detail. Simulation results show that the proposed handover scheme can significantly reduce the outage probability and improve the handover success probability in the inter-macro eNB handover.
Development of Embedded Redistribution Layer-Based Silicon Interposer for 3-D Integration

Silicon interposers that are typically composed of redistribution layers (RDLs) and through-silicon vias have become a popular alternative approach to achieve 3-D integration. However, issues including the long metallization duration and the risk of unacceptable interfacial resistance or even disconnection are prohibiting their wider adoption. In this paper, by substituting RDLs with conductive polymer-filled trenches at the bonding interface, a silicon interposer architecture with faster fabrication speed and better interfacial connection was developed. Ag-based and carbon-based (C-based) conductive polymers with different viscosities were tested under varying vacuum suction conditions. It was found that the filling ratio would increase more efficiently with the driving pressure. Besides, measurements indicated the average resistance of channels filled with Ag-based conductive polymers was in the range of 40– $55~\Omega $ . Furthermore, their resistivity stability and bonding strength to Cu and Al had proven to be promising during the temperature increase.
A neural-network based chat bot

In this paper, we explore the avenues of teaching computers to process natural language text by developing a chat bot. We take an experiential approach from a beginner level of understanding, in trying to appreciate the processes, techniques, the power and possibilities of natural language processing using recurrent neural networks (RNN). To achieve this, we kick started our experiment by implementing sequence to sequence long short-term memory cell neural network (LSTM) in conjunction with Google word2vec. Our results show the relationship between the number of training times and the quality of language model used for training our model bot affect the quality of its prediction output. Furthermore, they demonstrate reasoning and generative capabilities or RNN based chat bot.
A framework for context-aware handover decisions

Traditionally, handover decisions are made mainly based on the signal strength. However, with the evolution of mobile networks moving toward a heterogeneous solution, this simple decision mechanism is not enough any more. To choose the optimal access router among the multitude points of attachment available to the network, there is a need for a more intelligent handover decision mechanism. In this paper we provide a general framework for handover decisions which take into account the context of both the mobile network and the user. Our solution shows how to collect the context, to compile information, and to propagate it proactively. Due to the fast evolving nature of context information, our flexible framework allows one to update the decision algorithm and the context data. We present the architecture and the main components of our proposed implementation based on active networks.
Prediction of wear mechanisms in high speed steel hobs using artificial neural network

In this paper back-propagation artificial neural network (BPANN) is employed to predict the wear of the gear hobbing tools. The wear of high speed steel hobs during hobbing has been studied. The wear mechanisms are strongly influenced by the choice of cutting speed. At moderate and high cutting speeds three major wear mechanisms were identified: abrasion, mild adhesive and severe adhesive. The microstructure and wear behavior of two high speed steel grades (M2 and ASP30) has been compared. In contrast, a variation in chemical composition or microstructure of HSS tool material generally did not change the dominant wear mechanism. However, the tool material properties determine the resistance against the operating wear mechanism and consequently the tool life. The metallographic analysis and wear measurement at the tip of hob teeth included scanning electron microscopy and stereoscope microscopy. Comparing experimental and BPANN results, an acceptable correlation was found.
A Novel Telemanipulated Robotic Assistant for Surgical Endoscopy: Preclinical Application to ESD

Objective: Minimally invasive surgical interventions in the gastrointestinal tract, such as endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), are very difficult for surgeons when performed with standard flexible endoscopes. Robotic flexible systems have been identified as a solution to improve manipulation. However, only a few such systems have been brought to preclinical trials as of now. As a result, novel robotic tools are required. Methods: We developed a telemanipulated robotic device, called STRAS, which aims to assist surgeons during intraluminal surgical endoscopy. This is a modular system, based on a flexible endoscope and flexible instruments, which provides 10 degrees of freedom (DoFs). The modularity allows the user to easily set up the robot and to navigate toward the operating area. The robot can then be teleoperated using master interfaces specifically designed to intuitively control all available DoFs. STRAS capabilities have been tested in laboratory conditions and during preclinical experiments. Results: We report 12 colorectal ESDs performed in pigs, in which large lesions were successfully removed. Dissection speeds are compared with those obtained in similar conditions with the manual Anubiscope platform from Karl Storz. We show significant improvements ( $\mathbf {p= 0.01}$). Conclusion: These experiments show that STRAS (v2) provides sufficient DoFs, workspace, and force to perform ESD, that it allows a single surgeon to perform all the surgical tasks and those performances are improved with respect to manual systems. Significance: The concepts developed for STRAS are validated and could bring new tools for surgeons to improve comfort, ease, and performances for intraluminal surgical endoscopy.
The IPNV carrier state and demonstration of vertical transmission in experimentally infected brook trout

Intraperitoneal injection of virulent infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) into yearling brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis induced an asynlptomatic, chronic w u s infection that persisted for at least 76 wk post-lnlection (wpl) in spite of the production of a strong humoral immune response. At 8 wpi, 100 % of the fish in one of the injected groups were IPNV camers , as determined by organ and feces samphng. At 76 wpi. 95 % of the fish remained IPNV carriers. Vertical transmission of IPNV to progeny occurred, but the fry mortality rate, the prevalence of IPNV-infechon, and mean IPNV titres were low. Hence, vertical transm~ssion 1s not recommended as a criterion for evaluating the efficacy of broodstock immunization. The IPNV carner state in yearlings that had survived a &rect mmersion in IPNV as fry was equivalent to that induced in yearlings by injection, in terms of the number of IPNV-infected organs per fish and the prevalence and titre of IPNV in the visceral organs when fish were sampled at 73 and 76 wpi, respectively. However, the Injected yearlings mounted a stronger humoral immune response to IPNV that the fish surviving the direct unmersion. Smce the IPNV camer state induced by injechon was nearly indistinguishable from the natural IPNV carner state, intraperitoneal injechon can be used as a challenge protocol for broodstock immunization tnals.