Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and application of biomimetic electrospun nanofibers in total joint replacement

DEVELOPMENT AND APPLICATION OF BIOMIMETIC ELECTROSPUN NANOFIBERS IN TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT by WEI SONG May 2014 Advisor: Dr. Weiping Ren Major: Biomedical Engineering Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Failure of osseointegration (direct anchorage of an implant by bone formation at the bone‐implant surface) and implant infection (such as that caused by Staphylococcus aureus, S. aureus) are the two main causes of implant failure and loosening. There is a critical need for orthopedic implants that promote rapid osseointegration and prevent bacterial colonization, particularly when placed in bone compromised by disease or physiology of the patients. A better understanding of the key factors that influence cell fate decisions at the bone‐implant interface is required. Our study is to develop a class of “bone‐like” nanofibers (NFs) that promote osseointegration while preventing bacterial colonization and subsequent infections. This research goal is supported by our preliminary data on the preparation of coaxial electrospun NFs composed of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) polymers arranged in a core‐sheath shape. The PCL/PVA NFs are biocompatible and biodegradable with appropriate fiber diameter, pore size and mechanical strength, leading to enhanced cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of osteoblast precursor cells. The objective is to
PGC-1 regulation by exercise training and its influences on muscle function and insulin sensitivity

Lira VA, Benton CR, Yan Z, Bonen A. PGC-1 regulation by exercise training and its influences on muscle function and insulin sensitivity. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 299: E145–E161, 2010. First published April 6, 2010; doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00755. 2009. —The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor(PPAR ) coactivator-1 (PGC-1 ) is a major regulator of exercise-induced phenotypic adaptation and substrate utilization. We provide an overview of 1) the role of PGC-1 in exercise-mediated muscle adaptation and 2) the possible insulin-sensitizing role of PGC-1 . To these ends, the following questions are addressed. 1) How is PGC-1 regulated, 2) what adaptations are indeed dependent on PGC-1 action, 3) is PGC-1 altered in insulin resistance, and 4) are PGC-1 knockout and -transgenic mice suitable models for examining therapeutic potential of this coactivator? In skeletal muscle, an orchestrated signaling network, including Ca -dependent pathways, reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK), and p38 MAPK, is involved in the control of contractile protein expression, angiogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and other adaptations. However, the p38 MAPK/PGC-1 regulatory axis has been confirmed to be required for exercise-induced angiogenesis and mitochondrial biogenesis but not for fiber type transformation. With respect to a potential insulinsensitizing role of PGC-1 , human studies on type 2 diabetes suggest that PGC-1 and its target genes are only modestly downregulated ( 34%). However, studies in PGC-1 -knockout or PGC-1 -transgenic mice have provided unexpected anomalies, which appear to suggest that PGC-1 does not have an insulin-sensitizing role. In contrast, a modest ( 25%) upregulation of PGC-1 , within physiological limits, does improve mitochondrial biogenesis, fatty acid oxidation, and insulin sensitivity in healthy and insulin-resistant skeletal muscle. Taken altogether, there is substantial evidence that the p38 MAPK-PGC-1 regulatory axis is critical for exerciseinduced metabolic adaptations in skeletal muscle, and strategies that upregulate PGC-1 , within physiological limits, have revealed its insulin-sensitizing effects.
Is Acropora palmata really coming back? an analysis from Los Roques, Venezuela

Ten years ago, we studied the distribution and status of Acropora palmata at archipelago Los Roques because the actual status of this species at Los Roques was unclear in this archipelago after its regional collapse. In that opportunity we aimed to produce a baseline study for this species in Los Roques combining population genetics with demographic data. At that time, our results suggested that this species had the potential to come back at least in 6 out of 10 surveyed sites. This conclusion was based upon high abundance, low disease prevalence, high genetic diversity and a dominance of sexual reproduction in these populations. However, we recognized that the potential of recovery could be hindered depending on local and regional threats. In 2014, the status of this species was re-evaluated by increasing the number of sites from 12 to 106 and by identifying and targeting local and global threats that may affect population recovery. The results from this new survey showed that A. palmata had a restricted distribution being only present in 15% of the surveyed sites. Large stands of old dead colonies were common throughout the archipelago; which demonstrates that this species has lost almost 60% of its original distribution over the past decades. In most cases live colonies were large adults ( 2m height); however, partial mortality and degradation of living tissues were found in 45% of the colonies. Moreover 44.78% of them were located on degraded reefs. In the past 8 years, two massive bleaching events occurred in Los Roques, the last one was known to decrease coral cover to unprecedented levels in the the archipelago. These events might have produced significant mortality for this species for signs of recent mortality was also common across sites. In addition, a growing local tourism industry, which has become massive and the concomitant increase of pressure on ecosystems goods and services are both becoming a problem of serious concern. Our results suggest that increasing use conflicts within the MPA and global threats such as ocean warming could prevent the recovery of this vulnerable species in Los Roques.
Towards a dialogue system that supports rich visualizations of data

The goal of our research is to support full-ﬂedged dialogue between a user and a sys-tem that transforms the user queries into visualizations. So far, we have collected a corpus where users explore data via visualizations; we have annotated the corpus for user intentions; and we have developed the core NL-to-visualization pipeline
SPECTRAL STATES OF XTE J1701 − 462: LINK BETWEEN Z AND ATOLL SOURCES

We have analyzed 866 Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer observations of the 2006–2007 outburst of the accreting neutron star XTE J1701 −462, during which the source evolves from super-Eddington luminosities to quiescence. The X-ray color evolution first resembles the Cyg X-2 subgroup of Z sources, with frequent excursions on the horizontal and normal branches (HB/NB). The source then decays and evolves to the Sco X-1 subgroup, with increasing focus on the flaring branch (FB) and the lower vertex of the “Z. ” Finally, the FB subsides, and the source transforms into an atoll source, with the lower vertex evolving to the atoll soft state. Spectral analyses suggest that the atoll stage is characterized by a constant inner disk radius, while the Z stages exhibit a luminosity-dependent expansion of the inner disk, which we interpret as effects related to the local Eddington limit. Contrary to the view that the mass accretion rate changes along the Z, we find that changes in are instead responsible for the secular evolution of the Z and the subclasses. Motion along the Z branches appears to be caused by three different mechanisms that may operate at roughly constant . For the Sco X-1-like Z stage, we find that the FB is an instability track that proceeds off the lower vertex when the inner disk radius shrinks from the value set by the X-ray luminosity toward the value measured for the atoll soft state. Excursions up the NB occur when the apparent size of the boundary layer increases while the disk exhibits little change. The HB is associated with Comptonization of the disk emission. The Z branches for the Cyg X-2-like stage are more complicated, and their origin is unclear. Finally, our spectral results lead us to hypothesize that the lower and upper Z vertices correspond to a standard thin disk and a slim disk, respectively.
Biomechanical Comparison of Antegrade and Retrograde Nailing of Humeral Shaft Fracture

A pair controlled study was conducted to compare biomechanical properties of antegrade and retrograde nailing of humeral fractures. First, six paired fresh anatomic specimen humeri were used to compare the properties of humeri fractured at the middle to distal diaphyses junction that were nailed from the retrograde approach with the Humeral Locked nail with those of contralateral intact humeri. An 18 additional pairs were divided into three equal groups by distal, proximal, or middiaphysis location of a standardized 5-mm bone defect to simulate unstable fractures. The retrograde and antegrade nailings were performed in each pair in a random manner. Nail and bone constructs were tested for bending stiffness by nondestructive three-point bending and for torsional stiffness by destructive torsional tests. Compared with intact humeri, fractured humeri fixed with nails had 28.6% posteroanterior and 31.4% mediolateral bending stiffness, 22.5% torsional stiffness, and 43.3% failure torque. For distal fractures, retrograde nailing showed significantly more initial stability and higher bending and torsional stiffness; for proximal fractures, antegrade nailing showed similar properties. For middle to distal diaphyses junction fractures, retrograde and antegrade nailing were indistinguishable. The defect created as an entry portal for retrograde nailing reduced the bone strength only 11.1%. These results suggest that retrograde nailing, which is less detrimental to shoulder function than is antegrade nailing, is an acceptable alternative treatment for humeral shaft fractures. In addition, nailing from the short to the long bone segments can improve mechanical properties of the fixation construct because of better nail and bone interface purchase.
Managing unexploded ammunition at and near cultural heritage sites. Issues for Micronesian Historic Preservation

Unexploded ammunition is a common hazard among heritage sites that have been the focus of military action. As the unpredictable nature of such ammunition threatens the wellbeing of management staff and visitors alike, unexploded items are normally removed and destroyed. That action, on the other hand, contravenes the principle that heritage sites should be preserved in place and unchanged to the extent feasible. This paper sets out the historical conditions that rise to the problem, discussed the nature and extent of the problem and strives to find an balanced approach that safeguards human life and health, while at the same time reduces the impact to the heritage places thus managed.
Performance Analysis of Common Detectors for Shaped Offset QPSK and Feher's QPSK

A detector architecture capable of detecting both shaped offset quadrature phase shift keying (SOQPSK-TG) and Feher’s quadrature phase shift keying (FQPSK-JR) is developed and analyzed. Both modulations are embodied as fully interoperable modulations in the Interrange Instrumentation Group (IRIG) standard IRIG-106. It is shown that the common detector achieves near optimal bit error rate performance without knowledge of which modulation is used by the transmitter. The detection techniques are based on a common trellis-coded modulation representation and a common continuous phase modulation (CPM) representation for these two modulations. In addition the common pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) decomposition of the common CPM representation is developed. The common PAM-based detector offers the best performance-complexity trade-off among the detectors considered.
Depositional processes and sedimentation pattern in an intermontane basin: Insights from the Imphal Basin, Indo‐Myanmar Range, NE India

Intermontane basins make a distinct category of sedimentary basins, but nevertheless, the depositional processes and sedimentation patterns therein are not well understood. Quaternary sediment‐filled Imphal Basin in the Indo‐Myanmar Range provides us with an excellent opportunity of lending insight into these sedimentological aspects of an intermontane basin. Detailed facies analysis brings out that five distinct facies associations (“FAA”–“FAE”) have developed in different parts of the basin, each one of which indicates a specific subenvironment of deposition. Facies characters and spatial distribution of facies associations reveal that the basin fill records interlinked lacustrine, fluvial, and alluvial fan processes. Comprising mud and peat, the facies association “FAA” represents deposits of a lake and lakeshore swamp. The facies association “FAB” comprises mud interfingered with crudely bedded gravel and represents suspension fallout in a lake with intervening gravel‐rich, hyperconcentrated flows that diffusively plunged into the lakebed. The sand‐dominated facies association “FAC” and gravel‐dominated facies association “FAD” were deposited in fluvial domains of meandering and braided streams, respectively. Rimming the basin margin, the gravel‐dominated facies association “FAE” was deposited in the alluvial fan–interfan areas. Widespread development of the lacustrine facies (“FAA” and “FAB”) around the Loktak Lake along with extensive peat development over the lacustrine mud suggests lakeshore regression and development of vast swamps under humid conditions. The regression under humid conditions could be a result of fast and enhanced influx of finer sediments into the lake that transcended the creation of accommodation space and ultimately led to faster infilling of the lake margins favouring development of vast swamps in due course of time.
Design and Evaluation of a Dynamically Adaptive Fitness Game Environment for Children and Young Adolescents

Traditional gym and fitness exercise regimens are currently being enhanced with innovative technology and interactive gamification systems. Exergame gyms offer body-centered games, which are controlled by relating the level of the user's physical activity to interactive coordinative and cognitive game demands. This approach can further be enhanced by implementing dynamically adaptive game-balancing mechanisms, and specifically designed full-body-motion controllers, to yield an optimal play/training session. Building on results of interdisciplinary game research, we designed and evaluated a dynamically-adaptive fitness game environment for children and young adolescents. This setting increases the motivating effects of fitness training, and can be used in addition, or as alternative to standard fitness programs.
Recent Developments in the Treatment of Ankle and Subtalar Instability

It was nearly a centenary ago that severe ankle sprain was recognized as an injury of the ankle ligament(s). With the recent technological advances and tools in imaging and surgical procedures, the management of ankle sprains - including subtalar injuries - has drastically improved. The repair or reconstruction of ankle ligaments is getting more anatomical and less invasive than previously. More specifically, ligamentous reconstruction with tendon graft has been the gold standard in the management of severely damaged ligament, however, it does not reproduce the original ultrastructure of the ankle ligaments. The anatomical ligament structure of a ligament comprises a ligament with enthesis at both ends and the structure should also exhibit proprioceptive function. To date, it remains impossible to reconstruct a functionally intact and anatomical ligament. Cooperation of the regenerative medicine and surgical technology in expected to improve reconstructions of the ankle ligament, however, we need more time to develop a technology in reproducing the ideal ligament complex.
A Near Infrared Radiation Model in a Biological Tissue

In this paper, we present a performed solution of a near infrared radiation through a biological tissue . This solution is obtained, in the case of variable refractive index, by using a finite volume discrete ordinate method. In medical imaging, this could be an optical tomography forward model. We consider a very thin rectangular biological tissue-like domain which is submitted to an infrared light source. The source is assumed to be monochromatic, isotropic and time-independent. Transmitted fluxes, in the detector points at the boundaries, are calculated. The proposed model is tested in some experimental cases reported in the literature. Also it is used to study infrared radiation in a multilayer heterogeneous medium. We simulate radiation in skin, fat and muscle. In fact, optical tomography can be used as a diagnostic volumetric medical imaging modality. It uses visible and near-infrared radiation essentially [1]. One way to model propagation of near-infrared light in this kind of media is diffusion equation. It is an asymptotic behavior of the photon transport equation in very high scattering biological tissue. However, low scattering and highly absorbing regions could not be well represented through this modeling way [2]. For a general biological tissue, it would be more convenient to use a forward model based on radiative transfer equation (RTE). So, providing solutions to the RTE is a crucial research task in the fields of biological tissue optics. In this work, infrared light (800nm-1100nm) propagation in a human biological tissue is modeled using a spatially varying refractive index radiative transfer equation as [3]: In this equation, is the directional energetic radiance at the spatial position r and is the refractive index distribution. Equation (1) takes into account the fact that the light rays are not straight lines but curves. It involves terms that illustrate the expansion or the contraction of the cross section of the tube of light rays in the medium [4]. The radiance in the boundary is the sum of the external source contribution and the partly-reflected radiance due to the refractive index mismatch at the boundary. This gives:
Utilization of scale-space correlation on edge detection of image

A method on edge detection of image was proposed according to the correlation of the multi-scale space in wavelet analysis. The algorithm is fast and easy, in which we do correlation calculation among the adjacent scale wavelet coefficient, and the edge of image can be detected accurately without preprocessing with this method. The experiment results clearly show that the method is efficient, can improve the positioning accuracy of the image edge and reduce the noise at the same time.
Quality Management as a Competitive Strategy in a Distributed Software Development Environment

This paper presents an exploratory case study on the SW-CMM (Capability Maturity Model for Software) Level 2 certification process by an offshore software development center, located in Brazil, belonging to Dell Computer Corporation. The objective of this paper is present the main Lessons Learned in this research. Also, it presented the importance and the impact in the inter-organizational relationship. Finally, it is identified the main difficulties and critical factors of success in the implementation of the SW-CMM in a DSD environment.
Neural network-aided adaptive unscented Kalman filter for nonlinear state estimation

The extended Kalman filter (EKF) is well known as a state estimation method for a nonlinear system and has been used to train a multilayered neural network (MNN) by augmenting the state with unknown connecting weights. However, EKF has the inherent drawbacks such as instability due to linearization and costly calculation of Jacobian matrices, and its performance degrades greatly, especially when the nonlinearity is severe. In this letter, first a more robust learning algorithm for an MNN-based on unscented Kalman filter (UKF) is derived. Since it gives a more accurate estimate of the linkweights, the convergence performance is improved. The algorithm is then extended further to develop a NN-aided UKF for nonlinear state estimation. The NN in this algorithm is used to approximate the uncertainty of the system model due to mismodeling, extreme nonlinearities, etc. The UKF is used for both NN online training and state estimation simultaneously. Simulation results show that the new algorithm is very effective and is closer to optimal fashion in nonlinear filtering compared with traditional methods
On the Transition from Sheet to Cloud Cavitation

Hydraulic components failures due to cavitation erosion are mostly a common cause of false or unfavorable operating parameters. In a parameter study with a convergent divergent nozzle, we found a flow change from sheet cavitation to a more aggressive cloud cavitation. This transition occurs at a critical Reynolds number. The critical Reynolds number was found to be the same for water and a glycol water mixture (increased cinematic viscosity by a factor of 1.16) as one would expect on the grounds of the Bridgman postulate. The critical Reynolds number, hence the transition point, is predicted by a physical model developed on first principles: The transition point is reached, when the time for sheet growth is the same than the time needed for the reentrant jet to reach the sheet leading edge. If this is the case, the reentrant jets cut of the sheet and detach closed clouds. To predict the critical Reynolds number is of great value for the industry, since harm full operation points can be identified already in the design process.
The radar cross section of a military transport helicopter in the X-band

As a consequence of their large size and surface geometry, military transport helicopters have usually large radar cross sections (RCS). Depending on the type of the mission these helicopters are carrying, it would be advantageous for the helicopter to have a smaller RCS. The RCS of any target can be minimized using different methods. In this study, the RCS of a helicopter was simulated assuming that it was covered by a multifunctional composite that can function both as structural material and narrow band microwave absorber. Simulations were performed at 8 and 12 GHz and the results indicate that a considerable reduction of the overall RCS of the helicopter at 12 GHz can be obtained using the multifunctional composite.