Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fractal carbon filaments grown on insulators under irradiation in an electron microscope

Abstract A new phenomenon is reported which appears during the deposition of hydrocarbon molecules on electrically charged insulators in transmission electron microscopes. Micron-sized aggregates of ramified amorphous carbon filaments with fractal, densely branched or compact morphologies are observed. Heavy electron irradiation produces fullerene-like clusters. Under suitable conditions the aggregates show striking similarities to the shapes of many biological systems. The growth occurs in vacuum and is not diffusion limited. A simple Laplacian growth mechanism is considered which leads to the formation of fractal or non-fractal aggregates.
Sinus arrhythmia

The heart of a healthy individual does not beat quite regularly. The sinus node, the normal pacemaker of the heart, is under the influence of the extracardiac nerves, partially accellerating, partially impeding. The general view is that sinus arrhythmia chiefly arises in consequence of the variations in tonus in these nerves, of which the vagus plays a dominant part. By eliminating the effect of the vagus, e.g. by the use of atropin, a decrease of the sinus arrhythmia can be brought about (FLEISCH and BECKMANN 1932). Sinus arrhythmia specially characterises childhood and is therefore often called juvenile arrhythmia (MACKENZIE). The socalled respiratory arrhythmia connected with the breathing is the dominant one, and is characterised by an increased heart frequency a t inspiration anda decreased one a t expiration. FRIBERGER (1912) states that this form of arrhythmia occurs in 100 per cent of healthy children. SHOOKHOFF and TARAN (1931), also MENGOLI (1936) give corresponding figures of 73 and 87 per cent respectively LYON (1945), in speaking of sinus arrhythmia in children, points out tha t it is chiefly conditioned by the respiration. Opinions are still divided as regards the respiratory arrhythmia's more immediate origin mechanism. According to HERING'S so-called reflex theory (1871), which has lately been accepted by BLUMENFELD and PUTZIG (1914), as well as v. SAALFELD (1932), i t is produced in breathing in consequence of periodical changes in the vagal tonus arising from the pulmonary branches of this nerve. The supporters of the other, so-called central theory (TRAUBE 1865 FRBDERICQ 1913, HEYMANS 1929 and others) consider that the
Can we boost the power of the Viola–Jones face detector using preprocessing? An empirical study

Abstract. The Viola–Jones face detection algorithm was (and still is) a quite popular face detector. In spite of the numerous face detection techniques that have been recently presented, there are many research works that are still based on the Viola–Jones algorithm because of its simplicity. We study the influence of a set of blind preprocessing methods on the face detection rate using the Viola–Jones algorithm. We focus on two aspects of improvement, specifically badly illuminated faces and blurred faces. Many methods for lighting invariant and deblurring are used in order to improve the detection accuracy. We want to avoid using blind preprocessing methods that may obstruct the face detector. To that end, we perform two sets of experiments. The first set is performed to avoid any blind preprocessing method that may hurt the face detector. The second set is performed to study the effect of the selected preprocessing methods on images that suffer from hard conditions. We present two manners of applying the preprocessing method to the image prior to being used by the Viola–Jones face detector. Five different datasets are used to draw a coherent conclusion about the potential improvement caused by using prior enhanced images. The results demonstrate that some of the preprocessing methods may hurt the accuracy of the Viola–Jones face detection algorithm. However, other preprocessing methods have an evident positive impact on the accuracy of the face detector. Overall, we recommend three simple and fast blind photometric normalization methods as a preprocessing step in order to improve the accuracy of the pretrained Viola–Jones face detector.
A background KDCO compensation technique for constant bandwidth in all-digital phase-locked loop

This paper presents an ADPLL using a background KDCO compensation technique to achieve PVT tolerant loop bandwidth and damping factor over a broad tuning range using a linear averaging estimation of KDCO. Simulation results show that the proposed ADPLL achieves output frequency range from 1GHz to 4.5GHz and the reference frequency range from 10MHz to 80MHz with a constant damping factor and the bandwidth to the reference frequency ratio determined by the digital loop filter.
Acts of Commanding and Changing Obligations

If we are to take the notion of speech act seriously, we must be able to treat speech acts as acts. In what follows, I will try to model changes brought about by various acts of commanding in terms of a variant of update logic. I will combine a multi-agent variant of the language of monadic deontic logic with a dynamic language to talk about the situations before and after the issuance of commands, and the commands that link those situations. Although the resulting logic inherits various inadequacies from monadic deontic logic, some interesting principles are captured and seen to be valid nonetheless. An outline of a proof of completeness and some interesting valid principles together with concrete examples will be presented.
A note on input-to-state stability of linear and bilinear infinite-dimensional systems

We propose a construction of Lyapunov functions for linear and bilinear infinite-dimensional integral input-to-state stable systems. In contrast to other constructions available in the literature, we do not impose strong restrictions on the type of the bilinear systems. The coercivity of such Lyapunov functions as well as a possible extension to systems with unbounded input operators are discussed.
Adaptive sliding mode control of autonomous underwater vehicles in the dive plane

The problem of controlling an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) in a diving maneuver is addressed. Having a simple controller which performs satisfactorily in the presence of dynamical uncertainties calls for a design using the sliding mode approach, based on a dominant linear model and bounds on the nonlinear perturbations of the dynamics. Nonadaptive and adaptive techniques are considered, leading to the design of robust controllers that can adjust to changing dynamics and operating conditions. The problem of using the observed state in the control design is addressed, leading to a sliding mode control system based on input-output signals in terms of drive-phase command and depth measurement. Numerical simulations using a full set of nonlinear equations of motion show the effectiveness of the proposed techniques. >
Moire interferometry for engineering and science

Moire interferometry provides contour maps of in-plane displacement fields with high sensitivity and high spatial resolution. It has matured rapidly as an invaluable tool for engineering analyses, proved by many industrial and scientific applications. With the typical reference grating frequency of 2400 lines/mm, the contour interval is 0.417 μm displacement per fringe order. For microscopic moire interferometry, sensitivity corresponding to 17 nm per contour has been achieved. Reliable normal strains and shear strains are extracted from the displacement data for bodies under mechanical, thermal and hydrostatic loading. The characteristics and basic concepts of moire interferometry are reviewed. Significant examples from the fields of composite materials, fracture mechanics, electronic packaging and biomechanics are presented.
Biosmart Materials: Breaking New Ground in Dentistry

By definition and general agreement, smart materials are materials that have properties which may be altered in a controlled fashion by stimuli, such as stress, temperature, moisture, pH, and electric or magnetic fields. There are numerous types of smart materials, some of which are already common. Examples include piezoelectric materials, which produce a voltage when stress is applied or vice versa, shape memory alloys or shape memory polymers which are thermoresponsive, and pH sensitive polymers which swell or shrink as a response to change in pH. Thus, smart materials respond to stimuli by altering one or more of their properties. Smart behaviour occurs when a material can sense some stimulus from its environment and react to it in a useful, reliable, reproducible, and usually reversible manner. These properties have a beneficial application in various fields including dentistry. Shape memory alloys, zirconia, and smartseal are examples of materials exhibiting a smart behavior in dentistry. There is a strong trend in material science to develop and apply these intelligent materials. These materials would potentially allow new and groundbreaking dental therapies with a significantly enhanced clinical outcome of treatments.
Effect of Problem-Based Learning on Senior Secondary School Students' Achievements in Further Mathematics.

The study investigated the effect of Problem-based learning (PBL) on senior secondary school students’ achievements in Further Mathematics (FM) in Nigeria within the blueprint of pretest-post-test non-equivalent control group quasi-experimental design. Intact classes were used and in all, 96 students participated in the study (42 in the experimental group taught with the PBL and 54 in the control group taught using the Traditional Method (TM)). One research instrument manipulated at two levels namely: Teacher-Made Test (TMT) and Researcher-Designed Test (RDT), was developed and used for the study and data collected were analysed using the descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation which served as precursor to testing the two hypotheses for the study using an independent samples t-test. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences in the mean post-test achievement scores on TMT and mean post-test achievement scores on RDT between students exposed to the PBL and those exposed to the TM, all in favour of the PBL group. Based on the results, the study recommended that the PBL should be adopted as alternative instructional strategy to the TM in enhancing meaningful learning in Further Mathematics classrooms and efforts should be made to integrate the philosophy of PBL into the pre-service teachers’ curriculum at the teacher-preparation institutions in Nigeria.
Immune responses to oxidative neoepitopes on LDL and phospholipids modulate the development of atherosclerosis

Abstract. Palinski W, Witztum JL (University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA). Immune responses to oxidative neoepitopes on LDL and phospholipids modulate the development of atherosclerosis (Minisymposium). J Intern Med 2000; 247: 371–380.
Quantitative label-free cell imaging by means of digital holographic miscroscopy: a roadmap for a complete characterization of biological samples

The research activity, performed at the institute for Microelectronic and Microsystems, has been devoted to the study and the development of non-destructive optical techniques for morphological analysis of biological samples. A digital holographic microscope has been designed and set up, compatible with micro-manufactured devices, for a label-free, non-destructive characterization of biological samples, as particular regard to bovine and human spermatozoa. Moreover, dedicated algorithms have been developed in order to elaborate the acquired hologram and to retrieve the needed biological parameters of the analyzed sample.
Listings and Logics

There are standard logics DTC, TC, and LFP capturing the complexity classes L, NL, and P on ordered structures, respectively. In [4] we have shown that LFP_{inv}, the ``order-invariant least fixed-point logic LFP,'' captures P (on all finite structures) if and only if there is a listing of the P subsets of the set TAUT of propositional tautologies. We are able to extend the result to listings of the L-subsets (NL-subsets) of TAUT and the logic DTC_{inv} (TC_{inv}). As a byproduct we get that LFP_{inv} captures P if DTC_{inv} captures L. Furthermore, we show that the existence of a listing of the L-subsets of TAUT is equivalent to the existence of an almost space optimal algorithm for TAUT. To obtain this result we have to derive a space version of a theorem of Levin on optimal inverters.
The Meaning of Voices in Understanding and Treating Psychosis: Moving Towards Intervention Informed by Collaborative Formulation

From a medical perspective, hearing voices is perceived as a symptom of mental illness and their content as largely irrelevant. The effectiveness of antipsychotic medication has made it central to the treatment of psychosis. However pharmacological treatment alone is rarely sufficient for this disabling condition. This review examined the feasibility of formulating an understanding of the meaning of voices in psychosis to inform intervention. Examination of the literature demonstrated the need for a paradigm shift to a recovery model, drawing on biopsychosocial factors in formulating an understanding of the meaning of voices in the context of a person’s life. Providing the opportunity to talk about their experiences may aid the development of an interpersonally coherent narrative representing opportunities for psychological growth. Findings have implications for treatment planning and assessment of outcome. Collaborative formulation regarding the subjective meaning of voices may aid in understanding their development and maintenance and guide intervention. Hearing voices with reduced negative effects on wellbeing and functioning may reduce distress and improve quality of life even in the presence of voices. CFT, CBT, Relating Therapy and Open Dialogue may be effective in applying these principles. Findings are limited by the lack of controlled studies. Further controlled studies and qualitative explorations of individual experiences are recommended.
Striatal Neuropeptides Enhance Selection and Rejection of Sequential Actions

The striatum is the primary input nucleus for the basal ganglia, and receives glutamatergic afferents from the cortex. Under the hypothesis that basal ganglia perform action selection, these cortical afferents encode potential “action requests. ” Previous studies have suggested the striatum may utilize a mutually inhibitory network of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) to filter these requests so that only those of high salience are selected. However, the mechanisms enabling the striatum to perform clean, rapid switching between distinct actions that form part of a learned action sequence are still poorly understood. Substance P (SP) and enkephalin are neuropeptides co-released with GABA in MSNs preferentially expressing D1 or D2 dopamine receptors respectively. SP has a facilitatory effect on subsequent glutamatergic inputs to target MSNs, while enkephalin has an inhibitory effect. Blocking the action of SP in the striatum is also known to affect behavioral transitions. We constructed phenomenological models of the effects of SP and enkephalin, and integrated these into a hybrid model of basal ganglia comprising a spiking striatal microcircuit and rate–coded populations representing other major structures. We demonstrated that diffuse neuropeptide connectivity enhanced the selection of unordered action requests, and that for true action sequences, where action semantics define a fixed structure, a patterning of the SP connectivity reflecting this ordering enhanced selection of actions presented in the correct sequential order and suppressed incorrect ordering. We also showed that selective pruning of SP connections allowed context–sensitive inhibition of specific undesirable requests that otherwise interfered with selection of an action group. Our model suggests that the interaction of SP and enkephalin enhances the contrast between selection and rejection of action requests, and that patterned SP connectivity in the striatum allows the “chunking” of actions and improves selection of sequences. Efficient execution of action sequences may therefore result from a combination of ordered cortical inputs and patterned neuropeptide connectivity within striatum.
Anonymous Giving as a Vice: An Application of Image Motivation

While some donors boast about their giving, others give anonymously. A novel feature of this paper is that anonymity is endogenously controlled by donors themselves, not exogenously controlled by fundraisers. Is anonymous giving really a virtue, as is generally recognised? Paradoxically, this paper proves that anonymity is a vice for fundraisers even if it is what donors desire. If many altruists (a good type) switch from known to anonymous giving, it relatively lowers the group reputation of known donors and enhances that of non-donors. These effects dilute the incentive for other individuals to become known donors, if they have psychological “image motivation”. I suggest a practical method to control the expected number of anonymous donors: fundraisers remove the “check boxes” from their web sites.
Synthesis Characterization and Antibacterial, Antifungal Activity of N-(Benzyl Carbamoyl or Carbamothioyl)-2-hydroxy Substituted Benzamide and 2-Benzyl Amino-Substituted Benzoxazines

New N-(benzyl carbamothioyl)-2-hydroxy substituted benzamides 13, 20, and 21 were synthesized using sodium bicarbonate and benzyl amine with 2-thioxo-substituted-1,3-benzoxazines 6, 10a, b, 11c, and 12a–n. The 2-thioxo-substituted-1,3-oxazines 6, 10a-b, 11d 12a–n, and 26 were converted to the corresponding 2-methylthio-substituted-1,3-oxazines 14a–l and 24 which were then converted to 2-benzyl amino-substituted-benzoxazines 15a–i by refluxing with benzylamine. Products 15a, b, e, f, and g were also synthesized by boiling the corresponding N-(benzyl carbamothioyl)-2-hydroxy substituted benzamides 13a, b, f, l, and m in acetic acid. 2-Oxo-substituted-1,3-benzoxazines 22 and 25 were prepared by treating the corresponding 2-methylthio-substituted-1,3-oxazines 14 and 24 with dilute HCl. The N-(benzyl carbamoyl)-2-hydroxy substituted benzamide 23 was synthesized from the reaction of 2-oxo-substituted-1,3-benzoxazine 22 with benzylamine. The new products were characterized using IR, 1H, and 13C NMR in addition to microanalysis. Selected compounds were tested in vitro for antibacterial and antifungi activity and the most active compounds were found to be the 4-(substituted-benzylamino)-2-hydroxy benzoic acids 9a and d (M. chlorophenolicum, MIC 50 and 25 µgm L−1, resp.), N1, N3-bis (benzyl carbamothioyl)-4,6-dihydroxy-substituted phthalamides 20a and 20c (B. subtilis MIC 12.5, 50 µgm L−1, resp.) and 21 (M. chlorophenolicum, MIC 50 µgm L−1).
Spatial embedding and the structure of complex networks

We review and discuss the structural consequences of embedding a random network within a metric space such that nodes distributed in this space tend to be connected to those nearby. We find that where the spatial distribution of nodes is maximally symmetrical some of the structural properties of the resulting networks are similar to those of random nonspatial networks. However, where the distribution of nodes is inhomogeneous in some way, this ceases to be the case, with consequences for the distribution of neighborhood sizes within the network, the correlation between the number of neighbors of connected nodes, and the way in which the largest connected component of the network grows as the density of edges is increased. We present an overview of these findings in an attempt to convey the ramifications of spatial embedding to those studying real-world complex systems. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity 16: 20–28, 2010 © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neuroprotective effect of AG490 in experimental traumatic brain injury of rats.

BACKGROUND Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in children and young adults worldwide. Therefore, we investigated the role of AG490 in regulating brain oedema, expression of CD40 and neurological function after TBI. METHODS Sprague Dawley rats (n = 240) were randomly divided into a sham operation group, TBI+saline group and TBI+AG490 (JAK/STAT inhibitor) group. Members of each group were euthanized at 6, 12, 24 or 72 hours after injury. Neurological severity score (NSS) was used to evaluate the severity of neurological damage. Brain water was quantitated by wet/dry weight method. The expression of CD40 was assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS In both the TBI+saline group and the TBI+AG490 group, the brain water content was elevated after TBI, reached a peak at 24-hour and remained high for the rest of the period investigated; the expression of CD40 reached a peak 24 hours after TBI; the NSS was elevated after TBI and then decreased after 6 hours. Elevations in the level of CD40, degree of brain edema and NSS after TBI were significantly reduced in TBI+AG490 group. CONCLUSION Inhibition of the JAK/STAT signalling pathway reduces brain oedema, decreases the expression of CD40 and exerts neuroprotective effects after TBI.
Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science Factors Relevant to Adoption of Cats in an Animal Shelter

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Surgical Neurostimulation for Spinal Cord Injury

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is a devastating neurological condition characterized by a constellation of symptoms including paralysis, paraesthesia, pain, cardiovascular, bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction. Current treatment for SCI involves acute resuscitation, aggressive rehabilitation and symptomatic treatment for complications. Despite the progress in scientific understanding, regenerative therapies are lacking. In this review, we outline the current state and future potential of invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation strategies including deep brain stimulation (DBS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS), motor cortex stimulation (MCS), transcutaneous direct current stimulation (tDCS) and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the context of SCI. We consider the ability of these therapies to address pain, sensorimotor symptoms and autonomic dysregulation associated with SCI. In addition to the potential to make important contributions to SCI treatment, neuromodulation has the added ability to contribute to our understanding of spinal cord neurobiology and the pathophysiology of SCI.
Comportamiento del gres porcelánico durante la operación de pulido

En este trabajo se ha estudiado la evolucion del gres porcelanico durante la operacion de pulido en una linea industrial. Se ha estudiado la variacion de la velocidad de desgaste con el tamano del abrasivo utilizado, comprobandose que esta se adapta a un modelo de desgaste de materiales fragiles propuesto en la bibliografia. En cuanto a las propiedades de superficie, se ha estudiado la evolucion de la topografia, de la rugosidad y del brillo durante el avance en la linea y se ha relacionado las variaciones que sufren estas ultimas propiedades con la microestructura.