Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Fatigue of the Converse Piezoelectric Effect in PZT Films for MEMS Applications

A measurement setup for the detailed study of the transverse piezoelectric coefficient e31,f in the converse (actuator) mode was developed. It allows the assessment of the piezoelectric stress in thin films on silicon cantilevers and provides for a correlation of this stress with large and small signal responses to ferroelectric polarization and dielectric response, both as a function of slowly sweeping electric field. This test is important for the understanding of piezoelectric thin films in microelectromechanical systems. The method is illustrated at hand of sol-gel lead-zirconate-titanate (PZT) thin films, and verified also with AlN and AlN-ScN alloy thin films. A 1-μm thick, sol-gel derived PZT(53/47) gradient-free sample showed a response of -18.3 C/m2 at 100-kV/cm electric field. Reliability tests of PZT thin films were carried out with the same setup in an accelerated manner. The piezoelectric activity did not degrade significantly up to 109 unipolar pulses at 100 kHz with an amplitude of -150 kV/cm. The increase in leakage toward the end of the cycles was explained by a thermal runaway effect.
Re-thinking Innovation in Organizations in the Industry 4.0 Scenario: New Challenges in a Primary Prevention Perspective

In organizations, innovation is considered a relevant aspect of success and long-term survival. Organizations recognize that innovation contributes to creating competitive advantages in a more competitive, challenging and changing labor market. The present contribution addresses innovation in organizations in the scenario of Industry 4.0, including technological innovation and psychological innovation. Innovation is a core concept in this framework to face the challenge of globalized and fluid labor market in the 21st century. Reviewing the definition of innovation, the article focuses on innovative work behaviors and the relative measures. This perspective article also suggests new directions in a primary prevention perspective for future research and intervention relative to innovation and innovative work behaviors in the organizational context.
Spinal congenital dermal sinuses: a 30-year experience.

OBJECTIVE Dermal sinus tracts are an uncommon form of spinal dysraphism often presenting in childhood with skin findings, neurologic deficit, or infection. We reviewed our surgical experience, examining presenting symptomatology, operative findings, and patient outcomes. METHODS A retrospective analysis of operated dermal sinus tract cases by the senior author (A.H.M.) from 1970 to present was made. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients were identified; 17 female and 11 male. Five cervical, 4 thoracic, 9 lumbar, and 9 lumbosacral tracts were explored. Sixteen patients presented at <1 year of age, and 12 were >1 year. Reasons for referral included cutaneous findings (15), neurologic deficit (8), foot abnormalities (4), infection (3), pain (2), and scoliosis (1). Our initial examination revealed cutaneous findings (eg, sinus ostea, pigmentation changes, erythema, skin tags, subcutaneous masses) in 27 patients and neurologic deficit in 19. Age-related differences were apparent. Patients >1 year were more likely to have neurologic deficit (92%) as compared with those <1 year (50%). Bifid spinous processes were noted at dural tract entry in 17 patients. Twenty-two tethered cords, 14 inclusion tumors, and 6 patients with evidence of arachnoiditis were found intraoperatively. Mean follow-up was 33 months. Eleven (39%) remained neurologically intact, 12 (43%) improved, 2 (7%) were unchanged, and 3 (11%) were worse with 2 having decreased perianal sensation and 1 slightly worsened motor function postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS Although most patients were referred for cutaneous stigmata evaluation, >50% had neurologic deficit, intradural tumors, or tethered cords. Skin findings identification should initiate prompt radiologic evaluation and neurosurgical intervention with intradural exploration. Timely intervention may preserve or improve neurologic function in these patients.
Stability and performance tradeoffs in bi-lateral telemanipulation

Kinesthetic force feedback provides measurable increase in remote manipulation system performance. Intensive computation time requirements or operation under conditions of time delay can cause serious stability problems in control-system design. The author presents a simplified linear analysis of this stability problem for the forward-flow generalized architecture and uses the hybrid two-port representation to express the loop gain of the traditional master-slave architecture, which can be subjected to similar analysis. The hybrid two-port representation is also used to express the effects on the fidelity of manipulation or feel of one design approach used to stabilize the forward-flow architecture. The results suggest that, when local force feedback at the slave side is used to reduce manipulator stability problems, a price is paid in terms of telemanipulation fidelity. <<ETX>>
Taking Proof-Based Verified Computation a Few Steps Closer to Practicality

We describe GINGER, a built system for unconditional, general-purpose, and nearly practical verification of outsourced computation. GINGER is based on PEPPER, which uses the PCP theorem and cryptographic techniques to implement an efficient argument system (a kind of interactive protocol). GINGER slashes the query size and costs via theoretical refinements that are of independent interest; broadens the computational model to include (primitive) floating-point fractions, inequality comparisons, logical operations, and conditional control flow; and includes a parallel GPU-based implementation that dramatically reduces latency.
The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Transplants for Tendon Healing In Vitro

nd to 5 th digits of both forepaws and hind paws were immediately harvested from 12 dogs after sacrifice for other, IACUC approved, studies. PRP Preparation: Whole blood was withdrawn into a sterile syringe containing citric acid-citrate-dextrose anticoagulant (ACD-A). PRP preparation from blood was carried out using the GPS III System (Biomet Biologic, Warsaw, IN), according to the manufacturer’s directions. A solution of 1000 units of bovine thrombin (BioPharm, Alpine, UT) per milliliter of 10% calcium chloride (Sigma, St. Louis, MO) was used to activate the PRP. This mixture was then left at room temperature for one hour to lyse the platelets and release the growth factors. The solutions were centrifuged for 5 minutes at 1500 rpm and the supernatant was collected. Platelets within whole blood and the PRP were counted according to the method of Brecher and Cronkite. BMSC Harvesting and Suspension: Bone marrow was harvested from mixed-breed dogs and centrifuged. The supernatant was removed and the bone marrow cells were cultured in α-MEM (Gibco, Grand Island, NY) containing 10% fetal calf serum and 1% antibiotics (Gibco) at 37 o C with 5% CO2. The adherent cells were defined as BMSCs. Preparation of Cell-Seeded Collagen Gel: PureCol bovine dermal collagen (Inamed Corporation, Fremont, CA) was prepared following the company’s instructions. The amounts of collagen and cell density were adjusted to a final collagen concentration of 0.5 mg/ml and initial cell density 1.0 x 10
Effects of lapatinib on cell proliferation and apoptosis in NB4 cells

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), characterized by the presence of the promyelocytic leukemia (PML)-retinoic acid α receptor (RARα) fusion protein, responds to treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO). However, drug resistance and side effects restrict the application of these reagents. Hence, the development of novel therapeutic drugs for APL treatment is critical. Lapatinib, a small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been used in the treatment of different tumors. However, it is unclear whether lapatinib exerts antitumor effects on APL. The present study investigated the antitumor effects and potential mechanisms of lapatinib on NB4 cells derived from APL. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay and colony forming analysis indicated that lapatinib inhibited NB4 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that lapatinib induced cell cycle arrest at the S phase and promoted cell apoptosis. Furthermore, Liu's staining and Hoechst 33258 staining revelaed that lapatinib treatment induced an apoptotic nuclear phenomenon. Furthermore, lapatinib induced apoptosis by decreasing Bcl-2 and PML-RARα levels, and by increasing the levels of Bax, cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9. In addition, lapatinib increased the levels of phospho-p38 MAPK and phospho-JNK, and decreased the levels of phospho-Akt. The p38 inhibitor PD169316 partially blocked lapatinib-induced proliferation inhibition and apoptosis, whereas the JNK inhibitor SP600125 had no such effects. Therefore, treatment with lapatinib may be a promising strategy for APL therapy.
The rendezvous technique for the treatment of choledocholithiasis.

BACKGROUND The rendezvous technique combines endoscopy with percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography to facilitate cannulation of the bile duct when previous attempts have failed. METHODS Over a 7-year period, a total of 1753 ERCPs were performed. Twelve of these patients with a diagnosis of choledocholithiasis were poor candidates for surgery. Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography as well as ERCP with precut papillotomy failed to resolve biliary obstruction. In a further 2 cases the percutaneous approach was used by means of a T-tube positioned at a prior cholecystectomy. OBSERVATIONS The combined procedure was successful in 13 patients (93%). It was unsuccessful in 1 patient because of a stone lodged distally near the papilla. There was only 1 complication (7%), a retroperitoneal perforation that occurred during papillotomy; no mortality was directly attributable to the technique. CONCLUSIONS The rendezvous technique is recommended for patients who are not eligible for surgery when ERCP is unsuccessful and when it is impossible to resolve biliary obstruction by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography.
ProPPR: Efficient First-Order Probabilistic Logic Programming for Structure Discovery, Parameter Learning, and Scalable Inference

A key challenge in statistical relational learning is to develop a semantically rich formalism that supports efficient probabilistic reasoning using large collections of extracted information. This paper presents a new, scalable probabilistic logic called ProPPR, which further extends stochastic logic programs (SLP) to a framework that enables efficient learning and inference on graphs: using an abductive second-order probabilistic logic, we show that first-order theories can be automatically generated via parameter learning; that in parameter learning, weight learning can be performed using parallel stochastic gradient descent with a supervised personalized PageRank algorithm; and that most importantly, queries can be approximately grounded with a small graph, and inference is independent of the size of the database.
Neuronal mechanisms of phencyclidine-induced place aversion and preference in the conditioned place preference task.

Place conditioning paradigms are widely used for determining the motivational properties of drugs. Phencyclidine (PCP) has been a common drug of abuse during the past two decades and has a rewarding effect in animals. However, PCP produces place aversion in the conditioned place preference (CPP) task in animals. Here, we report the possible neuronal mechanisms of PCP-induced place aversion and preference in the CPP task in rodents. In naive rats and mice, PCP dose-dependently produced place aversion and PCP had a significant effect at the doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg in rats and mice, respectively. The aversive effect of PCP (4 mg/kg) in rats was significantly attenuated by ritanserin (3 and 10 mg/kg), a serotonin 15-HT2) receptor antagonist whereas the lesion of serotonergic (5-HTergic) neurons by 5,7-dihydroxytryptamine (100 micrograms i.c.v.) and alpha-methyl-rho-tyrosine (AMPT; 100 mg/kg), a tyrosine hydroxylase inhibitor, did not affect the aversive effect of PCP. In rats pretreated with PCP (10 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, tolerance was developed to PCP (4 mg/kg)-induced place aversion. In rats and mice pretreated with PCP (10 mg/kg/day) for 28 days, however, PCP dose-dependently produced place preference but not aversion. The preferred effect of PCP (8 mg/kg) in mice preteated with PCP (10 mg/kg/day for 28 days) was significantly attenuated by AMPT (100 mg/kg) and 6-hydroxydopamine (100 micrograms i.c.v.) a dopaminergic (DAergic) neurotoxin, but not by DSP-4 (30 mg/kg), a noradrenergic neurotoxin and ritanserin. In mice pretreated with methamphetamine (1 mg/kg/day) for 14 days, PCP (8 mg/kg) produced place preference. These findings suggest that 5-HTergic and DAergic systems are involved in the PCP-induced place aversion and preference, respectively, and some changes in the neuronal systems including DAergic systems, induced by repeated PCP treatment play a critical role in the addiction of PCP.
Variability of particulate seawater properties related to bottom mixed layer‐associated internal waves in shallow water on a time scale of hours

To obtain information on relations between internal wave‐controlled hydrographic variability in bottom mixed layers (BMLs) and particle‐associated BML parameters, depth distributions of density, relative turbidity, relative chlorophyll a (Chl a), relative phycoerythrin fluorescence (Phyco), total particulate matter (TPM), particulate carbon (PC), and particulate nitrogen (PN) were obtained at a shallow‐water site in the southwestern Baltic Sea in July 2001 in the course of a temporally highly resolved 1‐d time series. The density distribution showed evidence for a BML and undulations of BML thickness probably caused by near‐inertial internal waves. Relative pigment fluorescence in the BML and in the layer above the BML was inversely coupled and related to the wave. Dense transient PC‐ and PN‐depleted TPM clouds, having the highest TPM loads in the BML, occurred on leading wave faces. Leading wave faces and wave backs are suggested to be locations of preferred vertical exchange between adjacent compartments (surface sediment, BML, layer above BML). Different processes control relative turbidity in the BML (decoupled from Chl a) and in the layer above the BML (coupled to Chl a). Most of the time, spatial variability of the Chl a/Phyco ratio was higher within the BML than in the layer above the BML. The Brunt—Väisälä frequency within the layer above the BML was positively and negatively related to the thickness of the BML and the layer above the BML, respectively. The dataset indicates that the BML itself and in coaction with passing internal waves effectively controls the communication between interior water column and sediment.
Inactivation of CDK/pRb Pathway Normalizes Survival Pattern of Lymphoblasts Expressing the FTLD-Progranulin Mutation c.709-1G>A

Background Mutations in the progranulin (PGRN) gene, leading to haploinsufficiency, cause familial frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD-TDP), although the pathogenic mechanism of PGRN deficit is largely unknown. Allelic loss of PGRN was previously shown to increase the activity of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) CDK6/pRb pathway in lymphoblasts expressing the c.709-1G>A PGRN mutation. Since members of the CDK family appear to play a role in neurodegenerative disorders and in apoptotic death of neurons subjected to various insults, we investigated the role of CDK6/pRb in cell survival/death mechanisms following serum deprivation. Methodology/Principal Findings We performed a comparative study of cell viability after serum withdrawal of established lymphoblastoid cell lines from control and carriers of c.709-1G>A PGRN mutation, asymptomatic and FTLD-TDP diagnosed individuals. Our results suggest that the CDK6/pRb pathway is enhanced in the c.709-1G>A bearing lymphoblasts. Apparently, this feature allows PGRN-deficient cells to escape from serum withdrawal-induced apoptosis by decreasing the activity of executive caspases and lowering the dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential and the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria. Inhibitors of CDK6 expression levels like sodium butyrate or the CDK6 activity such as PD332991 were able to restore the vulnerability of lymphoblasts from FTLD-TDP patients to trophic factor withdrawal. Conclusion/Significance The use of PGRN-deficient lymphoblasts from FTLD-TDP patients may be a useful model to investigate cell biochemical aspects of this disease. It is suggested that CDK6 could be potentially a therapeutic target for the treatment of the FTLD-TDP.
Metabolomic Analysis of Complex Chinese Remedies: Examples of Induced Nephrotoxicity in the Mouse from a Series of Remedies Containing Aristolochic Acid

Aristolochic acid nephropathy is caused by aristolochic acid (AA) and AA-containing herbs. In traditional Chinese medicine, a principle called “Jun-Chen-Zou-Shi” may be utilized to construct a remedial herbal formula that attempts to mitigate the toxicity of the main ingredient. This study used Bu-Fei-A-Jiao-Tang (BFAJT) to test if the compound remedy based on a principle of “Jun-Chen-Zou-Shi” can decrease the toxicity of AA-containing herbs. We compared the three toxicities of AA standard, Madouling (an Aristolochia herb), and a herbal formula BFAJT. AA standard was given for BALB/c mice at a dose of 5 mg/kg bw/day or 7.5 mg/kg bw/day for 10 days. Madouling and BFAJT were given at an equivalence of AA 0.5 mg/kg bw/day for 21 days. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated by metabolomics and histopathology. The urinary metabolomics profiles were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The spectral data was analyzed with partial least squares discriminant analysis, and the significant differential metabolites between groups were identified. The result showed different degrees of acute renal tubular injuries, and metabolomics analysis found that the kidney injuries were focused in proximal renal tubules. Both metabolomics and pathological studies revealed that AA standard, Madouling, and BFAJT were all nephrotoxicants. The compositions of the compound remedy did not diminish the nephrotoxicity caused by AA.
Game Theoretic Approaches for Multiple Access in Wireless Networks: A Survey

Multiple access methods in a wireless network allow multiple nodes to share a set of available channels for data transmission. The nodes can either compete or cooperate with each other to access the channel(s) so that either an individual or a group objective can be achieved. Game theory, which is a mathematical tool developed to understand the interaction among rational entities, can be applied to model and to analyze individual or group behaviour of nodes for multiple access in wireless networks. Game theory also enables us to model the selfish/malicious behaviour of nodes, and subsequently design the punishment or defense mechanisms for robust multiple access in wireless networks. In addition, game models can provide distributed solutions to the multiple access problems, which are based on solid theoretical foundations. In this survey, we provide a comprehensive review of the game models (e.g., noncooperative/cooperative, static/dynamic, and complete/incomplete information) developed for different multiple access schemes (i.e., contention-free and contention-based random channel access) in wireless networks. We consider time-division multiple access (TDMA), frequency-division multiple access (FDMA), and code-division multiple access (CDMA), ALOHA, and carrier sense multiple access (CSMA)-based wireless networks. In addition, game models for multiple access in dynamic spectrum access-based cognitive radio networks are reviewed. The major findings from the game models used for these different access schemes are highlighted. To this end, several of the key open research directions are outlined.
Undergraduate ESL Students' Engagement in Academic Reading and Writing in Learning to Write a Synthesis Paper.

As an important and a challenging source-based writing task, synthesizing offers rich opportunities to explore the connections between reading and writing. In this article, we report findings from a qualitative study of two Chinese students’ learning experiences with academic synthesis writing in a university ESL composition course. Specifically, we discuss how the two students’ understanding of synthesis and sources influenced their synthesis writing practices and how they perceived the connections between their reading strategies and synthesis writing processes. Our results reveal that the students’ understanding of synthesis and the functions of sources played a crucial role in learning to synthesize, as did their ability to use rhetorical reading strategies to complete this new literacy task. We argue that whether second language (L2) students understand the complex reading-writing relationships underlying synthesizing is crucial for their successful textual production. These findings carry valuable implications for understanding reading and writing connections and teaching L2 source-based writing.
Production , Manufacturing and Logistics Demand forecast sharing in a dual-channel supply chain

We assess the benefits of sharing demand forecast information in a manufacturer–retailer supply chain, consisting of a traditional retail channel and a direct channel. The demand is a linear function of price with a Gaussian primary demand (i.e., zero-price market potential). Both the manufacturer and the retailer set their price based on their forecast of the primary demand. In this setting, we investigate the value of sharing demand forecasts. We analyze the make-toorder scenario, in which prices are set before and production takes place after the primary demand is known, and the make-to-stock scenario, in which production takes place and prices are set before the primary demand is known. We also compare the supply chain performance with and without the direct channel under some assumptions (production cost is zero, and each demand function has the same slope of price). We find that the direct channel has a negative impact on the retailer s performance, and, under some conditions, the manufacturer and the whole supply chain are better off. Our research extends and complements prior research that has investigated only the inventory and replenishment-related benefits of information sharing. 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
High‐throughput sequencing reveals neustonic and planktonic microbial eukaryote diversity in coastal waters

Neustonic organisms inhabit the sea surface microlayer (SML) and have important roles in marine ecosystem functioning. Here, we use high‐throughput 18S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize protist and fungal diversity in the SML at a coastal time‐series station and compare with underlying plankton assemblages. Protist diversity was higher in February (pre‐bloom) compared to April (spring bloom), and was lower in the neuston than in the plankton. Major protist groups, including Stramenopiles and Alveolata, dominated both neuston and plankton assemblages. Chrysophytes and diatoms were enriched in the neuston in April, with diatoms showing distinct changes in community composition between the sampling periods. Pezizomycetes dominated planktonic fungi assemblages, whereas fungal diversity in the neuston was more varied. This is the first study to utilize a molecular‐based approach to characterize neustonic protist and fungal assemblages, and provides the most comprehensive diversity assessment to date of this ecosystem. Variability in the SML microeukaryote assemblage structure has potential implications for biogeochemical and food web processes at the air‐sea interface.