Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Respostas agronômicas e morfológicas de Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. IPR-86 Milênio, sob pastejo, à adubação nitrogenada

Aiming to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization (0; 150; 300 and 450 kg/ha/ year of N) on the agronomical and morphological characteristics of Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. IPR-86 Milenio, four grazing cycles were evaluated (GC) with five days of occupation and 35 days of rest period. The total dry mass of forage and of blades in the pre-grazing showed quadratic responses in function of nitrogen application, with maximum productions of 6709 and 3386 kg/ ha/cycle, respectively. The dry mass of stems and senescent material in the pre-grazing increased lineally with nitrogen. In the postgrazing, the nitrogen increased the total dry mass, the stems and the senescent material. LAI in pre and postgrazing, the dry mass of blades and the tillers number in the pre-grazing were higher in GC1 and GC2 (29/11/01 to 17/02/02) than in GC4 (29/03/02 to 08/05/02). LAI in the pre-grazing and the tillers density responded in a quadratic watter to N application, with maximum values of 6,28 and 190 tillers m-2, respectively. The maximum amount of dry mass of blades, maximum LAI and maximum tillers number of grass were estimated in 320; 342 and 263 kg ha-1 of N, respectively.
Cytochemical and Physiological Effects of 6‐Hydroxydopamine on Periarteriolar Nerves of Frogs

The frog retrolingual membrane was used as a model microcirculatory system for evaluating the role of neural control. Terminal arterioles were studied before and 2 to 21 days after topical application of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-HDA). When arterioles were visualized microscopically in vivo and stimulated directly with a microelectrode, 6-HDA reduced the normal, longitudinally conducted vasoconstriction to a local response. Current intensities needed for threshold responses averaged more than fourfold those of control thresholds. Nerve induced vasoconstriction was abolished, whereas nerve-induced vasodilation persisted after 6-HDA. Ultrastructurally, 6-HDA produced extensive degeneration only in perivascular nerves containing large granular vesicles, although vasomotor nerves with clear vesicles, vascular smooth muscle, Schwann cells, endothelial cells, motor end plates, and striated muscle appeared normal after 6-HDA treatment. Autoradiography and fluorescence histochemistry revealed that the perivascular nerves were no longer capable of taking up or binding exogenous catecholamine. The results indicate that topically applied 6-HDA produces selective dysfunction of adrenergic nerves correlated with fine structural degeneration. The absence of conducted vasoconstrictor responses in this preparation indicates their dependence on an intact adrenergic nerve supply.
Edge-Tree Correction for Predicting Forest Inventory Attributes Using Area-Based Approach With Airborne Laser Scanning

We describe a novel method to improve the correspondence between field and airborne laser scanning (ALS) measurements in an area-based approach (ABA) forest inventory framework. An established practice in forest inventory is that trees with boles falling within a fixed border field measurement plot are considered “in” trees; yet their crowns may extend beyond the plot border. Likewise, a tree bole may fall outside of a plot, but its crown may extend into a plot. Typical ABA approaches do not recognize these discrepancies between the ALS data extracted for a given plot and the corresponding field measurements. In the proposed solution, enhanced ABA (EABA), predicted tree positions, and crown shapes are used to adjust plot and grid cell boundaries and how ALS metrics are computed. The idea is to append crowns of “in” trees to a plot and cut down “out” trees, then EABA continues in the traditional fashion as ABA. The EABA method requires higher density ALS data than ABA because improvement is obtained by means of detecting individual trees. When compared to typical ABA, the proposed EABA method decreased the error rate (RMSE) of stem volume prediction from 23.16% to 19.11% with 127 m2 plots and from 19.08% to 16.95% with 254 m2 plots. The greatest improvements were obtained for plots with the largest residuals.
Genetic signatures of intermediate divergence: population history of Old and New World Holarctic ravens (Corvus corax)

Many studies of phylogeography, speciation, and species limits restrict their focus to a narrow issue: gene tree monophyly. However, reciprocal monophyly does not provide an ideal touchstone criterion of any aspect of evolutionary divergence. There is a continuum of divergence stages as isolated populations go from initial allele frequency differences to well‐differentiated species. Studying intermediate stages of divergence will increase our understanding of geographical speciation, species limits, and conservation priorities. We develop a conceptual framework and terminology for thinking about the stages of ‘intermediate polyphyly’. The Holarctic clade of common ravens (Corvus corax), found throughout much of Eurasia and North America, provides a case study of these stages of intermediate divergence. We used coalescent, phylogenetic, and population genetic methods to investigate the history and current status of this Old World–New World distribution using 107 mitochondrial control region sequences. Phylogenetically, New World and Old World samples are intermixed. However, most samples are grouped into small subclades that are restricted to either the New World or the Old World, and only one haplotype is shared between the hemispheres. Analysis of moleculalr variance (amova) results reflect this low haplotype sharing between hemispheres (ΦST = 0.13, P < 0.01). Isolation with Migration (im) coalescent results suggest a sustained period of divergence between the hemispheres and low levels of maternal gene flow. Although there has not been sufficient time to evolve reciprocal monophyly and some gene flow may occur, New World and Old World ravens are genetically quite distinct. We use this example to demonstrate these early stages of divergence as populations go from sharing only internal haplotypes, to sharing no haplotypes, to having population specific subclades. Studies of phylogeography, speciation and systematics will benefit from increased attention to these stages of intermediate polyphyly.
Composite adaptation for neural network-based controllers

This paper presents a novel approach to design a composite adaptation law for neural networks that uses both the system tracking errors and a prediction error containing parametric information by devising an innovative swapping procedure that uses the recently developed Robust Integral of the Sign of the Error (RISE) feedback method. Semi-global asymptotic tracking is proven for an Euler-Lagrange system.
Alcohol and nicotine dependence in French seafarers.

BACKGROUND To study the relationship between alcohol abuse or dependence as diagnosed by the CAGE questionnaire, and nicotine dependence as diagnosed by Fagerström Test of Nicotine Dependence (FTND) in French seamen. MATERIALS AND METHODS French seamen were recruited from a stratified survey of 19 ports in France. The subjects completed a questionnaire during their annual medical check-up with occupational physicians and nurses of the Occupational Health Department (Service de santé des gens de mer). FINDINGS Approximately forty-four per cent of male subjects were current smokers, and approximately sixty-three per cent of these were nicotine dependent according to FTND. More than 11% of male subjects drank alcohol every day. About 16% of these were alcohol dependent according to CAGE. A strong positive relationship has been shown between alcohol dependence and nicotine dependence. There was a highly significant difference between alcohol dependent and non-alcohol dependent subjects in the FTND. Conversely, nicotine dependent and non-nicotine dependent subjects significantly differed regarding several alcohol-related variables. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol and nicotine consumption is a major public health issue in seamen. A strong positive correlation was found between alcohol abuse or dependence and nicotine abuse or dependence. Some alcohol-related behaviours were associated with nicotine dependence, and some tobacco-related behaviours were also associated with alcohol dependence. These findings are novel for this kind of population in France. In view of these results, combined smoking cessation and alcohol consumption reduction policies should be developed in this population. Finally, future studies could analyze the work environment, which seems to be associated with consumption and dependency.
A model for Pavlovian learning: variations in the effectiveness of conditioned but not of unconditioned stimuli.

Several formal models of excitatory classical conditioning are reviewed. It is suggested that a central problem for all of them is the explanation of cases in which learning does not occur in spite of the fact that the conditioned stimulus is a signal for the reinforcer. We propose a new model that deals with this problem by specifying that certain procedures cause a conditioned stimulus (CS) to lose effectiveness; in particular, we argue that a CS will lose associability when its consequences are accurately predicted. In contrast to other current models, the effectiveness of the reinforcer remains constant throughout conditioning. The second part of the article presents a reformulation of the nature of the learning produced by inhibitory-conditioning procedures and a discussion of the way in which such learning can be accommodated within the model outlined for excitatory learning.
Rgs2 Mediates Pro-Angiogenic Function of Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment via Upregulation of MCP-1

Background Tumor growth is intimately linked with stromal interactions. Myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are dramatically elevated in cancer patients and tumor bearing mice. MDSCs modulate the tumor microenvironment through attenuating host immune response and increasing vascularization. Methodology/Principal Findings In searching for molecular mediators responsible for pro-tumor functions, we found that regulator of G protein signaling-2 (Rgs2) is highly increased in tumor-derived MDSCs compared to control MDSCs. We further demonstrate that hypoxia, a common feature associated with solid tumors, upregulates the gene expression. Genetic deletion of Rgs2 in mice resulted in a significant retardation of tumor growth, and the tumors exhibit decreased vascular density and increased cell death. Interestingly, deletion of Rgs2 in MDSCs completely abolished their tumor promoting function, suggesting that Rgs2 signaling in MDSCs is responsible for the tumor promoting function. Cytokine array profiling identified that Rgs2−/− tumor MDSCs produce less MCP-1, leading to decreased angiogenesis, which could be restored with addition of recombinant MCP-1. Conclusion Our data reveal Rgs2 as a critical regulator of the pro-angiogenic function of MDSCs in the tumor microenvironment, through regulating MCP-1 production.
Practices in security and confidentiality of HIV/AIDS patients’ information: A national survey among staff at HIV outpatient clinics in Vietnam

Introduction Breach of confidentiality or invasion of privacy from the collection and use of medical records, particularly those of patients with HIV/AIDS or other diseases sensitive to stigmatization, should be prevented by all related stakeholders in healthcare settings. The main focus of this study was to assess practices regarding security and confidentiality of HIV-related information among staff at HIV outpatient clinics (HIV-OPCs) in Vietnam. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at all 312 HIV-OPCs across the country using an online survey technique. Results In general, the staff practices for securing and protecting patient information were at acceptable levels. Most staff had proper measures and practices for maintaining data security; however, the protection of patient confidentiality, particularly for data access, sharing, and transfer still required improvement. Most HIV-OPC staff had good or moderate knowledge and positive perceptions towards security and confidentiality issues. Staff who were not trained in the practice of security measures differed significantly from those who were trained (OR: 3.74; 95%CI: 1.44–9.67); staff needing improved knowledge levels differed significantly from those with good (OR: 5.20; 95%CI: 2.39–11.32) and moderate knowledge levels (OR: 5.10; 95%CI: 2.36–11.00); and staff needing improved perception levels differed significantly from those with good (i.e., with 100% proper practices) and moderate perception levels (OR: 5.67; 95%CI: 2.93–10.95). Staff who were not trained in the protection of data confidentiality differed significantly from those who were trained (OR: 2.18; 95%CI: 1.29–3.65). Conclusions Training is an important factor to help raise the levels of proper practices regarding confidentiality and security, to improve knowledge and raise awareness about change among staff. The operation and management of HIV treatment and care in Vietnam are currently transitioning from separate healthcare clinics (HIV-OPC) into units integrated into general hospitals/healthcare facilities. The findings of this study highlight topics that could be used for improving management and operation of information system and revising guidelines and regulations on protection measures/strategies for data security and confidentiality of HIV/AIDS patients by Vietnam health authorities or other countries facing similar situations. Secure infrastructure and secure measures for data access and use are very important, worthwhile investments. The provision of continuous training and active enforcement and monitoring of the practices of healthcare personnel might lead to an improved understanding and acknowledegement of the importance of national policies/guidelines regarding HIV-related patient information.
Evaluation of subjective video quality of mobile devices

Subjectively perceived video quality is a critical factor when adopting new mobile video applications. When video is used in mobile networks the most important requirements are related to low bitrates, framerates and the screen size of mobile device. In two tests we investigated the effects of codecs and combinations of audio and video streams with low bitrates and different contents on the perceived video quality of mobile devices. The first test showed that the codec H.264 produced the most satisfying video quality, but the quality was not high enough for the presentation of textual information. In the second test, the audio-video ratio 32/128kbps was found to be the most pleasant, but there were content dependent variations.
Feline Leukemia Virus Long Terminal Repeat Activates Collagenase IV Gene Expression through AP-1

ABSTRACT Leukemia and lymphoma induced by feline leukemia viruses (FeLVs) are the commonest forms of illness in domestic cats. These viruses do not contain oncogenes, and the source of their pathogenic activity is not clearly understood. Mechanisms involving proto-oncogene activation subsequent to proviral integration and/or development of recombinant viruses with enhanced replication properties are thought to play an important role in their disease pathogenesis. In addition, the long terminal repeat (LTR) regions of these viruses have been shown to be important determinants for pathogenicity and tissue specificity, by virtue of their ability to interact with various transcription factors. Previously, we have shown that, in the case of Moloney murine leukemia virus, the U3 region of the LTR independently induces transcriptional activation of specific cellular genes through an LTR-generated RNA transcript (S. Y. Choi and D. V. Faller, J. Biol. Chem. 269:19691–19694, 1994; S.-Y. Choi and D. V. Faller, J. Virol. 69:7054–7060, 1995). In this report, we show that the U3 region of exogenous FeLV LTRs can induce transcription from collagenase IV (matrix metalloproteinase 9) and monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) promoters up to 12-fold. We also show that AP-1 DNA-binding activity and transcriptional activity are strongly induced in cells expressing FeLV LTRs and that LTR-specific RNA transcripts are generated in those cells. Activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases 1 and 2 (MEK1 and -2) by the LTR is an intermediate step in the FeLV LTR-mediated induction of AP-1 activity. These findings thus suggest that the LTRs of FeLVs can independently activate transcription of specific cellular genes. This LTR-mediated cellular gene transactivation may play an important role in tumorigenesis or preleukemic states and may be a generalizable activity of leukemia-inducing retroviruses.
Thrombin induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition and collagen production by retinal pigment epithelial cells via autocrine PDGF-receptor signaling.

PURPOSE De-differentiation of RPE cells into mesenchymal cells (epithelial-mesenchymal transition; EMT) and associated collagen production contributes to development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). In patients with PVR, intraocular coagulation cascade activation occurs and may play an important initiating role. Therefore, we examined the effect of the coagulation proteins factor Xa and thrombin on EMT and collagen production by RPE cells. METHODS Retinal pigment epithelial cells were stimulated with factor Xa or thrombin and the effect on zonula occludens (ZO)-1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B were determined by real-time quantitative-polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR), immunofluorescence microscopy, and HPLC and ELISA for collagen and PDGF-BB in culture supernatants, respectively. PDGF-receptor activation was determined by phosphorylation analysis and inhibition studies using the PDGF-receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor AG1296. RESULTS Thrombin reduced ZO-1 gene expression (P < 0.05) and enhanced expression of the genes encoding α-SMA and the pro-alpha1 chain of collagen type-1 (P < 0.05), indicating EMT. Also, ZO-1 protein expression declined on thrombin stimulation, whereas production of α-SMA and collagen increased. In contrast to thrombin, factor Xa hardly stimulated EMT by RPE. Thrombin clearly induced PDGF-BB production and PDGF-Rβ chain phosphorylation in RPE. Moreover, AG1296 significantly blocked the effect of thrombin on EMT and collagen production. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that thrombin is a potent inducer of EMT by RPE via autocrine activation of PDGF-receptor signaling. Coagulation cascade-induced EMT of RPE may thus contribute to the formation of fibrotic retinal membranes in PVR and should be considered as treatment target in PVR.
HbA1c of 6.5% to Diagnose Diabetes Mellitus — Does It Work for Us? — The Bellville South Africa Study

Background HbA1c has been the gold standard for glycaemic control follow-up for decades. In 2009, a level of 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) was proposed as diagnostic for diabetes. We test this cut-off in our community. Methods Participants (946) from a community-based study were screened for diabetes using either a fasting blood glucose or oral glucose tolerance test (OFTT). The HbA1c cut-off of 6.5% was tested for each group. A receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve for both groups was generated to establish an optimal cut-off. Results Our study included 224 (23.7%) males and 722 (76.3%) females. Using fasting blood glucose alone, 117 (14%) were diagnosed with diabetes −50% had an HbA1c value of ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol). Using an OGTT, 147 (18%) were diagnosed with diabetes −46% had an HbA1c value of ≥6.5% (48 mmol/mol). ROC curves found a level of 6.1% (43 mmol/mol) to be optimal in both groups (AUC 0.85 and 0.82 respectively). The sensitivities were 80% and 75% and the specificities 77% and 78% respectively. Conclusions A cut off of 6.5% (48 mmol/mol) is a good diagnostic tool with its high specificity; however the low sensitivity limits its use. We found a level of 6.1% (43 mmol/mol) to be optimal. This emphasizes the need for evidenced based values to be established in various population groups.
A Geometric Preferential Attachment Model of Networks II

We study a random graph G n that combines certain aspects of geometric random graphs and preferential attachment graphs. This model yields a graph with power law degree distribution where the expansion property depends on a tunable parameter of the model. The vertices of G n are n sequentially generated points, x 1, x 2, . , x n , chosen uniformly at random from the unit sphere in R3 After generating x t , we randomly connect it to m points from those points x 1, x 2, . , x t−1.
Syndesmosis Fixation Using Dual 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm Screws With Tricortical and Quadricortical Purchase

Background: Grade 3 syndesmosis (high ankle) sprains of the ankle are frequently treated using screws that fix the distal fibula to the tibia. We hypothesized that forces acting on the distal fibula and displacements of the distal fibula relative to the tibia recorded during simulated ankle loading tests would be significantly affected by syndesmosis screw size and the number of engaged tibial cortices. Methods: Distal fibular forces and displacements were measured after cutting the distal inferior tibiofibular ligaments and fixing the distal fibula to the distal fibula with 2 syndesmosis screws. Screws of 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm were applied with tricortical and quadricortical purchase. Results: There were no significant differences in distal fibular forces or displacements between any combination of screw size and cortical purchase tested. The highest mean fibular force recorded in the study (110.2 N) occurred when 10 N-m of external foot torque was applied to a dorsiflexed ankle loaded with 1000 N axial weight-bearing force. For ankle dorsiflexion and external foot torque tests, the distal fibula always displaced posteriorly with respect to the tibia. Mean displacements of the fibula from 1000 N applied axial weight-bearing force (maximum 0.15 mm) and from 10 N-m of forced foot dorsiflexion (maximum 0.43 mm) were considerably less than those from 10 N-m external foot torque (1.7 mm to 2.7 mm). Conclusions: Screw size and the number of engaged tibial cortices had no significant effect on mechanical stability of the distal fibula during these tests. Application of external foot torque (internal tibial torque) to a weight-bearing ankle produced the greatest bending displacements of the screws, and should be avoided during rehabilitation to reduce the possibility of screw breakage. Clinical Relevance: In terms of mechanical stability, surgeons may have considerable flexibility with regard to screw fixation of high ankle sprains.
A Novel High Step-Up DC–DC Converter With Continuous Input Current Integrating Coupled Inductor for Renewable Energy Applications

In this paper, a nonisolated dc–dc converter with high voltage gain is presented. Three diodes, three capacitors, an inductor, and a coupled inductor are employed in the presented converter. Since the inductor is connected to the input, the low input current ripple is achieved, which is important for tracking maximum power point of photovoltaic panels. The voltage stress across switch <italic>S</italic> is clamped by diode <italic>D</italic><sub> 1</sub> and capacitor <italic>C</italic><sub>1</sub>. Therefore, a main switch with low on-resistance <italic>R<sub>DS </sub></italic><sub>(on)</sub> can be employed to reduce the conduction loss. Besides, the main switch is turned <sc>on </sc> under zero current. This reduces the switching loss. The steady-state analysis of the proposed converter is discussed in this paper. Finally, the proposed converter prototype circuit is implemented to justify the validity of the analysis.