Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Binary system thermodynamics to control pore architecture of PCL scaffold via temperature-driven phase separation process

The use of scaffold-aided strategies for the regeneration of biological tissues requires the fulfilment of an accurate architectural design, that is, micro and macrostructure, with the final goal of realizing architectures to adopt as guidance for those cell activities specific to the formation of novel tissues. Here, highly porous scaffolds made up of biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) have been realized by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS). Two different polymer/solvent systems, derived by the dissolution of PCL in dioxane and DMSO respectively, were investigated. The aim was to demonstrate the high potential of TIPS technique, in imprinting specific pore features to the polymer matrices, by a conscious selection of polymer/solvent systems. The investigation of pore architecture by SEM/mercury intrusion porosimetry/image analyses, firstly allow to detect remarkable variations in porosity (from 92% to 78%,) and pore sizes, ranging from micro-scale (ca 10 µm) to macro-scale (greater than 100 µm) as a function of the used polymer/solvent systems. Moreover, experimental and theoretical evidences referred to scaffold shaped in custom-made molds – a thin Teflon ring between two copper plates – allow exploring how the sensitivity of polymer solution features (i.e., crystallinity, thermal inertia) to the cooling temperature can affect the alignment of polymer phases and, ultimately, scaffold pore anisotropy. Analytical results supported by preliminary biological studies demonstrate the higher ability of PCL/dioxane solution to promote the formation of aligned pores which provide a morphological guidance to cell advance during the preliminary stage of culture. These findings, taken as a whole, put the basis for a better informed regeneration of structurally complex tissues based on the modeling of scaffold micro and macro-architecture by thermodynamic forces.
Robotic Color Image Segmentation by Means of Finite Mixture Models

Abstract— Image segmentation for robots requires to be fast, in order to deal with ever more powerful processors. Moreove r, it is assumed to be robust to environmental changes, such as lig ht conditions. In this paper we propose the application of a cou ple of unsupervised learning algorithms for the estimation of the number of components and the parameters of a mixture model for image segmentation. These serve for the unsupervised identificat ion of multiple different objects in a visual scene, such as for a su bsequent localization and tracking. We compare our previous techniq ue against the new one. The distinctive aspect of our new approa ch is related to a top-down hierarchical search for the number o f components by means of a binary tree decision structure. Thi s work analyzes both approaches, two previous work of ours, in terms of applicability to object detection for robotic appl ications. Besides, we propose the computational burden evaluation fo r the two algorithms. Index Terms Robotics, Computer Vision, Object Segmentation, Unsupervised Learning, Self-Adapting Expecta tion Maximization
Cranial cruciate ligament rupture in large and giant dogs

Summary Forty-two dogs weighing between 30 and 87 kg (mean body weight of 49 kg) with cranial cruciate ligament ruptures (CCLR) were treated with a modified lateral extra-capsular stabilization using braided polyester prosthetic ligament-suture anchor technique. Clinical and radiographic outcomes of 48 stifles were retrospectively evaluated with a mean follow-up of 18 months. Ten dogs had pulled out their bone anchors with no clinical relevance. Draining tracts did not appear. Despite mild radiographic progression of osteoarthritis, all of the dogs regained acceptable function of the operated limb.
Effect of Self-efficacy Intervention on Quality of Life of Patients With Intestinal Stoma

Colorectal carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the most prevalent cause of cancer mortality in China. The Miles operation and permanent colostomy are effective treatment. However, these affect the quality of life of patients as they alter normal defecation. Self-efficacy is used to define an individuals' assessments of their ability to perform a specific behavior successfully. It is regarded as an important belief that can predict health behaviors. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of a self-efficacy intervention on the quality of life of patients with a permanent colostomy. Forty-eight patients in treatment for permanent colostomy surgery were divided into the control and intervention groups. The control group received routine nursing; the intervention group was exposed to a 3-month self-efficacy intervention, as well as routine nursing. The two groups completed the Chinese version of a self-efficacy questionnaire at 10 days, 1 month, and 3 months after surgery. Three months after surgery, the two groups also completed a quality-of-life questionnaire. There were significant differences in the quality of life between the two groups. The self-efficacy intervention nursing method improved self-efficacy and the quality of life of patients with intestinal stoma and is worthy of clinical utilization and application.
Comparison of Modis Emissivity Observation with Laboratory Measurements

The main aim of this work is to analyze the thermal infrared (TIR) emissivity retrievals from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MODIS) sensor onboard National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)'s Terra satellite. The emissivities are compared with the laboratory spectra of the soil samples. Nearly two years of 8-day and monthly composites of TIR surface emissivity data from the day/night LST algorithm were analyzed for temporal variations over White Sands and the Sahara desert. An emissivity increase for band 29 (8.6 mum) was observed at the end of 2005. We believe that the increase is due to soil moisture. The study shows that surface infrared emissivities derived from the MODIS data preserves well the spectral shape of the soils, being the agreement with laboratory measurements about 2 or 3% in average.
A c.1019A > G mutation in FGFR2, which predicts p.Tyr340Cys, in a lethally malformed fetus with Pfeiffer syndrome and multiple pterygia

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) have pleiotropic roles in human morphogenesis that are enacted via receptors including FGFR2. These pathways are critical to multiple phases of limb development [Wilkie et al., 2002]. FGFR2 gain of function mutations cause craniosynostosis syndromes, including Pfeiffer syndrome, which include limb manifestations. Multiple pterygia are occasionally reported in fetuses with the akinesia sequence [Hall, 1997] as a component of lethal multiple pterygium syndromes (LMPS). The phenotypic spectrum of LMPS includes intrauterine growth retardation, pterygia, contractures, skeletal anomalies, and subcutaneous edema. Rarely, the etiology of LMPS can be attributed to brain, spinal cord, or skeletal muscle abnormalities. A number of modes of inheritance have been reported with autosomal recessive being the most common [OMIM 253290]. While CHRNG mutations have been reported to cause LMPS [Morgan et al., 2006], the majority of cases of LMPS and overlapping fetal phenotypes remain unresolved at the molecular level. We report the novel finding of a fetus with multiple pterygia and in utero lethality associated with an FGFR2 mutation. Theprobandwas the result of thefirst pregnancyof a nonconsanguineous couple with a maternal age of 35 years at delivery. There was no gestational diabetes nor was there any recognized teratogen exposure. First trimester screening for aneuploidy gave a low risk result and gestational age by last known menstrual period was concordant with ultrasonic dating at 12 weeks and 3 days. The fetal ultrasound anatomy survey at 19 weeks and 1 day gestation revealed fetal death with a phenotypically female fetus with growth parameters consistent with a 16-week fetus. Findings at post-mortem included pterygium coli, pterygia of the axillae and elbows, reduced muscle bulk, broad great toes, a flat mid-facial profile, proptosis with shallow orbits, apparent hypertelorism, open palpebral fissures, low-set ears, and patent nares and choanae, but no abnormalities of the mouth, tongue, lips, alveolar plates or palate. Aside from pterygium coli, the neck and back were otherwise normal. All tissues were macerated, but allowing for this no identifiable abnormalities were found in the heart, thymus, adrenals, spleen, or diaphragm. The following tissues could not be meaningfully assessed: stomach, pancreas, intestine, larynx, and brain. A full-body radiograph revealed broad ribs, mildly shortened long bones with anterolateral bowing of the tibiae, and to a lesser extent the radii (Fig. 1). A G-banded karyotype (550 band resolution) of placental tissue was 46,XX and parental karyotypes were also normal. Given the digital and skeletal abnormalities, in combination with the facial features, FGFR2 sequencing was performed (methods available upon request), which showed a c.1019A>G mutation, which predicts p.Tyr340Cys. The parent’s clinical examination findings were unremarkable and they did not have the c.1019A>G mutation. Assuming biological parentage, this supports, but
[C ii] AND 12CO(1–0) EMISSION MAPS IN HLSJ091828.6+514223: A STRONGLY LENSED INTERACTING SYSTEM AT z = 5.24

We present Submillimeter Array [C ii] 158 μm and Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array 12CO(1–0) line emission maps for the bright, lensed, submillimeter source at z = 5.2430 behind A 773: HLSJ091828.6+514223 (HLS0918). We combine these measurements with previously reported line profiles, including multiple 12CO rotational transitions, [C i], water, and [N ii], providing some of the best constraints on the properties of the interstellar medium in a galaxy at z > 5. HLS0918 has a total far-infrared (FIR) luminosity LFIR(8−1000 μm) = (1.6 ± 0.1) × 1014 L☉ μ−1, where the total magnification μtotal = 8.9 ± 1.9, via a new lens model from the [C ii] and continuum maps. Despite a HyLIRG luminosity, the FIR continuum shape resembles that of a local LIRG. We simultaneously fit all of the observed spectral line profiles, finding four components that correspond cleanly to discrete spatial structures identified in the maps. The two most redshifted spectral components occupy the nucleus of a massive galaxy, with a source-plane separation <1 kpc. The reddest dominates the continuum map (demagnified LFIR, component = (1.1 ± 0.2) × 1013 L☉) and excites strong water emission in both nuclear components via a powerful FIR radiation field from the intense star formation. A third star-forming component is most likely a region of a merging companion (ΔV ∼ 500 km s−1) exhibiting generally similar gas properties. The bluest component originates from a spatially distinct region and photodissociation region analysis suggests that it is lower density, cooler, and forming stars less vigorously than the other components. Strikingly, it has very strong [N ii] emission, which may suggest an ionized, molecular outflow. This comprehensive view of gas properties and morphology in HLS0918 previews the science possible for a large sample of high-redshift galaxies once ALMA attains full sensitivity.
Identification of inhibitors of tryptophan hydroxylase 1

vii ABBREVIATIONS. ix
Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Musculoskeletal Complaints in a General Acupuncture Practice: An Observational Study

Background Musculoskeletal complaints are associated with a large medical and societal burden. Although acupuncture is a frequently used therapy for musculoskeletal complaints, little is known about the effect on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Objectives The aim of this study was to (i) compare the HRQoL of patients undergoing routine acupuncture treatment for musculoskeletal complaints with a Dutch population sample; (ii) investigate changes in HRQoL during the course of acupuncture treatment. Methods An observational study of 26 patients between 18 and 65 years of age in a single acupuncture practice was performed. HRQoL was measured on eight functional domains using a RAND-36 health survey at baseline and after six and 12 treatment sessions. Baseline RAND-36 scores were compared to data from a Dutch population sample (n=1063) using t test, and longitudinal data were analysed using repeated measurement analyses. Results At baseline, patients had significantly lower RAND-36 scores compared to the Dutch population sample for three domains: role-physical limitations (51.9 vs 79.4; p<0.001), bodily pain (49.3 vs 79.5; p<0.001) and social functioning (75.5 vs 86.9; p=0.005). During the course of treatment, RAND-36 scores increased significantly for five domains: physical functioning (79.3 vs 97.4; p<0.001), role-physical functioning (51.4 vs 94.1; p<0.001), bodily pain (47.3 vs 95.7, p<0.001), social functioning (74.5 vs 92.0, p<0.001) and vitality (69.1 vs 85.7; p<0.001). Conclusion The observed improvements in HRQoL suggest a subjective, clinically relevant, benefit of routine acupuncture therapy in treating musculoskeletal complaints.
What impact do structured educational sessions to increase emotional intelligence have on medical students? BEME Guide No. 17

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) is a type of social intelligence that involves monitoring, discriminating between and using emotions to guide thinking and actions. EI is related to interpersonal and communication skills, and is important in the assessment and training of medical undergraduates. Aim: This review aimed to determine the impact of structured educational interventions on the EI of medical students. Methods: We systematically searched 14 electronic databases and hand searched high yield journals. We looked at changes in EI and related behaviour of medical students, assessed using Kirkpatrick's hierarchy, provided they could be directly related to the content of the educational intervention. Results: A total of 1947 articles were reviewed, of which 14 articles met the inclusion criteria. Conclusions: The use of simulated patients is beneficial in improving EI when introduced in interventions later rather than earlier in undergraduate medical education. Regardless of duration of intervention, interventions have the best effects when delivered: (1) over a short space of time; (2) to students later in their undergraduate education and; (3) to female students. This should be taken into account when designing and delivering interventions. Emphasising the importance of empathetic qualities, such as empathetic communication style should be made explicit during teaching.
Antenna-filter-antenna-based cell for linear-to-circular polarizer transmit-array

In this paper, we propose a dual-band linear-to-circular polarization converter element based on the antenna-filter-antenna (AFA) structure. The traits of this cell include thin three-layer structure and ability to convert a linear incident wave to two orthogonal circular polarizations at two non-adjacent frequency bands. This combination of physical and electrical specifications makes this cell a novel solution. An example of this cell suitable for satellite communication is designed to operate at 20GHz and 30GHz (satellite Ka-band) with 4% and 8% bandwidth, respectively.
User experience evaluation of virtual reality-based cultural gamification using GameFlow approach

This paper presents some empiric results on the effect of some game player profiles to their user experience. The cultural gamification prototype for this study is developed using Virtual Reality technology on Google Cardboard in which some elements of Indonesian culture is used in part of the game story. Dataset for the game evaluation is collected using survey method. Data collection is implemented using self-administered questionnaire which is developed based on GameFlow framework. The respondent population is the college students who like to play games. The survey samples are chosen using purposive sampling technique. The results of this study indicate that there is a strong association of playing frequency and personality traits to game user experiences. Also, there is a weak association between gender and age to game user experiences. These research findings are valuable for game designer to design enjoyable and educational games.
Hashtag of Instagram: From Folksonomy to Complex Network

The Instagram is a social network for smartphones created in 2010 and acquired by Facebook in 2012. It currently has more than 300 million registered users and allows for the immediate upload of images (square, inspired by Polaroid), to which users can associate hashtags and comments. Moreover, connections can be created between users that share the same interests. In our work, we intend to analyze the hashtags entered by users: the use of such hashtags, as it happens in other social networks like Twitter, generates a folksonomy, that is a user-driven classification of information. We intend to map that folksonomy as a complex network to which we can associate all the typical analysis and evaluations of such a mathematical model. Our purpose is to use the resulting complex network as a marketing tool, in order to improve brand or product awareness.
Comparisons of the Laccase Gene among Serotypes and Melanin‐Deficient Variants of Cryptococcus neoformans

Cryptococcus neoformans is a fungus causing life‐threatening infections in immunocompromised hosts. Melanin production is a major virulence factor of this fungus and the initial steps of dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA)‐melanin biosynthesis pathways are catalyzed by laccase. To understand phylogenetic relationships among serotypes of three varieties, partial sequences (about 600 bases) of the laccase gene (CNLAC1) were determined in a total of 64 strains, including 10 melanin‐deficient variants. The phylogenetic tree constructed from the nucleotide sequence grouped the 64 strains into the clusters corresponding to the three varieties. The diversity of the fragment sequences was very minor among strains of each of var. grubii and var. neoformans. Strains in var. gattii, however, were subdivided into two groups, although differences between serotypes B and C were not large. The sequences of the melanin‐deficient variants were almost completely homologous to those of the melanin‐producing strains in the same serotype. Results of laccase assay and northern blot analysis suggested that the lower melanin production in the variants was associated with lower transcription of the laccase gene.
Time course of UVA‐ and UVB‐induced inflammation and hyperalgesia in human skin

Dose‐dependency and time course of hyperalgesia and erythema following UVA (16.8 and 36 J/cm2) and UVB (one and three times the minimum erythema threshold) irradiation was investigated in 10 healthy human subjects. Skin patches (1.5 cm in diameter) on the ventral side of the upper leg were irradiated with UVA or UVB light. Hyperaemia (Laser Doppler flowmetry, infrared thermography), thermal hyperalgesia to radiant heat stimuli, and mechanical hyperalgesia to controlled impact stimuli were tested at 1, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h after irradiation. Dose‐dependent delayed hyperaemia and hyperalgesia was induced only by UVB irradiation. UVB‐induced increase in blood flow peaked at 12 h after irradiation and normalized by 96 h. Although superficial blood flow, as measured by Laser Doppler flowmetry, increased up to eight‐fold, no significant increase of skin temperature was detected using infrared thermography. Development of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia was delayed and reached a plateau between 24 and 48 h. In contrast to UVB, UVA irradiation of up to 36 J/cm2, sufficient to produce intense tanning of the skin, did not induce significant hyperalgesia or delayed hyperaemia. It is concluded that UVB‐ but not UVA‐irradiation is a suitable experimental model of subacute thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia. The different time courses of erythema and hyperalgesia indicate that inflammatory mediators responsible for vasodilatation are not identical with those inducing hyperalgesia.
F-shaped monopole antenna

In this paper, effects of F antenna arm length on the frequency, gain and s11 values are studied. The arms and the total length of the F determine the resonance frequency of the antenna. The inverted F shaped antennas are used in the cell phones. The outcome showed that the middle length of the antenna determines the input match and gain of the antenna. We achieved the highest gain of 6.32 dBi at 4.21 GHz frequency with input match of −16.91 dB.
Classification of Breast Cancer Samples Through Using the Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm

The algorithm of artificial bee colony has been widely applied in optimization issues. The pattern of this algorithm has been derived from the intelligent behavior of bees in the nature. The aim of this paper is to present a model for classification of binary problems through using data mining techniques, and on the basis of artificial bee colony algorithm. In this paper, breast cancer data that has been presented by Wisconsin University to investigate and evaluate the proposed method has been used and applied . With regard to the obtained results, it has been shown that this algorithm has a considerable and important function.
A Hardware Approach to Real-Time Program Trace Compression for Embedded Processors

Collecting the program execution traces at full speed is essential to the analysis and debugging of real-time software behavior of a complex system. However, the generation rate and the size of real-time program traces are so huge such that real-time program tracing is often infeasible without proper hardware support. This paper presents a hardware approach to compress program execution traces in real time in order to reduce the trace size. The approach consists of three modularized phases: 1) branch/target filtering; 2) branch/target address encoding; 3) Lempel-Ziv (LZ)-based data compression. A synthesizable RTL code for the proposed hardware is constructed to analyze the hardware cost and speed and typical multimedia benchmarks are used to measure the compression results. The results show that our hardware is capable of real-time compression and achieving compression ratio of 454:1, far better than 5:1 achieved by typical existing hardware approaches. Furthermore, our modularized approach makes it possible to trade off between the hardware cost (typically from 1 to 50K gates) and the achievable compression ratio (typically from 5:1 to 454:1)
Teaching interprofessional teamwork in medical and nursing education in Norway: A content analysis

The notions of interprofessional education and interprofessional teamwork have attained widespread acceptance, partly because lack of teamwork has been tentatively linked to adverse incidents in healthcare. By analyzing data from 32 educational institutions, this study identifies the status of interprofessional teamwork in all nursing and medical education in Norway. The study programs issued by the 32 educational institutions were subject to content analysis, distilling the ambitions and goals for teaching interprofessional teamwork. Study program coordinators were approached and asked to what degree interprofessional teamwork was actually introduced in lecturing and clinical training. Results indicate that the medical and nursing schools clearly aspire to teach interprofessional teamwork and that this has largely been achieved when it comes to theoretical teaching. Although three of the four medical programs have integrated interprofessional teamwork into their clinical training, there is a gap in the nursing programs where introduction of interprofessional teamwork in clinical training has been limited. Current challenges are related to organizational issues (e.g. lack of institutional collaboration), practical difficulties (e.g. finding time to bring students of various professions together) and possibly managerial issues (e.g. lack of strategic perspective and change management).