Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Physical Activity In Daily Life In Brazilian COPD Patients During and After Exacerbation

Abstract Background: Although hospitalization is recognized as an important cause of reduction in physical activity in daily life (PADL) in COPD, there is only one study evaluating this effect, and it was performed in European COPD patients who have a lower PADL than that of South American COPD patients. Objectives: To investigate the effect of hospitalization due to acute exacerbation of PADL in Brazilian COPD patients and to evaluate the factors that determines the physical activity levels during hospitalization and after discharge. Methods: PADL was quantified using a 3-axis accelerometer on the 3rd day of hospitalization and 1 month after discharge in Brazilian COPD patients who were hospitalized due to disease exacerbation. Six-minute walking distance (6MWD), lower limb strength and pulmonary function were also evaluated. Results: A total of 20 patients completed the study. During hospitalization, patients spent most of the time (87%) lying down or sitting; however, 1 month after they were walking >40 min/day. In addition, patients with prior hospitalization had a lower level of physical activity compared to those without a previous history of hospitalization. The time spent walking during hospitalization was significantly explained by the quadriceps strength (r2 = 0.29; p < 0.05), while 1 month after, the time spent walking was only significantly explained by the 6MWD (r2 = 0.51; p = 0.02). Conclusions: Brazilian COPD patients are inactive during hospitalization but become active 1 month after discharge. Previously hospitalized are more inactive both during and after exacerbation. The quadriceps strength and 6MWD explain the physical activity levels during hospitalization and at home, respectively.
Numerical study of the differential phase shift in the azimuthally magnetized coaxial ferrite waveguide

An iterative method is elaborated for counting the differential phase shift produced by the coaxial waveguide, entirely filled with azimuthally magnetized ferrite, under normal TE01 mode excitation. It consists in a repeated numerical solution of the characteristic equation of configuration, written by means of certain complex Kummer and Tricomi confluent hyper-geometric functions, for varying in accordance with a definite scheme imaginary part of their complex first parameters, followed by finding the normalized in an appropriate way guide radius and phase constant of the wave. In the computations the value of central switching conductor to guide radius ratio is assumed fixed and the one of the modulus of off-diagonal ferrite permeability tensor element is changed equidistantly. An end is put to the procedure when the reckoned numerical equivalent of the radius coincides with the preliminary singled out one of the same within the framework of the prescribed accuracy. The corresponding to it figured out value of the phase constant is accepted as that, sought. The calculations are accomplished for both signs of the imaginary part in question (of the ferrite magnetization) which results in the phase shift looked for in normalized form. The borders of the area of phase shifter operation of the geometry are specified, as well. The quantity of principle interest is worked out in the lower section of its existence region. The outcomes of investigation are presented in Tables. The analysis is restricted to the case of a thin central conductor.
Automatic whole heart segmentation based on watershed and active contour model in CT images

Due to the complexity of the hearts anatomy blurred boundaries of its surrounding organs in cardiac CT images, the whole heart segmentation is still a big challenge. In this paper, method based on watershed and active contour models were proposed for the whole heart CT image segmentation task. Firstly, the Bilateral filtering approach is used to eliminate the noise of the cardiac CT images. Then, the watershed segmentation method is applied to determine the initial seed contours. Finally, the active contour model is adopted in the evolve process iteratively with the previous contour to obtain the precise segmentation boundaries for whole heart CT images. The performance is evaluated with a clinical cardiac CT images dataset, which proved good segementation results as well as the high robustness.
ASSET BUBBLES AND ECONOMIC GROWTH UNDER ENDOGENOUS MARKET STRUCTURE

By considering a simple endogenous growth model, we propose a new theoretical channel through which the presence of asset bubbles can promote economic growth. In the model economy, long-lived value-maximizing firms continuously improve the quality of their specific products through in-house research and development (R&D), while simultaneously new firms enter into the market. The key feature is endogenous market structure: The number of firms is endogenously determined, which leads to variation in firm size measured in terms of the scale of production at the level of an individual firm. The presence of asset bubbles unambiguously gives rise to larger firms. This allows in-house R&D expenditure to be spread over the greater numbers of goods that the firms produce, which can increase incentives to undertake in-house R&D.
Fiz1, a Novel Zinc Finger Protein Interacting with the Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Flt3*

The receptor tyrosine kinase Flt3 has been shown to play a role in proliferation and survival of hematopoietic progenitor cells as well as differentiation of early B lymphoid progenitors. However, the signaling events that control growth or differentiation are not completely understood. In order to identify new signaling molecules interacting with the cytoplasmic domain of Flt3, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen. In addition to several SH2 domain-containing proteins, we have isolated a novel Flt3interacting zinc finger protein (Fiz1) with 11 C2H2-type zinc fingers. Fiz1 binds to the catalytic domain of Flt3 but not to the structurally related receptor tyrosine kinases Kit, Fms, and platelet-derived growth factor receptor. This association is independent of kinase activity. The interaction between Flt3 and Fiz1 detected in yeast was confirmed by in vitro and in vivo coprecipitation assays. Fiz1 mRNA is expressed in all murine cell lines and tissues tested. Anti-Fiz1 antibodies recognize a 60-kDa protein, which is localized in the nucleus as well as in the cytoplasm. Together, these results identified a novel class of interaction between a receptor tyrosine kinase and a signaling molecule which is independent of the well established SH2 domain/phosphotyrosine binding.
PLOIDY AND EVOLUTION BY SEXUAL SELECTION: A COMPARISON OF HAPLOID AND DIPLOID FEMALE CHOICE MODELS NEAR FIXATION EQUILIBRIA

We compare the stability properties of haploid and diploid models of Fisherian sexual selection (with male contribution limited to sperm) by examining both models at equilibria for which a male trait is fixed or absent. Haploid and diploid two locus diallelic models share the property that the stability of such fixation equilibria is determined by the relationship between the harmonic mean of relative preference values for the common male trait, weighted by the frequency of the preferences, and the relative viability associated with the common male trait. When diploid females with heterozygotic‐based preferences express preference strengths intermediate between homozygote‐based preferences, then boundary equilibria of haploid and diploid models share many stability properties. However, even with intermediate heterozygote preferences, haploid and diploid models do differ: (1) for a particular frequency of the preference allele, both fixation boundaries can be stable for the diploid model, and (2) with over‐ or underdominance at the preference locus (a possibility precluded in the haploid model), a fixation boundary in the diploid model may show two switches in its stability state for increasing frequencies of one of the preference alleles. These differences are due not just to the impossibility of dominance in haploid models, but also to the larger number of diploid genotypes.
Combined Parametric and Worst Case Circuit Analysis via Taylor Models

This paper proposes a novel paradigm to generate a parameterized model of the response of linear circuits with the inclusion of worst case bounds. The methodology leverages the so-called Taylor models and represents parameter-dependent responses in terms of a multivariate Taylor polynomial, in conjunction with an interval remainder accounting for the approximation error. The Taylor model representation is propagated from input parameters to circuit responses through a suitable redefinition of the basic operations, such as addition, multiplication or matrix inversion, that are involved in the circuit solution. Specifically, the remainder is propagated in a conservative way based on the theory of interval analysis. While the polynomial part provides an accurate, analytical and parametric representation of the response as a function of the selected design parameters, the complementary information on the remainder error yields a conservative, yet tight, estimation of the worst case bounds. Specific and novel solutions are proposed to implement complex-valued matrix operations and to overcome well-known issues in the state-of-the-art Taylor model theory, like the determination of the upper and lower bound of the multivariate polynomial part. The proposed framework is applied to the frequency-domain analysis of linear circuits. An in-depth discussion of the fundamental theory is complemented by a selection of relevant examples aimed at illustrating the technique and demonstrating its feasibility and strength.
Self-reflection assignments for evaluating non-technical skills and setting goals for professional development

Dr. Ashlee N. Ford Versypt is an assistant professor in the School of Chemical Engineering at Oklahoma State University. She earned her Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in ChE at the University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign and her B.S. at the University of Oklahoma. She also conducted postdoctoral research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Her research focuses on developing computational models for systems biomedicine & pharmaceutics and using computing and reflection in the classroom.
The effect of environmental uncertainty on supply chain integration in Chinese manufacturing industry

Supply chain integration nowadays is considered as an important approach to building and sustaining advantages. Many previous empirical researches focus on the effect of supply chain integration on the firms' performance, yet, the antecedence of supply chain integration is still largely unknown. This paper investigates the relationship between environmental uncertainty (including demand uncertainty, supply uncertainty and technology uncertainty) and supply chain integration (including customer integration, supplier integration and internal integration) with 139 samples from Chinese manufacturing industry. The results reveal both supply uncertainty and technology uncertainty significantly influence supply chain integration; the effect of supply uncertainty is negative, while that of technology uncertainty is positive. However, demand uncertainty just has a significant effect on internal integration. The relationship between demand uncertainty and external integration (including customer integration and supplier integration) is mediated by the internal integration.
Creating avenues for relative empowerment (CARE): a pilot test of an intervention to improve outcomes of hospitalized elders and family caregivers.

The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a family caregiver-focused intervention program (CARE) on the outcomes of hospitalized elders and their family caregivers. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with 49 family caregivers of hospitalized elders in a university medical center in upstate New York. Driven by self-regulation and role theories, the two-phase CARE program consisted of: (a). a mutual agreement consisting of family caregiving activities during hospitalization; and (b). audiotaped information regarding emotional responses and possible complications associated with an elderly patient's hospitalization as well as instructions for effectively participating in the elder's hospital care. The comparison program consisted of information about hospital services and policies. CARE elders had fewer incidents of acute confusion reported by family caregivers during hospitalization and fewer depressive symptoms at 2 weeks and 2 months posthospitalization than did the comparison group. CARE family caregivers participated more in the care of their hospitalized elders and had higher scores on role rewards prior to hospital discharge. Findings from this study support the need for further testing of the CARE intervention with family caregivers to determine its effectiveness on outcomes of hospitalized elders and their family caregivers.
From protocol stack to technology circle: exploring regulation, efficiency metrics, and the high-dimensional design space of wireless systems

Considerations of efficiency often play an important role in debates on how to allocate new spectrum. Regulators want to maximize the common good, and try to use efficiency as a tool to do so; consequently, all the stakeholders strive to show that their proposal leads to efficient use of resources. However, often the discussion on particular methods or allocations becomes deadlocked. In this article we explore what is meant by efficiency metrics in wireless networks and what underlies the widely divergent claims for the relative efficiency of competing solutions. Our treatment attempts to take into account the regulatory and policy viewpoints on the development of system efficiency metrics. We will argue that it is important to define system optimization considerations and design goals for future wireless systems more clearly than has been done to date. We will show that although this may sound simple, it is far from it. We argue that efficiency needs to be analyzed within a full N-dimensional design space, and that connections between technology and policy need to be stated explicitly.
TRPC6 regulates cell cycle progression by modulating membrane potential in bone marrow stromal cells

Ca2+ influx is important for cell cycle progression, but the mechanisms involved seem to vary. We investigated the potential roles of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE)‐related molecules STIM (stromal interaction molecule)/Orai in the cell cycle progression of rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), a reliable therapeutic resource for regenerative medicine.
Bis(1H-benzimidazole-κN 3)bis(4-methylbenzoato-κ 2 O,O′)cobalt(II)

In the title mononuclear complex, [Co(C8H7O2)2(C7H6N2)2], the CoII atom is coordinated by four carboxylate O atoms from two 4-methylbenzoate ligands and two N atoms from two benzimidazole ligands in an octahedral coordination geometry. The molecules are assembled via intermolecular N—H⋯O hydrogen-bonding interactions into a three-dimensional network.
The Tailored Finite Point Method

Abstract. In this paper, a brief review of tailored finite point methods (TFPM) is given. The TFPM is a new approach to construct the numerical solutions of partial differential equations. The TFPM has been tailored based on the local properties of the solution for each given problem. Especially, the TFPM is very efficient for solutions which are not smooth enough, e.g., for solutions possessing boundary/interior layers or solutions being highly oscillated. Recently, the TFPM has been applied to singular perturbation problems, the Helmholtz equation with high wave numbers, the first-order wave equation in high frequency cases, transport equations with interface, second-order elliptic equations with rough or highly oscillatory coefficients, etc.
The Gains from More Competitive Regulation Settings in Canada

This article explores potential gains for Canada from making its regulatory framework as competition friendly as that in the United States. We estimate standard cross-country GDP growth regressions incorporating the OECD's indicators of product market regulations (PMRs) that measure the extent to which regulations, laws and other rules inhibit product market competition. Based on the key point estimate (or the lower bound of its 95 per cent confidence interval), GDP per capita in Canada could be about 2.0 per cent (0.7 per cent) higher in the medium term (i.e. 5 years) and about 5.3 per cent (1.8 per cent) higher after 20 years as a result of making Canada's 2013 regulatory settings related to foreign direct investment (FDI) as competitive as in the United States. However, government actions taken since 2013 have improved the competitiveness of these regulations. As a result, further changes needed to reach the US benchmark are not as great as they were in 2013 and would not generate as substantial gains.
Protected Areas as Frontiers for Human Migration

Abstract: Causes of human population growth near protected areas have been much debated. We conducted 821 interviews in 16 villages around Budongo Forest Reserve, Masindi district, Uganda, to explore the causes of human migration to protected areas and to identify differences in forest use between migrant and nonmigrant communities. We asked subjects for information about birthplace, migration, household assets, household activities, and forest use. Interview subjects were categorized as nonmigrants (born in one of the interview villages), socioeconomic migrants (chose to emigrate for economic or social reasons) from within Masindi district (i.e., local migrants) and from outside the Masindi district (i.e., regional migrants), or forced migrants (i.e., refugees or internally displaced individuals who emigrated as a result of conflict, human rights abuses, or natural disaster). Only 198 respondents were born in interview villages, indicating high rates of migration between 1998 and 2008. Migrants were drawn to Budongo Forest because they thought land was available (268 individuals) or had family in the area (161 individuals). A greater number of regional migrants settled in villages near Lake Albert than did forced and local migrants. Migration category was also associated with differences in sources of livelihood. Of forced migrants 40.5% earned wages through labor, whereas 25.5% of local and 14.5% of regional migrants engaged in wage labor. Migrant groups appeared to have different effects on the environment. Of respondents that hunted, 72.7% were regional migrants. Principal component analyses indicated households of regional migrants were more likely to be associated with deforestation. Our results revealed gaps in current models of human population growth around protected areas. By highlighting the importance of social networks and livelihood choices, our results contribute to a more nuanced understanding of causes of migration and of the environmental effects of different migrant groups.
What determines international tourist arrivals in India?

ABSTRACT Using data for 18 major tourist originating countries to India from 2001 to 2015, this study examines the major determinants of international tourist arrivals in India. The results indicate that past experiences of the tourists, per capita income in the tourist originating country, relative costs of living between India and the country of origin, and the level of infrastructure development in India are key determinants of international tourist arrivals in India. Furthermore, both transportation and communication infrastructure are important in attracting tourists to India. In particular, evidence suggests that availability of road and air network and telephone connections has favourable impacts on international tourist arrivals in India. These results are robust to the inclusion of additional variables. These results have important policy implications.
Blending small-cap growth and value stocks: effect upon a periodic and threshold rebalancing strategy

The paper is motivated by a preference of many investors for small caps and by the popularity of two prevalent investment styles, out of which one stresses investing into so-called growth stocks whereas the other emphasizes virtues of so-called value stocks. The paper investigates usefulness of periodic rebalancing strategies that are built on investing into small-cap stocks preserving growth and value stocks in some proportions. The usefulness of the proposed rebalancing strategies mixing small caps with growth and value oriented investment styles is evaluated by a case study oriented on the US stock market. Using historical data, several designs for portfolios tracking the S&P 500 Index are constructed out of its constituents and practical advice is drawn for a small investor.
Novel developmental biology‐based protocol of embryonic stem cell differentiation to morphologically sound and functional yet immature hepatocytes

Liver diseases are common in the United States and often require liver transplantation; however, donated organs are limited and thus alternative sources for liver cells are in high demand. Embryonic stem cells (ESC) can provide a continuous and readily available source of liver cells. ESC differentiation to liver cells is yet to be fully understood and comprehensive differentiation protocols are yet to be defined. Here, we aimed to achieve human (h)ESC differentiation into mature hepatocytes using defined recombinant differentiation factors and metabolites.
The Italian External Quality Assessment Scheme in Classical Cytogenetics: Four Years of Activity

Background: The Italian external quality assessment scheme in classical cytogenetics was started in 2001 as an activity funded by the National Health System and coordinated by the Italian Public Institute of Health. Objectives: The aim of our work is to present data from the first 4 years of activity, 2001–2004. Methods: Italian cytogenetics public laboratories were enrolled on a voluntary basis, and this nationwide program covered prenatal, postnatal and oncological diagnosis. The scheme is annual and retrospective; a panel of experts reviewed the quality of images and reports in order to assess technical, analytical and interpretative performance. Results: Over the 4-year period, the number of participating laboratories increased: from 36 in 2001, 46 in 2002, 49 in 2003 to 51 in 2004. The overall technical performance was satisfactory. Inadequacy or lack of information in reporting was the most frequent analytical inaccuracy identified in all parts of the scheme. However, the percentage of complete reports increased significantly during the period: by 36% in postnatal diagnosis between 2001 and 2004 (p < 0.001) and by 42% in oncological diagnosis between 2002 and 2004 (p = 0.003). Conclusions: Our experience reveals that participation in external quality assessment programs has significant advantages, helping to standardize and to assure quality in cytogenetic testing.