Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A FPGA Learning System combining Hardware and Software Tools

FPGA including very complex digital blocks are possible nowadays due to digital integrated circuits progress. FPGA fundamentals and characteristics are not easy to explain because they have a lot of interrelated concepts. By this reason FPGA learning is usually based on a family of a particular manufacturer and doesn’t give a general view of configurable devices. Due to that it is essential for the electronic learning community to dispose of tools facilitating the learning process of the fundamentals of the FPGA’s and the design of systems based on them. The learning system we describe in this paper combines a tutorial with a hardware and software tools to achieve a friendly interface with a PC to facilitate FPGA distance learning for students with a basic knowledge of digital electronics and VHDL.
Dosimetric validation and clinical implementation of two 3D dose verification systems for quality assurance in volumetric‐modulated arc therapy techniques

A pretreatment quality assurance program for volumetric techniques should include redundant calculations and measurement‐based verifications. The patient‐specific quality assurance process must be based in clinically relevant metrics. The aim of this study was to show the commission, clinical implementation, and comparison of two systems that allow performing a 3D redundant dose calculation. In addition, one of them is capable of reconstructing the dose on patient anatomy from measurements taken with a 2D ion chamber array. Both systems were compared in terms of reference calibration data (absolute dose, output factors, percentage depth‐dose curves, and profiles). Results were in good agreement for absolute dose values (discrepancies were below 0.5%) and output factors (mean differences were below 1%). Maximum mean discrepancies were located between 10 and 20 cm of depth for PDDs (‐2.7%) and in the penumbra region for profiles (mean DTA of 1.5 mm). Validation of the systems was performed by comparing point‐dose measurements with values obtained by the two systems for static, dynamic fields from AAPM TG‐119 report, and 12 real VMAT plans for different anatomical sites (differences better than 1.2%). Comparisons between measurements taken with a 2D ion chamber array and results obtained by both systems for real VMAT plans were also performed (mean global gamma passing rates better than 87.0% and 97.9% for the 2%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm criteria). Clinical implementation of the systems was evaluated by comparing dose‐volume parameters for all TG‐119 tests and real VMAT plans with TPS values (mean differences were below 1%). In addition, comparisons between dose distributions calculated by TPS and those extracted by the two systems for real VMAT plans were also performed (mean global gamma passing rates better than 86.0% and 93.0% for the 2%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm criteria). The clinical use of both systems was successfully evaluated. PACS numbers: 87.56. Fc, 87.56. ‐v, 87.55. dk, 87.55. Qr, 87.55. ‐x, 07.57. Kp, 85.25. Pb
Vitamin A intake of Brazilian mothers and retinol concentrations in maternal blood, human milk, and the umbilical cord

Objectives To analyse intake of vitamin A (VA) and retinol concentrations in maternal blood, breast milk (BM), and the umbilical cord (UC) of newborns, and to determine the associations among these variables. Methods We performed a cross-sectional, epidemiological study of 180 mother–newborn dyads. Maternal and UC blood samples and BM were collected. VA intake by the mother over 30 days was assessed using a questionnaire. Results Mean retinol concentrations in maternal serum, the UC, and BM were 0.65 ± 0.27, 0.36 ± 0.18, and 2.95 ± 2.70 µmol/L, respectively. Retinol concentrations <0.70 µmol/L were found in 57.2% of maternal blood samples and in 94.9% of UC samples. A total of 27.9% of BM samples showed retinol concentrations <1.05 µmol/L. Mean VA intake by the mothers was 1041.33 ± 1187.86 µg retinol activity equivalents/day and was inadequate (<550 µg retinol activity equivalents/day) in 44.7%. Conclusions High proportions of insufficient retinol concentrations were observed in the UC, maternal blood, and BM. A high percentage of pregnant women had inadequate VA intake. Mothers with insufficient serum retinol concentrations had newborns with lower retinol concentrations in the UC. Higher retinol concentrations were observed in maternal blood and the UC with a higher VA intake.
Parental Perspectives of Screening for Adverse Childhood Experiences in Pediatric Primary Care

Introduction: Pediatricians recognize a need to mitigate the negative impact that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can have on health and development. However, ACEs screening and interventions in primary care pediatrics may be inhibited by concerns about parental perceptions. We assessed parent perspectives of screening for ACEs in the pediatric primary care setting, to understand their views on the potential impact of their ACEs on their parenting and to identify opportunities for pediatric anticipatory guidance. Method: We used purposive sampling to recruit parents of children <6 years receiving care at an urban, pediatric clinic. Semistructured questions guided 1:1 interviews that were later coded by multiple researchers to verify reliability. A thematic framework approach guided analysis and identified main themes and subthemes. Results: We reached thematic saturation after 15 parent interviews, which consistently revealed 3 interrelated themes. First, parents strongly supported ACEs screening as a bridge to needed services, and they recommended using a trauma-sensitive, person-centered approach in pediatric practices. Second, parents understood the intergenerational impact of ACEs and expressed a desire to break the cycle of adversity. Finally, parents saw their child’s pediatrician as a potential change-agent who could provide support to meet their parenting goals. Discussion: Parents want to discuss their ACEs and receive help and guidance from pediatricians. Furthermore, they perceive their child’s pediatrician as having an important role to play in meeting their parenting goals. It is important to ensure that pediatricians have the training, skills and familiarity with available resources to meet parental expectations.
Vasoplegia in patients with sepsis and septic shock: pathways and mechanisms

Sepsis is one of the most frequent causes of death among patients in intensive care units. Many therapeutic strategies have been assessed without the desired success rates. A key risk factor for death is hypotension due to vasodilatation with vascular hyposensitivity. However, the pathways underlying this process remain unclear. Endotoxemia induces inflammatory mediators, and this is followed by vasoplegia and decreased cardiac contractility. Although inhibition of these mediators diminishes mortality rates in animal models, this phenomenon has not been confirmed in humans. Downregulation of vasoconstrictive receptors such as angiotensin receptors, adrenergic and vasopressin receptors is seen in sepsis, which is associated with a hyporesponsiveness to vasoconstrictive mediators. Animal studies have verified that receptor downregulation is linked to the above-mentioned inflammatory mediators. Anti-inflammatory therapy with glucocorticoids reportedly improves responsiveness to catecholamines with higher survival in rats, although this has not been shown to be clinically significant in humans. Hence, there is an urgent need for in-depth studies investigating the underlying mechanisms of vasoplegia to allow for development of effective therapeutic strategies for the treatment of sepsis.
A novel phantom and procedure providing submillimeter accuracy in daily QA tests of accelerators used for stereotactic radiosurgery*

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) places great demands on spatial accuracy. Steel BBs used as markers in quality assurance (QA) phantoms are clearly visible in MV and planar kV images, but artifacts compromise cone‐beam CT (CBCT) isocenter localization. The purpose of this work was to develop a QA phantom for measuring with sub‐mm accuracy isocenter congruence of planar kV, MV, and CBCT imaging systems and to design a practical QA procedure that includes daily Winston‐Lutz (WL) tests and does not require computer aid. The salient feature of the phantom (Universal Alignment Ball (UAB)) is a novel marker for precisely localizing isocenters of CBCT, planar kV, and MV beams. It consists of a 25.4 mm diameter sphere of polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) containing a concentric 6.35 mm diameter tungsten carbide ball. The large density difference between PMMA and the polystyrene foam in which the PMMA sphere is embedded yields a sharp image of the sphere for accurate CBCT registration. The tungsten carbide ball serves in finding isocenter in planar kV and MV images and in doing WL tests. With the aid of the UAB, CBCT isocenter was located within 0.10±0.05 mm of its true positon, and MV isocenter was pinpointed in planar images to within 0.06±0.04 mm. In clinical morning QA tests extending over an 18 months period the UAB consistently yielded measurements with sub‐mm accuracy. The average distance between isocenter defined by orthogonal kV images and CBCT measured 0.16±0.12 mm. In WL tests the central ray of anterior beams defined by a 1.5×1.5 cm2 MLC field agreed with CBCT isocenter within 0.03±0.14 mm in the lateral direction and within 0.10±0.19 mm in the longitudinal direction. Lateral MV beams approached CBCT isocenter within 0.00±0.11 mm in the vertical direction and within ‐0.14±0.15 mm longitudinally. It took therapists about 10 min to do the tests. The novel QA phantom allows pinpointing CBCT and MV isocenter positions to better than 0.2 mm, using visual image registration. Under CBCT guidance, MLC‐defined beams are deliverable with sub‐mm spatial accuracy. The QA procedure is practical for daily tests by therapists. PACS number(s): 87.53. Ly, 87.56. Fc
Seismic behaviour of a steel frame partially infilled with precast reinforced concrete wall

A steel frame partially infilled with precast reinforced concrete wall (RPWF) is proposed as a new lateral resisting system for building structures. In this system, to achieve partially infilled construction, the precast reinforced concrete wall (RPW) is connected with the steel frame beam only through high-strength bolts. To investigate the seismic behaviour of steel frames strengthened by RPW, three test specimens (one-bay, one-storey and one-third scale) were constructed and tested under constant axial loading and reversed cyclic loading. The length-to-height ratio of the infilled wall was the parameter of the test study. The test results showed that partially infilled steel frames exhibited higher initial stiffness and higher loading capacity than the bare steel frame. The ductility and energy dissipation capacity of the RPWF were increased, whereas the length-to-height ratio of the RPW was decreased. Finally, theoretical and pushover analyses were developed to predict the ultimate loading capacity of the tested specimens, and the accuracy was validated by the test results.
Effectiveness of Rituximab for the Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Patients with Prior Exposure to Anti-TNF: Results from the CORRONA Registry

Objective. To characterize the real-world effectiveness of rituximab (RTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods. Clinical effectiveness at 12 months was assessed in patients who were prescribed RTX based on the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Change in CDAI was calculated (CDAI at 12 mos minus at initiation). Achievement of remission or low disease activity (LDA; CDAI ≤ 10) among those with moderate/high disease activity at the time of RTX initiation was compared based on prior anti-tumor necrosis factor agent (anti-TNF) use (1 vs ≥ 2) using logistic regression models. Results. Patients (n = 265) were followed for 12 months with a mean change in CDAI of −8.1 (95% CI −9.8 – −6.4). Of the 218 patients with moderate/high disease activity at baseline, patients with 1 prior anti-TNF (baseline CDAI 25.0) demonstrated a mean change in CDAI of −10.1 (95% CI −13.2 – −7.0); patients with ≥ 2 prior anti-TNF (baseline CDAI 30.0) demonstrated a mean change of −10.5 (95% CI −12.9 – −8.0). The unadjusted OR for achieving LDA/remission in patients with moderate/high disease activity at baseline exposed to ≥ 2 versus 1 prior anti-TNF was 0.40 (95% CI 0.22–0.73), which was robust to 4 different adjusted models (OR range 0.38–0.44). Conclusion. A good clinical response was observed in all patients; however, patients previously treated with 1 anti-TNF, who had lower baseline CDAI and a greater opportunity for clinical improvement compared with patients previously treated with ≥ 2 anti-TNF, were more likely to achieve LDA/remission.
Overview of supercapacitance performance of graphene supported on porous substrates

Abstract Graphene has attracted great attention for supercapacitor electrode materials owing to unique electrochemical properties. The electrochemical capacitance of graphene supercapacitor is highly in dependence on the substrate and graphene. This overview mainly focuses on the preparation and electrochemical capacitance of the electroactive graphene supported on porous substrate of microporous nickel foam and nanoporous titanium nitride. The graphene includes the chemical-reduced graphene oxide, hydrothermal-reduced graphene oxide and thermal-reduced graphene oxide. The porous supporting substrates include micro-structured porous nickel foam and nano-structured titanium nitride nanotube array. The supercapacitance performance of porous graphene electrode materials has been fully summarised involving chemical-reduced graphene oxide/nickel foam, hydrothermal-reduced graphene oxide/nickel foam, chemical-reduced graphene oxide/titanium nitride and thermal-reduced graphene oxide/titanium nitride. The porous substrate structure of nickel foam and titanium nitride along with the graphene reduction degree could coordinately influence the supercapacitance performance.
Current Status of 3-Dimensional Speckle Tracking Echocardiography: A Review from Our Experiences

Cardiac function analysis is the main focus of echocardiography. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) has been the clinical standard, however, LVEF is not enough to investigate myocardial function. For the last decade, speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) has been the novel clinical tool for regional and global myocardial function analysis. However, 2-dimensional imaging methods have limitations in assessing 3-dimensional (3D) cardiac motion. In contrast, 3D echocardiography also has been widely used, in particular, to measure LV volume measurements and assess valvular diseases. Joining the technology bandwagon, 3D-STE was introduced in 2008. Experimental studies and clinical investigations revealed the reliability and feasibility of 3D-STE-derived data. In addition, 3D-STE provides a novel deformation parameter, area change ratio, which have the potential for more accurate assessment of overall and regional myocardial function. In this review, we introduced the features of the methodology, validation, and clinical application of 3D-STE based on our experiences for 7 years.
On the homogeneous nucleation and propagation of dislocations under shock compression

Abstract The dynamic response of crystalline materials subjected to extreme shock compression is not well understood. The interaction between the propagating shock wave and the material’s defect occurs at the sub-nanosecond timescale which makes in situ experimental measurements very challenging. Therefore, computer simulation coupled with theoretical modelling and available experimental data is useful to determine the underlying physics behind shock-induced plasticity. In this work, multiscale dislocation dynamics plasticity (MDDP) calculations are carried out to simulate the mechanical response of copper reported at ultra-high strain rates shock loading. We compare the value of threshold stress for homogeneous nucleation obtained from elastodynamic solution and standard nucleation theory with MDDP predictions for copper single crystals oriented in the [0 0 1]. MDDP homogeneous nucleation simulations are then carried out to investigate several aspects of shock-induced deformation such as; stress profile characteristics, plastic relaxation, dislocation microstructure evolution and temperature rise behind the wave front. The computation results show that the stresses exhibit an elastic overshoot followed by rapid relaxation such that the 1D state of strain is transformed into a 3D state of strain due to plastic flow. We demonstrate that MDDP computations of the dislocation density, peak pressure, dynamics yielding and flow stress are in good agreement with recent experimental findings and compare well with the predictions of several dislocation-based continuum models. MDDP-based models for dislocation density evolution, saturation dislocation density, temperature rise due to plastic work and strain rate hardening are proposed. Additionally, we demonstrated using MDDP computations along with recent experimental reports the breakdown of the fourth power law of Swegle and Grady in the homogeneous nucleation regime.
Brain–gut communications via distinct neuroendocrine signals bidirectionally regulate longevity in C. elegans

Tissue-tissue communications are integral to organismal aging, orchestrating a body-wide aging process. The brain plays a key role in this process by detecting and processing signals from the environment and then communicating them to distal tissues such as the gut to regulate longevity. How this is achieved, however, is poorly understood. Here, using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model, we identified two distinct neuroendocrine signaling circuits by which the worm nervous system senses cool and warm environmental temperatures through cool- and warm-sensitive neurons and then signals the gut to extend and shorten life span, respectively. The prolongevity "cool" circuit uses the small neurotransmitters glutamate and serotonin, whereas the anti-longevity "warm" circuit is mediated by insulin-like neuropeptides. Both types of neuroendocrine signals converge on the gut through their cognate receptors to differentially regulate the transcription factor DAF-16/FOXO, leading to opposing outcomes in longevity. Our study illustrates how the brain detects and processes environmental signals to bidirectionally regulate longevity by signaling the gut.
AerChemMIP: quantifying the effects of chemistry and aerosols in CMIP6

Abstract. The Aerosol Chemistry Model Intercomparison Project (AerChemMIP) is endorsed by the Coupled-Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6) and is designed to quantify the climate and air quality impacts of aerosols and chemically reactive gases. These are specifically near-term climate forcers (NTCFs: methane, tropospheric ozone and aerosols, and their precursors), nitrous oxide and ozone-depleting halocarbons. The aim of AerChemMIP is to answer four scientific questions. 1. How have anthropogenic emissions contributed to global radiative forcing and affected regional climate over the historical period? 2. How might future policies (on climate, air quality and land use) affect the abundances of NTCFs and their climate impacts? 3.How do uncertainties in historical NTCF emissions affect radiative forcing estimates? 4. How important are climate feedbacks to natural NTCF emissions, atmospheric composition, and radiative effects? These questions will be addressed through targeted simulations with CMIP6 climate models that include an interactive representation of tropospheric aerosols and atmospheric chemistry. These simulations build on the CMIP6 Diagnostic, Evaluation and Characterization of Klima (DECK) experiments, the CMIP6 historical simulations, and future projections performed elsewhere in CMIP6, allowing the contributions from aerosols and/or chemistry to be quantified. Specific diagnostics are requested as part of the CMIP6 data request to highlight the chemical composition of the atmosphere, to evaluate the performance of the models, and to understand differences in behaviour between them.
A Working Threshold for Acute Nocturnal Melatonin Suppression from White Light Sources used in Architectural Applications

Retinal light exposures can decrease melatonin production at night. Since nocturnal melatonin suppression by light has been implicated as an endocrine disruptor and linked to certain diseases, such as diabetes, obesity and cancer, it is important to be able to estimate a threshold light level needed to reliably suppress melatonin. The present study was designed to develop a working threshold for melatonin suppression from “white” light that might be experienced by people in their living environments. Twenty-eight subjects participated in two studies. In addition to dark, control nights, subjects were exposed to 8, 22, and 60 lux at the cornea (study 1, n=14) and to 60, 200, and 720 lux (study 2, n=14) of a “warm white” light source (correlated color temperature of 2670 K). These corneal illuminance levels translate to modeled melatonin suppression levels of 1%, 2%, 6%, 19%, and 42%. In both studies, participants came to the laboratory for four nights, separated by one week. One blood sample was drawn in dim light at midnight and another blood sample was drawn after 60-minute exposure to each light condition (including dark). Using an orthodox statistical criterion for a Type I error of α? < 0.05, only the 200 lux and the 720 lux exposures produced significant suppression levels (19% and 37%, respectively). Based upon a criterion modeled suppression level of 5% for a “cool white” light (6500 K), a corneal light exposure of 30 lux for 30 minutes from “white” light sources used in most architectural lighting applications is proposed as a conservative hypothesized working threshold for nocturnal melatonin suppression.
The fragmented evolution of racial integration since the civil rights movement

We argue that existing studies underestimate the degree that racial change leads to residential segregation in post-Civil Rights American neighborhoods. This is because previous studies only measure the presence of racial groups in neighborhoods, not the degree of integration among those groups. As a result, those studies do not detect gradual racial succession that ends in racially segregated neighborhoods. We demonstrate how a new approach based on growth mixture models can be used to identify patterns of racial change that distinguish between durable integration and gradual racial succession. We use this approach to identify common trajectories of neighborhood racial change among Blacks, Whites, Latinos, and Asians from 1970 to 2010 in the New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Houston metropolitan areas. We show that many nominally integrated neighborhoods have experienced gradual succession. For Blacks this succession has caused the gradual concentric diusion of the ghetto while Latino and Asian growth has dispersed throughout both cities and suburbs in the metropolitan areas. Durable integration, meanwhile, has come about largely in the suburbs.