Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Minimizing the bandwidth consumption of the FlexRay dynamic segment

To minimize bandwidth consumption in the dynamic segment of the FlexRay communication systems, a frame packing algorithm that allows the packing of signals with different periods into a message frame is proposed. The performance of the proposed algorithms with existing algorithms is evaluated using the SAE benchmark data and GNU linear programming kit. The experimental results show that the bandwidth consumption of the proposed algorithms is less than that of existing frame packing algorithms.
Direct E-jet printing of three-dimensional fibrous scaffold for tendon tissue engineering.

Tissue engineering (TE) offers a promising strategy to restore diseased tendon tissue. However, a suitable scaffold for tendon TE has not been achieved with current fabrication techniques. Herein, we report the development of a novel electrohydrodynamic jet printing (E-jetting) for engineering 3D tendon scaffold with high porosity and orientated micrometer-size fibers. The E-jetted scaffold comprised tubular multilayered micrometer-size fibrous bundles, with interconnected spacing and geometric anisotropy along the longitudinal direction of the scaffold. Fiber diameter, stacking pattern, and interfiber distance have been observed to affect the structural stability of the scaffold, of which the enhanced mechanical strength can be obtained for scaffolds with thick fibers as the supporting layer. Human tenocytes showed a significant increase in cellular metabolism on the E-jetted scaffolds as compared to that on conventional electrospun scaffolds (2.7-, 2.8-, and 3.1-fold increase for 150, 300, and 600 µm interfiber distance, respectively; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the scaffolds provided structural support for human tenocytes to align with controlled orientation along the longitudinal direction of the scaffold, and promoted the expression of collagen type I. For the first time, E-jetting has been explored as a novel scaffolding approach for tendon TE, and offers a 3D fibrous scaffold to promote organized tissue reconstruction for potential tendon healing. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 616-627, 2017.
[Incidence of the burnout syndrome among Brazilian cancer physicians].

BACKGROUND The Burnout syndrome can be characterized by abnormalities in three domains: emotional exhaustion (EE), depersonalization (DP) and lack of personal realization (PR). In the medical profession, oncologists are especially prone to this syndrome. This study evaluates its prevalence among cancer physicians in Brazil correlating it to their demographic, work related variables and seeks possible solutions to prevent burnout. METHODS We mailed three questionnaires (Maslach burnout inventory, general and opinion questionnaires) to all 645 members of the Brazilian Cancer Society and received 136 responses after 10 weeks. RESULTS The response rate was of 21%. The burnout syndrome was present at moderate or severe levels in all three domains analyzed in 15.7% of the physicians. For each of these the frequency of moderate or severe dysfunction was analyzed and found to be present in 55.8% for EE, 96.1% for DP and 23.4% for RP. Practicing physical activity or having a hobby correlated significantly with lower levels of EE (p = 0.008) while working only for the private sector correlated with higher DP scores (p = 0.021). Cancer physicians pointed out that less paper work (73.5%) and a lower patient load (72.7%) were the most important factors for prevention of this syndrome. CONCLUSION Burnout syndrome is frequent among Brazilian cancer physicians and further studies should be conducted to evaluate its prevalence and prevention among other sub specialists.
Berberine prevents nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal loss and suppresses hippocampal apoptosis in mice with Parkinson's disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons and a reduction in striatal dopaminergic fibers, which result in tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia and gait disturbance. In addition to motor dysfunction, dementia is a widely recognized symptom of patients with PD. Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Berberis vulgaris L. , is known to exert anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, antidepressant and anti-amnesic effects. In the present study, we investigated the effects of berberine on short-term memory in relation to dopamine depletion and hippocampal neurogenesis using a mouse model of PD, induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/probenecid (MPTP/P) treatment. Mice in the berberine-treated groups were orally administered berberine once a day for a total of 5 weeks. Our results revealed that the injection of MPTP/P induced dopaminergic neuronal death in the substantia nigra and fiber loss in the striatum. This resulted in impaired motor balance and coordination, as assessed by the beam walking test. We further demonstrated that MPTP/P-induced apoptosis in the hippocampus deteriorated short-term memory, as shown by the step-down avoidance task. By contrast, neurogenesis in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, which is a compensatory adaptive response to excessive apoptosis, was increased upon PD induction. However, treatment with berberine enhanced motor balance and coordination by preventing dopaminergic neuronal damage. Treatment with berberine also improved short-term memory by inhibiting apoptosis in the hippocampus. Berberine demonstrated maximal potency at 50 mg/kg. Based on these data, treatment with berberine may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for the alleviation of memory impairment and motor dysfunction in patients with PD.
Three-Dimensional Particle-in-Cell Simulation of Fast Oscillation Startup and Efficiency Improvement in a Relativistic Magnetron With Electric Priming

A 3-D particle-in-cell (PIC) code MAGIC 3-D has been used to examine the output performance of a relativistic magnetron operating under the effect of electric priming by protrusions and recessions on the inner surface of the anode vanes. Electric priming has been implemented and demonstrated using the PIC code for electron prebunching in A6 relativistic magnetron. When N-fold perturbation of the radial electric field is imposed in the azimuthal direction along anode-vane inner surfaces, the electron initially develops into the desired 2π-mode, resulting in fast oscillation startup. The startup time is reduced by 46%, the output power is increased by 30%, and the efficiency is increased by 30% for three protrusions alternating with three recessions along the anode-vane inner surfaces in comparison with the A6 basic model. Simulations have been also carried out for different combinations of protrusions and recessions. All the studies have been carried out for 2π -mode of operation.
Virtual Communities and User Participation

Information system is the extension of human society in the digital world. Technology is largely defined by the person using it, and this revelation rapidly grew alongside with the proliferation of personal computers in our daily life. Information system has long exceeded the function as a point-to-point communication tool, and becomes a vibrant social platform that carries contents created by individual users and facilitates sophisticated social interactions between large groups of people. The ability for users to mold and shape this process to customize their virtual experience also affects other users [1, 2]. A fundamental assumption of contemporary group research is that individual attitudes and behavior is affected by group context influences, even though other members may not be physically present [3].
A decade of integrated pest management ( IPM ) in brassica vegetable crops – the role of farmer participation in its development in Southern Queensland , Australia

In the mid 1980’s, management of Diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), in brassica vegetable crops was at crisis level with spray failures prevalent across the industry in Southern Queensland. Insecticide resistance to synthetic pyrethroids was identified in 1986, and resistance monitoring between 1988 and 1992 showed that problems also existed with carbamates, organochlorines and some organophosphates. A resistance management strategy was implemented in 1988 with the widespread support of industry. This strategy resulted in a summer production break, improved spray application, an understanding of resistance and the need for insecticide rotation on farm. Development work with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), crop scouting, shelterbelts and natural enemies of pests expanded the emerging integrated pest management (IPM) system over the next few years. A joint project between Australia and China to improve IPM in brassica vegetable crops commenced in 1995. The aim of the project is twofold; to expand the tools base available to growers by investigating critical areas within the IPM system (pest forecasting, monitoring, action thresholds, spray application, natural enemies, decision aids); and to continue industry participation in the development of practical IPM systems, using action learning and adult education principles. This paper gives an overview of the research, development and extension work with pest management in brassica vegetable crops in Southern Queensland over the last ten years. In particular it discusses the evolution of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) systems in the region and examines the changing role of farmers in developing these systems for managing and avoiding insecticide resistance in P. xylostella.
Coeliac disease, splenic function, and malignancy

Blood films from 41 cases of coeliac disease complicated by malignancy were examined and evidence of hyposplenism found in 12 cases (29%). This is similar to the proportion of adult coeliacs without malignancy who have hypoplenism and it is concluded that impaired splenic function is not associated with the development of malignancy in coeliac disease.
Fundamental-lateral mode stabilized high-power ridge-waveguide lasers

This paper investigates the impact of lateral radiation losses in ridge waveguide (RW) lasers emitting around 1064 nm is investigated. The RWs are fabricated by dry etching of pairs of trenches with widths between 2.5 and 20 μm into the epitaxial layer structure in order to define the RWs.
Long-term blood pressure fluctuation and cerebrovascular disease in an elderly cohort.

BACKGROUND The importance of subclinical cerebrovascular disease in the elderly is increasingly recognized, but its determinants have not been fully explicated. Elevated blood pressure (BP) and fluctuation in BP may lead to cerebrovascular disease through ischemic changes and compromised cerebral autoregulation. OBJECTIVE To determine the association of BP and long-term fluctuation in BP with cerebrovascular disease. DESIGN A community-based epidemiological study of older adults from northern Manhattan. SETTING The Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project. PARTICIPANTS A total of 686 nondemented older adults who had BP measurements during 3 study visits at 24-month intervals and underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (corresponding temporally with the third assessment). We derived the mean (SD) of the mean BP for each participant during the 3 intervals and divided the participants into 4 groups defined as below or above the group median (<or=96.48 or >96.48 mm Hg) and further subdivided them as below or above the median SD (<or=7.21 or >7.21 mm Hg). This scheme yielded 4 groups representing the full range of BPs and fluctuations in BP. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Differences in white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume and presence of brain infarctions across groups. RESULTS White matter hyperintensity volume increased across the 4 groups in a linear manner, with the lowest WMH volume in the lowest mean/lowest SD group and the highest WMH volume in the highest mean/highest SD group (F(3,610) = 3.52, P = . 02). Frequency of infarction also increased monotonically across groups (from 22% to 41%, P for trend = .004). CONCLUSIONS Compared with individuals with low BP and low fluctuations in BP, the risk of cerebrovascular disease increased with higher BP and BP fluctuations. Given that cerebrovascular disease is associated with disability, these findings suggest that interventions should focus on long-term fluctuating BP and elevated BP.
Osteogenic Differentiation is Selectively Promoted by Morphogenetic Signals from Chondrocytes and Synergized by a Nutrient Rich Growth Environment

Cartilage formation always precedes that of bone during endochondral skeletal development. To determine if chondrocytes provide inductive signals for osteogenesis, C3H10T½ mesenchymal stem cells were co-cultured in membrane separated transwell culture chambers with chondrocytes, osteoblasts, or fibroblasts. Osteogenesis, as assessed by the expression of osteocalcin mRNAs, was strongly induced in the C3H10T½ cells co-cultured with chondrocytes but not induced by co-culture with either osteoblasts or fibroblasts. Interestingly, while only osteogenic differentiation was observed in the C3H10T½ cells co-cultured with chondrocytes, bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-7 treatment induced an ordered endochondral progression of skeletal cell differentiation in which chondrogenic differentiation preceded osteogenesis by 2 to 4 days. A nutrient enriched growth environment enhanced osteogenic differentiation induced by either co-culture or BMP-7 treatment 2- to 5-fold. Nutrient enhanced osteogenic differentiation was associated with an activation of the retinoblastoma-mediated signal transduction pathways. In summary, these results show that osteogenesis is selectively induced by morphogenetic signals produced by chondrocytes and that a nutrient rich environment enhances both BMP-7- and co-culture-induced osteogenic differentiation.
Quality of supportive care for patients with advanced cancer in a VA medical center.

PURPOSE Using the Assessing Symptoms Side Effects and Indicators of Supportive Treatment (ASSIST) quality indicators (QIs), we conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the quality of care provided in our institution to patients diagnosed with advanced cancer in 2006. METHODS Patients diagnosed with a Stage IV solid tumor were identified from the hospital's cancer registry. Using data abstracted from medical records, care was assessed using 41 explicit QIs. Mean percent adherence to QIs was calculated overall, as well as across five clinical domains: (1) Pain, (2) Depression and Psychosocial Distress, (3) Dyspnea, (4) Treatment Toxicity, (5) Other Symptoms, and (6) Information and Care Planning. RESULTS The study cohort (n = 118) was almost all male (2% female) and mean age was 65.9 years (standard deviation [SD] 9.9 years). The most common cancers were lung and head and neck cancer (23% each); 17% had prostate cancer; 13% had colorectal cancer; and the rest (24%) had breast, esophageal, stomach, genitourinary, liver/biliary, or pancreas cancer. Patients received 51% (95% confidence interval [CI] 48%-54%) of recommended care. Adherence to recommended care within domains ranged from 38% (95% CI 35%-42%) for Other Symptoms to 79% (95% CI 73%-86%) for Information and Care Planning. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the quality of supportive care for patients with advanced cancer can be greatly improved. Future efforts should use the ASSIST indicators to evaluate the quality of supportive care in larger and more diverse cohorts of advanced cancer patients.
Interspecific Larval Competition Differentially Impacts Adult Survival in Dengue Vectors

ABSTRACT Mosquitoes often experience intraspecific and interspecific competition among larvae attributable to high densities and nutrient limitation, especially container mosquitoes including Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus (Skuse). Density-dependent effects on larvae impact adult production and adult traits that influence transmission of arboviruses. To improve our understanding of the mechanisms by which density-dependence influences transmission and identify species-specific traits, we tested the hypotheses: 1) Competitive asymmetry in favor of Ae. albopictus over Ae. aegypti translates to altered adult female survival, and 2) Ae. aegypti adult females are more resistant to life-shortening effects of low-humidity conditions than Ae. albopictus. We gauged the relative impact of inter- and intraspecific larval competition on adult survival in high- and low-humidity regimes (77 and 44% relative humidity, respectively). For Ae. albopictus, intraspecific but not interspecific competition usually reduced adult survival under both humidity regimes. For Ae. aegypti, both intraspecific and interspecific competition reduced adult survival. Ae. albopictus adult survival was minimally influenced by interspecific competition with Ae. aegypti, consistent with observations that Ae. albopictus is the superior competitor. A species comparison indicated that Ae. aegypti exhibited a survival advantage relative to Ae. albopictus under both low- and high-humidity conditions. However, similar survival of these Aedes species was observed in some cases depending on conditions experienced in both the aquatic and terrestrial environments. These results demonstrate plasticity in survival rates of dengue and chikungunya vectors and the significance of considering the influence of biological interactions during the immature stages and abiotic conditions during the adult stage.
Crescimento e desenvolvimento de crianças com microcefalia associado a Síndrome Congênita do Zika vírus no Brasil

Introducao: O surto do Zika virus na America Latina no periodo de 2015-2016 ocasionou um aumento repentino no numero de manifestacoes graves e relatos de alteracoes congenitas em recem-nascidos no Brasil. Objetivo: Este e o primeiro estudo que avaliou e comparou o crescimento e desenvolvimento cognitivo e motor de criancas com microcefalia por Sindrome Congenita da Zika (SCZ) em relacao as criancas tipicas. Metodo: Estudo observacional, analitico, transversal, com oito criancas com SCZ e 16 criancas tipicas, com media de idade de 20,5 meses (± 2,1) em uma regiao do nordeste brasileiro. Resultados: Considerando a media, as criancas com SCZ apresentaram desempenho extremamente baixo no dominio motor global e no dominio cognitivo, ja as criancas tipicas apresentaram desempenho medio nos dominios cognitivo e motor. Conclusoes: As criancas com SCZ apresentaram media de crescimento (perimetro cefalico e peso) menor que as criancas tipicas. Portanto, as criancas com SCZ estao em risco de atraso de crescimento e desenvolvimento em comparacao com as criancas tipicas.
Longitudinal growth and morphology of the hippocampus through childhood: Impact of prematurity and implications for memory and learning

The effects of prematurity on hippocampal development through early childhood are largely unknown. The aims of this study were to (1) compare the shape of the very preterm (VPT) hippocampus to that of full‐term (FT) children at 7 years of age, and determine if hippocampal shape is associated with memory and learning impairment in VPT children, (2) compare change in shape and volume of the hippocampi from term‐equivalent to 7 years of age between VPT and FT children, and determine if development of the hippocampi over time predicts memory and learning impairment in VPT children. T1 and T2 magnetic resonance images were acquired at both term equivalent and 7 years of age in 125 VPT and 25 FT children. Hippocampi were manually segmented and shape was characterized by boundary point distribution models at both time‐points. Memory and learning outcomes were measured at 7 years of age. The VPT group demonstrated less hippocampal infolding than the FT group at 7 years. Hippocampal growth between infancy and 7 years was less in the VPT compared with the FT group, but the change in shape was similar between groups. There was little evidence that the measures of hippocampal development were related to memory and learning impairments in the VPT group. This study suggests that the developmental trajectory of the human hippocampus is altered in VPT children, but this does not predict memory and learning impairment. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms for memory and learning difficulties in VPT children. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4129–4139, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The growth of Quebec's biotechnology firms and the implications of underinvestment in strategic competencies

This paper examines the problem of human resources access for biotechnology firms in Quebec. The results of a survey conducted with 124 biotechnology firm managers document that access to human resources is a sizable challenge, the second most important issue facing these firms, after financing. The results further indicate that while firm managers are preoccupied by the skills and competencies of human resources and recognise its importance, the scarcity of available headcount in the market, coupled with firm growth management imperatives, are a key limiting factor in the development of the firms' competencies. In this study, a strategic competence model is applied to understand the contribution of human resources to the management process of biotechnology firms. In particular, we formulate the working hypothesis that firms engage in fierce competition in the input market for scientific, technological, and management competencies. A systems archetype is used to illustrate the tradeoff between short-term financial priorities and the need for capacity building, whose "tangible" benefits will only be measured in the long term.
Gremlin1 plays a key role in kidney development and renal fibrosis

Gremlin1 (Grem1), an antagonist of bone morphogenetic proteins, plays a key role in embryogenesis. A highly specific temporospatial gradient of Grem1 and bone morphogenetic protein signaling is critical to normal lung, kidney, and limb development. Grem1 levels are increased in renal fibrotic conditions, including acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, chronic allograft nephropathy, and immune glomerulonephritis. We demonstrate that a small number of grem1−/− whole body knockout mice on a mixed genetic background (8%) are viable, with a single, enlarged left kidney and grossly normal histology. The grem1−/− mice displayed mild renal dysfunction at 4 wk, which recovered by 16 wk. Tubular epithelial cell-specific targeted deletion of Grem1 (TEC-grem1-cKO) mice displayed a milder response in the acute injury and recovery phases of the folic acid model. Increases in indexes of kidney damage were smaller in TEC-grem1-cKO than wild-type mice. In the recovery phase of the folic acid model, associated with renal fibrosis, TEC-grem1-cKO mice displayed reduced histological damage and an attenuated fibrotic gene response compared with wild-type controls. Together, these data demonstrate that Grem1 expression in the tubular epithelial compartment plays a significant role in the fibrotic response to renal injury in vivo.