Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Service-oriented environments for dynamically interacting with mesoscale weather

Within a decade after John von Neumann and colleagues conducted the first experimental weather forecast on the ENIAC computer in the late 1940s, numerical models of the atmosphere become the foundation of modern-day weather forecasting and one of the driving application areas in computer science. This article describes research that is enabling a major shift toward dynamically adaptive responses to rapidly changing environmental conditions.
Intermediate Results of the Prestige LP Cervical Disc Replacement: Clinical and Radiological Analysis With Minimum Two-Year Follow-up

Study Design. Prospective study. Objective. Present results of Prestige LP artificial cervical disc replacement (ADR). Summary of Background Data. Motion preservation with ADR can potentially reduce adjacent segment degeneration. Methods. Forty patients with 59 Prestige LP ADR were analyzed. Cervical range of motion, Neck Disability Index, Visual Analogue, Short Form-36, Modified American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, and Japanese Orthopedic Association scores and radiographs were evaluated. Clinical results were compared with anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Results. There were 21 females and 19 males. Mean age was 43.9 years. Mean follow-up was 2.9 years. Of the patients, 62.5% had single level replacement-mainly C56 level (56%); 52.5% had myelopathy and 47.5% radiculopathy; 50% of neural compression was due to herniated disc, 45% due to spondylosis, and 5% due to both. There was significant improvement in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and Visual Analogue scores (P < 0.05) at 6 months and 2 years. There was significant improvement in the Neck Disability Index from a mean of 42.2 preoperation to 16.4 at 6 months and 15.2 at 2 years (P < 0.05). The mean Japanese Orthopedic Association score improved significantly from 14.7 preoperation to 15.7 at 6 months and 15.6 at 2 years (P < 0.05). There was significant improvement in all aspects of the Short Form-36 scores except general health (P < 0.05) at 6 months and 2 years. There was no significant difference in the clinical outcomes between ADR and anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. Segmental alignment (mean 8°, 14°, and 13° lordotic at preoperation, 6 months, and 2 years postoperation, respectively) and global alignment (mean 15.7°, 16.2°, and 17.3° lordotic at preoperation, 6 months, and 2 years postoperation, respectively) were maintained. Dynamic radiographs showed significant segmental motion with a 6 month's mean motion of 11.1° and a 2-year mean motion of 13.9° (P < 0.05). Conclusion. Prestige LP ADR showed significant improvement in clinical outcomes at 2 years. It restores segmental lordosis and preserves segmental motion up to 2 years postoperation.
Head CT for Minor Head Injury Presenting to the Emergency Department in the Era of Choosing Wisely

Introduction The Choosing Wisely campaign currently recommends avoiding computed tomography (CT) of the head in low-risk emergency department (ED) patients with minor head injury, based on validated decision rules. However, the degree of adherence to this guideline in clinical practice is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate adherence to the Choosing Wisely campaign’s recommendations regarding head CT imaging of patients with minor head injury in the ED. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult ED patients at a Level I trauma center. Patients aged ≥ 18 years who presented to the ED with minor head injury were identified via International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Medical record abstraction was conducted to determine the presence of clinical symptoms of the NEXUS II criteria, medical resource use, and head CT findings. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the study sample, and proportions were used to quantify guidelines adherence. Results A total of 489 subjects met inclusion criteria. ED providers appropriately applied the Choosing Wisely criteria for 75.5% of patients, obtaining head CTs when indicated by the NEXUS II rule (41.5%), and not obtaining head CTs when the NEXUS II criteria were not met (34.0%). However, ED providers obtained non-indicated CTs in 23.1% of patients. Less than 2% of the sample did not receive a head CT when imaging was indicated by NEXUS II. Conclusion ED providers in our sample had variable adherence to the Choosing Wisely head-CT recommendation, especially for patients who did not meet the NEXUS II criteria.
Validation of a quantitative 12-multigene expression assay (Oncotype DX® Colon Cancer Assay) in Korean patients with stage II colon cancer: implication of ethnic differences contributing to differences in gene expression

Purpose To evaluate the Recurrence Score® of the quantitative 12-multigene expression assay and to determine risk groups based on the continuous Recurrence Score® in Korean patients. Method A total of 95 patients with pathological T3N0 tumors and mismatch repair-proficient tumors were enrolled. The Recurrence Score® was used to classify risk groups (low risk, <30; intermediate risk, 30–40; high risk, ≥41). Results Fifty-four patients (56.8%) were aged over 70 years. There were 49 men (51.6%) and 56 cases of right-sided colon cancer (58.9%). Eight cases (8.4%) had well-differentiated tumors, and 86 cases (90.5%) showed moderate differentiation. Only one case (1.1%) had a poorly differentiated tumor. Three patients (3.2%) had lymphovascular invasion. Sixty-one patients were identified as low risk (64.2%) and 34 patients as intermediate risk (35.8%). There were no high-risk patients. Although not significant, the 3-year recurrence risk increased with the Recurrence Score®. Conclusion Distribution patterns of risk groups based on the Recurrence Score®, particularly the absence of a high-risk group, were different from the prior validation studies. These findings suggest that ethnic differences between Koreans and Western patients are potential contributing factors for different gene expressions in the quantitative 12-multigene expression assay.
Distributed execution for resource-constrained mobile consumer devices

Mobile consumer devices take increasingly important roles, more closely and personally interacting with users. As users get used to mobile devices, they often want the same level of computing experience as they can have from desktop PCs, but still in small and light form factors. Considering current technology, we find the limitations of the processor and the memory are still too big in current mobile devices to satisfy demanding mobile users. To alleviate resource limitations, many researchers explored techniques to share the resources of powerful surrogate servers nearby. In that line of research, we propose slim execution for an effective mobile computing paradigm. To experimentally verify our execution model, we develop a code transforming tool, distributed execution transformer (DiET). The DiET takes original Java bytecode and replaces the bodies of heavy methods with remote procedure calls to surrogate servers. Since the modified bytecode is still a legal Java bytecode, mobile devices can download and run the modified bytecode on standard JVMs, cooperating with surrogate servers. Our experiments with the SciMark 2.0 show our distributed execution scheme reduces the execution time by up to 71%.
CIB1 is an endogenous inhibitor of agonist-induced integrin αIIbβ3 activation

In response to agonist stimulation, the αIIbβ3 integrin on platelets is converted to an active conformation that binds fibrinogen and mediates platelet aggregation. This process contributes to both normal hemostasis and thrombosis. Activation of αIIbβ3 is believed to occur in part via engagement of the β3 cytoplasmic tail with talin; however, the role of the αIIb tail and its potential binding partners in regulating αIIbβ3 activation is less clear. We report that calcium and integrin binding protein 1 (CIB1), which interacts directly with the αIIb tail, is an endogenous inhibitor of αIIbβ3 activation; overexpression of CIB1 in megakaryocytes blocks agonist-induced αIIbβ3 activation, whereas reduction of endogenous CIB1 via RNA interference enhances activation. CIB1 appears to inhibit integrin activation by competing with talin for binding to αIIbβ3, thus providing a model for tightly controlled regulation of αIIbβ3 activation.
Integrating Immunologic Signaling Networks: The JAK/STAT Pathway in Colitis and Colitis-Associated Cancer

Cytokines are believed to be crucial mediators of chronic intestinal inflammation in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Many of these cytokines trigger cellular effects and functions through signaling via janus kinase (JAK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) molecules. In this way, JAK/STAT signaling controls important events like cell differentiation, secretion of cytokines or proliferation and apoptosis in IBD in both adaptive and innate immune cells. Moreover, JAK/STAT signaling, especially via the IL-6/STAT3 axis, is believed to be involved in the transition of inflammatory lesions to tumors leading to colitis-associated cancer (CAC). In this review, we will introduce the main cellular players and cytokines that contribute to pathogenesis of IBD by JAK/STAT signaling, and will highlight the integrative function that JAK/STATs exert in this context as well as their divergent role in different cells and processes. Moreover, we will explain current concepts of the implication of JAK/STAT signaling in CAC and finally discuss present and future therapies for IBD that interfere with JAK/STAT signaling.
mls-2 and vab-3 control glia development, hlh-17/Olig expression and glia-dependent neurite extension in C. elegans

Glia are essential components of nervous systems. However, genetic programs promoting glia development and regulating glia-neuron interactions have not been extensively explored. Here we describe transcriptional programs required for development and function of the C. elegans cephalic sheath (CEPsh) glia. We demonstrate ventral- and dorsal-restricted roles for the mls-2/Nkx/Hmx and vab-3/Pax6/Pax7 genes, respectively, in CEPsh glia differentiation and expression of the genes hlh-17/Olig and ptr-10/Patched-related. Using mls-2 and vab-3 mutants, as well as CEPsh glia-ablated animals, we show that CEPsh glia are important for sensory dendrite extension, axon guidance/branching within the nerve ring, and nerve ring assembly. We demonstrate that UNC-6/Netrin, expressed in ventral CEPsh glia, mediates glia-dependent axon guidance. Our results suggest possible similarities between CEPsh glia development and oligodendrocyte development in vertebrates, and demonstrate that C. elegans provides a unique environment for studying glial functions in vivo.
PRODUCT CONNECTIVITY , MULTI-PRODUCT FIRM INNOVATIONS AND ECONOMIC GROWTH † APRIL (

Firms and countries grow by upgrading and expanding their product space. The knowledge and skills accumulated through the previous production may or may not be useful to produce new products. Using patent citation data and Kleinberg (1998)’s algorithm, we characterize products by their connectivity strength. We find that the product mix by larger firms tends to have higher connectivity, and controlling for sizes, more connected firms innovate faster in both current sectors and new sectors. In addition, larger firms enter younger and less connected sectors, reflecting the expansion into more cutting-edge area. We then build a model of innovating multi-product firm that allows for knowledge diffusion across sectors and can simultaneously account for all the observations. The model emphasizes the impact of product connectivity on firm’s growth. Every firm has to pay a fixed entry cost when innovating in a new sector. A firm currently producing more connected products is able to transmit existing knowledge into newer goods and therefore grows faster. The same intuition applies to countries. We find that empirically, a country grows faster when its initial industrial structure allows it to develop more advanced products relatively easily, more specifically, when its initial export products have higher connectivity strength.
Identification, subcellular localization, biochemical properties, and high-resolution crystal structure of Trypanosoma brucei UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase

The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei is the causative agent of the cattle disease Nagana and human African sleeping sickness. Glycoproteins play key roles in the parasite’s survival and infectivity, and the de novo biosyntheses of the sugar nucleotides UDP-galactose (UDP-Gal), UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, and GDP-fucose have been shown to be essential for their growth. The only route to UDP-Gal in T. brucei is through the epimerization of UDP-glucose (UDP-Glc) by UDP-Glc 4′-epimerase. UDP-Glc is also the glucosyl donor for the unfolded glycoprotein glucosyltransferase (UGGT) involved in glycoprotein quality control in the endoplasmic reticulum and is the presumed donor for the synthesis of base J (β-d-glucosylhydroxymethyluracil), a rare deoxynucleotide found in telomere-proximal DNA in the bloodstream form of T. brucei. Considering that UDP-Glc plays such a central role in carbohydrate metabolism, we decided to characterize UDP-Glc biosynthesis in T. brucei. We identified and characterized the parasite UDP-glucose pyrophosphorylase (TbUGP), responsible for the formation of UDP-Glc from glucose-1-phosphate and UTP, and localized the enzyme to the peroxisome-like glycosome organelles of the parasite. Recombinant TbUGP was shown to be enzymatically active and specific for glucose-1-phosphate. The high-resolution crystal structure was also solved, providing a framework for the design of potential inhibitors against the parasite enzyme.
Influence of Fiber Type on Creep Deformation of Cracked Fiber-Reinforced Shotcrete Panels

This article describes how experience in underground construction to date has indicated that creep deformations in conventionally reinforced shotcrete and steel fiber-reinforced shotcrete (SFRS) are small once hardening beyond the initial few weeks of hydration has occurred. At the same time, shotcrete reinforced with macrosynthetic fibers has become well established as a means of ground support in mines. This type of fiber-reinforced shotcrete (FRS) has demonstrated an ability to deform in response to highly plastic ground and thereby control stability. However, debate has arisen about the merits of using shotcrete reinforced with macrosynthetic fibers in civil tunnel linings. In particular, concerns have been expressed about the magnitude of post-crack creep-related deflections likely in the long term. The present investigation was instigated to determine the relative magnitude of time-dependent post-crack deflections typical of shotcrete reinforced with macrosynthetic fibers and to compare this with SFRS tested under nominally identical conditions.
Effects of Pro-Cholinergic Treatment in Patients Suffering from Spatial Neglect

Spatial neglect is a neurological condition characterized by a breakdown of spatial cognition contralateral to hemispheric damage. Deficits in spatial attention toward the contralesional side are considered to be central to this syndrome. Brain lesions typically involve right fronto-parietal cortices mediating attentional functions and subcortical connections in underlying white matter. Convergent findings from neuroimaging and behavioral studies in both animals and humans suggest that the cholinergic system might also be critically implicated in selective attention by modulating cortical function via widespread projections from the basal forebrain. Here we asked whether deficits in spatial attention associated with neglect could partly result from a cholinergic deafferentation of cortical areas subserving attentional functions, and whether such disturbances could be alleviated by pro-cholinergic therapy. We examined the effect of a single-dose transdermal nicotine treatment on spatial neglect in 10 stroke patients in a double-blind placebo-controlled protocol, using a standardized battery of neglect tests. Nicotine-induced systematic improvement on cancellation tasks and facilitated orienting to single visual targets, but had no significant effect on other tests. These results support a global effect of nicotine on attention and arousal, but no effect on other spatial mechanisms impaired in neglect.
Association of Parental Environmental Exposures and Supplementation Intake with Risk of Nonsyndromic Orofacial Clefts: A Case-Control Study in Heilongjiang Province, China

The aim of present study was to check the possible association of potential parental environmental exposures and maternal supplementation intake with the risk of nonsyndromic orofacial clefting (NSOC). A retrospective study comprised 499 cases and 480 controls was conducted in Heilongjiang Province. Chi-square analysis and unconditional multiple logistic regression were used in the study. The results showed that maternal history of fever and the common cold without fever (ORCL/P = 3.11 and 5.56, 95%CI: 1.67–5.82 and 2.96–10.47, ORCPO = 3.31 and 8.23, 95%CI: 1.58–6.94 and 4.08–16.95), paternal smoking and alcohol consumption (ORCL/P = 2.15 and 5.04, 95%CI: 1.37–3.38 and 3.00–8.46, ORCPO = 1.82 and 4.40, 95%CI: 1.06–3.13 and 2.50–7.74), maternal exposure to organic solvents, heavy metals, or pesticides (ORCL/P = 6.07, 5.67 and 5.97, 95%CI: 1.49–24.76, 1.34–24.09 and 2.10–16.98, ORCPO = 10.65, 7.28 and 3.48, 95%CI: 2.54–44.67, 1.41–37.63 and 1.06–11.46) and multivitamin use during the preconception period (ORCL/P = 0.06, 95%CI: 0.02–0.23, ORCPO = 0.06, 95%CI: 0.01–0.30) were associated with cleft lip or without cleft palate (CL/P) and cleft palate only (CPO). Maternal history of skin disease and negative life events (ORCL/P = 12.07 and 1.67, 95%CI: 1.81–80.05 and 1.95–2.67) were associated with CL/P. Some potential parental hazardous exposures during the periconception period and maternal use of multivitamins during the preconception period were associated with risk of NSOC.
Effects of acamprosate on sleep during alcohol withdrawal: A double-blind placebo-controlled polysomnographic study in alcohol-dependent subjects.

BACKGROUND Sleep disturbances are frequently encountered in alcohol-dependent patients. Drugs improving sleep during abstinence from alcohol may play an important role in the recovery process. METHODS In the present study, the effects of acamprosate, a drug successfully used in maintaining abstinence following alcohol withdrawal, were assessed by polysomnographic recordings. A parallel double-blind placebo-controlled study was conducted in 24 male DSM-IV alcohol-dependent subjects aged 35.9+/-1.2 years. Treatments (2 tablets of 333 mg acamprosate vs placebo t.i.d.) were initiated 8 days before alcohol withdrawal and continued during the 15 days following alcohol withdrawal. Polysomnographic assessments were recorded during acute withdrawal (the first 2 nights following withdrawal) and during postwithdrawal abstinence (the last 2 nights of the trial). RESULTS Results show that, compared with placebo, acamprosate decreased wake time after sleep onset and increased stage 3 and REM sleep latency (all treatment effects with a p < 0.05 significance). Withdrawal effects themselves were also demonstrated as sleep efficiency (p < 0.01) and total sleep time (p < 0.05) were lower in abstinence nights versus withdrawal nights, whereas no significant treatment x withdrawal effect could be evidenced. Acamprosate was well tolerated during the entire course of the study. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that acamprosate ameliorates both sleep continuity and sleep architecture parameters classically described as disturbed in alcohol-dependent patients. From a clinical perspective, it suggests that an 8-day acamprosate prewithdrawal treatment is well tolerated and can attenuate the sleep disturbances engendered by alcohol withdrawal in alcohol-dependent subjects.
Analysis and testing of Bingham plastic behavior in semi-active electrorheological fluid dampers

Electrorheological- (ER-) fluid-based dashpot dampers have smart capabilities because ER fluids undergo large changes in yield stress as electric field is applied. Our objective is the development and experimental validation of quasi-steady dashpot damper models, based on an idealized nonlinear Bingham plastic shear flow mechanism, for purposes of preliminary design and performance predictions. The data required for the Bingham plastic model is normally supplied by ER fluid suppliers, that is, plastic viscosity and dynamic yield stress as a function of applied field, as determined from a shear stress versus shear strain rate diagram. As force is applied to the dashpot damper, the ER fluid flows through an annulus between the concentric inner and outer electrodes. The idealized Bingham plastic shear flow mechanism predicts that three annular flow regions develop as a function of the local shear stress. In the central pre-yield or plug region, the local shear stress is less than the dynamic yield stress, so that the plug behaves like a rigid solid. The remaining two annular regions, adjacent to the electrodes, are in the post-yield condition and correspond to the shear stress exceeding the dynamic yield stress, so that the material flows. Equivalent viscous damping performance of an ER fluid dashpot damper is strongly coupled with the plug behavior. For a constant force, as the applied field increases, so does the plug thickness and equivalent viscous damping. For a constant applied field, as the force increases, the plug thickness and equivalent viscous damping both decrease. The passive and active or field-dependent damping behavior of an ER-fluid-based dashpot damper can be designed for a specific application using these quasi-steady Bingham plastic models.
BK virus and JC virus shed during pregnancy have predominantly archetypal regulatory regions

Twenty-three BK virus and JC virus DNA samples obtained from urine of pregnant women had almost exclusively archetypal transcriptional control regions. Rearrangements characteristic of laboratory strains are apparently not required for reactivation in humans. Unexpectedly, alignment shows that many elements identified previously in the BK virus enhancer are conserved in the JC virus archetype.