Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lumbo-pelvic biomechanics and quadratus lumborum asymmetry in cricket fast bowlers.

PURPOSE This study aimed to analyze lumbo-pelvic lateral flexion kinematics and kinetics in junior fast bowlers and compare bowlers with varying quadratus lumborum (QL) cross-sectional area (CSA) asymmetry profiles. METHODS Magnetic resonance imaging was used to determine QL CSA of 39 participants who also underwent three-dimensional analysis of their bowling action. RESULTS Bowlers with greater than 10% QL asymmetry (n = 26) experienced a larger peak lumbo-pelvic lateral flexion; angle (21.6° ± 4.2°), angular velocity (314.9°·s ± 86.6°·s), moment (12.8 ± 2.5 N·m·kg·m), positive power (25.6 ± 12.6 W·kg·m), and negative power (48.6 ± 20.9 W·kg·m) compared with the bowlers with less than 10% asymmetry (n = 13) (angle = 18.1° ± 1.9°, angular velocity = 243.8°·s ± 64.9°·s, moment = 10.4 ± 2.8 N·m·kg·m, positive power = 14.7 ± 7.4 W·kg·m, and negative power = 33.8 ± 17.7 W·kg·m; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Fast bowlers with QL CSA asymmetry in excess of 10% experience increased lumbo-pelvic lateral flexion loads during bowling. As increased lateral flexion loads may increase the risk of spondylolysis development, the presence of large QL asymmetry may be a useful screening tool for identifying bowlers at risk of developing lumbar spondylolysis.
Toward More Coherent Sources Using a Microstructured Chalcogenide Brillouin Fiber Laser

Up to 16-dB frequency noise reduction and a linewidth 8 times narrower than that of the pump source is reported for the Stokes component in a compact Brillouin fiber laser (BFL) made up of chalcogenide microstructured fiber. Since the pump wave is not resonant in the ring cavity, an active stabilization of the laser is not primordial, thus making the system simpler and cheaper. Although only a 3-meter-long microstructured chalcogenide fiber is used as gain medium, a very low laser threshold power of 6 mW is obtained for nonresonant pumping. The linewidth-narrowing effect achieved in our BFL cavity is also discussed.
Comparison between 1D and 3D Approaches for Twin-Screw Extrusion Simulation

Abstract In this paper, numerical simulations of flows in a co-rotating intermeshing twin-screw extruder are performed using a previously presented 3D finite elements model. Some numerical improvements recently introduced are presented. The computations are performed for several processing conditions and screw arrangements. Values of specific energy, pressure and filled length are compared to the results issuing from the 1D Ludovic software in order to compare both approaches. The 3D simulation method is found to be more accurate to describe the effect of varying staggering angle and thickness of kneading discs. On the other hand, 1D model provides very satisfactory results for flows in screw elements.
Degradation of digital signal characteristics due to intermediate stages of interconnect failure

This paper examines the effect of intermediate stages of interconnect failure on the characteristics of digital signals. It was found that at data rates above several Gbps, the skin effect causes eye parameters in the digital domain to deteriorate in response to interconnect damage well before the creation of an open circuit. Fatigue tests were conducted to gradually stress a solder joint while monitoring changes to the eye parameters, including rise time, eye height, jitter, and the constituent components of jitter. All of these parameters were found to exhibit measurable degradation prior to complete separation of the solder joint. The jitter component making the largest contribution to the change in total jitter was intersymbol interference. The results support the conclusions from prior studies using time domain reflectometry and demonstrate their implications for digital electronics. Digital signal parameters offer an improved means of interconnect reliability assessment compared to traditional methods using DC resistance. The eye parameters also provide interconnect failure precursors, which may be useful as a product health monitoring tool for high speed electronics.
Adiponectin attenuates profibrotic extracellular matrix remodeling following cardiac injury by up‐regulating matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression in mice

Adiponectin (APN) is a multifunctional adipocytokine that inhibits myocardial fibrosis, dilatation, and left ventricular (LV) dysfunction after myocardial infarction (MI). Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) myocarditis is associated with intense extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling which might progress to dilated cardiomyopathy. Here, we investigated in experimental CVB3 myocarditis whether APN inhibits adverse ECM remodeling following cardiac injury by affecting matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) expression. Cardiac injury was induced by CVB3 infection in APN knockout (APN‐KO) and wild‐type (WT) mice. Expression and activity of MMPs was quantified by qRT‐PCR and zymography, respectively. Activation of protein kinases was assessed by immunoblot. In cardiac myocytes and fibroblasts APN up‐regulates MMP‐9 expression via activation of 5′ adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 which function as master regulators of inflammation‐induced MMP‐9 expression. Correspondingly, APN further increased up‐regulation of MMP‐9 expression triggered by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and R‐848 in cardiac fibroblasts. In vivo, compared to WT mice cardiac MMP‐9 activity and serum levels of carboxy‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were attenuated in APN‐KO mice in subacute (day 7 p.i.) CVB3 myocarditis. Moreover, on day 3 and day 7 post CVB3 infection splenic MMP‐9 expression was diminished in APN‐KO mice correlating with attenuated myocardial immune cell infiltration in subacute CVB3 myocarditis. These results indicate that APN attenuates adverse cardiac remodeling following cardiac injury by up‐regulating MMP‐9 expression in cardiac and immune cells. Thus, APN mediates intensified collagen cleavage that might explain inhibition of LV fibrosis and dysfunction.
Metallothionein prevents neurodegeneration and central nervous system cell death after treatment with gliotoxin 6‐aminonicotinamide

Transgenic expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) in the CNS under the control of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) gene promoter (GFAP‐IL6 mice) induces significant inflammation and neurodegeneration but also affords neuroprotection against acute traumatic brain injury. This neuroprotection is likely mediated by the IL‐6‐induced protective factors metallothioneins‐I and ‐II (MT‐I+II). Here we evaluate the neuroprotective roles of IL‐6 vs. MT‐I+II during 6‐aminonicotinamide (6‐AN)‐induced neurotoxicity, by using GFAP‐IL6 mice and transgenic mice overexpressing MT‐I (TgMT) as well as GFAP‐IL6 mice crossed with TgMT mice (GFAP‐IL6 × TgMT). 6‐AN caused acute damage of brainstem gray matter areas identified by necrosis of astrocytes, followed by inflammatory responses. After 6‐AN‐induced toxicity, secondary damage was observed, consisting of oxidative stress, neurodegeneration, and apoptotic cell death. We hereby show that the primary injury caused by 6‐AN was comparable in wild‐type and GFAP‐IL6 mice, but MT‐I overexpression could significantly protect the brain tissue. As expected, GFAP‐IL6 mice showed increased CNS inflammation with more gliosis, macrophages, and lymphocytes, including increased cytokine expression, relative to the other mice. However, GFAP‐IL6 mice showed reduced oxidative stress (judged from nitrotyrosine, malondialdehyde, and 8‐oxoguanine stainings), neurodegeneration (accumulation of neurofibrillary tangles), and apoptosis (determined from TUNEL and caspase‐3). MT‐I+II expression was significantly higher in GFAP‐IL6 mice than in wild types, which may contribute to the IL‐6‐induced neuroprotection. In support of this, overexpression of MT‐I in GFAP‐IL6 × TgMT as well as TgMT mice protected the brainstem tissue significantly from 6‐AN‐induced toxicity and secondary brain tissue damage. Overall, the results demonstrate that brain MT‐I+II proteins are fundamental neuroprotective factors, which in the future may become therapeutic agents. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Use of Automatic Test Data Generation for Genetic Improvement in a Live System

In this paper we present a bespoke live system in commercial use that has been implemented with self-improving properties. During business hours it provides overview and control for many specialists to simultaneously schedule and observe the rehabilitation process for multiple clients. However in the evening, after the last user logs out, it starts a self-analysis based on the day's recorded interactions and the self-improving process. It uses Search Based Software Testing (SBST) techniques to generate test data for Genetic Improvement (GI) to fix any bugs if exceptions have been recorded. The system has already been under testing for 4 months and demonstrates the effectiveness of simple test data generation and the power of GI for improving live code.
Sexual dichotomy of gonadal function in Prader-Willi syndrome from early infancy through the fourth decade.

STUDY QUESTION At what age does the type of hypogonadism, namely hypothalamic or primary gonadal defect, become established in men and women with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS)? SUMMARY ANSWER The type of hypogonadism becomes established only in late adolescence and early adulthood. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY The etiology of hypogonadism in PWS is heterogeneous and the clinical expression is variable. Primary testicular failure is common in PWS men, while combinations of ovarian dysfunction and gonadotrophin deficiency are seen in women. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This is a prospective study of a cohort of 106 PWS patients followed for a mean duration of 4.5 years. Serial blood samples were obtained and assayed for gonadotrophins, inhibin B, anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), testosterone (males), and estradiol (females). Results were compared with normal reference values obtained from the literature. For the purpose of this study, we defined the following age groups: infants <1 year; children 1-10 years; adolescents 11-20 years and adults >20 years. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Study participants were 49 males (aged 2 months to 36 years) and 57 females (aged 1 month to 37 years) with genetically confirmed diagnoses of PWS (deletions 60, uniparental disomy 54, imprinting center defect 2) followed in the Israel national multidisciplinary PWS clinic. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Serum LH levels were in the normal range (1.0-6.0 mIU/ml) for 7/10 adult men, and high in 3, while FSH (normal range 1.0-6.1 mIU/ml) was elevated (34.4 ± 11.5 mIU/ml) in 6 and normal (3.5 ± 1.6 mIU/ml) in 4 men. Testosterone was low (5.7 ± 3.4 nmol/l) compared with the normal range of 12.0-34.5 nmol/l in the reference population in all men >20 years. AMH showed a normal decrease with age, despite low testosterone levels. Inhibin B was normal (241 ± 105 pg/ml) in infant boys, but low or undetectable in most adult men. Hormonal profiles were more heterogeneous in women than in men. Estradiol was consistently detectable in only 7/13 adult women. Inhibin B was low or undetectable in all PWS females although occasional samples showed levels within the normal range of 15-95 pg/ml. Vaginal bleeding was reported to occur for the first time in eight women at a median age of 20 years (13-34 years), but only one had regular monthly menses. The type of hypogonadism (primary or secondary) in PWS can be determined only after age 20 years. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The study cohort was heterogeneous, showing variability in BMI, cognitive disability and medical treatment. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Demonstration of the natural history of reproductive hormone development in PWS suggests that androgen replacement may be indicated for most PWS boys in mid-adolescence. Recommendations for hormone replacement in PWS women need to be individually tailored, serial measurements of inhibin B should be performed, and contraception should be considered in those women who may have the potential for fertility.
Monte Carlo study of phase separation in aqueous protein solutions

The binary liquid phase separation of aqueous solutions of γ‐crystallins is utilized to gain insight into the microscopic interactions between these proteins. The interactions are modeled by a square‐well potential with reduced range λ and depth e. A comparison is made between the experimentally determined phase diagram and the results of a modified Monte Carlo procedure which combines simulations with analytic techniques. The simplicity and economy of the procedure make it practical to investigate the effect on the phase diagram of an essentially continuous variation of λ in the domain 1.05≤λ≤2.40. The coexistence curves are calculated and are in good agreement with the information available from previous standard Monte Carlo simulations conducted at a few specific values of λ. Analysis of the experimental data for the critical volume fractions of the γ‐crystallins permits the determination of the actual range of interaction appropriate for these proteins. A comparison of the experimental and calculated .
PRIMORDIAL NON-GAUSSIANITY AND THE NRAO VLA SKY SURVEY

The NRAO VLA Sky Survey (NVSS) is the only data set that allows an accurate determination of the auto-correlation function (ACF) on angular scales of several degrees for active galactic nuclei at z ≃ 1. Surprisingly, the ACF is found to be positive on large scales while, in the framework of the standard hierarchical clustering scenario with Gaussian primordial perturbations, it should be negative for a redshift-independent effective halo mass of order of that found for optically selected quasars. We show that a small primordial non-Gaussianity (NG) can add sufficient power on very large scales to account for the observed NVSS ACF. The best-fit value of the parameter fNL, quantifying the amplitude of primordial NG of local type, is fNL = 62 ± 27 (1σ error bar) and 25 < fNL < 117 (2σ confidence level), corresponding to a detection of NG significant at the ∼3σ confidence level. The minimal halo mass of NVSS sources is found to be Mmin = 1012.47±0.26 h−1 M☉ (1σ) strikingly close to that of optically selected quasars. We discuss caveats and possible physical and systematic effects that can have an impact on the results.
Halitosis: From diagnosis to management

Halitosis is formed by volatile molecules which are caused because of pathological or nonpathological reasons and it originates from an oral or a non-oral source. It is very common in general population and nearly more than 50% of the general population have halitosis. Although halitosis has multifactorial origins, the source of 90% cases is oral cavity such as poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, tongue coat, food impaction, unclean dentures, faulty restorations, oral carcinomas, and throat infections. Halitosis affects a person's daily life negatively, most of people who complain about halitosis refer to the clinic for treatment but in some of the people who can suffer from halitosis, there is no measurable halitosis. There are several methods to determine halitosis. Halitosis can be treated if its etiology can be detected rightly. The most important issue for treatment of halitosis is detection etiology or determination its source by detailed clinical examination. Management may include simple measures such as scaling and root planning, instructions for oral hygiene, tongue cleaning, and mouth rinsing. The aim of this review was to describe the etiological factors, prevalence data, diagnosis, and the therapeutic mechanical and chemical approaches related to halitosis.
Compressive Behavior of Concrete Confined by Carbon Fiber Composite Jackets

This paper describes axial compression test results of 27 concrete cylinders confined by carbon fiber reinforced polymer composite jackets. The experimental parameters include plain concrete compressive strength and the thickness of the composite jacket. It is found that the carbon fiber composite jacketing can significantly increase the compressive strength and ductility of concrete. The test results indicate that concrete strength and confinement modulus, defined as the ratio of transverse confinement stress and transverse strain, are the most influential factors affecting the stress-strain behavior of confined concrete. The failure of the confined concrete was dominated by the rupture of the jacket at an average strain much smaller than the ultimate strain obtained from tension tests of flat coupons. In order to describe the main mechanical features of the confined concrete, a simple bilinear stress-strain model is suggested based on the theory of elasticity and minimum number of empirical equations de.
Path diversity for Inter-domain Routing security

The backbone of the Internet consists of a large number of autonomous systems (ASs), which are interconnected by Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) and mutual peering arrangements. The de-facto routing protocol, Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), has well-known vulnerabilities. Secure versions of BGP are costly and their adoption is slow1. Technology migration towards Software-defined Networking (SDN) does not automatically ensure routing security, nevertheless it opens door for innovation due to centralized control of IP routing. In this paper we propose multipath routing to secure global IP traffic from malicious ASes and IXPs, by leveraging the logically centralized control plane (LCCP) of SDN. LCCP is well suited to implement IXP-centric path diversity, which not only increases the routing security but also brings in greater resilience and higher performance. We present a graph theoretic model of core networking along with a multipath routing algorithm suitable for LCCP. We integrate our proposed ideas with multipath TCP (RFC 6824) and demonstrate the working of proposed multipath routing in a detailed Mininet emulation.
Achieving Optimal Clinical Outcomes in Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Catheterizations of the Internal Jugular Vein After a Simulation-Based Training Program for Novice Learners

Introduction The aim of this study was to determine the number of ultrasound-guided (USG) central venous catheterization (CVC) of the internal jugular vein (IJV) residents had to perform, after a simulation-based training program, to achieve optimal clinical outcomes. Methods We conducted a single-center, prospective, observational study in the medical intensive care unit of a university-affiliated teaching hospital. Residents participated in a formal training program, consisting of a simulation-based workshop and 5 supervised USG CVC insertions on patients. Subsequent USG CVC of the IJV performed by residents during their rotation were assessed. Data on the overall success (OS), first pass success (FP) and mechanical complication (MC) rates were serially collected over 2 years, spanning 4 cohorts of residents. Results Thirty-two residents performed a total of 337 USG CVC of the IJV. Residents had previously performed an average of 9 CVC via the landmark technique. None had performed USG CVC before. Results showed that residents improved in their OS, FP, and MC rates as they performed more USG CVC. Residents needed to perform 7 USG CVCs to achieve optimal clinical outcomes of high OS and FP as well as low MC rates. There was a significant improvement in OS, FP, and MC rates for the eighth and subsequent USG CVCs compared with the first 7 USG CVCs (82% vs. 99% [P < 0.001], 70% vs. 92% [P < 0.001] and 11% vs. 0%, respectively). Conclusions After a formal training program consisting of a simulation-based workshop and 5 supervised USG CVCs on critically ill adults, residents were able to achieve optimal clinical outcomes after performing 7 procedures.
Familial dyskinesia and facial myokymia (FDFM): Follow‐up of a large family and linkage to chromosome 3p21‐3q21

We previously reported a five‐generation family manifesting an autosomal dominant disorder of facial myokymia and dystonic/choreic movements (FDFM). The dyskinetic episodes are initially paroxysmal but may become constant. With increasing age they may lessen or even disappear. The previous study excluded nine candidate genes chosen for their association with myokymia or chorea and two regions containing single or clustered ion channel genes. We now report identification by whole genome linkage analysis of a broad region on chromosome 3p21‐3q21 that segregates with the disease in all 10 affected members in three generations who participated in the study. GENEHUNTER‐MODSCORE Version 2.0. 1 provided a maximum multipoint LOD score of 3.099. No other disorders primarily characterized by myokymia, dystonia, or chorea are known to map to this region. Identification of additional families with FDFM may narrow the critical region and facilitate the choice of candidate genes for further analysis. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Piezoelectric induced bending and twisting of laminated composite shallow shells

The piezoelectric induced bending and twisting deformation of laminated shallow shells has been presented in this report. A simple and efficient method has been developed for the static analysis of shallow shells under mechanical, thermal, and piezoelectric fields. The governing equations are based on the linear theory of piezoelectricity and the classical thin shallow shell assumptions. Approximate solutions have been obtained using the conventional Ritz analysis for different boundary conditions. Comparisons of degenerate cases with published analytical and experimental results show good agreement. Several cases have been reported here, investigating the effects of material stiffness coupling, shell shallowness, and actuator geometric parameters on the bending and twisting deformation of piezoelectric laminated structures. It is shown that the desired shape could be better controlled by a proper selection of the lay-up configuration and geometric characteristics of the structure such as the thickness, size, and location of the piezoelectric actuators.
Integral field spectroscopy of two radio galaxies at z ∼ 2.3

Aims. In this article we study the morphology, kinematics and ionization properties of the giant ionized gas nebulae surrounding two high redshift radio galaxies, 4C 40.36 (z = 2.27) and 4C 48.48 (z = 2.34). Methods. Integral field spectroscopy observations were taken using the PPAK bundle of the PMAS spectrograph, mounted on the 3.5 m on the Calar Alto Observatory, in order to cover a field-of-view of 64 �� × 72 �� centered in each radio galaxy. The observations spanned 5 nights, using two different spectral resolutions (with FWHM ∼ 4Aa nd∼8 A respectively), covering the optical wavelength range from ∼3700 A to ∼7100 A, which corresponds to the rest-frame ultraviolet range from ∼1100 A to ∼2000 A. Various emission lines are detected within this wavelength range, including Lyα (1216 A), NV (1240 A), CIV (1549 A), HeII (1640 A), OIII] (1663 A) and CIII] (1909 A). The dataset was used to derive the spatial distribution of the flux intensity of each of these lines and the gas kinematics. The properties of the emission lines in the nuclear regions were studied in detail. Results. In agreement with previous studies, we find that both objects are embedded in a large ionized gas nebula, where Lyα emission is extended across ∼100 kpc or more. The CIV and HeII emission lines are also spatially extended. The nebulae are generally aligned with the radio axis, although we detect emission far from it. In 4C+48.48, there is a band of low Lyα/CIV running perpendicular to the radio axis, at the location of the active nucleus. This feature might be the observational signature of an edge-on disk of neutral gas. The kinematics of both nebulae are inconsistent with stable rotation, although they are not inconsistent with infall or outflow.