Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Failure analysis of a ceramic bearing acetabular component.

BACKGROUND Alternative bearings have been explored in an attempt to improve the longevity of total hip prostheses. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved clinical study of a nonmodular acetabular component consisting of a porous metal shell, compression-molded polyethylene, and a ceramic liner inlay was discontinued following reports of early failures. METHODS Between October 1999 and January 2003, 429 patients were enrolled in a prospective study to evaluate a cementless ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty design (Hedrocel ceramic bearing cup; Implex, Allendale, New Jersey). Two hundred and eighty-two patients (315 hips) were treated with the experimental acetabular implant and 147 patients (157 hips) were treated with an acetabular implant that consisted of the same porous shell but an allpolyethylene liner. Clinical data including a Harris hip score and responses to the Short Form-12 (SF-12) health survey were collected preoperatively and at twelve and twenty-four months postoperatively. Serial radiographs were made preoperatively; at six weeks, three months, six months, and twelve months postoperatively; and annually thereafter. Retrieval analysis was performed on all failed explanted components. Failure was defined as fracture or displacement of the ceramic liner out of the acetabular component. In addition, biomechanical testing was performed on unimplanted acetabular components and mechanically altered cups in an effort to recreate the mechanisms of failure. Finite element analysis was used to estimate stress and strain within the ceramic liner under extreme physiologic loading conditions. RESULTS The ceramic liner failed in fourteen of the 315 experimental acetabular components; all of the failures were at the ceramic-polyethylene interface. Patients with a body weight of >91 kg had a 4.76 times greater odds of the ceramic liner failing than those who weighed < or =91 kg. Retrieval analysis demonstrated stripe and rim wear with evidence of adhesive wear, indicating a potentially high-friction interaction at the articulation. Finite element analysis demonstrated that the forces on the ceramic liner in cups subjected to extreme loading conditions were insufficient to cause fracture. Biomechanical testing was unable to reproduce an initial ceramic liner displacement in vitro; however, when the ceramic liner was forcibly displaced prior to biomechanical testing, complete displacement and eventual fracture of the ceramic liner resulted. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesized that the combination of a high patient body weight, an extensive range of motion, and subluxation of the femoral head led to high friction at the articulation between the femoral head and the rim of the liner, which initiated displacement of the ceramic liner. Subsequent normal gait led to further displacement of the liner in all of the fourteen failed components and eventually to ceramic fracture in twelve of the fourteen components.
Clinical Risk Stratification Optimizes Value of Biomarkers to Predict New-Onset Heart Failure in a Community-Based Cohort

Background—We aim to identify and quantify the value of biomarkers for incident new-onset heart failure (HF) in a community-based cohort and subgroups based on cardiovascular risk and evaluate the prognostic value of 13 biomarkers for HF with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. Methods and Results—Thirteen biomarkers reflecting diverse pathophysiologic domains were examined in 8569 HF-free participants in Prevention of Vascular and Renal Endstage Disease (mean age, 49 years; 50% men). Subjects were categorized in 2 risk groups based on cardiovascular history. Incremental value per biomarker was assessed using Harrell C-indices. One hundred sixty-eight subjects (2.4%) were diagnosed with new-onset HF in the low-risk group (n=6915; Framingham Risk Score, 5.9%) and 206 (12.2%) subjects in the high-risk group (n=1654; Framingham Risk Score, 18.6%). The association of natriuretic peptides, adrenomedullin, endothelin, and galectin-3 with new-onset HF was stronger in the high-risk group (all P<0.05). Troponin-T, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, urinary albumin excretion, and cystatin-C had similar risk for new-onset HF between both risk groups. The best model for new-onset HF included the combination of N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide, troponin-T, and urinary albumin excretion, increasing model accuracy to 0.81 (9.5%, P<0.001) in the high-risk group. Except for a modest effect of cystatin-C, no biomarker was associated with increased risk for HF with preserved ejection fraction. Conclusions—Risk stratification increases the incremental value per biomarker to predict new-onset HF, especially HF with reduced ejection fraction. We suggest that routine biomarker testing should be limited to the use of natriuretic peptides and troponin-T in patients with increased cardiovascular risk.
Semi-Analytical Retrieval of the Diffuse Attenuation Coefficient in Large and Shallow Lakes from GOCI, a High Temporal-Resolution Satellite

Monitoring the dynamic characteristics of the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd(490)) on the basis of the high temporal-resolution satellite data is critical for regulating the ecological environment of lake. By measuring the in-situ Kd(490) and the remote-sensing reflectance, a semi-analytical algorithm for Kd(490) was developed to determine the short-term variation of Kd(490). From 2006 to 2014, the data about 412 samples (among which 60 were used as match-up points, 282 for calibrating dataset and the remaining 70 for validating dataset) were gathered from nine expeditions to calibrate and validate the aforesaid semi-analytical algorithm. The root mean square percentage error (RMSP) and the mean absolute relative error (MAPE) of validation datasets were respectively 27.44% and 22.60 ± 15.57%, while that of the match-up datasets were respectively 34.29% and 27.57 ± 20.56%. These percentages indicate that the semi-analytical algorithm and Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI) data are applicable to obtain the short-term variation of Kd(490) in the turbid shallow inland waters. The short-term GOCI-observed Kd(490) shows a significant seasonal and spatial variation and a similar distribution to the matching Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) which derived Kd(490). A comparative analysis on wind (observed by buoys) and GOCI-derived Kd(490) suggests that wind is a primary driving factor of Kd(490) variation, but the lacustrine morphometry affects the wind force that is contributing to Kd(490) variation.
MHC‐dependent mate choice in humans: Why genomic patterns from the HapMap European American dataset support the hypothesis

The role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in mate choice in humans is controversial. Nowadays, the availability of genetic variation data at genomic scales allows for a careful assessment of this question. In 2008, Chaix et al. reported evidence for MHC‐dependent mate choice among European American spouses from the HapMap 2 dataset. Recently, Derti et al. suggested that this observation was not robust. Furthermore, when Derti et al. applied similar analyses to the HapMap 3 European American samples, they did not see a significant effect. Although some of the points raised by Derti et al. are relevant, we disagree with the reported absence of evidence for MHC‐dependent mate choice within the HapMap samples. More precisely, we show here that the MHC dissimilarity among HapMap 3 European American spouses is still extreme in comparison to the rest of the genome, even after multiple testing correction. This finding supports the hypothesis of MHC‐dependent mate choice in some human populations.
The effects of budget deficits on selected macroeconomic variables in Nigeria and Ghana (1970 - 2013)

This study investigates the effects of budget deficits on selected macroeconomic variables in Nigeria and Ghana using annual time-series data of both economies covering from 1970 to 2013; and taking previous empirical studies as its point of departure. The specific objectives of the study include: to examine the effects of budget deficits on interest rates, inflation, and economic growth in Nigeria and Ghana within the methodological framework of Seemingly Unrelated Regression (SUR) model and Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS). The study employs Eagle-Granger Cointegration test, Augmented Dickey Fuller (ADF) and Phillips-Perron (PP) tests in estimating the systems equations. Data sourced from World Bank, IMF - World Economic Outlook, Central Bank of Nigeria, Bank of Ghana and others, were analyzed using SUR model with several diagnostic and specification tests to examine the objectives of the study. From the perspective of this study, the empirical findings demonstrated that budget deficit has statistically negative effects on interest rate, inflation, and economic growth thereby supporting the neoclassical argument in the literature that budget deficit slows growth of the economy through resources crowding-out. Based on the empirical findings, appropriate recommendations were made for both Nigeria and Ghana economies.
Clinical outcome after diagnosis of hemophilia A in dogs.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical course of dogs with hemophilia A (factor VIII deficiency) and to determine whether factor VIII coagulant activity (FVIII:C) was associated with severity of clinical signs and outcome. DESIGN Survey study. SAMPLE Respondent information for 39 client-owned dogs with FVIII deficiency. PROCEDURES Information was obtained via a survey distributed to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care email list serves and to the Veterinary Information Network community to identify dogs with hemophilia A (FVIII:C ≤ 20%). Severity of FVIII deficiency was classified as mild (FVIII:C, 6% to 20%), moderate (FVIII:C, 2% to 5%), or severe (FVIII:C, < 2%). RESULTS Data for 39 dogs (38 males and 1 female) were compiled. Mixed-breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs, and Labrador Retrievers were most commonly affected. In most (34/39) dogs, disease was diagnosed at < 1 year of age. Bleeding associated with teething, minor trauma, vaccination, and elective surgical procedures most commonly prompted FVIII:C testing. Affected dogs had similar signs of spontaneous hemorrhage regardless of the magnitude of FVIII deficiency. Four dogs were euthanized without treatment at the time of diagnosis. Thirty dogs received ≥ 1 blood transfusion; FVIII:C did not appear to influence transfusion requirements. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Results indicated that dogs with hemophilia A have variations in clinical course of the disease and may have a good long-term prognosis. Residual FVIII:C may not be useful for predicting severity of clinical signs, transfusion needs, or long-term prognosis.
‘It might hurt, but still it’s good’: People with rheumatoid arthritis beliefs and expectations about physical activity interventions

Many people who have rheumatoid arthritis report low levels of physical activity. We conducted 17 interviews with people who have rheumatoid arthritis to gain insight into how they view physical activity and to explore how their levels of activity may be increased. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were generated: being active, barriers and facilitators, information and advice, and supporting physical activity. A lack of information about being active fostered negative emotions limiting physical activity participation. Improved provision of physical activity advice is warranted to promote physical activity in people who have rheumatoid arthritis.
Scanning probe-enabled nanocombinatorics define the relationship between fibronectin feature size and stem cell fate

We report the development of a powerful analytical method that utilizes a tilted elastomeric pyramidal pen array in the context of a scanning probe lithography experiment to rapidly prepare libraries having as many as 25 million features over large areas with a range of feature sizes from the nano- to microscale. This technique can be used to probe important chemical and biological processes, opening up the field of nanocombinatorics. In a proof-of-concept investigation of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation, combinatorial patterns first enabled a rapid and systematic screening of MSC adhesion, as a function of feature size, while uniform patterns were used to study differentiation with statistically significant sample sizes. Without media containing osteogenic-inducing chemical cues, cells cultured on nanopatterned fibronectin substrates direct MSC differentiation towards osteogenic fates when compared to nonpatterned fibronectin substrates. This powerful and versatile approach enables studies of many systems spanning biology, chemistry, and engineering areas.
Mixed Bundling of Two Independently Valued Goods

This paper develops analytical results and insights for the mixed bundling problem of pricing a product line consisting of two component goods (with valuations distributed uniformly and independently in [0, a1] and [0, a2], respectively, with a1 ≤ a2) and a bundle of the two goods. This setting has previously been considered analytically intractable. By deriving component good prices as exact algebraic functions of the optimal bundle price, I reduce the multiproduct pricing problem to a univariate nonlinear optimization problem in the bundle price. When the two component goods are sufficiently asymmetric in valuations, the optimal solution is partial mixed bundling (one component good is not sold separately), for which I derive exact conditions and optimal prices. An exact analytical solution is also given for mixed bundling of two information goods (component goods with zero marginal costs). For the general case, I derive a closed-form approximation of the optimal bundle price: pB = 0.5724w1 + 0.5695w2 +.
The Heme a Synthase Cox15 Associates with Cytochrome c Oxidase Assembly Intermediates during Cox1 Maturation

ABSTRACT Cox1, the core subunit of the cytochrome c oxidase, receives two heme a cofactors during assembly of the 13-subunit enzyme complex. However, at which step of the assembly process and how heme is inserted into Cox1 have remained an enigma. Shy1, the yeast SURF1 homolog, has been implicated in heme transfer to Cox1, whereas the heme a synthase, Cox15, catalyzes the final step of heme a synthesis. Here we performed a comprehensive analysis of cytochrome c oxidase assembly intermediates containing Shy1. Our analyses suggest that Cox15 displays a role in cytochrome c oxidase assembly, which is independent of its functions as the heme a synthase. Cox15 forms protein complexes with Shy1 and also associates with Cox1-containing complexes independently of Shy1 function. These findings indicate that Shy1 does not serve as a mobile heme carrier between the heme a synthase and maturing Cox1 but rather cooperates with Cox15 for heme transfer and insertion in early assembly intermediates of cytochrome c oxidase.
Cloud Computing Adoption Readiness and Benefit Realization in Irish SMEs—An Exploratory Study

This exploratory article tests the applicability of existing cloud computing adoption models, targeted primarily toward larger organizations, in supporting Irish small and medium-sized enterprises in transitioning to the cloud computing environment. Further, the article examines benefits realized from cloud adoption. Based on a quantitative research approach, the study’s findings indicate that existing cloud adoption frameworks are not suitable “as is” for the small- and medium-sized enterprise market. This provides strong justification for developing small- and medium-sized enterprise-specific frameworks for managing cloud migration.
Lesbian women's experiences with health care: A qualitative study

Abstract Background. Although the social situation for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people has improved over the last decades, lesbian women still face unique challenges when seeking healthcare services. Objectives. To explore lesbian women's healthcare experiences specifically related to sexual orientation to achieve knowledge which can contribute to increased quality of healthcare for lesbian women. Methods. Qualitative study based on written stories, with recruitment, information, and data sampling over the internet. Data consisted of 128 anonymously written answers to a web-based, open-ended questionnaire from a convenience sample of self-identified lesbian women. Data were analysed with systematic text condensation. Interpretation of findings was supported by theories of heteronormativity. Main outcome measures. Patients’ histories of experiences where a lesbian orientation was significant, when seeing a doctor or another healthcare professional. Results. Analysis presented three different aspects of healthcare professionals’ abilities, regarded as essential by our lesbian participants. First, the perspective of awareness was addressed – is the healthcare professional able to think of and facilitate the disclosure of a lesbian orientation? Second, histories pointed to the attitudes towards homosexuality – does the healthcare professional acknowledge and respect the lesbian orientation? Third, the impact of specific and adequate medical knowledge was emphasized – does the healthcare professional know enough about the specific health concerns of lesbian women? Conclusion. To obtain quality care for lesbian women, the healthcare professional needs a persistent awareness that not all patients are heterosexual, an open attitude towards a lesbian orientation, and specific knowledge of lesbian health issues. The dimensions of awareness, attitude, and knowledge are interconnected, and a positive direction on all three dimensions appears to be a necessary prerequisite.
Association of severe vertebral fractures with reduced quality of life: reduction in the incidence of severe vertebral fractures by teriparatide.

OBJECTIVE The association between vertebral fracture severity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) was investigated in a subset of patients in the Fracture Prevention Trial. We sought to determine whether vertebral fracture severity was associated with HRQOL scores, and if so, to determine the effects of teriparatide (recombinant human parathyroid hormone 1-34) on vertebral fracture grades that most strongly impact HRQOL in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. METHODS Vertebral fracture severity was assessed by the visual semiquantitative (SQ) method. A subset of 444 patients with a baseline radiograph completed the Osteoporosis Assessment Questionnaire. Baseline HRQOL scores were modeled as a function of maximum baseline vertebral fracture grade, while controlling for age, bone mineral density, body mass index, and back pain. RESULTS The effect of baseline vertebral fracture grade on baseline HRQOL was statistically significant, while interactions between vertebral fracture grade and the other variables were not statistically significant. SQ grade 3 (SQ3) vertebral fractures were associated with a significantly lower overall HRQOL score and with significantly lower physical function, symptoms, and emotional status dimension scores. After a median of 19 months of therapy, new or worsening SQ3 vertebral fractures occurred in 21 of 448 patients (4.7%) in the placebo group compared with 3 of 444 patients (0.7%) in the 20 mug/day teriparatide group. The risk of developing a new or worsened SQ3 vertebral fracture was reduced by 86% (P < 0.001) in patients treated with 20 mug/day teriparatide. CONCLUSION Compared with prevalent fractures of lesser severity, SQ3 vertebral fractures were associated with reduced HRQOL. Teriparatide treatment significantly reduced the risk of new or worsening SQ3 vertebral fractures. These findings suggest, but do not directly demonstrate, a benefit of teriparatide on HRQOL.
Identification of a Highly Effective Rapamycin Schedule that Markedly Reduces the Size, Multiplicity, and Phenotypic Progression of Tobacco Carcinogen–Induced Murine Lung Tumors

Purpose: Human and murine preneoplastic lung lesions induced by tobacco exposure are characterized by increased activation of the Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, suggesting a role for this pathway in lung cancer development. To test this, we did studies with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR, in A/J mice that had been exposed to the tobacco-specific carcinogen 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK). Experimental Design: Tumorigenesis was induced by i.p. injection of NNK, and rapamycin was administered 1 or 26 weeks after NNK administration. Biomarkers associated with mTOR inhibition were assessed in lung and/or surrogate tissues using immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting. Rapamycin levels were measured using mass spectroscopy. Results: Rapamycin was administered on a daily (5 of 7 days) regimen beginning 26 weeks after NNK decreased tumor size, proliferative rate, and mTOR activity. Multiplicity was not affected. Comparing this regimen with an every-other-day (qod) regimen revealed that rapamycin levels were better maintained with qod administration, reaching a nadir of 16.4 ng/mL, a level relevant in humans. When begun 1 week after NNK, this regimen was well tolerated and decreased tumor multiplicity by 90%. Tumors that did develop showed decreased phenotypic progression and a 74% decrease in size that correlated with decreased proliferation and inhibition of mTOR. Conclusions: Tobacco carcinogen–induced lung tumors in A/J mice are dependent upon mTOR activity because rapamycin markedly reduced the development and growth of tumors. Combined with the Food and Drug Administration approval of rapamycin and broad clinical experience, these studies provide a rationale to assess rapamycin in trials with smokers at high risk to develop lung cancer.
Impaired CREB-1 Phosphorylation in Antifolate-Resistant Cell Lines with Down-Regulation of the Reduced Folate Carrier Gene

The human reduced folate carrier (hRFC) is the dominant transporter for the uptake of antifolates used in cancer chemotherapy. We have shown recently that decreased cAMP-responsive element (CRE)-dependent transcription contributes to the loss of hRFC gene expression in multiple antifolate-resistant cell lines. This was associated with markedly decreased levels of phosphorylated cAMP response element-binding protein 1 (pCREB-1) and CRE-binding. Consistent with the autoregulation of CREB-1 gene expression by pCREB-1, prominently decreased CREB-1 mRNA levels were observed in antifolate-resistant cells. We therefore explored the possibility that these cells were defective in CREB-1 phosphorylation, thereby resulting in down-regulation of some cAMP-responsive genes. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis revealed that CREB-1 and its phosphoisoforms were markedly decreased in these cells. Treatment with forskolin, an activator of adenylyl cyclase, restored both CREB-1 and pCREB-1 levels; this resulted in the restoration of CRE-binding, CRE-reporter activity, and CREB-1 and RFC mRNA levels. Hence, the protein kinase A pathway was examined using various agents that augment intracellular cAMP levels, including cholera toxin, an upstream agonist that renders stimulatory G-proteins (Gαs) constitutively active. Treatment of antifolate-resistant cells with these agents resulted in the restoration of pCREB-1 levels and CRE-reporter activity. Furthermore, transient transfection with a constitutively transcriptionally active VP16-CREB-1 that does not require phosphorylation for its activity resulted in restoration of CREB mRNA levels but not pCREB-1 levels. This is the first demonstration that resistance to various antifolates may potentially be associated with impaired activity of Gαs or their coupled receptors, resulting in loss of CREB-1 phosphorylation and consequent down-regulation of cAMP-responsive genes.