Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Magnetic resonance imaging evaluation of the labrum to predict acetabular development in developmental dysplasia of the hip

Abstract Recently, more attention has been paid to the role of the acetabular labrum. Therefore, we designed a retrospective cohort study of patients with residual hip dysplasia (RHD) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The objective of this study was to investigate an association between the MRI appearance of the labrum before school age and the natural history of RHD. We retrospectively investigated 45 hips of 40 patients who underwent MRI at about 3 and 4 years of age for RHD and were conservatively followed up with until 6 years of age or older. We evaluated the extent of eversion with a new method that measures the &bgr; angle (MRI &bgr; angle) using landmarks of the Graf method on MRI T2*-weighted images. The outcome measure was the Severin classification at the final follow-up. We compared the radiographic and MRI parameters at approximately 3 and 4 years of age between the good and poor outcome groups. The Student t test or one-way analysis of variance was used to compare the quantitative variables between groups. The Chi-square test was used to perform a ratio comparison. Although there was a significant difference in the center-edge (CE) angle, there was no significant difference in the acetabular index and the ratio of the presence of femoral head necrosis and the break in Shenton line between the good and poor groups. The MRI &bgr; angle was significantly greater in the poor outcome group than in the normal and good outcome groups. The cut-off value of the MRI &bgr; angle to differentiate the good and poor outcome groups was 65°, and its specificity and sensitivity were 92% and 53%, respectively. There was labral eversion on MRI scans in patients with RHD. Acetabular development before adolescence was poorer with greater labral eversion on MRI scans. The specificity for poor acetabular development was high when the MRI &bgr; angle was 65° or more. The MRI &bgr; angle has the potential to predict acetabular development.
Manipulation of Karyotype in Caenorhabditis elegans Reveals Multiple Inputs Driving Pairwise Chromosome Synapsis During Meiosis

Meiotic chromosome segregation requires pairwise association between homologs, stabilized by the synaptonemal complex (SC). Here, we investigate factors contributing to pairwise synapsis by investigating meiosis in polyploid worms. We devised a strategy, based on transient inhibition of cohesin function, to generate polyploid derivatives of virtually any Caenorhabditis elegans strain. We exploited this strategy to investigate the contribution of recombination to pairwise synapsis in tetraploid and triploid worms. In otherwise wild-type polyploids, chromosomes first sort into homolog groups, then multipartner interactions mature into exclusive pairwise associations. Pairwise synapsis associations still form in recombination-deficient tetraploids, confirming a propensity for synapsis to occur in a strictly pairwise manner. However, the transition from multipartner to pairwise association was perturbed in recombination-deficient triploids, implying a role for recombination in promoting this transition when three partners compete for synapsis. To evaluate the basis of synapsis partner preference, we generated polyploid worms heterozygous for normal sequence and rearranged chromosomes sharing the same pairing center (PC). Tetraploid worms had no detectable preference for identical partners, indicating that PC-adjacent homology drives partner choice in this context. In contrast, triploid worms exhibited a clear preference for identical partners, indicating that homology outside the PC region can influence partner choice. Together, our findings, suggest a two-phase model for C. elegans synapsis: an early phase, in which initial synapsis interactions are driven primarily by recombination-independent assessment of homology near PCs and by a propensity for pairwise SC assembly, and a later phase in which mature synaptic interactions are promoted by recombination.
Heregulin‐induced activation of ErbB3 by EGFR tyrosine kinase activity promotes tumor growth and metastasis in melanoma cells

ErbB3 receptor tyrosine kinase has been shown to induce tumor progression in several types of cancer through heterodimerization with ErbB2. However, the role of ErbB3 and its ligand heregulin (HRG) in tumor metastasis remains poorly understood. In the present study, we tried to clarify their contributions to the metastasis of ErbB3‐overexpressing B16‐BL6 melanoma cells. Stimulation with HRG induced phosphorylation of ErbB3 and metastatic properties including MMP‐9 expression, invasion, adhesion and experimental lung metastasis in vivo. These cellular responses were blocked by inhibiting the tyrosine kinase activity of EGFR with PD153035. In addition, phosphorylation of EGFR was rapidly induced by HRG, suggesting that EGFR is a possible heterodimeric counterpart of ErbB3. RNA interference demonstrated that subcutaneous tumor growth and angiogenesis was attenuated by inactivation of ErbB3 in cancer cells. Although experimental pulmonary metastasis was not affected by the knockdown of ErbB3, spontaneous metastasis was, even when primary tumors in the foot pad were amputated at a similar size. These results indicate that HRG‐induced activation of ErbB3 via EGFR promotes tumor growth and metastasis of melanoma cells. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Cross-Layer Design Based on Geographic Information for Cooperative Wireless Networks

Most of geographic routing approaches in wireless ad hoc and sensor networks do not take into consideration the medium access control (MAC) and physical layers when designing a routing protocol. In this paper, we focus on a cross-layer framework design that exploits the synergies between network, MAC, and physical layers. In the proposed CoopGeo, we use a beaconless forwarding scheme where the next hop is selected through a contention process based on the geographic position of nodes. We optimize this Network-MAC layer interaction using a cooperative relaying technique with a relay selection scheme also based on geographic information in order to improve the system performance in terms of reliability.
Mass estimates of X-ray clusters

We use cosmological gasdynamic simulations to investigate the accuracy of galaxy cluster mass estimates based on X-ray observations. The experiments follow the formation of clusters in different cosmological models and include the effects of gravity, pressure gradients, and hydrodynamical shocks. A subset of our ensemble also allows for feedback of mass and energy from galactic winds into the intracluster medium. We find that mass estimates based on the hydrostatic, isothermal {beta}-model are remarkably accurate when evaluated at radii where the cluster mean density is between 500 and 2500 times the critical density. At lower densities, radial temperature information becomes important. In the quoted radial regime, the distribution of the estimated-to-true mass ratio, derived from 174 artificial images constructed from the simulations, is nearly unbiased and has a standard deviation of 14{percent}{endash}29{percent}. The scatter can be considerably reduced (to 8{percent}{endash}15{percent}) by using an alternative mass estimator that exploits the tightness of the mass-temperature relation found in the simulations. The improvement over {beta}-model estimates is due to the elimination of the variance contributed by the gas outer slope parameter. We discuss these findings and their implications for recent measurements of cluster baryon fractions. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Astronomical Society. }
Recurrent RBFN-based fuzzy neural network control for X-Y-/spl Theta/ motion control stage using linear ultrasonic motors

A recurrent radial basis function network (RBFN) based fuzzy neural network (FNN) control system is proposed to control the position of an X-Y-Theta motion control stage using linear ultrasonic motors (LUSMs) to track various contours in this study. The proposed recurrent RBFN-based FNN combines the merits of self-constructing fuzzy neural network (SCFNN), recurrent neural network (RNN), and RBFN. Moreover, the structure and the parameter learning phases of the recurrent RBFN-based FNN are performed concurrently and on line. The structure learning is based on the partition of input space, and the parameter learning is based on the supervised gradient decent method using a delta adaptation law. The experimental results due to various contours show that the dynamic behaviors of the proposed recurrent RBFN-based FNN control system are robust with regard to uncertainties
DC Microgrids—Part II: A Review of Power Architectures, Applications, and Standardization Issues

DC microgrids (MGs) have been gaining a continually increasing interest over the past couple of years both in academia and industry. The advantages of dc distribution when compared to its ac counterpart are well known. The most important ones include higher reliability and efficiency, simpler control and natural interface with renewable energy sources, and electronic loads and energy storage systems. With rapid emergence of these components in modern power systems, the importance of dc in today's society is gradually being brought to a whole new level. A broad class of traditional dc distribution applications, such as traction, telecom, vehicular, and distributed power systems can be classified under dc MG framework and ongoing development, and expansion of the field is largely influenced by concepts used over there. This paper aims first to shed light on the practical design aspects of dc MG technology concerning typical power hardware topologies and their suitability for different emerging smart grid applications. Then, an overview of the state of the art in dc MG protection and grounding is provided. Owing to the fact that there is no zero-current crossing, an arc that appears upon breaking dc current cannot be extinguished naturally, making the protection of dc MGs a challenging problem. In relation with this, a comprehensive overview of protection schemes, which discusses both design of practical protective devices and their integration into overall protection systems, is provided. Closely coupled with protection, conflicting grounding objectives, e.g., minimization of stray current and common-mode voltage, are explained and several practical solutions are presented. Also, standardization efforts for dc systems are addressed. Finally, concluding remarks and important future research directions are pointed out.
A Novel Integrated Stack Approach for Realizing Mechanically Robust Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

SOFCs are a very promising energy conversion technology for utilization of fossil fuels. The proposed project is to improve the viability of SOFCs by introducing a novel stacking geometry. The geometry involved has all active SOFC components and the interconnect deposited as thin layers on an electrically insulating support. This allows the choice of a support material that provides optimal mechanical toughness and thermal shock resistance. The supports are in the form of flattened tubes, providing relatively high strength, high packing densities, and minimizing the number of seals required. The integration of SOFCs and interconnects on the same support has several other advantages including the reduction of electrical resistances associated with pressure contacts between the cells and interconnects, relaxation of fabrication tolerances required for pressure contacts, reduction of ohmic losses, and reduction of interconnect conductivity requirements. In this report, we describe the processing methodologies that have been developed for fabricating the integrated solid oxide fuel cell (ISOFC), along with results on characterization of the component materials: support, electrolyte, anode, cathode, and interconnect. Screen printing was the primary processing method developed. A centrifugal casting technique was also developed for depositing thin 8 mol % yttrium stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte layers onmore » porous NiO-YSZ anode substrates. Dense pinhole-free YSZ coatings were obtained by co-sintering the bi-layers at 1400 C. After depositing La{sub 0.8}Sr{sub 0.2}MnO{sub 3} (LSM)-YSZ cathodes, single SOFCs produced near-theoretical open-circuit voltages and power densities of 0.55 W/cm{sup 2} at 800 C. Initial stack operation results are also described. « less
Use of natriuretic peptide assay in dyspnea.

INTRODUCTION Acute dyspnea is a common symptom in patients admitted to hospital via emergency department. Heart failure is a common cause with high morbidity and mortality, but diagnostically challenging. Improvement in diagnostic techniques is needed. METHODS Selective search of Medline. RESULTS B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its N-terminal fragment (NT-proBNP) are extremely helpful in the diagnosis of heart failure in patients with acute dyspnea. The use of natriuretic peptide assay has also been shown to be cost-effective. Since plasma levels of natriuretic peptides reflect the extent of systolic and diastolic dysfunction, measurement of natriuretic peptides is helpful in estimating overall risk in patients with heart failure or acute myocardial infarction. They have also been used in the management of patients with valvular disease and in tailoring therapy in patients with heart failure. DISCUSSION BNP and NT-proBNP are quantitative markers of heart failure that are helpful for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment monitoring.
Stress magnitude and orientation in the Potiguar Basin, Brazil: Implications on faulting style and reactivation

We analyzed borehole breakout data and drilling‐induced tensile fractures derived from resistivity image logs run at 10 oil wells to derive the orientation of the maximum horizontal stress SHmax from the Potiguar Basin in the continental margin of Brazil. Stress magnitudes are derived from density logs for the vertical stress, mini‐frac tests for the minimum horizontal stress Shmin, and rock strength laboratory analysis to estimate the SHmax magnitudes. We compared these results with the stress regime and SHmax orientation derived from nine earthquake series located in the crystalline basement, where seismicity is concentrated, and previous breakout data from the basin. In the basin, the SHmax gradient is 20.0 MPa/km, and the SHmax/Shmin ratio is 1.154, indicating a normal tectonic stress regime from 0.5 to 2.0 km, whereas the SHmax gradient of 24.5 MPa/km and SHmax/Shmin ratio of 1.396 indicate a transition from a normal to strike‐slip stress regime at 2.5 to 4.0 km. The deeper stress regime in the basin is similar to that in the basement at 1–12 km depth. This transition of the tectonic stress regime is consistent with an incipient tectonic inversion in the basin. We note that the SHmax orientation rotates from NW–SE in the western part of the Potiguar Basin to E–W in its central and eastern parts, roughly following the shoreline geometry, indicating that local features such as flexural stresses influence the local (scale < 100 km) stress pattern. We also conclude that the basement is critically stressed, but not the basin.
Characterisation of Innate Fungal Recognition in the Lung

The innate recognition of fungi by leukocytes is mediated by pattern recognition receptors (PRR), such as Dectin-1, and is thought to occur at the cell surface triggering intracellular signalling cascades which lead to the induction of protective host responses. In the lung, this recognition is aided by surfactant which also serves to maintain the balance between inflammation and pulmonary function, although the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Here we have explored pulmonary innate recognition of a variety of fungal particles, including zymosan, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus, and demonstrate that opsonisation with surfactant components can limit inflammation by reducing host-cell fungal interactions. However, we found that this opsonisation does not contribute directly to innate fungal recognition and that this process is mediated through non-opsonic PRRs, including Dectin-1. Moreover, we found that pulmonary inflammatory responses to resting Aspergillus conidia were initiated by these PRRs in acidified phagolysosomes, following the uptake of fungal particles by leukocytes. Our data therefore provides crucial new insights into the mechanisms by which surfactant can maintain pulmonary function in the face of microbial challenge, and defines the phagolysosome as a novel intracellular compartment involved in the innate sensing of extracellular pathogens in the lung.
An x86-64 core implemented in 32nm SOI CMOS

The 32nm implementation of an AMD x86-64 core [1,2,5], occupies 9.69mm2, contains more than 35 million transistors (excluding L2 cache), and operates at frequencies in excess of 3GHz. The core incorporates numerous design and power improvements to enable an operating range of 2.5 to 25W and a near zero-power gated state, which makes the core well-suited to a broad range of mobile and desktop products.
Energy conversion efficiency of single-phase transformerless PV inverters

In grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) applications, power semiconductor energy conversion efficiency of PV inverters is one of the major figures of merits to evaluate and compare these systems as the payback ratio of the overall system is tightly related to the energy conversion efficiency and as semiconductor losses comprise the majority of energy losses. In order to wisely choose the PV inverter topology and associated semiconductors, analytic evaluation of semiconductor losses of topologies is required. Furthermore, the evaluation of these losses serves the purpose of designing PV inverters in terms of better thermal management and reliability. In this study, the analytical semiconductor efficiency evaluation of PV inverters promising high efficiency is performed for 3 kW and 10 kW power ratings based on selected semiconductor datasheets and average power per switching cycle (APPSC) method. A comparison of energy efficiency of topologies regarding power levels is provided.
Studying Integrin-Mediated Cell Adhesion at the Single-Molecule Level Using AFM Force Spectroscopy

The establishment of cell adhesion involves specific recognition events between individual cell-surface receptors and molecules of the cellular environment. However, characterizing single-molecule adhesion events in the context of a living cell presents an experimental challenge. The atomic force microscope (AFM) operated in force spectroscopy mode provides an ultrasensitive method to investigate cell adhesion forces at the level of single receptor-ligand bonds. With a living cell attached to the AFM cantilever, the number of cell-substrate interactions can be controlled and limited to the formation of single receptor-ligand bonds. From force-distance (F-D) curves recorded during cell detachment, the strength of single receptor-ligand bonds can be determined. Furthermore, by varying the rate of force application during bond rupture, a dynamic force spectrum (DFS) can be generated from which additional parameters that describe the energy landscape of the interaction, such as dissociation rate and energy barrier width, can be obtained. Using the example of α2β1 integrin–mediated adhesion to type I collagen, we provide a detailed description of how dynamic AFM single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS) adhesion measurements can be performed with single-molecule sensitivity, and how specific energy landscape parameters of the integrin-collagen bond can be extracted from the DFS.
A State-of-the-Practice Survey of Risk Management in Development with Off-the-Shelf Software Components

An international survey on risk management in software development with off-the-shelf (OTS) components is reported upon and discussed. The survey investigated actual risk-management activities and their correlations with the occurrences of typical risks in OTS component-based development. Data from 133 software projects in Norway, Italy, and Germany were collected using a stratified random sample of IT companies. The results show that OTS components normally do not contribute negatively to the quality of the software system as a whole, as is commonly expected. However, issues such as the underestimation of integration effort and inefficient debugging remain problematic and require further investigation. The results also illustrate several promising effective risk-reduction activities, e.g., putting more effort into learning relevant OTS components, integrating unfamiliar components first, thoroughly evaluating the quality of candidate OTS components, and regularly monitoring the support capability of OTS providers. Five hypotheses are proposed regarding these risk-reduction activities. The results also indicate that several other factors, such as project, cultural, and human-social factors, have to be investigated to thoroughly deal with the possible risks of OTS-based projects.
Testing database transaction concurrency

Database application programs are often designed to be executed concurrently by many users. By grouping related database queries into transactions, DBMS (database management system) can guarantee that each transaction satisfies the well-known ACID properties: atomicity, consistency, isolation, and durability. However, if a database application is decomposed into transactions in an incorrect manner, the application may fail when executed concurrently due to potential offline concurrency problems. This paper presents a dataflow analysis technique for identifying schedules of transaction execution aimed at revealing concurrency faults of this nature, along with techniques for controlling the DBMS or the application so that execution of transaction sequences follows generated schedules. The techniques have been integrated into AGENDA, a tool set for testing relational database application programs. Preliminary empirical evaluation is presented.
A wideband stacked patch antenna for reconfigurable polarization applications

In this paper, a wideband linear polarization (LP) stacked patch antenna with two switchable feeding ports is proposed. Individual excitation at the two diagonal ports can produce a 180-degree phase-shifting due to the symmetrical structure. Then, a polarization reconfigurable antenna array based on the proposed LP antenna is developed, which can radiate vertical-LP (V-LP), horizontal-LP (H-LP), left-hand circular polarization (LHCP) and right-hand circular polarization (RHCP) waves by properly selecting the feeding ports.
Reservoir Ages in the Western Tropical North Atlantic from One Coral off Martinique Island (Lesser Antilles)

Abstract Sea surface reservoir ages (R) are reported from radiocarbon (14C) measurements of the annual growth bands of coral Siderastrea siderea collected on the Atlantic coast off Martinique Island, in the Lesser Antilles volcanic arc. Mean values of R are similar between 1835 and 1845 during pre-anthropogenic times at 385±30 yr and between 1895 and 1905 at 382±20 yr when there was a huge eruption from the Montagne Pelée volcano in 1902–1903. Limited 14C aging of sea surface (~40 yr) may be due to enhanced volcanic activity. Variability of R is slightly greater during 1835–1845 than during 1895–1905. It is linked to a moderate increase of ∆14C of 5‰, strengthened by a clear increase of δ18O of 0.4‰. This is attributed to a decrease of the northward advection of the South Atlantic Waters into the western tropical North Atlantic and Caribbean Sea and relative enhanced westward flux of the tropical North Atlantic surface waters, the southern waters having lower values of 14C and δ18O than the North Atlantic ones. From 1835 to 1845, the fraction of the South Atlantic Waters transported up to Martinique Island was reduced from 25% to 15%.