Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stability of superconducting wire with various surface conditions in pressurized He II (1)-experimental results

Stability tests were performed for two small test coils wound with NbTi/Cu composite superconducting wires with different surface conditions respectively. One is a 0.5 mm-diameter bare wire with the copper ratio of 1.3. Another is the same wire with chemically oxidized copper surface. The stable limit current under constant magnetic field greatly increased by shifting to He II cooling from He I cooling for both wires, but stationary normal zones were observed in wide current area lower than the stable limit currents for the oxidized wire. The characteristic of the stability of a superconducting wire is more deeply dependent on the conductor surface condition cooled by He II than that in case of He I cooling.
FAME: A Flow Aggregation MEtric for Shortest Path Routing Algorithms in Multi-Hop Wireless Networks

Energy consumption has become a key issue in the design of communication systems. Indeed, both for economic and green reasons, the concept of energy saving appears at an early stage of projects, fully integrating the list of expected performance, as well as throughput or security. In multihop wireless networks, several energy-aware approaches have been proposed with specific goals, such as network's lifetime or stability. To reduce the global energy consumption of such networks, we proposed in a previous work an optimal solution with interference consideration, based on mixed integer linear programming, to route a set of flows over a minimal number of nodes. Thus, without degrading flow rates, inactive nodes can be put in a sleep mode or be turned off to maximize energy savings. Indeed, the energy consumption related to communication is just a fraction of the total consumption of a node In this article, we are going a step further, by providing a metric to efficiently aggregate flows with classical shortest path algorithms. Thanks to a theoretical comparison and simulations, we demonstrate the significant gains can be obtained with our approach. Finally, we discuss on ways to implement our solution in existing routing protocols, in a fully distributed manner, and other considerations that may need to take on.
Improving the Quality of Life of People with Dementia through the Use of Socially Assistive Robots

In less than 25 years, 37 million people are expected to have dementia and/or Alzheimer’s disease. This significant figure is a result of several factors, including increasing life expectancy and an ageing population in developing countries. Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia, is a progressive brain disorder that causes memory loss, and behavior and personality changes. People suffering from this disease become increasingly physically and cognitively impaired; they usually need help with all aspects of daily living. While there is currently no cure for dementia, special therapies (e.g., arts and crafts, music therapy) can help people with dementia to live as good a life as possible. We propose to use socially assistive robots as customized/individualized helpers as a complement to humans. This work proposes a new adaptive socially assistive robotic (SAR) system that aims to provide a customized protocol through motivation, encouragement, and companionship for users suffering from cognitive changes related to aging and/or Alzheimer’s disease. The robot aims to maintain/improve the user’s cognitive attention in a cognitive music game setup.
Clinical relevance of preformed C4d‐fixing and non‐C4d‐fixing HLA single antigen reactivity in renal allograft recipients

Donor‐specific alloantibodies (DSA), especially those fixing complement, may pose a particular immunologic risk to transplant recipients. To assess the clinical impact of C4d‐ or non‐C4d‐fixing (IgG) HLA sensitization, pretransplant sera obtained from 338 kidney allograft recipients prescreened by FlowPRA were retrospectively evaluated by Luminex single antigen (SA) testing using a novel fluorescent‐labeled anti‐C4d reagent for detection of antibody‐triggered C4d deposition in addition to IgG binding. Recipients with [IgG]DSA (n = 39) showed a substantially higher rate of C4d positive rejection (33%) than 16 patients with [IgG] non‐DSA (0%) or 283 antibody‐negative patients (4%, multivariate analysis excluding retransplantation because of high co‐linearity: P < 0.0001), and adversely affected 5‐year death‐censored graft survival (74% vs. 81% and 90%, respectively, multivariate model: P < 0.05). [C4d] DSA (n = 21) and [C4d] non‐DSA (n = 25) increased rates of C4d positive rejections to a similar extent (24% and 28% vs. 4% in recipients without C4d‐fixing reactivity; multivariate analysis: P ≤ 0.002) with a trend towards adverse 5‐year graft survival (76% and 76% vs. 90%; P ≤ 0.2). In conclusion, Luminex‐based characterization of HLA sensitization may be a useful strategy for risk stratification. Possibly as a result of intensified immunosuppression in presensitized recipients, identification of C4d‐fixing DSA was not associated with a further increase of rejection and graft loss rates.
Correlation of major depressive disorder symptoms with FKBP5 but not FKBP4 expression in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a significant cause of morbidity in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). FKBP5 is a candidate gene with single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) rs1360780 and rs3800373 associated with MDD. This gene product and its relative, FKBP4, physically associate with the glucocorticoid receptor whose function is implicated in MDD pathophysiology. Because these genes are expressed in blood and brain and elevated in HIV infection, we explored the relationship between gene expression, genotype, and MDD symptoms. Longitudinally followed subjects (N = 57) as part of the CNS HIV AntiRetroviral Effects Research study, with diagnosed MDD and who donated blood for genotyping and gene expression analysis, were assessed. Subjects donated blood on adjacent visits with and without meeting criteria for MDD episode. Changes in clinical parameters were compared changes in gene expression. Change in FKBP5 expression correlated with change in Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for MDD » euthymic comparison in GG genotype of rs3800373 (P = .013) and TT carriers of rs1360780 (P = .02). In euthymic » MDD comparison, GG homozygous, FKBP5 expression correlated with more severe change in BDI. Change in FKBP4 expression did not correlate with changes in clinical or depression measurements. Higher FKBP5 expression correlated with greater symptom change for GG carriers of rs3800373.
Cloning and expression of Acinetobacter calcoaceticus catBCDE genes in Pseudomonas putida and Escherichia coli

This report describes the isolation and preliminary characterization of a 5.0-kilobase-pair (kbp) EcoRI DNA restriction fragment carrying the catBCDE genes from Acinetobacter calcoaceticus. The respective genes encode enzymes that catalyze four consecutive reactions in the catechol branch of the beta-ketoadipate pathway: catB, muconate lactonizing enzyme (EC 5.5.1.1); catC, muconolactone isomerase (EC 5.3.3.4); catD, beta-ketoadipate enol-lactone hydrolase (EC 3.1.1.24); and catE, beta-ketoadipate succinyl-coenzyme A transferase (EC 2.8.3.6). In A. calcoaceticus, pcaDE genes encode products with the same enzyme activities as those encoded by the respective catDE genes. In Pseudomonas putida, the requirements for both catDE and pcaDE genes are met by a single set of genes, designated pcaDE. A P. putida mutant with a dysfunctional pcaE gene was used to select a recombinant pKT230 plasmid carrying the 5.0-kbp EcoRI restriction fragment containing the A. calcoaceticus catE structural gene. The recombinant plasmid, pAN1, complemented P. putida mutants with lesions in catB, catC, pcaD, and pcaE genes; the complemented activities were expressed constitutively in the recombinant P. putida strains. After introduction into Escherichia coli, the pAN1 plasmid expressed the activities constitutively but at much lower levels that those found in the P. putida transformants or in fully induced cultures of A. calcoaceticus or P. putida. When placed under the control of a lac promoter on a recombinant pUC13 plasmid in E. coli, the A. calcoaceticus restriction fragment expressed catBCDE activities at levels severalfold higher than those found in fully induced cultures of A. calcoaceticus. Thus there is no translational barrier to expression of the A. calcoaceticus genes at high levels in E. coli. The genetic origin of the cloned catBCDE genes was demonstrated by the fact that the 5.0-kbp EcoRI restriction fragment hybridized with a corresponding fragment from wild-type A. calcoaceticus DNA. This fragment was missing in DNA from an A. calcoaceticus mutant in which the cat genes had been removed by deletion. The properties of the cloned fragment demonstrate physical linkage of the catBCDE genes and suggest that they are coordinately transcribed.
miRNAs expressed differently in cancer stem cells and cancer cells of human gastric cancer cell line MKN‐45

Recent studies show that cancers may originate from special cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs). As miRNAs have a prominent role in regulating cell activities, a question arise, that is, if there is any difference in miRNA expression level between CSC and other cancer cells of human gastric cancer cell line MKN‐45. In this study, CSCs were isolated by fluorescence‐activated cell sorter based on the expression level of cell surface marker CD44. CSC characteristics were checked using spheroid formation assay and soft agar assay. Using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), the expression level of some stemness genes was studied. Real‐time q‐PCR was used for analysis of the expression level of miRNAs. CSCs were able to make spheroids and colonies, whereas other cancer cells failed to show aforementioned features. In addition, RT‐PCR resulted in a difference in the expression levels of Nanog, Sox2, Lin28 and Oct‐4 between these two kinds of cells. Real‐time RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated an increase in mir‐21 and mir‐302 expression level in CSCs, relative to cancer cells, whereas let‐7a expression level was decreased in CSC in comparison with cancer cells, which may be due to their different differentiation level. On the other hand, mir‐372, mir‐373 and mir‐520c‐5p were markedly increased in cancer cells in comparison with CSCs. This study shows that there is a difference in miRNA expression level between CSCs and other cancer cells, which reflects dissimilar molecular pathways in these cells. These miRNAs may be promising objects for targeting CSCs specifically and efficiently. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A generic parametric model for ultrasonic signal analysis

Parametric echo modeling and estimation approach has been widely used in recent years for ultrasonic echo analysis and assessment of NDE test parameters. Parametric models such as Gaussian echo, Gaussian Chirplet have been utilized in the context of model-based echo estimation and sparse signal decomposition. These models are mathematically tractable, convenient for numerical calculations, and have explicit Time-Frequency representations. As a result they have been used extensively in acoustic signal processing. However, most often these models are not as flexible to represent complex shape ultrasonic echoes. A generic echo model that can be optimized to represent complex shape echoes is highly desirable, for example, for modeling frequency dependent attenuation and dispersion effects in a propagation path, deconvolution of reflector echoes in presence of pulse variance. In this study, we propose a generic echo model to characterize complex shape ultrasonic echoes. This echo model is inspired from the analytic signal representation in which an ultrasonic echo is contemplated in terms of an envelope and sinusoidal components. The echo envelope is modeled as a sum of a number of fixed-width Gaussian Functions (GFs) whereas the echo sinusoidal is modeled as a linear chirp signal. The number and bandwidth of GFs are set based upon the spectral characteristics of the transducer impulse response. This Gaussian mixture representation accounts for skewed shape envelopes while the linear chirp accounts for small frequency drifts in the sinusoidal. An optimization algorithm is developed to estimate the generic model parameters. The performance of parameter estimation is verified using pulse-echo wavelets acquired from several different transducers and measurement conditions. Finally, this echo model is incorporated into a superimposed echoes estimation algorithm. Estimation results clearly demonstrate the advantage of this model compared to the existing alternatives. The potential applications of this type of model are numerous: ultrasonic deconvolution in presence of pulse variance, resolution of complex overlapping pulses, and NDE parameter estimation.
No-mortality liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients: is there a way? A prospective analysis of our approach.

BACKGROUND Low resectability rates and significant morbidity and mortality rates often make surgery for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) unfeasible. HYPOTHESIS Our policy for surgical treatment of cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients with HCC is adequate and safe. DESIGN Prospective validation cohort study. SETTING University hospital. PATIENTS One hundred seven consecutive patients with HCCs. Associated cirrhosis was present in 64 (59.8%), and only 7 (6.5%) had normal livers. INTERVENTIONS The presence of ascites, serum bilirubin level, and indocyanine green retention rate at 15 minutes were considered when selecting patients for surgery. Preoperative recovery of liver function was achieved with portal venous branch embolization, liver volumetry, bed rest, and control of serum aminotransferase levels. The surgical techniques mainly involved bloodless dissection using intraoperative ultrasonography and intermittent warm ischemia. The main perioperative care regimen was fresh frozen plasma infusion and strict limitation of blood transfusion. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The 30-day postoperative mortality and morbidity rates. RESULTS All the patients underwent surgery (37 major resections, 45 segmentectomies, and 25 limited resections), with no 30-day postoperative mortality, overall morbidity of 26.2%, and no major complications. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that only the type of operation was associated with a significantly higher morbidity risk (P = .05). CONCLUSION With high resectability, low morbidity, and no mortality, our policy represents a solution to the drawbacks of surgical resection for treatment of HCCs, especially in patients with associated liver cirrhosis.
Potential pulmonary effects of engineered carbon nanotubes: in vitro genotoxic effects

Abstract The development of novel engineered nano-sized materials is a rapidly emerging technology with many applications in medicine and industry. In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested many deleterious effects of carbon nanotube exposure including granulomatous inflammation, release of cytosolic enzymes, pulmonary fibrosis, reactive oxygen damage, cellular atypia, DNA fragmentation, mutation and errors in chromosome number as well as mitotic spindle disruption. The physical properties of the carbon nanotubes make respiratory exposure to workers likely during the production or use of commercial products. Many of the investigations of the genotoxicity of carbon nanotubes have focused on reactive oxygen mediated DNA damage; however, the long thin tubular-shaped carbon nanotubes have a striking similarity to cellular microtubules. The similarity of carbon nanotubes to microtubules suggests a potential to interact with cellular biomolecules, such as the mitotic spindle, as well as the motor proteins that separate the chromosomes during cell division. Disruption of centrosomes and mitotic spindles would result in monopolar, tripolar, and quadrapolar divisions of chromosomes. The resulting aneuploidy is a key mechanism in the potential carcinogenicity of carbon nanotubes.
Perceived pain and self-estimated activity limitations in women with back pain post-partum.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In the general population many daily activities have an impact on low back pain. The aim of the present study was to describe pain intensity, localization, type of sensation and perceived activity limitation in women with different back pain patterns post-partum. METHOD In this cross-sectional survey 119 women with back pain persisting for two months after having given birth were interviewed and examined on average 7.2 months (range 6-10 months) post-partum. Based on pain provocation tests, four different back pain pattern groups were identified. Pain could be provoked in the area of the posterior pelvic/sacroiliac joints, in the lumbar spine, both in the posterior pelvic/sacroiliac joints and in the lumbar spine, and in none of the above areas. All women rated pain intensity on a visual analogue scale (VAS, 0-100 mm), and the pain localization and type of sensation were indicated on a pain drawing. They scored their activity limitations by use of the Disability Rating Index (DRI), which covers 12 daily activity items (VAS, 0-100 mm). RESULTS There was no significant difference (p = 0.12) in pain intensity (range of medians 19.5-10 mm) between the four groups. However, on average, most areas in the lower back (median 5 mm (range 2-14 mm)), were marked in the group with pain in both the posterior pelvic/sacroiliac joints and in the lumbar spine. The women in the three groups where pain was provoked in the lower area of the back had significantly (p < 0.01) more difficulties with movement-related daily activities than the group where no pain could be provoked. CONCLUSIONS The findings of this descriptive study suggest that back pain post-partum provoked by clinical tests considerably hampers movement-related activities. It seems important to pay special attention to the women where pain could be provoked in the lower back areas. The women should be identified early in the post-partum period to initiate adequate treatment.
Regional cerebral blood volume: A comparison of the dynamic imaging and the steady state methods

Accurate assessment of regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) is of critical importance in the study of cerebrovascular disease and other disorders of the central nervous system. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is able to measure rCBV non‐invasively with two commonly used methods: the dynamic imaging (DI) and steady state (SS) approaches. In this study, two questions were investigated. First, how do partial volume effects between gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) and between epicortical vessels and brain parenchyma affect the estimation of rCBV when using the SS approach? Second, how comparable are the ratios of rCBV in GM to rCBV in WM (rCBV GM/WM) obtained with the two methods? We used a paramagnetic contrast agent, OPTIMARK (Mallinckrodt, St. Louis, MO), at a dose of 0.2 mmol/kg in anesthetized pigs (n = 6) to obtain rCBV maps using both methods. When a 10% rCBV threshold was used to minimize effects from large epicortical vessels, and tissue segmentation was used to separate GM from WM, rCBV values of 4.8 ± 0.3% and 3.3 ± 0.5% were obtained for GM and WM, respectively, with the SS approach. Significantly higher rCBV values for both GM (P < 0.001) and WM (P < 0.01) were observed when the contribution from large epicortical vessels was not removed. When tissue segmentation and rCBV thresholding were used on SS data, an rCBV GM/WM ratio of 1.5 ± 0.2 was obtained. This value did not differ significantly from the rCBV GM/WM ratio of 1.8 ± 0.6 obtained using the DI approach. J. Magn Reson. Imaging 1999;9:44–52 © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Measures of folding applied to the development of the human fetal brain

Previous work has suggested the existence of differences between the cerebral cortex of normal individuals, and those of patients with diseases such as epilepsy and schizophrenia. These shape abnormalities may be of developmental origin. Improved shape measures could provide useful tools for neuroscience research and patient diagnosis. We consider the theoretically desirable properties of measures of brain shape. We have implemented seven measures, three from the neuroscience literature, and four new to this field. Three of the measures are zero-order and four are second-order with respect to the surface. We validate the measures using simple geometrical shapes, and a collection of magnetic resonance scans of ten histologically normal ex vivo fetal brains with gestational ages from 19-42 weeks. We then apply the measures to MR scans from two histologically abnormal ex vivo brains. We demonstrate that our implementation of the measures is sensitive to anatomical variability rather than to the discreteness of the image data. All the measures were sensitive to changes in shape during fetal development. Several of the measures could distinguish between the normal and abnormal fetal brains. We propose a multivariate approach to studying the shape of the cerebral cortex, in which both zero-order and second-order measures are used to quantify folding.
Subcellular targeting of metabolic enzymes to titin in heart muscle may be mediated by DRAL/FHL-2

During sarcomere contraction skeletal and cardiac muscle cells consume large amounts of energy. To satisfy this demand, metabolic enzymes are associated with distinct regions of the sarcomeres in the I-band and in the M-band, where they help to maintain high local concentrations of ATP. To date, the mechanism by which metabolic enzymes are coupled to the sarcomere has not been elucidated. Here, we show that the four and a half LIM-only protein DRAL/FHL-2 mediates targeting of the metabolic enzymes creatine kinase, adenylate kinase and phosphofructokinase by interaction with the elastic filament protein titin in cardiomyocytes. Using yeast two-hybrid assays, colocalisation experiments, co-immunoprecipitation and protein pull-down assays, we show that DRAL/FHL-2 is bound to two distinct sites on titin. One binding site is situated in the N2B region, a cardiac-specific insertion in the I-band part of titin, and the other is located in the is2 region of M-band titin. We also show that DRAL/FHL-2 binds to the metabolic enzymes creatine kinase, adenylate kinase and phosphofructokinase and might target these enzymes to the N2B and is2 regions in titin. We propose that DRAL/FHL-2 acts as a specific adaptor protein to couple metabolic enzymes to sites of high energy consumption in the cardiac sarcomere.