Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New 3D chip stacking SIP technology by wire-on-bump (WOB) and bump-on-flex (BOF)

Two new 3D chip stacking technologies, WOB (wire-on-bumps) and BOF (bump-on-flex), are proposed and demonstrated with their prototypes. The WOB and BOF technologies are to stack especially memory chips and connect peripheral bumps on the chips vertically by metal wires and by flex-circuit, respectively. These new 3D chip stacking concepts have several advantages over conventional technologies, such as a lower cost than Si through-via process, unlimited number of stacked chips at a smaller package volume and a faster signal speed than wire bonding method. In this paper, the first demonstrations of the prototypes are described by emphasizing their assembly process and thermo-mechanical modeling. Thermal cycle (TC) test was also performed and some of the TC test results were reported
Clinicopathologic features and prognosis for wilms' tumor patients with metastases at diagnosis

Comparisons were made between 236 Wilms' tumor patients with metastasis to the lungs and/or liver at initial diagnosis who were registered on the National Wilms' Tumor Study (NWTS) during 1969 to 1983, and 1755 patients who did not have overt metastases at diagnosis. Patients with evidence of regional spread of disease beyond the kidney, especially if to the renal vein or lymph nodes, were much more likely to have overt metastases present at diagnosis than those with apparently localized disease. The presence of metastases was also correlated with age at diagnosis, ranging from 1% among infants younger than 1 year of age to 24% for those aged 6 years or older. The percentage of tumor deaths for patients with metastases at diagnosis (Stage IV) and a primary tumor of favorable histology (FH) declined from 29% at 2 years postdiagnosis on the first therapeutic trial (NWTS‐1) to 9% for the most recent one (NWTS‐3), and is now comparable to that for patients without metastases but with nonresectable local invasion at diagnosis (Stage III). The local extent of disease also influenced the survival outcome for Stage IV/FH patients. Survival was poor for those with anaplastic or sarcomatous (unfavorable) histology, regardless of local staging or trial. There was no difference in survival according to metastatic site (liver ± lung vs. lung only) if present prior to treatment. By contrast, patients who developed liver metastases during or after treatment had an especially poor chance for survival as compared with those who developed lung deposits at those times.
Touching and feeling: differences in pleasant touch processing between glabrous and hairy skin in humans

Previous functional magnetic resonance imaging studies in two rare patients, together with microneurography and psychophysical observations in healthy subjects, have demonstrated a system of mechanosensitive C‐fiber tactile (CT) afferents sensitive to slowly moving stimuli. They project to the posterior insular cortex and signal pleasant aspects of touch. Importantly, CTs have not been found in the glabrous skin of the hand, yet it is commonly observed that glabrous skin touch is also perceived as pleasant. Here we asked if the brain processing of pleasant touch differs between hairy and glabrous skin by stroking the forearm and glabrous skin of the hand during positron emission tomography. The data showed that, when contrasting slow brush stroking on the forearm with slow brush stroking on the palm, there were significant activations of the posterior insular cortex and mid‐anterior orbitofrontal cortex. The opposite contrast showed a significant activation of the somatosensory cortices. Although concurrent psychophysical ratings showed no differences in intensity or pleasantness ratings, a subsequent touch questionnaire in which subjects used a newly developed ‘touch perception task’ showed significant difference for the two body sites. Emotional descriptors received higher ratings on the forearm and sensory descriptors were rated more highly on the palm. The present findings are consistent with the hypothesis that pleasant touch from hairy skin, mediated by CT afferents, is processed in the limbic‐related cortex and represents an innate non‐learned process. In contrast, pleasant touch from glabrous skin, mediated by A‐beta afferents, is processed in the somatosensory cortex and represents an analytical process dependent on previous tactile experiences.
Opinion Integrating Biogeography with Contemporary Niche Theory

There is no consensus on when biotic interactions impact the range limits of species. Starting from MacArthur’s use of invasibility to understand how biotic interactions influence coexistence, here we examine how biotic interactions shape species distributions. Range limits emerge from how birth, death, and movement rates vary with the environment. We clarify some basic issues revolving around niche definitions, illustrated with simple resource–consumer theory. We then highlight two different avenues for linking community theory and range theory; the first based on calculating the effects of biotic interactions on range limits across scales and landscape configurations, and the second based on aggregate measures of diffuse interactions and network strength. We conclude with suggestions for a future research agenda.
Impact of Alternative Coding Schemes on Incidence Rates of Key Complications After Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background: Administrative data are commonly used to examine orthopedic outcomes including total hip arthroplasty (THA), but little is known about how minor analytic decisions impact results. Our objective was to examine how the rates of 3 adverse outcomes (deep vein thrombosis [DVT], pulmonary embolism [PE], and hemorrhage) varied with subtle adjustments to our analytic method. Methods: We used Medicare Part A data to identify all beneficiaries who underwent primary or revision THA during 2007 to 2008. We used 2 published algorithms (Katz/Cram and Patient Safety Indicators [PSIs]) to identify cases of DVT, PE, and hemorrhage occurring at 3 different points in time; index admission; 30-day readmission; and index admission plus readmission. We used the kappa statistic to compare the agreement between methods. We examined variation in complication rates across hospitals using regression models that adjusted for differences in patient demographics and comorbidity. Results: Among 202 773 primary and 40 973 revision THA patients, the agreement between the Katz/Cram and PSI methods was excellent for DVT and PE at all time points (kappa 0.95-1.0) but poor for hemorrhage (kappa 0.07-0.29). The incidence of DVT during the index admission among the primary THA cohort was 0.40% using the Katz/Cram method and 0.37% using the PSI method. The incidence of hemorrhage during the index admission among the primary THA cohort was 1.29% using the Katz/Cram method and 0.05% using the PSI method. We found significant variation in hospital rates of all 3 complications (DVT, PE, and hemorrhage). For example, the mean rate of hemorrhage at index admission or readmission for revision THA was 5.7% (standard deviation: 12.8%); we found 137 hospitals with hemorrhage rates of 25% or higher among their revision THA patients. Discussion: We found important differences in the rates of THA complications depending upon the coding algorithms and time frame employed. Our results suggest that administrative data can be used to evaluate THA complications but that methodology should be carefully considered.
A framework to evaluate the complexity of home care services

– The purpose of this paper is to assess the potential factors that may generate complexity in managing operations in home care (HC) organizations. Hence, a framework which might assist decision making regarding complexity‐driven issues in HC organizations is developed. , – Based on a systems thinking view, a framework was developed identifying complexity factors in HC organizations. The paper is based on field research to explore the practical challenges of managing operations in HC structures. The authors additionally give a state of the art in many scientific domains; definition of complexity and its implications; complexity in health care; description of home care operations and their management. The literature review enlightens the lack of consensus on HC complexity and thus provides a broad view and a critical analysis of the underlying concepts. , – Proposal of a HC operations complexity model (and validation due to a practical application). , – The framework developed by the authors permits one to identify rapidly the existing complexity factors which may create potential damages regarding value creation and cost improvement in HC. Two kinds of HC complexity are identified: HC organization complexity and HC individual patients' therapeutical projects complexity. Complexity factors are grouped into five categories: factors related to size; factors related to variety; interdependence factors; factors related to uncertainties; and factors related to context. By identifying the factors, decision support systems and response plans may be more adapted to the potential existing short comings of operations. , – Based on authors' extensive knowledge of HC practices, as well as an international systematic review of literature, this paper contributes to a better characterization of factors inducing complexity in the HC context. To the best of the authors' knowledge, operations management literature lacks a general framework enabling a better identification and understanding of what makes HC operations specific. The paper presents an innovative way to analyze HC complexity using a systems thinking‐based approach. In this sense, its contribution is very complementary to traditional operations management models.
The Mainz Severity Score Index: a new instrument for quantifying the Anderson–Fabry disease phenotype, and the response of patients to enzyme replacement therapy

Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD) is an X‐linked disorder caused by deficient activity of the lysosomal enzyme α‐galactosidase A. The availability of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for this debilitating condition has led to the need for a convenient and sensitive instrument to monitor clinical effects in an individual patient. This study aimed to develop a scoring system – the Mainz Severity Score Index (MSSI) – to measure the severity of AFD and to monitor the clinical course of the disease in response to ERT. Thirty‐nine patients (24 males and 15 females) with AFD were assessed using the MSSI immediately before and 1 year after commencing agalsidase alfa ERT. Control data were obtained from 23 patients in whom AFD was excluded. The MSSI of patients with AFD was significantly higher than that of patients with other severe debilitating diseases. The MSSI indicated that, although more men than women had symptoms classified as severe, overall, the median total severity scores were not significantly different between male and female patients. One year of ERT with agalsidase alfa led, in all patients, to a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in MSSI score (by a median of nine points). This study has shown that the MSSI score may be a useful, specific measure for objectively assessing the severity of AFD and for monitoring ERT‐related treatment effects.
Human leukocyte antigen‐G polymorphisms influence the clinical outcome in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma

The role of HLA‐G is extensively studied in cancer due to its inhibition of the immune response. Several polymorphisms in the HLA‐G gene have been reported to significantly affect its expression. We, therefore, investigated whether functionally relevant HLA‐G polymorphisms, HLA‐G‐725C/G/T, and HLA‐G 14‐base pair, have any influence on the susceptibility to diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and its clinical course. The polymorphisms were genotyped in 207 previously untreated patients with DLBCL and 150 unrelated controls. A significant difference in genotype distribution of HLA‐G polymorphic genotypes between the patients and controls was found. The frequencies of the HLA‐G−725GG or the HLA‐G−725GC genotype were lower, and those of the HLA‐G ins/ins genotype were higher in the patients compared with the controls. Patients carrying the HLA‐G‐725CC genotype presented a higher probability of overall survival (OS) than subjects with other genotype combinations of HLA‐G‐725C/G/T (P = 0.003). The homozygous HLA‐G del/del had a lower probability of OS than subjects carrying the HLA‐G deletion/insertion (del/ins) or the HLA‐G ins/ins genotype (P = 0.009). Two HLA‐G genotype‐based risk groups were defined according to the genotype distribution. The high‐risk (HR) group presented a shorter OS than low‐risk (LR) patients (P = 0.001). In a multivariate analysis adjusted for International Prognostic Index (IPI) factors, both the intermediate high/high IPI‐risk group (P < 0.0001) and the HR genotype group (P = 0.004) independently increased the risk of death. This is the first study indicating an important role of HLA‐G polymorphisms for the clinical course of DLBCL. The potential influence of HLA‐G polymorphisms on the susceptibility to DLBCL thus deserves further study. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Super resolution via database-free texture synthesis

Image super resolution has been extensively investigated in the past decades. In this paper, we propose a super resolution algorithm which can provide vivid output image with rich details and sharp edges. The main contribution of this paper is the development of a database-free texture synthesis technique. Based on the fractal property of nature images, it is possible to find proper high-resolution patches in low-resolution input image itself. The double interpolation framework for up-sampling and the reconstruction constraint for the final optimization combined with the texture synthesis form the whole super resolution algorithm. Experimental results show that the proposed super resolution algorithm performs better and costs less time than other previous database-free super resolution works. 1
Weighted Kappas for 3 × 3 Tables

Weighted kappa is a widely used statistic for summarizing inter-rater agreement on a categorical scale. For rating scales with three categories, there are seven versions of weighted kappa. It is shown analytically how these weighted kappas are related. Several conditional equalities and inequalities between the weighted kappas are derived. The analytical analysis indicates that the weighted kappas are measuring the same thing but to a different extent. One cannot, therefore, use the same magnitude guidelines for all weighted kappas.
Common mode DC bus filter for Active Front-End converter

Active Front-End (AFE) converter operation produces electrically noisy DC bus on common mode basis. This results in higher ground current as compared to three phase diode bridge rectifier. Filter topologies for DC bus have to deal problems with switching frequency and harmonic currents. The proposed filter approach reduces common mode voltage and circulates third harmonic current within the system, resulting in minimal ground current injection. The filtering technique, its constrains and design to attenuate common mode voltage and eliminate lower order harmonics injection to ground is discussed. The experimental results for operation of the converter with both SPWM and CSVPWM are presented.
Using high frequency acoustic micro imaging to detect defects in artificial micro void specimens

We have studied the acoustic characteristics of echoes reflected from micro void areas. Artificial-defect samples with air gap widths of 30, 50, and 70 μm were developed. Echo signals from the samples were obtained in a pulse-echo experiment with a high-frequency ultrasonic probe (center frequency: 200 MHz). Wave propagation for an artificial-defect model was also simulated by using a finite element method. Calculation and experimental results confirmed that phase shifts and ringing are useful for distinguishing between normal and defective samples. Simulation results show that defect detection is possible for gap widths of less than 10 μm.
Apolipoprotein E genetic polymorphism, serum lipoproteins, and breast cancer risk

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a polymorphic gene involved in lipid metabolism with three common variant alleles (ε2, ε3, and ε4). The ε4 allele has been associated with elevated levels of cholesterol as well as greater risk of coronary heart disease and Alzheimer's disease. In this case–control study we examined whether apoE genotype affected the association between serum lipids and breast cancer risk. In a subset of a study in western New York, 260 women with incident, primary breast cancer and 332 community controls were interviewed and provided blood samples. Polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analyses of the apoE polymorphism were performed. Participants were classified as apoE2 (ε2, ε2 or ε2, ε3), apoE3 (ε3, ε3), or apoE4 (ε4, ε4 or ε4, ε3). No unconditional logistic regression was used to compute adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Compared with women with the apoE3 genotype, there were no associations with risk for women with the apoE2 (OR=1.0; 95% CI=0.91–1.64) or apoE4 genotype (OR=0.97; 95% CI=0.63–1.54). Higher serum levels of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were not associated with risk, either in the total sample or among subgroups of women defined by apoE genotype. Women with the highest serum triglyceride levels had an increase in risk (OR=1.63; 95% CI=1.03–2.59) compared to women with the lowest levels. This effect was not apparent among women with the apoE2 or apoE3 genotype, but much stronger among women with the apoE4 genotype (OR=4.69; 95% CI=1.49–14.7). These data suggest that the apoE4 genotype may modify the association between serum triglycerides and breast cancer risk. Mol. Carcinog. 27:2–9, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lysine methyltransferase G9a is required for de novo DNA methylation and the establishment, but not the maintenance, of proviral silencing

Methylation on lysine 9 of histone H3 (H3K9me) and DNA methylation play important roles in the transcriptional silencing of specific genes and repetitive elements. Both marks are detected on class I and II endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) in murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs). Recently, we reported that the H3K9-specific lysine methyltransferase (KMTase) Eset/Setdb1/KMT1E is required for H3K9me3 and the maintenance of silencing of ERVs in mESCs. In contrast, G9a/Ehmt2/KMT1C is dispensable, despite the fact that this KMTase is required for H3K9 dimethylation (H3K9me2) and efficient DNA methylation of these retroelements. Transcription of the exogenous retrovirus (XRV) Moloney murine leukemia virus is rapidly extinguished after integration in mESCs, concomitant with de novo DNA methylation. However, the role that H3K9 KMTases play in this process has not been addressed. Here, we demonstrate that G9a, but not Suv39h1 or Suv39h2, is required for silencing of newly integrated Moloney murine leukemia virus–based vectors in mESCs. The silencing defect in G9a−/− cells is accompanied by a reduction of H3K9me2 at the proviral LTR, indicating that XRVs are direct targets of G9a. Furthermore, de novo DNA methylation of newly integrated proviruses is impaired in the G9a−/− line, phenocopying proviral DNA methylation and silencing defects observed in Dnmt3a-deficient mESCs. Once established, however, maintenance of silencing of XRVs, like ERVs, is dependent exclusively on the KMTase Eset. Taken together, these observations reveal that in mESCs, the H3K9 KMTase G9a is required for the establishment, but not for the maintenance, of silencing of newly integrated proviruses.
Characteristics of cell proliferation in four patients with untreated acute leukemia.

The characteristics of proliferation of leukemic cells in four children with untreated acute leukemia have been studied. In all four of these children a population of marrow leukemic cells was found which were dividing with a generation time of about 15 to 20 hours. In two of these patients it was possible to demonstrate that these dividing cells after one or more mitotic divisions became smaller and stopped dividing. In all of these patients 70 per cent or more of the leukemic cells of the marrow and almost all leukemic cells of the blood were nonproliferative at the time of these studies. These nondividing cells would be relatively unaffected by chemotherapeutic agents designed to inhibit cell division.
Rapid Species Identification and Partial Strain Differentiation of Clostridium butyricum by PCR Using 16S‐23S rDNA Intergenic Spacer Regions

Some Clostridium butyricum strains have been used as probiotics for both humans and animals. Strain‐specific identification is necessary for the manufacturing process of probiotics. The aim of this study was to determine whether there are sufficient genetic variations in 16S‐23S intergenic spacer regions (ISRs) to discriminate C. butyricum at the biovar level. We amplified ISRs from five reference strains, a probiotic strain (MIYAIRI 588) and 22 isolates, and we classified them into four groups on the basis of amplification patterns (type A through D). However, amplification of ISRs is not sufficient for discriminating strains. Moreover, we compared genetic structures of these ISRs. Sequence analysis revealed that the size variations of ISRs were generated by the insertion of tRNA genes and unique sequences into the internal portion, while the external portions were highly conserved. On the basis of the highly conserved nucleotide sequences within the ISRs, we developed a PCR primer set specific to C. butyricum. In addition, the PCR primer designed from the unique inserted sequence in type B strain was useful to differentiate probiotic strains at the biovar level.
MITOCHONDRIAL RESPONSES TO CARBON MONOXIDE TOXICITY *

CO not only bonds hematin iron in blood hemoglobin but also ligands hematin iron atoms of cytochrome a/sub 3/. Nonuniform distribution of CO means that rapidly metabolizing tissue are more susceptible to CO toxicity. Mitochondria are protected by branching and cushioning mechanism so CO toxicity response is not linear as in COHb formation. O/sub 2/ flux in respiratory change is not altered by CO. In these in vitro experiments, as little as 100 ppM CO transiently disrupted cytochrome system in transition from anoxia to nonmoxia, slowing the oxidaton of the chain. Pigeon mitochondria were extremely sensitive to CO when in metabolically-active (uncoupled) state. Increased binding of CO to cytochrome a/sub 3/ during anoxia was observed.
Performance of direct immunofluorescence assay for the detection of human metapneumovirus under clinical laboratory settings.

INTRODUCTION Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an emergent human respiratory pathogen. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of direct immunofluorescence (DIF) to detect hMPV in a clinical laboratory setting. METHODS Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples (448) of children and adults with respiratory illness were used to detect hMPV by using DIF and real time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays. RESULTS In all, 36 (8%) samples were positive by DIF and 94 (21%) were positive by qRT-PCR. Direct immunofluorescence specificity was 99% and sensitivity was 38%. CONCLUSIONS DIF is not very sensitive under clinical laboratory settings.
State-feedback control for a class of nonlinear systems with iISS unmodeled dynamics

This paper investigates the problem of state-feedback regulation for a class of nonlinear systems with iISS unmodeled dynamics. Using the backstepping technique and the properties of iISS, we give the design procedure of a state-feedback controller, by appropriately choosing the designed functions and update laws of parameters. The designed controller guarantees that all the signals of the closed-loop system are bounded, and the states can be regulated asymptotically to zero. A simulation example demonstrates the effectiveness of the control scheme.