Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anticoagulant Dysfunction of Human Arg352Trp-Activated Protein C Caused by Defective Factor Va Inactivation

Summary The dysfunctional mutant R352W-protein C was found in two patients with venous thrombosis. The mutant R352A-protein C was constructed to define the contribution of charge/size of the residue at 352 on protein C (chymotrypsin numbering 187). Compared with wild type-protein C, R352W-protein C showed no difference in activation by thrombin·thrombomodulin or α-thrombin. However, R352W-activated protein C (APC) anticoagulant activity (aPTT assay) was reduced to ~65%. Although the catalytic efficiency of R352W-APC towards the oligopeptide substrate S-2366 was unperturbed, factor Va and R506Q-factor Va were not efficiently inactivated by R352W-APC compared with wild type-APC. R352A-APC showed reduced anticoagulant activity and reduced efficiency in factor Va inactivation and in factor VIIIa-inactivation in the presence of protein S. These observations suggest that the dysfunction of R352W-APC in factor Va inactivation may be one of the mechanisms leading to venous thrombosis in affected patients and that R352 plays an important role in the physiological functioning of APC.
An Empirical Quality Assessment of Automotive Use Cases

As functionality in vehicles grows more complex and development becomes distributed over several geographical sites, elicitation and visualization of requirements become more critical. This paper presents a set of evaluation criteria for the quality of use cases. The criteria are applied to use cases that are currently used in industry and developed according to current industrial practice. The paper presents statistics of quality defects that occur in industry and proposes academic solutions that may be applied to solve them. The study is based on 43 use cases from Volvo Car Corporation spanning three different function areas of a vehicle. The most common quality defect classes of the evaluated use cases are missing elements, irrelevant steps, incorrect linguistics and level of detail. Furthermore, it is concluded that a common taxonomy and cross team reviews are needed to further improve the quality and usefulness of use cases
Comparison of Quantitative Cerebral Blood Flow Measurements Performed by Bookend Dynamic Susceptibility Contrast and Arterial Spin-Labeling MRI in Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis

Both dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion with bookend T1-calibration and pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling have been used recently for CBF quantification in relapsing-remitting MS. The authors compared pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling CBF with the bookend technique in a prospective cohort of 19 healthy controls, 19 subjects with relapsing-remitting MS without cognitive impairment, and 20 subjects with relapsing-remitting MS with cognitive impairment. Voxelwise paired t tests revealed no significant CBF differences between techniques after normalization of global meanintensities. They conclude that there is agreement between pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling and bookend technique CBF measurements in healthy controls and patients with relapsing-remitting MS. BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Quantitative CBF usage as a biomarker for cognitive impairment and disease progression in MS is potentially a powerful tool for longitudinal patient monitoring. Dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion with bookend T1-calibration (bookend technique) and pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling have recently been used for CBF quantification in relapsing-remitting MS. The noninvasive nature of pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling is advantageous over gadolinium-based techniques, but correlation between the techniques is not well-established in the context of MS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling CBF with the bookend technique in a prospective cohort of 19 healthy controls, 19 subjects with relapsing-remitting MS without cognitive impairment, and 20 subjects with relapsing-remitting MS with cognitive impairment on a voxelwise and Brodmann region basis. The linear Pearson correlation, SNR, and coefficient of variation were quantified. RESULTS: Voxelwise paired t tests revealed no significant CBF differences between techniques after normalization of global mean intensities. The highest Pearson correlations were observed in deep GM structures (average r = 0.71 for the basal ganglia and r = 0.65 for the thalamus) but remained robust for cortical GM, WM, and white matter lesions (average r = 0.51, 0.53, 0.54, respectively). Lower Pearson correlations were observed for cortical lesions (average r = 0.23). Brodmann region correlations were significant for all groups. All correlations were maintained in healthy controls and in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The highest SNR was present in bookend perfusion, while the highest coefficient of variation was present in white matter lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Agreement between pseudocontinuous arterial spin-labeling and bookend technique CBF measurements is demonstrated in healthy controls and patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
DROPLET: Distributed Operator placement and Resource Provisioning for IoT applications spanning Edge and Cloud Resources

—Internet of Things (IoT) applications generate massive amounts of real-time data. Owners of such data strive to make predictions/inference from large streams of complex input such as video feeds, often by deploying applications that involve machine learning and image processing operations. A typical deployment of IoT applications includes edge devices to acquire the input data and provide processing/storage capacity closer to the location where the data is captured. An important challenge for IoT applications is deciding which operations to be executed on an edge device and which operations should be carried out on the cloud. In this paper we propose a dynamic programming algorithm called Droplet, to scalably partition operations in IoT applications across shared edge and cloud resources, while jointly minimizing the completion time of all operations and resource consumption. We evaluate Droplet using several real-world applications to show that it is able to model their execution time within an error of 0.42%. It ﬁnds partitioning of operations to within about 4% of optimal application completion time, while scaling up to thousand operations. We analyze Droplet to show it scales linearly in the total number of operations ( n o ) with complexity O ( n o · ( L ! ) 2 · L ) , where L is the number of edge devices and the cloud (L=2 in typical deployments with one edge and one cloud).
High-speed non-invasive measurement of tibial rotation during the impact phase of running

Several injuries to the lower extremity in runners have been linked to excessive rates of internal rotation of the tibia just after ground impact. This study presents an improved method of capturing internal/external tibial rotation, and investigates whether estimates of rates of internal tibial rotation during the first 50 ms of contact during running are influenced by the sampling rate and processing of tibial displacement data. A lightweight plate was moulded to the shape of each subject's right anterior-medial tibia. Nine male subjects ran barefoot (3.35 m·s−1) and the landing kinematics of the right leg were recorded at 1000 Hz. The group mean value for the total range of internal rotation of the tibia for the whole stance phase was consistent with the literature (15.4°), but peak angular velocities (8.3 rad·s−1) were substantially higher than previously reported. The cut-off frequency of the low-pass filter influenced the peak angular velocity values obtained with the largest changes occurring between 15 and 40 Hz. Typically, researchers using lower sample rates have to filter around 10 Hz and consequently are likely to underestimate peak angular velocities. These findings have implications for obtaining a sound quantitative foundation for transient tibial motion before furthering our understanding of injury mechanisms.
Strain-Controllable Magnetism in Co Decorated Pyridinic N-Doped Graphene

An external strain is suggested as an effective means to finely control the magnetic properties of a candidate medium for future spintronics devices. To demonstrate the potential of this concept, the biaxial strain effects on the magnetic moment of Co adatom on pyridinic N-doped graphene (PNG) sheet were investigated using density functional theory calculations. Under the strain from -5% to 5%, the magnetic moment of the Co adatom on PNG was increased continuously from 1.72 to 1.95 μB. Also, Co adatoms are expected to be dispersed on the PNG surface without metal clustering in this range of applied strain due to its strong binding with the pyridinic nitrogen defects. From these results, it is anticipated that reliable control of magnetism in Co decorated PNG system is available by use of an external strain.
An All-Digital RF Signal Generator Using High-Speed $\Delta\Sigma$  Modulators

An all-digital RF signal generator using DeltaSigma modulation and targeted at transmitters for mobile communication terminals has been implemented in 90 nm CMOS. Techniques such as redundant logic and non-exact quantization allow operation at up to 4 GHz sample rate, providing a 50 MHz bandwidth at a 1 GHz center frequency. The peak output power into a 100 Omega diff. load is 3.1 dBm with 53.6 dB SNDR. By adjusting the sample rate, carriers from 50 MHz to 1 GHz can be synthesized. RF signals up to 3 GHz can be synthesized when using the first image band. As an example, UMTS standard can be addressed by using a 2.6 GHz clock frequency. The measured ACPR is then 44 dB for a 5 MHz WCDMA channel at 1.95 GHz with output power of -16 dBm and 3.4% EVM. At 4 GHz clock frequency the total power consumption is 120 mW (49 mW for DeltaSigma modulator core) on a 1 V supply voltage, total die area is 3.2 mm2 (0.15 mm2 for the active area).
Folate metabolism genes, vegetable intake and renal cancer risk in central Europe

In a multicenter case‐control study of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) conducted in central and eastern Europe, we reported a strong inverse association with high vegetable intake and RCC risk. The odds ratio (OR) for high compared to the lowest tertile of vegetable intake was OR = 0.67; (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.53–0.83; p‐trend < 0.001). We hypothesized that variation in key folate metabolism genes may modify this association. Common variation in 5 folate metabolism genes (CBS: Ex9+33C > T (rs234706), Ex13 +41C > T (rs1801181), Ex18 −391 G > A (rs12613); MTHFR: A222V Ex5+79C > T (rs1801133), Ex8−62A > C (rs1801131); MTR: Ex26 20A > G (rs1805087), MTRR: Ex5+136 T > C (rs161870), and TYMS:IVS2−405 C > T (rs502396), Ex8+157 C > T (rs699517), Ex8+227 A > G (rs2790)) were analyzed among 1,097 RCC cases and 1,555 controls genotyped in this study. Having at least 1 variant T allele of MTHFR A222V was associated with higher RCC risk compared to those with 2 common (CC) alleles (OR = 1.44; 95% CI: 1.17–1.77; p = 0.001). After stratification by tertile of vegetable intake, the higher risk associated with the variant genotype was only observed in the low and medium tertiles (p‐trend = 0.001), but not among those in the highest tertile (p‐interaction = 0.22). The association remained robust after calculation of the false discovery rate (FDR = 0.05). Of the 3 TYMS SNPs examined, only the TYMS IVS2 −405 C (rs502396) variant was associated with a significantly lower risk compared to the common genotype (OR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57–0.93). Vegetable intake modified the association between all 3 TYMS SNPs and RCC risk (p‐interaction < 0.04 for all). In summary, these findings suggest that common variation in MTHFR and TYMS genes may be associated with RCC risk, particularly when vegetable intake is low. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association of thymidylate synthase expression and clinical outcomes of gastric cancer patients treated with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy: a meta-analysis

Purpose Although several studies have suggested an association between thymidylate synthase (TS) expression and outcomes of gastric cancer (GC) patients treated with fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy (FUC), the predictive value of TS for response and survival in this setting is unclear. This meta-analysis aimed to estimate prognostic and predictive significance of TS more precisely. Methods We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for literature published up to June 2015. Primary outcomes included hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival (OS), and event-free survival (EFS) and odds ratio (OR) for chemotherapy response. Fixed- or random-effects models were used to calculate pooled HR and OR according to heterogeneity. Results A total of 2,442 GC patients in 25 studies met our inclusion criteria. Response rates for FUC were significantly lower in patients with high TS expression than in those with low expression (OR: 0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.22–0.84, P=0.013). High TS expression was significantly correlated with unfavorable OS (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.28–2.05, P<0.001) and EFS (HR: 1.54, 95% CI: 1.22–1.93, P<0.001) in advanced disease. However, TS expression was not significantly related to OS (HR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.74–1.50, P=0.760) or EFS (HR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.84–1.61, P=0.374) in the adjuvant setting. Conclusion Higher TS expression might predict drug resistance and adverse prognosis in patients with advanced GC treated with FUC.
44-GHz high-efficiency InP-HEMT MMIC power amplifier

A high-efficiency power amplifier was developed using 0.15-/spl mu/m gatelength, InP-based (GaInAs/AlInAs/InP), HEMT MMIC technology. The amplifier demonstrated state-of-the-art performance. The output power at 1-dB compression point was 28 dBm at 44.5 GHz. The corresponding power-added efficiency was 31% and gain was 7 dB. The total chip area was 2.5 mm/sup 2/. <<ETX>>
Provider Beliefs and Practices About Assessing Sexual Orientation in Two Veterans Health Affairs Hospitals.

PURPOSE Despite known health disparities for lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals, research in the civilian sector has documented low rates of patient disclosure and provider assessment of this domain. Very little is known about Veterans Health Affairs (VHA) providers' care of LGB veterans, a population that has been relatively invisible until recently because of the vestiges of the Department of Defense policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell. " This study examined the attitudes, beliefs, and clinical practices of VHA healthcare providers regarding sexual minority veterans. METHODS Physical and mental health VHA healthcare providers (n=202) from two southern VHA hospitals completed an anonymous self-report questionnaire. Measures included comfort in providing care to LGB veterans, factors affecting decisions about assessing sexual orientation with veterans, and attitudes toward sexual minority individuals. RESULTS Although approximately half of VHA providers thought that sexual orientation should be routinely discussed, the providers rarely assessed this issue with their patients. Over half of providers believed that veterans would disclose their sexual orientation if it was important to them, and almost half of providers believed sexual orientation is not relevant to healthcare. CONCLUSION Many VHA providers may be unaware of the unique health disparities experienced by LGB individuals. Culturally appropriate care cannot be provided to LGB veterans unless providers explicitly assess sexual orientation in healthcare visits. Central to this assessment is providing patients with a clear rationale for the purpose of the assessment and related documentation. Staff training is needed to address providers' beliefs and reservations about discussing sexual orientation that emerged in this investigation.
Tools for Scaffolding Students in a Complex Learning Environment: What Have We Gained and What Have We Missed?

This article discusses the change in the notion of scaffolding from a description of the interactions between a tutor and a student to the design of tools to support student learning in project-based and design-based classrooms. The notion of scaffolding is now increasingly being used to describe various forms of support provided by software tools, curricula, and other resources designed to help students learn successfully in a classroom. However, some of the critical elements of scaffolding are missing in the current use of the scaffolding construct. Although new curricula and software tools now described as scaffolds have provided us with novel techniques to support student learning, the important theoretical features of scaffolding such as ongoing diagnosis, calibrated support, and fading are being neglected. This article discusses how to implement these critical features of scaffolding in tools, resources, and curricula. It is suggested that if tools are designed based on the multiple levels of the student understanding found in a classroom, tools themselves might be removed to achieve fading.
Evaluating network cyber resiliency methods using cyber threat, Vulnerability and Defense Modeling and Simulation

This paper describes a Cyber Threat, Vulnerability and Defense Modeling and Simulation tool kit used for evaluation of systems and networks to improve cyber resiliency. This capability is used to help increase the resiliency of networks at various stages of their lifecycle, from initial design and architecture through the operation of deployed systems and networks. Resiliency of computer systems and networks to cyber threats is facilitated by the modeling of agile and resilient defenses versus threats and running multiple simulations evaluated against resiliency metrics. This helps network designers, cyber analysts and Security Operations Center personnel to perform trades using what-if scenarios to select resiliency capabilities and optimally design and configure cyber resiliency capabilities for their systems and networks.
Reducing development and maintenance efforts for web-based recommender applications

Complex product assortments offered by online stores and electronic marketplaces make the identification of appropriate solutions a challenging task. Customers can differ greatly in their level of product domain knowledge. Therefore, recommender applications that support the product selection process are required. Knowledge-based recommender technologies allow flexible mapping of product, marketing and sales knowledge to the formal representation of a knowledge base and thus support customer-oriented sales dialogues in online selling environments. Although these technologies are frequently applied in industrial settings, related development processes are still very time-consuming. This paper presents the Koba4MS environment that supports graphical knowledge acquisition for web-based recommender applications and thus improves the effectiveness of related development and maintenance processes. The results of an experiment that investigated the effects of applying automated testing and debugging techniques to recommender knowledge base development clearly show the applicability and effectiveness of our approach in terms of time savings and reduced error rates.
Minimally Invasive Device to Effect Vocal Fold Lateralization

Despite many operative procedures focused on vocal fold lateralization, none has achieved an acceptable level of dependability. Bilateral vocal fold abductor paralysis is treated by arytenoidectomy, cordotomy, suture lateralization, or partial cordectomy. Tracheotomy remains the gold standard for maximizing the airway and preserving phonatory function. We have developed a device that is minimally invasive, tunable, and reversible, with the potential for lateralization or medialization of the vocal process. The device consists of a polyethylene collar, a Vitallium cam, and a double-helix core for engaging soft tissue. It is introduced through a circular opening in the thyroid cartilage by a modified thyroplasty approach. Both the first and second iterations of this device have been evaluated for clinical effectiveness in 9 sheep by means of photographic and video documentation. Effectiveness in humans is currently being assessed. The results of the animal study permit us to have substantial optimism with respect to the clinical application of this device.
Challenges in critical care services in Sub-Saharan Africa: Perspectives from Nigeria

Critical care services in Nigeria and other West African countries had been hampered by economic reversals resulting in low wages, manpower flight overseas, government apathy towards funding of hospitals, and endemic corruption. Since then things have somewhat improved with the government's willingness to invest more in healthcare, and clampdown on resource diversion in some countries like Nigeria. Due to the health needs of these countries, including funding and preventive medicine, it may take a long time to reach reasonably high standards. Things are better than they were several years ago and that gives cause for optimism, especially with the debt cancellation by Western nations for most countries in the region. Since most of the earlier studies have been done by visiting doctors, mainly outside the West African subregion, this paper seeks to present a view of the challenges faced by providers of critical care services in the region, so that people do not have to rely on anecdotal evidence for future references.
Passivity-based control of robots: Historical perspective and contemporary issues

Passivity is one of the most physically appealing concepts in systems and control theory. The stored internal energy in a passive system is bounded from above by the externally supplied energy. It is well known that this energy dissipation property has important implications for closed-loop stability. Additionally, the passivity property is preserved with respect to feedback and parallel interconnections of passive systems. This composability property of passive systems is crucial in designing and analyzing highly networked systems. Due to these desirable features, the passivity paradigm has been widely utilized to achieve outstanding success in robot control, which is the main focus of the session. The tutorial session starts with a historical perspective on passivity-based robot control and its broad applicability to several important problems in robotics. Despite the long history, passivity-based robot control is being actively utilized in addressing emerging problems in robot control. Hence, the remainder of the session presents application of passivity-based robot control to address important research issues in bilateral teleoperation, visual feedback estimation and robot control, cooperative robot control, and mixed human-robot teams.