Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Discovery of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome The Discovery of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

The term Fetal Alcohol Syndrome [5] (FAS) was first published in a 1973 article in the British medical journal The Lancet. In that article, a group of pediatricians and psychiatrists at the University of Washington Medical School helped to define the morphological defects and developmental delays that can affect children born to alcoholic mothers. Those observations include preand post-natal growth deficiencies, minor facial abnormalities, and damage to the developing brain that can result in behavioral, learning, and cognitive abnormalities.
Functional characterization of the guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) motif of GIV protein reveals a threshold effect in signaling

Heterotrimeric G proteins are critical signal-transducing molecules controlled by a complex network of regulators. GIV (a.k.a. Girdin) is a unique component of this network and a nonreceptor guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that functions via a signature motif. GIV's GEF motif is involved in the regulation of critical biological processes such as phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)-Akt signaling, actin cytoskeleton remodeling, cell migration, and cancer metastasis. Here we investigated how the GEF function of GIV affects the wiring of its signaling pathway to shape different biological responses. Using a structure-guided approach, we designed a battery of GIV mutants with different Gαi-binding and -activating properties and used it to dissect the specific impact of changes in GIV's GEF activity on several cellular responses. In vivo signaling assays revealed a threshold effect of GEF activity for the activation of Akt by GIV in different cell lines and by different stimuli. Akt signaling is minimal at low GEF activity and is sharply increased to reach a maximum above a threshold of GEF activity, suggesting that GIV is a critical signal amplifier and that activation of Akt is ultrasensitive to changes in GIV's GEF activity. A similar threshold dependence was observed for other biological functions promoted by GIV such as remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton and cell migration. This functional characterization of GIV's GEF motif provides insights into the molecular interactions between nonreceptor GEFs and G proteins and the mechanisms that govern this signal transduction pathway.
Robotic‐assisted radical prostatectomy: a review of current outcomes

With the widespread diffusion of the screening for prostate cancer, the disease has been diagnosed more commonly in the organ‐confined stage, and in younger and healthier men. For these patients, radical prostatectomy (RP) is still the standard treatment. In an effort to decrease the morbidity associated with open RP, minimally invasive approaches have been described, including robotic‐assisted RP (RALP). Almost one decade after the introduction of RALP, large and mature series have now been reported. We reviewed the outcomes of the largest series of RALP published recently. We searched Medline for reports published between 2006 and 2009, to identify articles describing intraoperative data, surgical complications, oncological outcomes, continence and potency rates after RALP. Relevant articles were selected and the outcomes evaluated.
Pulsed microwave sensor on heavily doped semiconductor substrate

Design of unsophisticated cost-effective planar asymmetric microwave diode is proposed. Simplified technological process and use of simplex semiconductor material result in reduction of both time and cost of fabrication of the microwave diode. Two types of the microwave diodes were produced during the same technological run: one demonstrating ohmic features, and the other having Schottky junction-like characteristics. The Schottky-like diodes exhibited higher sensitivity and higher operational speed, while the ohmic ones had wider dynamic range suitable for microwave power measurements.
Preparing for a potential A(H7N9) pandemic: lessons from the deployment of A(H1N1) pandemic vaccines

Since 19 February 2013, the WHO has reported more than 130 laboratory-confirmed human cases (37 fatal) of a novel avian influenza A(H7N9) across northern China. While human to human transmission so far appears extremely limited and non-sustained, it is prudent to recognize the pandemic potential of A(H7N9) and consider preparedness and response arrangements, a key component of which is consideration of the use of pandemic or prepandemic vaccines.
Dynamically combining climate models to “supermodel” the tropical Pacific

We construct an interactive ensemble of two different climate models to improve simulation of key aspects of tropical Pacific climate. Our so‐called supermodel is based on two atmospheric general circulation models (AGCMs) coupled to a single ocean GCM, which is driven by a weighted average of the air‐sea fluxes. Optimal weights are determined using a machine learning algorithm to minimize sea surface temperature errors over the tropical Pacific. This coupling strategy synchronizes atmospheric variability in the two AGCMs over the equatorial Pacific, where it improves the representation of ocean‐atmosphere interaction and the climate state. In particular, the common double Intertropical Convergence Zone error is suppressed, and the positive Bjerknes feedback improves substantially to match observations well, and the negative heat flux feedback is also much improved. This study supports the concept of supermodeling as a promising multimodel ensemble strategy to improve weather and climate predictions.
Ostreolysin A/Pleurotolysin B and Equinatoxins: Structure, Function and Pathophysiological Effects of These Pore-Forming Proteins

Acidic ostreolysin A/pleurotolysin B (OlyA/PlyB, formerly known as ostreolysin (Oly), and basic 20 kDa equinatoxins (EqTs) are cytolytic proteins isolated from the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus and the sea anemone Actinia equina, respectively. Both toxins, although from different sources, share many similar biological activities: (i) colloid-osmotic shock by forming pores in cellular and artificial membranes enriched in cholesterol and sphingomyelin; (ii) increased vascular endothelial wall permeability in vivo and perivascular oedema; (iii) dose-dependent contraction of coronary vessels; (iv) haemolysis with pronounced hyperkalaemia in vivo; (v) bradycardia, myocardial ischemia and ventricular extrasystoles accompanied by progressive fall of arterial blood pressure and respiratory arrest in rodents. Both types of toxins are haemolytic within nanomolar range concentrations, and it seems that hyperkalaemia plays an important role in toxin cardiotoxicity. However, it was observed that the haemolytically more active EqT III is less toxic than EqT I, the most toxic and least haemolytic EqT. In mice, EqT II is more than 30 times more toxic than OlyA/PlyB when applied intravenously. These observations imply that haemolysis with hyperkalaemia is not the sole cause of the lethal activity of both toxins. Additional mechanisms responsible for lethal action of the two toxins are direct effects on heart, coronary vasoconstriction and related myocardial hypoxia. In this review, we appraise the pathophysiological mechanisms related to the chemical structure of OlyA/PlyB and EqTs, as well as their toxicity.
Linear Time Parameterized Algorithms for Subset Feedback Vertex Set

In the Subset Feedback Vertex Set (Subset FVS) problem, the input is a graph G on n vertices and m edges, a subset of vertices T, referred to as terminals, and an integer k. The objective is to determine whether there exists a set of at most k vertices intersecting every cycle that contains a terminal. The study of parameterized algorithms for this generalization of the Feedback Vertex Set problem has received significant attention over the past few years. In fact, the parameterized complexity of this problem was open until 2011, when two groups independently showed that the problem is fixed parameter tractable. Using tools from graph minors,, Kawarabayashi and Kobayashi obtained an algorithm for Subset FVS running in time O(f(k)ċ n2 m) [SODA 2012, JCTB 2012]. Independently, Cygan et al. [ICALP 2011, SIDMA 2013] designed an algorithm for Subset FVS running in time 2O(k log k)ċ nO(1). More recently, Wahlström obtained the first single exponential time algorithm for Subset FVS, running in time 4kċ nO(1) [SODA 2014]. While the 2O(k) dependence on the parameter k is optimal under the Exponential Time Hypothesis, the dependence of this algorithm as well as those preceding it, on the input size is at least quadratic. In this article, we design the first linear time parameterized algorithms for Subset FVS. More precisely, we obtain the following new algorithms for Subset FVS. — A randomized algorithm for Subset FVS running in time O(25.6kċ (n + m)). — A deterministic algorithm for Subset FVS running in time 2O(k log k) ċ (n + m). Since it is known that assuming the Exponential Time Hypothesis, Subset FVS cannot have an algorithm running in time 2o(k)nO(1), our first algorithm obtains the best possible asymptotic dependence on both the parameter as well as the input size. Both of our algorithms are based on “cut centrality,” in the sense that solution vertices are likely to show up in minimum size cuts between vertices sampled from carefully chosen distributions.
Optimal control of an autonomous underwater vehicle equipped with the collective and cyclic pitch propeller

This paper aims to develop an optimal state feedback controller using the Linear Quadratic Regulator for an autonomous underwater vehicle equipped with an innovative collective and cyclic pitch propeller. This new type of propulsion system offers advantages such as good manoeuvrability for the torpedo shaped underwater vehicle at low speed operations. To develop the linear controller, the underwater vehicle general equations of motion are decoupled into non-interacting longitudinal and lateral subsystems in the form of linear state space models. The vehicle hydrodynamic coefficients and the propulsor dynamic model are derived using the system identification method and experiments in the towing tank. The control objectives are to maintain the autonomous underwater vehicle at desired depth and heading with the newly developed propulsor. The performance of the controller is demonstrated by simulation using MATLAB/SimulinkTM. The results show that the designed controller gives good performance and effectiveness in which the vehicle is able to follow the reference input signals.
MicroRNA 146 (Mir146) Modulates Spermatogonial Differentiation by Retinoic Acid in Mice1

ABSTRACT Impaired biogenesis of microRNAs disrupts spermatogenesis and leads to infertility in male mice. Spermatogonial differentiation is a key step in spermatogenesis, yet the mechanisms that control this event remain poorly defined. In this study, we discovered microRNA 146 (Mir146) to be highly regulated during spermatogonial differentiation, a process dependent on retinoic acid (RA) signaling. Mir146 transcript levels were diminished nearly 180-fold in differentiating spermatogonia when compared with undifferentiated spermatogonia. Luciferase assays revealed the direct binding of Mir146 to the 3′ untranslated region of the mediator complex subunit 1 (Med1), a coregulator of retinoid receptors (RARs and RXRs). Overexpression of Mir146 in cultured undifferentiated spermatogonia reduced Med1 transcript levels, as well as those of differentiation marker kit oncogene (Kit). MED1 protein was also diminished. Conversely, inhibition of Mir146 increased the levels of Kit. When undifferentiated spermatogonia were exposed to RA, Mir146 was downregulated along with a marker for undifferentiated germ cells, zinc finger and BTB domain containing 16 (Zbtb16; Plzf); Kit was upregulated. Overexpression of Mir146 in RA-treated spermatogonia inhibited the upregulation of Kit, stimulated by retinoic acid gene 8 (Stra8), and spermatogenesis- and oogenesis-specific basic helix-loop-helix 2 (Sohlh2). Inhibition of Mir146 in RA-treated spermatogonia greatly enhanced the upregulation of these genes. We conclude that Mir146 modulates the effects of RA on spermatogonial differentiation.
Research on RF signal reconstruction and parameter estimation algorithm based on compressed sensing

In the field of radar electromagnetic countermeasure (ECM), it's vital to estimate the parameters of enemy radar and communication signals. In this paper, the carrier frequency (CF) and modulation parameters of linear frequency modulation (LFM) of low probability of interception are estimated. Shannon-Nyquist sampling theorem is the theoretical basis for converting analog signals to digital signals. The ever-growing demand for data, as well as advances in RF technology, have promoted the use of instantaneous high-bandwidth signals, for which the rates dictated by the Shannon-Nyquist theorem impose severe challenges both on the acquisition hardware and on the storage. But now emerging compressed sensing (CS) technology breakup the limits of the Shannon-Nyquist sampling theorem. In the theory of CS frame, sampling rate no longer depends on the bandwidth of the signal, but rely on the signal structure and content in the information that can be far less than Shannon-Nyquist sampling of the signal discrete data. In this paper, CS technology to implement the low sampling rate of LFM signals with non-uniform sampling (NUS) are linear measurement on the LFM signal, the reconstructed signal was obtained by Stagewise Orthogonal Matching Pursuit (StOMP) algorithm from low dimensional discrete signal and parameter estimation of the LFM signal carrier frequency and modulation rate though reconstructed signal. The reconstruction of LFM signal waveform can be realized, and the CF and modulation slope can be estimated effectively by MATLAB simulation. Compared with the traditional algorithm for LFM signal parameter estimation, CS technology can improve the signal parameter estimation accuracy under the certain SNR.
The Effects of Acute Cannabis Use on Nontraffic Injury Risk

Recent evidence has indicated that cannabis use before driving is associated with a modest but increased risk for traffic-related injuries. However, the question of whether recent cannabis use is associated with a greater risk for other types of injuries remains unanswered. Aiming to better understand how acute cannabis use might affect the risk for all causes of injury, we have summarized the limited data available in the literature on the risk of nontraffic injuries associated with recent cannabis use. Very few studies were able to provide estimate risks for all injuries or injuries other than those related to road traffic injuries, with the limited evidence available showing mixed findings. The only significant risk found (in only one study) suggests an inverse association between all injuries and cannabis use. Study designs are limited, and the majority of studies have neither data on acute cannabis use among injured individuals nor a valid control group for estimating injury risk attributable to cannabis. In conclusion, studies of the association between cannabis and nontraffic injuries present several limitations, particularly regarding sampling strategies, injury risk assessment for different causes of injury, and a dose–response risk relationship with injury. Further studies, incorporating better design for different causes of injury and drug testing, are required to reach firmer conclusions on the association between cannabis use and nontraffic injury risk.
Magnetic resonance imaging of the immature skeleton

Magnetic resonance (MR) is unique in its ability to allow assessment of bone marrow, epiphyseal, physeal, and articular cartilage as well as tendons and ligaments. An understanding of skeletal maturation and the accompanying changes on MR is of utmost importance in pediatric radiology. In particular, it is important to recognize the normal spectrum related to ossification and marrow transformation. This review will include a brief description of main indications and common pitfalls in musculoskeletal MR in children. Also, we will focus on the MR appearance of the growing pediatric skeleton on the most commonly used sequences.
In vitro and in vivo evaluations of three‐dimensional hydroxyapatite/silk fibroin nanocomposite scaffolds

In this study, three‐dimensional hydroxyapatite/silk fibroin (HAp/SF) nanocomposite scaffolds were successfully prepared through layer solvent casting combined with the freeze‐drying technique for tissue engineering applications. Various SF aqueous concentrations, ranging from 2.5% to 10%, were used to control the physicochemical properties of the prepared scaffolds. Biologic responses of the rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs) to the HAp/SF scaffolds were examined by culturing the cells within them. In addition, biodegradation and biocompatibility of the scaffolds were evaluated in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Among the prepared scaffolds, HAp/SF‐2.5% was the most brittle sample and showed porous structure with lowest mechanical properties. The average pore diameters were 350 ± 67 and 112 ± 89 µm and decreased with the increase in the SF concentration from 5% to 10%, respectively. The pores formed in the scaffolds, made up of the 5% SF, were more uniform and regular than those of the scaffolds made up of 5% and 10% SF. The HAp/SF scaffolds did not change the rBMSCs viability and were not cytotoxic compared with the control sample. The scanning electron microscopy micrographs showed that the cells migrated into the pores and well attached to the scaffolds and their cytoplasm was extended in all directions, indicating a promising cell adhesion, high biocompatibility, and no cytotoxicity of the HAp/SF‐5% nanocomposite scaffolds. Subcutaneous implantation of the HAp/SF‐5% scaffolds in rat models suggested an excellent biocompatibility. All data obtained from this study suggest the potential use of the HAp/SF‐5% for hard tissue engineering.
Design of Broadband Modified Class-J Doherty Power Amplifier With Specific Second Harmonic Terminations

This paper presents a symmetrical Doherty power amplifier (DPA) based on class-J mode for efficiency enhancement in a broad bandwidth. With a second harmonic suppression integrated into the output matching network of carrier power amplifier (PA) and peaking PA, respectively, the complex interaction of varying second harmonic impedances caused by dynamic load modulation can be eliminated and the second harmonic impedance remains the same reactance at both the output back-off (OBO) region and the saturated power. To meet the requirement of second harmonic termination, the DPA works in conventional class-J mode at the saturated power and a modified class-J continuum is proposed to expand the impedance design space at 8 dB OBO with good efficiency performance. A gallium nitride DPA is designed and fabricated to validate the method over a frequency band of 3.3–3.75 GHz. Under a 10%-duty-cycle pulse excitation, experimental results show the DPA delivers 48-48.8 dBm output power with a drain efficiency (DE) of 58%–71%. At 8 dB OBO, a measured DE of 44%–55% is achieved with a gain of 11.8–13.5 dB. When driven by a 2-carrier 40-MHz long-term evolution signal with a peak-to-average power ratio of 8 dB, the DPA exhibits an adjacent channel leakage ratio of −30 dBc at an average output power of 40.7 dBm at 3.45 GHz.
Manufacturing strategy frameworks suitable for SMEs

Purpose - The paper aims at increasing the understanding of how manufacturing strategy formulation can be facilitated in SMEs. Design/methodology/approach - The research presented in this paper follows a four-stage logic. Initially a literature review was conducted identifying a number of manufacturing strategy frameworks. Thereafter, theoretical and practical assessment criteria were established. The SME requirements were identified through five case studies. Based on these assessment criteria, identified manufacturing strategy formulation frameworks were evaluated. When a framework was found that fulfilled most of the requirements set out, a detailed analysis of the framework was done, based on criteria related to specific SME characteristics. Findings - In total 15 different manufacturing strategy formulation frameworks were identified in the literature. To evaluate the suitability of these frameworks in SMEs, a number of assessment criteria were established, both in theory and in practice. These assessment criteria were grouped into three parts based on their character: procedure, realisation and contextual issues. The assessment of the 15 frameworks revealed that among the identified frameworks there was one framework that stood out and fulfilled several of the criteria. However, the frameworks still need to be adapted to the specific SME characteristics. Practical implications - Based on an assessment of the existing manufacturing strategy frameworks we have been able to identify one framework that fulfils 10 out 14 of the theoretical and empirical requirements. Originality/value - Although a number of manufacturing strategy frameworks exist, their usability in practice has seldom been investigated. The results presented provide valuable knowledge for the continued work of rendering manufacturing strategy frameworks suitable and thereby useful for SMEs.
Atom Probe Tomography 2012

In the world of tomographic imaging, atom probe tomography (APT) occupies the high-spatial-resolution end of the spectrum. It is highly complementary to electron tomography and is applicable to a wide range of materials. The current state of APT is reviewed. Emphasis is placed on applications and data analysis as they apply to many fields of research and development including metals, semiconductors, ceramics, and organic materials. We also provide a brief review of the history and the instrumentation associated with APT and an assessment of the existing challenges in the field.
Learning to synthesize

In many scenarios we need to find the most likely program under a local context, where the local context can be an incomplete program, a partial specification, natural language description, etc. We call such problem program estimations. In this paper we propose an abstract framework, learning to synthesis, or L2S in short, to address this problem. L2S combines four tools to achieve this: rewriting rules are used to define the search space and search steps, constraint solving is used to prune off invalid candidates at each search step, machine learning is used to estimate conditional probabilities for the candidates at each search step, and search algorithms are used to find the best possible solution. The main goal of L2S is to lay out the design space to motivate the research on program estimation. We have performed a preliminary evaluation by instantiating this framework for synthesizing conditions of an automated program repair (APR) system. The training data are from the project itself and related JDK packages. Compared to ACS, a state-of-the-art condition synthesis system for program repair, our approach could deal with a larger search space such that we fixed 4 additional bugs outside the search space of ACS, and relies only the source code of the current projects.
Intelligence in the Cloud - We Need a Lot of it

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been progressing quite nicely in the last few years – thanks to much higher computation power, graphics processors and custom hardware such as neuromorphic chips, advances in data and computer sciences, but also the cloud. I have said in my many keynote speeches that cloud is becoming, if not already, the de-facto hosting platform for all innovations, whether social, industrial or for services of any kind. Cloud has helped extensively here by not only providing computational power, but also the flexibility to experiment as broadly as required without costing an arm or a leg.