Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Has Our Understanding of Calcification in Human Coronary Atherosclerosis Progressed?

Coronary artery calcification is a well-established predictor of future cardiac events; however, it is not a predictor of unstable plaque. The intimal calcification of the atherosclerotic plaques may begin with smooth muscle cell apoptosis and release of matrix vesicles and is almost always seen microscopically in pathological intimal thickening, which appears as microcalcification (≥0.5 &mgr;m, typically <15 &mgr;m in diameter). Calcification increases with macrophage infiltration into the lipid pool in early fibroatheroma where they undergo apoptosis and release matrix vesicles. The confluence of calcified areas involves extracellular matrix and the necrotic core, which can be identified by radiography as speckled (⩽2 mm) or fragmented (>2, <5 mm) calcification. The calcification in thin-cap fibroatheromas and plaque rupture is generally less than what is observed in stable plaques and is usually speckled or fragmented. Fragmented calcification spreads into the surrounding collagen-rich matrix forming calcified sheets, the hallmarks of fibrocalcific plaques. The calcified sheets may break into nodules with fibrin deposition, and when accompanied by luminal protrusion, it is associated with thrombosis. Calcification is highest in fibrocalcific plaques followed by healed plaque rupture and is the least in erosion and pathological intimal thickening. The extent of calcification is greater in men than in women especially in the premenopausal period and is also greater in whites compared with blacks. The mechanisms of intimal calcification remain poorly understood in humans. Calcification often occurs in the presence of apoptosis of smooth muscle cells and macrophages with matrix vesicles accompanied by expression of osteogenic markers within the vessel wall.
Medullary Thyroid Cancer: Molecular Biology and Novel Molecular Therapies

Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) arises from neural-crest-derived parafollicular C cells of the thyroid gland and accounts for approximately 4% of all thyroid cancers. Up to 25–30% of MTC cases occur as inherited disorders while the remaining cases represent the sporadic form of the disease. In this review, the structure and signalling properties of the RET proto-oncogene in its wild-type and mutant forms, and its role in hereditary and sporadic MTC, are discussed. A full data search was performed through PubMed over the years 2000–2008 with the key words ‘medullary thyroid cancer, treatment, molecular biology, RET, molecular mechanism’, and all relevant publications have been included, together with selected publications prior to that date. We also review novel therapies for metastatic MTC, especially the tyrosine kinase inhibitors which have activity at multiple receptor subtypes, and summarize the current ongoing trials in this area. While such tyrosine kinase inhibitors, particularly those affecting RET activity such as vandetanib, sorafenib and sunitinib, are promising, the low rate of partial responses and absence of complete responses in all of the various trials of monotherapy emphasize the need for new and more effective single agents or combinations of therapeutic agents with acceptable toxicity.
Highly Predictive Blacklisting

The notion of blacklisting communication sources has been a well-established defensive measure since the origins of the Internet community. In particular, the practice of compiling and sharing lists of the worst offenders of unwanted traffic is a blacklisting strategy that has remained virtually unquestioned over many years. But do the individuals who incorporate such blacklists into their perimeter defenses benefit from the blacklisting contents as much as they could from other list-generation strategies? In this paper, we will argue that there exist better alternative blacklist generation strategies that can produce higher-quality results for an individual network. In particular, we introduce a blacklisting system based on a relevance ranking scheme borrowed from the link-analysis community. The system produces customized blacklists for individuals who choose to contribute data to a centralized log-sharing infrastructure. The ranking scheme measures how closely related an attack source is to a contributor, using that attacker's history and the contributor's recent log production patterns. The blacklisting system also integrates substantive log prefiltering and a severity metric that captures the degree to which an attacker's alert patterns match those of common malware-propagation behavior. Our intent is to yield individualized blacklists that not only produce significantly higher hit rates, but that also incorporate source addresses that pose the greatest potential threat. We tested our scheme on a corpus of over 700 million log entries produced from the DShield data center and the result shows that our blacklists not only enhance hit counts but also can proactively incorporate attacker addresses in a timely fashion. An early form of our system have been fielded to DShield contributors over the last year.
Building a Better Race: Gender, Sexuality, and Eugenics from the Turn of the Century to the Baby Boom (review)

Therefore, “choice” itself is a construction and a form of power. As part of the process of constructing gendered citizens, the notion of choice, of “modern” contraceptives and reproductive technologies are also deeply gendered. The pill, the diaphragm, IUDs, tubal ligations, Depo-Provera, and now Norplant are all designed for women’s bodies. As Margaret Jolly notes, the new global rhetoric of choice privileges women and risks, entrenching the assumption that men are by their “nature” hostile toward women’s choices. Thus, the divergent interests of husband and wife, men and women, are also entangled in contests between local, national, and global interests, which often construct their desires and interests as irrevocably opposed (299). This volume creatively bridges the work on gendering citizenship and on fertility control in Asia and the Pacific, shedding much-needed light on citizenship through a sex/gender lens. It leads us to travel through China, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu. Each chapter is clearly written and, taken as a whole, thematically compatible while offering a range of approaches from ethnographic to historical and textual analysis. Borders of Being will be of great interest to those teaching courses on nationalism, citizenship, reproduction, and sex/gender.
Degradation and Mineralization of High-Molecular-Weight Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Defined Fungal-Bacterial Cocultures

ABSTRACT This study investigated the biodegradation of high-molecular-weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in liquid media and soil by bacteria (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia VUN 10,010 and bacterial consortium VUN 10,009) and a fungus (Penicillium janthinellum VUO 10,201) that were isolated from separate creosote- and manufactured-gas plant-contaminated soils. The bacteria could use pyrene as their sole carbon and energy source in a basal salts medium (BSM) and mineralized significant amounts of benzo[a]pyrene cometabolically when pyrene was also present in BSM. P. janthinellum VUO 10,201 could not utilize any high-molecular-weight PAH as sole carbon and energy source but could partially degrade these if cultured in a nutrient broth. Although small amounts of chrysene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene were degraded by axenic cultures of these isolates in BSM containing a single PAH, such conditions did not support significant microbial growth or PAH mineralization. However, significant degradation of, and microbial growth on, pyrene, chrysene, benz[a]anthracene, benzo[a]pyrene, and dibenz[a,h]anthracene, each as a single PAH in BSM, occurred when P. janthinellum VUO 10,201 and either bacterial consortium VUN 10,009 or S. maltophilia VUN 10,010 were combined in the one culture, i.e., fungal-bacterial cocultures: 25% of the benzo[a]pyrene was mineralized to CO2 by these cocultures over 49 days, accompanied by transient accumulation and disappearance of intermediates detected by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Inoculation of fungal-bacterial cocultures into PAH-contaminated soil resulted in significantly improved degradation of high-molecular-weight PAHs, benzo[a]pyrene mineralization (53% of added [14C]benzo[a]pyrene was recovered as14CO2 in 100 days), and reduction in the mutagenicity of organic soil extracts, compared with the indigenous microbes and soil amended with only axenic inocula.
Wirkung und Effizienz von Strafrecht: "Was geht?" - bei jungen Gewalttätern?

Based on a theoretical framework on custodial and non-custodial sentencing, the paper provides econometric tests on the effectiveness of police, public prosecution and courts. Using a unique dataset covering German states for the period 1977-2001, a comprehensive system of criminal prosecution indicators is derived and subsequently related to the incidence of aggravated assault by young offenders using panel-econometrics. Empirical evidence suggests that the criminal policy of diversion failed as increasing shares of dismissals by prosecutors and judges enhance crime rates in Germany. Crime is significantly deterred by higher clearance and conviction rates, while the effects of indicators representing type (fine, probation, imprisonment) and severity (length of prison sentence, size of fine) of punishment are often small and insignificant.
Identification of a Circulating MicroRNA Signature for Colorectal Cancer Detection

Prognosis of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) is generally poor because of the lack of simple, convenient, and noninvasive tools for CRC detection at the early stage. The discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their different expression profiles among different kinds of diseases has opened a new avenue for tumor diagnosis. We built a serum microRNA expression profile signature and tested its specificity and sensitivity as a biomarker in the diagnosis of CRC. We also studied its possible role in monitoring the progression of CRC. We conducted a two phase case-control test to identify serum miRNAs as biomarkers for CRC diagnosis. Using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reactions, we tested ten candidate miRNAs in a training set (30 CRCs vs 30 controls). Risk score analysis was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of the serum miRNA profiling system. Other independent samples, including 83 CRCs and 59 controls, were used to validate the diagnostic model. In the training set, six serum miRNAs (miR-21, let-7g, miR-31, miR-92a, miR-181b, and miR-203) had significantly different expression levels between the CRCs and healthy controls. Risk score analysis demonstrated that the six-miRNA-based biomarker signature had high sensitivity and specificity for distinguishing the CRC samples from cancer-free controls. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the six-miRNA signature profiles were 0.900 and 0.923 for the two sets of serum samples, respectively. However, for the same serum samples, the areas under the ROC curve used by the tumor markers carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) were only 0.649 and 0.598, respectively. The expression levels of the six serum miRNAs were also correlated with CRC progression. Thus, the identified six-miRNA signature can be used as a noninvasive biomarker for the diagnosis of CRC, with relatively high sensitivity and specificity.
Spidergon: a novel on-chip communication network

Summary form only given. The SoC (System on Chip) design demands for novel architectural and circuital solutions to cope with the global wires issue, pushing the on-chip communication as a crucial and precious resource. In the context of the communication centric paradigm and according to a layered based design, it is foreseen that current on-chip shared bus will be, at least partially, replaced by a micronetwork interconnection implementing a flexible packet-based communication (A. Jantsch and H. Tenhunen, "Networks on Chip", Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2003). We state that the availability of an efficient on-chip communication platform is one of the most important enabling factors for the development of efficient and cost effective multi processor SoC in the near and long-term future. This summary presents the low cost, high performance on-chip communication network, called Spidergon, developed by the AST (Advanced System Technology) of STMicroelectronics as the possible evolution of STBus technology.
Moving horizon estimator for measurement delay compensation in model predictive control schemes

This paper deals with the problem of the loss of performance of the pair observer-controller, when measurements have a delay due to communication over networks. Here we consider the case where the estimation of the states is carried out using a moving horizon estimator (MHE), the control actions are computed by using a centralized model predictive controller (MPC), and the delay varies randomly and is n times the sampling time (n ∈ ℕ). In order to tackle the loss of performance associated with the pair MHE-MPC, an MHE with variable structure is proposed. The resulting pair MHE-MPC was tested using the four tank process as a test bed showing an improvement on the performance.
Factors accounting for pupils pattern of errors in English language written expression: Implication for teaching and learning

Effective written language expression is generally conceived as an important tool in communication. Using the work samples of sixty eight primary six pupils drawn from public primary schools in Cape Coast and Twifo Breman in the Central Region of Ghana, the investigators examined the pattern of errors pupils make in English Written Language and factors accounting for the errors. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design and two validated instruments involving questionnaire and a hundred and seventy-five word passage selected from Grade Six English Reader. The results showed that most pupils omitted, substituted and wrongly spelt words in their written expressions. It was also revealed that diverse factors affected pupils’ written English expression. There were significant differences in pattern of errors in written English expression between urban and rural schools as well as between male and female pupils. On the basis of the findings, recommendations were made for teachers and parents to engage their pupils more in reading and writing activities. Keywords: English, written expression, primary, learning difficulties, communication.
Reconfigurable Axial-Mode Helix Antennas Using Shape Memory Alloys

Reconfigurable structures based on smart materials offer a potential solution to realize adaptive antennas for emerging communication devices. In this paper, a reconfigurable axial mode helix antenna is studied. A shape memory alloy spring actuator is used to adjust the height of a helix antenna. With the total length of the helix wire fixed, the pitch spacing and pitch angle are varied as the height is varied. This in turn can alter the antenna pattern in order to adjust to altered operating conditions. In order to undertake the design, the Kraus equations for the axial mode helix are compared with simulation results, and their range of applicability is clarified. It is shown that based on these equations, antenna gain variation is possible by varying the height of the antenna, while keeping its conductor length fixed. We then show that a pattern can be reconfigured using a two-helix structure. Finally, a proof-of-concept helix antenna is implemented using a shape memory alloy actuator. Measurement results confirm that the pattern can reconfigure while maintaining a reasonable impedance match.
ACAP - Application Configuration Access Protocol

The Application Configuration Access Protocol (ACAP) is designed to support remote storage and access of program option, configuration and preference information. The data store model is designed to allow a client relatively simple access to interesting data, to allow new information to be easily added without server re-configuration, and to promote the use of both standardized data and custom or proprietary data. Key features include "inheritance" which can be used to manage default values for configuration settings and access control lists which allow interesting personal information to be shared and group information to be restricted.
La construcción de valores en el paradigma de la ciencia bibliotecológica

En el articulo se investiga el problema de la recreacion del elemento axiologico del paradigma de la Ciencia Bibliotecologica. Se realiza un analisis filosofico de la construccion de valores a partir de las ideas de varios pensadores, concluyendo que los valores son manifestaciones del ser y construcciones historicas del sujeto en su juego ontologico dentro de una comunidad. En el ambito informativo-documental se analizan algunos codigos de etica profesional de Lationamerica y se afirma que la comunidad biblitecologica ha construido los valores siguiendo u proceso de formacion antropo-ontologica de autodesarrollo y develamiento del ser. De ahi su objetividad, su necesidad y su fundamentacion. Es tarea de cada sujeto individual incluirlo dentro de su proyecto existencial y sentirse miembro de la comunidad bibliotecologica.
Resilience Across Contexts : Family, Work, Culture, and Community

Contents: Preface. Part I: Economic Resources, Family Adjustment, and Student Achievement. L.S. Gallay, C.A. Flanagan, The Well-Being of Children in a Changing Economy: Time for a New Social Contract in America. R.D. Taylor, L. Jacobson, A.U. Rodriguez, A. Dominguez, R. Cantic, J. Doney, A. Boccuti, J. Alejandro, C. Tobon, Stressful Experiences and the Psychological Functioning of African-American and Puerto Rican Families and Adolescents. P. Florsheim, The Economic and Psychological Dynamics of Nonresident Paternal Involvement. Part II: Employment, Family Functioning, and Child and Adolescent Outcomes. D.L. Vandell, K. Dadisman, K. Gallagher, Another Look at the Elephant: Child Care in the Nineties. J.V. Lerner, E.R. Noh, Maternal Employment Influences on Early Adolescent Development: A Contextual View. L.W. Hoffman, Maternal Employment: Effects of Social Context. Part III: Family Structures, Parental Involvement, and the Psychological Functioning of Children and Adolescents. C.M. Buchanan, The Impact of Divorce on Adjustment During Adolescence. E.W. Gordon, The Myths and Realities of African-American Fatherhood. M.A. Zimmerman, D.A. Salem, P.C. Notaro, Make Room for Daddy II: The Positive Effects of Fathers' Role in Adolescent Development. Part IV: Culture, Immigration, Acculturation, and Family Relations and Achievement. R.G. Rumbaut, Profiles in Resilience: Educational Achievement and Ambition Among Children of Immigrants in Southern California. L. Reese, K. Kroesen, R. Gallimore, Agency and School Performance Among Urban Latino Youth. R.K. Chao, Cultural Explanations for the Role of Parenting in the School Success of Asian-American Children.
Serum Troponins as Biomarkers of Drug-Induced Cardiac Toxicity

Member of the Expert Working Group and Chair of the Expert Working Group and Corresponding Author, Professor, Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Duluth, MN FDA Liaison and FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Rockville, MD 20852 Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, FDA, Laurel, MD 20708 Principal Scientist, Oxford GlycoSciences, Montgomery Village, MD 20886-1265 FDA National Center for Toxicological Research, Rockville, MD 20857 Drug Safety Evaluation, Global Research and Development, Ann Arbor Laboratories, Pfizer Inc., Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Laboratory of Molecular Carcinogenesis, National Institutes of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709 Director, General Toxicology, Drug Safety and Metabolism, Schering-Plough Research Institute, Lafayette, NJ 07848, and Manager, Clinical Pathology Laboratory, Preclinical Safety Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, Hertfordshire, SG12, ODP, United Kingdom
Factors Associated With Blood Transfusion in Donor Hepatectomy: Results from 2344 Donors at a Large Single Center

Background The safety of healthy living donors undergoing hepatic resection for living-donor liver transplantation is of paramount concern. Although blood transfusions have been associated with morbidity and mortality after hepatectomy, there is limited information about the risk factors associated with blood transfusion in living liver donors. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 2344 donors who underwent a hepatectomy for living-donor liver transplantation. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine blood transfusion predictors in living-donor hepatectomy. Results Of these donors, 48 (2.0%) and 97 (4.1%) were transfused with packed red blood cell (PRBC) and fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), respectively. The amount of PRBC and FFP administered to donors transfused with blood products were 1.9±0.8 and 3.7±2.5 units, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a low preoperative hemoglobin level was found to be an independent predictor of PRBC transfusion in donor hepatectomy (odds ratio=0.585; 95% confidence interval=0.451–0.758; P<0.001). A high graft-to-donor weight ratio predicted an FFP transfusion in donor hepatectomy (odds ratio=2.997; 95% confidence interval=1.226–7.327; P=0.016). Conclusions These results indicate that, in donor hepatectomy, the preoperative hemoglobin value and graft-to-donor weight ratio can provide useful information on the probability of PRBC and FFP transfusion, respectively.
Gauging the full R symmetry group in five-dimensional, N=2 Yang-Mills Einstein tensor supergravity

We show that certain five dimensional, N=2 Yang-Mills/Einstein supergravity theories admit the gauging of the full R-symmetry group, SU(2)_R, of the underlying N=2 Poincare superalgebra. This generalizes the previously studied Abelian gaugings of U(1)_R subgroup of SU(2)_R and completes the construction of the most general vector and tensor field coupled five dimensional N=2 supergravity theories with gauge interactions. The gauging of SU(2)_R turns out to be possible only in special cases, and leads to a new type of scalar potential. For a large class of these theories the potential does not have any critical points.
Fibrin clot properties and their modulation in thrombotic disorders

Summary Accumulating evidence indicates that accelerated formation of fibrin clots composed of compact, highly-branched networks with thin fibres which are relatively resistant to plasmin-mediated lysis can be commonly observed in patients with venous or arterial thrombosis. This review discusses characteristics of fibrin clot structure and function in patients with various thromboembolic manifestations, in particular myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and venous thromboembolism, based on the publications till December 2013. Moreover, factors will be presented that in vivo unfavourably determine altered fibrin clot properties in thrombotic disorders and modalities that can improve clot phenotype.