Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stent placement for renal arterial stenosis: where do we stand? A meta-analysis.

PURPOSE To perform a meta-analysis of renal arterial stent placement in comparison with renal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in patients with renal arterial stenosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies dealing with renal arterial stent placement (14 articles; 678 patients) and renal PTA (10 articles; 644 patients) published up to August 1998 were selected. A random-effects model was used to pool the data. RESULTS Renal arterial stent placement proved highly successful, with an initial adequate performance in 98% and major complications in 11%. The overall cure rate for hypertension was 20%, whereas hypertension was improved in 49%. Renal function improved in 30% and stabilized in 38% of patients. The restenosis rate at follow-up of 6-29 months was 17%. Stent placement had a higher technical success rate and a lower restenosis rate than did renal PTA (98% vs 77% and 17% vs 26%, respectively; P <.001). The complication rate was not different between the two treatments. The cure rate for hypertension was higher and the improvement rate for renal function was lower after stent placement than after renal PTA (20% vs 10% and 30% vs 38%, respectively; P <.001). CONCLUSION Renal arterial stent placement is technically superior and clinically comparable to renal PTA alone.
Joint Power Coordination for Spectral-and-Energy Efficiency in Heterogeneous Small Cell Networks: A Bargaining Game-Theoretic Perspective

Extensive deployment of small cells in heterogenous cellular networks introduces both challenges and opportunities. Challenges come with the reuse of the limited frequency resource for improving spectral efficiency, which always introduces serious mutual inter- and intracell interference between or among small cells and macrocells. The opportunities refer to more potential chances of inter- and intratier cooperations among small cells and macrocells. Energy efficiency will be a critical performance requirement for future green communications, especially when small cells are densely deployed to enhance the quality of user's experience. We exploit the potential cooperation diversities to combat the interference and energy management challenges. To capture the complicated interference interaction and also the possible coordination behavior among small cells and macrocells, this paper proposes a novel bargaining cooperative game (BCG) framework for energy efficient and interference-aware power coordination in a dense small cell network. In particular, a new adjustable utility function is employed in the BCG framework to jointly address both the spectral efficiency and energy efficiency issues. Using the BCG framework, we then derive the closed-form power coordination solutions and further propose a joint interference-aware power coordination scheme (Joint) with the considerations of both interference mitigation and energy saving. Moreover, a simplified algorithm (Simplified) is presented to combat the heavy signaling overhead, which is one of the significant challenges in the scenario of extensive deployment of small cells. Finally, numerical results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed Joint and Simplified schemes.
Lysosome signaling controls the migration of dendritic cells

Lysosomes control dendritic cell migration by linking macropinocytosis to cytoskeletal rearrangement via the TFEB-TRPML1 axis. Lysosomal calcium powers dendritic cell migration Activation of dendritic cells (DCs) by stimulus such as bacterial sensing promotes DC maturation. In contrast to random migratory patterns of immature DCs, mature DCs migrate in a continuous and directional manner. Here, Bretou et al. have examined the role of lysosomes in regulating migration of mature DCs. They report that release of lysosomal calcium connects DC activation with directional migration of DCs. Deletion of the lysosomal calcium channel transient receptor potential cation channel, mucolipin subfamily, member 1 (TRPML1) impaired directional DC migration and DC chemotaxis to lymph nodes. The authors propose the release of lysosomal calcium to be a key node that links stimulus sensing with DC migration. Dendritic cells (DCs) patrol their environment by linking antigen acquisition by macropinocytosis to cell locomotion. DC activation upon bacterial sensing inhibits macropinocytosis and increases DC migration, thus promoting the arrival of DCs to lymph nodes for antigen presentation to T cells. The signaling events that trigger such changes are not fully understood. We show that lysosome signaling plays a critical role in this process. Upon bacterial sensing, lysosomal calcium is released by the ionic channel TRPML1 (transient receptor potential cation channel, mucolipin subfamily, member 1), which activates the actin-based motor protein myosin II at the cell rear, promoting fast and directional migration. Lysosomal calcium further induces the activation of the transcription factor EB (TFEB), which translocates to the nucleus to maintain TRPML1 expression. We found that the TRPML1-TFEB axis results from the down-regulation of macropinocytosis after bacterial sensing by DCs. Lysosomal signaling therefore emerges as a hitherto unexpected link between macropinocytosis, actomyosin cytoskeleton organization, and DC migration.
Position in the second stage of labour for women without epidural anaesthesia.

BACKGROUND For centuries, there has been controversy around whether being upright (sitting, birthing stools, chairs, squatting, kneeling) or lying down have advantages for women delivering their babies. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and risks of the use of different positions during the second stage of labour (i.e. from full dilatation of the uterine cervix). SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group Trials Register (28 February 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials of any upright or lateral position assumed by pregnant women during the second stage of labour compared with supine or lithotomy positions. Secondary comparisons include comparison of different upright positions and the lateral position. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and assessed trial quality. At least two review authors extracted the data. Data were checked for accuracy. MAIN RESULTS Results should be interpreted with caution as the methodological quality of the 22 included trials (7280 women) was variable.In all women studied (primigravid and multigravid) there was a non-significant reduction in duration of second stage in the upright group (mean difference (MD) -3.71 minutes; 95% confidence interval (CI) -8.78 to 1.37 minutes; 10 trials, 3485 women; random-effects, I(2) = 94%), a significant reduction in assisted deliveries (risk ratio (RR) 0.78; 95% CI 0.68 to 0.90; 19 trials, 6024 women, I(2)= 27%), a reduction in episiotomies (average RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.90, 12 trials, 4541 women; random-effects, I(2) = 7%), an increase in second degree perineal tears (RR 1.35; 95% CI 1.20 to 1.51, 14 trials, 5367 women), increased estimated blood loss greater than 500 ml (RR 1.65; 95% CI 1.32 to 2.60; 13 trials, 5158 women, asymmetric funnel plot indicating publication bias), fewer abnormal fetal heart rate patterns (RR 0.46; 95% CI 0.22 to 0.93; two trials, 617 women). In primigravid women the use of any upright compared with supine positions was associated with: non-significant reduction in duration of second stage of labour (nine trials: mean 3.24 minutes, 95% CI 1.53 to 4.95 minutes) - this reduction was largely due to women allocated to the use of the birth cushion. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The findings of this review suggest several possible benefits for upright posture in women without epidural, but with the possibility of increased risk of blood loss greater than 500 mL. Until such time as the benefits and risks of various delivery positions are estimated with greater certainty, when methodologically stringent data from trials are available, women should be allowed to make choices about the birth positions in which they might wish to assume for birth of their babies.
Optimal Greedy Algorithm for Many-Core Scheduling

In this paper, we propose an optimal greedy algorithm for the problem of run-time many-core scheduling. The previously best known centralized optimal algorithm proposed for the problem is based on dynamic programming. A dynamic programming-based scheduler has high overheads which grow fast with increase in both the number of cores in the many-cores as well as number of tasks independently executing on them. We show in this paper that the inherent concavity of extractable instructions per cycle in tasks with increase in number of allocated cores allows for an alternative greedy algorithm. The proposed algorithm significantly reduces the run-time scheduling overheads, while maintaining theoretical optimality. In practice, it reduces the problem solving time 10 000x to provide near-optimal solutions.
Positive Outcomes of Divorce: A Multi-Method Study on the Effects of Parental Divorce on Children

Previous literature on parental divorce focuses on the negative effects it has on children and young adults in terms of relationships (romantic and familial) and academic standing. The implications of such research are that parental divorce brings harm to families and, consequentially, should be avoided for the sake of the children’s wellbeing. What is often missing from this research is a focus on the potential positive outcomes of parental divorce. The current study explores the effects of parental divorce on young adults’ ability to form and maintain romantic relationships, exploring the possibility for positive outcomes of parental divorce on young adults. Specifically, it asks whether or not young adults can actually benefit from their parents’ divorce. Using a multi-method research design, survey data from 233 college students from divorced and intact families and face to face interviews with 10 respondents from divorced families, findings show that many young adults do experience positive outcomes after the divorce and that these outcomes are dependent on a variety of familial and social factors that shape the divorce experience.
Dominant-negative Pes1 mutants inhibit ribosomal RNA processing and cell proliferation via incorporation into the PeBoW-complex

The nucleolar PeBoW-complex, consisting of Pes1, Bop1 and WDR12, is essential for cell proliferation and processing of ribosomal RNA in mammalian cells. Here we have analysed the physical and functional interactions of Pes1 deletion mutants with the PeBoW-complex. Pes1 mutants M1 and M5, with N- and C-terminal truncations, respectively, displayed a dominant-negative phenotype. Both mutants showed nucleolar localization, blocked processing of the 36S/32S precursors to mature 28S rRNA, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced high p53 levels in proliferating, but not in resting cells. Mutant M1 and M5 proteins associated with large pre-ribosomal complexes and co-immunoprecipitated Bop1 and WDR12 proteins indicating their proper incorporation into the PeBoW-complex. We conclude that the dominant-negative effect of the M1 and M5 mutants is mediated by the impaired function of the PeBoW-complex.
New Method of Solar Grade Silicon Production

One of the main advantages of photovoltaic solar cells (PVC) is their ecological clarity of direct conversion of solar energy to electricity. For wide spreading of PV technologies it is necessary to ensure that there is no environment pollution at the stage of PVC-s manufacturing, beginning from producing of polysilicon feedstock. The objective of this project is creation of ecologically clean method for production of solar grade polysilicon feedstock (SGPF) as raw material for PVCs, and also raw material for producing monocrystalline silicon, which is used in electronic industry.
Low-level router design and its impact on supercomputer system performance

Supercomputer performance is highly dependent on its interconnection subsystem design. In this paper we study how di erent architectural approaches for router design impact into system performance when running real parallel applications. A thorough methodology has been employed to quantify this impact. Architectural router decisions have been chosen taking into account the constraints of the underlying VLSI technology. After that, an exhaustive evaluation of the interconnection network under standard synthetic tra c has been carried out. Finally, an execution-driven simulation environment has been used to assess the consequences of several router designs on the performance of the entire machine. We will show that low-level decisions, as the adequate selection of router's arbiter, signi cantly reduce the execution time of parallel applications. To illustrate the e ects of the router architecture on system performance two benchmarks were selected: Radix and MP3D.
Congestion Control Without a Startup Phase

— The traditional TCP congestion control scheme often yields limited performance due to its conservative Slow Start algorithm, which can require many round-trip times to reach an appropriate sending rate that well utilizes the available capacity. A number of techniques in the literature address this issue, but we offer a different approach that is simple yet blunt: allow TCPs to begin transmission at whatever rate they deem appropriate. We term this technique “Jump Start”. While Jump Start simply removes the traditional startup phase, the remainder of TCP’s congestion control algorithms (additive-increase/multiplicative-decrease and timeout mechanism) remain intact. Our approach in this paper has two components. First, we attempt to understand the potential implications of removing TCP’s startup phase. Second, we step back and attempt to identify network characteristics and techniques that may make Jump Start amenable to real networks. This paper represents an initial exploration of these ideas.
A taxonomy of computer worms

To understand the threat posed by computer worms, it is necessary to understand the classes of worms, the attackers who may employ them, and the potential payloads. This paper describes a preliminary taxonomy based on worm target discovery and selection strategies, worm carrier mechanisms, worm activation, possible payloads, and plausible attackers who would employ a worm.
Analysis of the Saccharomyces Spindle Pole by Matrix-assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization (MALDI) Mass Spectrometry

A highly enriched spindle pole preparation was prepared from budding yeast and fractionated by SDS gel electrophoresis. Forty-five of the gel bands that appeared enriched in this fraction were analyzed by high-mass accuracy matrix-assisted laser desorption/ ionization (MALDI) peptide mass mapping combined with sequence database searching. This identified twelve of the known spindle pole components and an additional eleven gene products that had not previously been localized to the spindle pole. Immunoelectron microscopy localized eight of these components to different parts of the spindle. One of the gene products, Ndc80p, shows homology to human HEC protein (Chen, Y., D.J. Riley, P-L. Chen, and W-H. Lee. 1997. Mol. Cell Biol. 17:6049–6056) and temperature-sensitive mutants show defects in chromosome segregation. This is the first report of the identification of the components of a large cellular organelle by MALDI peptide mapping alone.
Delegation-Based Security Model for Web Services

Web service is the emerging standard that supports the seamless interoperation between different applications. While the interoperability, flexibility and automated composition are continuously enhanced, security is still the major hurdle. In recent years, lots of studies have been conducted in web service security and various security standards have been proposed. But most of these studies and standards focus on the access control policies for individual web services and do not consider the access issues in composed services. Consider a simplest service chain wherein a user x accesses service s1, and s2, in turn, accesses service s2- The current web service security framework assumes . s1 accesses s2 based on its own privilege; thus sensitive information may be incorrectly revealed to x. A better solution is that x delegates its privilege to service s1 for this access. However, problems such as how much privilege to delegate, how to confirm cross-domain delegation, how to delegate additional privilege when needed, etc. arise. The problem becomes more complex when workflow involves many layers of services. In this paper, we propose a delegation-based security model to address all these issues. It extends the basic security models and supports flexible delegation and evaluation-based access control.
Proteomics at the schistosome-mammalian host interface: any prospects for diagnostics or vaccines?

SUMMARY Since 2004 there has been a remarkable increment in our knowledge of the proteins and glycans that reside at, or are released from the surfaces of schistosomes in the mammalian host. Initial characterization of the soluble proteome permits distinctions to be made between the parasite secretome and its necrotome. The principal proteins secreted by the cercaria to gain access to the skin have been described as well as those released by migrating schistosomula. An inventory of transporters, enzymes and structural proteins has been shown to reside the tegument surface, but also immunoglobulins, complement factors and host CD44. The secreted membranocalyx that overlies the plasma membrane may contain a small number of proteins, not simply acting as physical barrier, but its lipid composition remains elusive. Analysis of worm vomitus has provided insights into blood feeding, increasing the number of known lysosomal hydrolases, and identifying a series of carrier proteins potentially involved in uptake of lipids and inorganic ions by the gut epithelium. The egg secretions that aid escape from the tissues include a mixture of MEG-2 and MEG-3 family variant proteins. The utility of identified proteins for the development of new diagnostics, and their potential as vaccines candidates is evaluated.
Driving Social Impact with Common Global Indicators for Healthy Lifestyle Programs: Lessons Learned

Background Partnerships between corporate entities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in delivering community focused health and well-being programs are becoming increasingly valuable especially in the context of promoting healthy lifestyles around the globe. The Mondelēz International Foundation (MIF) has funded healthy lifestyles community based programs targeting children and youth through partnership with seven global NGOs. To assess collective impact of these programs, it is crucial to identify best practices and common impact indicators that can be measured across programs. MIF therefore organized the Healthy Life-styles Evaluation Workshop to explore these pertinent questions. Objective Share best practices and identify common impact indicators to measure the success of current and future MIF funded healthy lifestyles programs. Methods Analysis of the Program Impact Pathways (PIPs) and measured output of each of the seven programs. Results Individual and combined analysis of PIPs of the seven NGO programs led to identification of three critical impact indicators: nutrition knowledge, physical activity, and healthier eating, and also enabled NGOs to identify pathways to improve program delivery among the target population. Conclusions This workshop enabled MIF and partner NGOs to came together to align on metrics and future engagement approaches for promoting and evaluating community based healthy lifestyles programs.
Weighted linear motion deblurring with blur kernel estimation using consecutive frames

We propose an efficient algorithm for motion deblurring with kernel estimation using consecutive images. First we estimate motion vectors between consecutive images using optical flow and RANSAC. Then we calculate the weights of motion vectors. The proposed method is similar to Ben-Ezra's method. The main difference is that we use a single camera for estimating a blur kernel and capturing a blurred image. Experimental results have shown that the proposed method produces better deblurred images with less artifacts.
Body image in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVES Physical disabilities generally cause disturbances in a patient's body image. The aim of the present study is to assess the prevalence of different aspects of body image disturbances (attractiveness /self-confidence, negative body judgement, accentuation of external appearance, worry about possible physical deficits, sexual problems and physical vitality) in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in the context of the severity of impairment, mood and pain intensity. METHODS Fifty-six patients with AS and 48 healthy controls were investigated using a questionnaire for assessing one's body (1) and the body image questionnaire (2). Furthermore, in the AS patients' medical parameters including BASMI and BASFI, pain intensity and state of well-being were assessed. RESULTS In comparison to the controls, the AS patients reported significantly more worries about possible physical deficits. The mildly impaired patients (including significantly more women) were even more insecure than the severely impaired patients. Furthermore the patients considered themselves as being less attractive. The AS patients reported better physical vitality than the controls. This result might be due to patients carrying out regular physical activity and performing exercises with therapeutic value. There were no differences between the groups concerning sexual problems. The total group of AS patients showed normal scores in the state of well-being and did not report pain intensity as being higher than what is expected in chronic pain patients in general. CONCLUSIONS Rheumatologists should address problems in body image in patients with AS and in severe cases psychological therapy should be initiated.
Improved osteoblast viability in the presence of smaller nanometre dimensioned carbon fibres

Carbon nanofibres have been proposed as a possible new orthopaedic/dental implant material due to their unique mechanical, electrical, and cytocompatibility properties. Specifically, these fibres have dimensions (diameters ranging between 60 and 200? nm and aspect ratios of about 500) similar to hydroxyapatite crystals and collagen fibres found in bone. More importantly, previous in vitro studies have provided evidence that nanophase (? nm diameter) carbon fibres enhance osteoblast (the bone-producing cell) function over conventional (>100? nm diameter) carbon fibres and current orthopaedic implant materials such as titanium, Ti6Al4V, and CoCrMo. However, articulating components of orthopaedic implant materials may generate harmful wear debris. To determine, for the first time, the influence of carbon nanofibre wear debris on osteoblast viability, direct contact toxicity studies were performed in the present in vitro study. Not surprisingly, the results from direct-contact toxicity studies over a 24? h time period provided evidence of time-? and concentration-dependent cell viability decreases when exposed to carbon nanofibres. Most importantly, the results from this study provided the first evidence that nanophase carbon fibres were less detrimental to osteoblast viability compared to larger diameter conventional carbon fibres. For this reason, this in vitro study provided continuing evidence of the promise of nanophase materials (particularly, carbon nanofibres) in improving orthopaedic implant efficiency.