Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Study of Femoral Artery by Twin Drivers in Magnetic Resonance Interference Elastography

Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE) is a phase-contrast technique using conventional Magnetic Resonance Imaging system to visualize propagating shear waves and study the stiffness of tissues. Usually, shear vibrations are applied to the surface of tissues by means of mechanical driver at one point. But in femoral artery study, the shear wave generated by the single driver on the surface of thigh cannot reach the femoral artery behind vein because of the blockage from the vein. In this study, the twin drivers set developed in our laboratory is used to overcome the problem. By using twin drivers driven simultaneously, interference shear wave pattern is generated. MR Interference Elastography is using interference shear wave image to study the stiffness of tissues. And, a finite element modeling was used to simulate single and twin driver datasets. The method was applied to in- vivo human's femoral artery. And the result demonstrates the feasibility of this method. Further study will be conducted with the twin drivers in more in-vivo studies.
Regulation of p53‐targeting microRNAs by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Implications in the etiology of multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a common and deadly cancer of blood plasma cells. A unique feature of MM is the extremely low somatic mutation rate of the p53 tumor suppressor gene, in sharp contrast with about half of all human cancers where this gene is frequently mutated. Eleven miRNAs have been reported to repress p53 through direct interaction with the 3' untranslated region. The expression of nine of them is higher in MM plasma cells than in healthy donor counterparts, suggesting that miRNA overexpression is responsible for p53 inactivation in MM. Here, we report that the environmental carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) upregulated the expression of seven p53‐targeting miRNAs (miR‐25, miR‐15a, miR‐16, miR‐92, miR‐125b, miR‐141, and miR‐200a), while 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐ρ‐dioxin (TCDD) upregulated two of them (miR‐25 and miR‐92) in MM cells. The miR‐25 promoter was activated by both BaP and TCDD, and this response was mediated by the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). We screened 727 compounds that inhibit MM cell survival and down‐regulate the expression of p53‐targeting miRNAs. We found that (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG), a constituent of green tea and a major component of the botanical drug Polyphenon® E, reduced the expression of four p53‐targeting miRNAs, including miR‐25, miR‐92, miR‐141, and miR‐200a. Collectively, these data implicate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and AhR in the regulation of p53‐targeting miRNAs in MM and identify a potential therapeutic and preventive agent to combat this deadly disease. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Strategies for environmentally sound economic development an

This paper reports that it has been estimated that the burning of fossil fuels and the clearing of forests account for 6-7 billion tons of carbon emissions each year. Combustion also results in significant emissions of sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides. While the growth in the use of fuels has slowed considerably in the developed regions of North America, western Europe, and Japan over the past decade, pressure for increased energy use and the clearing of forests can be expected with even moderate economic and population growth in the developing regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Researchers at the Institute for Economic Analysis have begun the formulation and analysis of alternative scenarios describing environmentally sound economic development over the next 50 years. These scenarios include activities aimed at improving the standards of living in developing countries while reducing emissions of the aforementioned gases or removing carbon from the atmosphere. Specific alternatives include tropical forestation; the adoption of relatively clean and efficient boilers, especially for the production of electricity in developing countries, as well as greater use of cogeneration systems and hydroelectricity; alternative transportation strategies; and conservation of energy in households of rich and middle-income countries (e.g., efficient lighting fixtures,more » appliances, and cooling equipment). « less
Detecting movement patterns from inertial data of a mobile head-mounted-display for navigation via walking-in-place

While display quality and rendering for Head-Mounted-Displays (HMDs) has increased in quality and performance, the interaction capabilities with these devices are still very limited or relying on expensive technology. Current experiences offered for mobile HMDs often stick to dome-like looking around, automatic or gaze-triggered movement, or flying techniques. We developed an easy to use walking-in-place technique that does not require additional hardware to enable basic navigation, such as walking, running, or jumping, in virtual environments. Our approach is based on the analysis of data from the inertial unit embedded in mobile HMDs. In a first prototype realized for the Samsung Galaxy Gear VR we detect steps and jumps. A user study shows that users novice to virtual reality easily pick up the method. In comparison to a classic input device, using our walking-in-place technique study participants felt more present in the virtual environment and preferred our method for exploration of the virtual world.
Analytical model of tooth-coil winding permanent magnet synchronous machines with modular U-Shape stator

In order to be competitive, companies aim at improving their technologies in terms of production process simplification and reduction in the overall price of products. However, the use of lower-cost materials and a simpler construction can often degrade the machine performance. One of the possible production process simplifications of electrical machines is the use of modular permanent magnet synchronous machines (MPMSM). Some analytical approaches to analyze machines with modular stator can be found in the literature but these fall in the accuracy or do not consider the U-Shape core structure. This paper presents an analytical model to estimate the no-load air-gap flux density distribution of a U-shape MPMSM with tooth-coil winding. The results were verified with 2-D finite element analysis showing good accuracy.
Circadian rhythm of salivary cortisol in Holocaust survivors with and without PTSD.

OBJECTIVE The authors' goal was to determine whether cortisol circadian rhythm alterations observed in younger subjects with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also present in geriatric trauma survivors with PTSD. METHOD Salivary cortisol levels were measured at six intervals from awakening until bedtime in 23 Holocaust survivors with PTSD, 19 Holocaust survivors without PTSD, and 25 subjects who had not been exposed to the Holocaust. Thirty-three of the subjects were men, and 34 were women. RESULTS Cortisol levels were significantly lower at awakening, at 8:00 a.m., and at 8:00 p.m. in Holocaust survivors with PTSD than in nonexposed subjects, resulting in a flatter circadian rhythm, similar to what has been observed in aging but different from what has been reported in younger subjects with PTSD. CONCLUSIONS These data provide evidence of differential neuroendocrine alterations in geriatric PTSD.
Temporal and Spatial Modulation of Rho GTPases during in Vitro Formation of Capillary Vascular Network

Endothelial cells (ECs) self-organize into capillary networks when plated on extracellular matrix. In this process, Rho GTPases-mediated cytoskeletal dynamics control cell movement and organization of cell-to-matrix and cell-to-cell contacts. Time course analysis of RhoA and Rac1 activation matches specific morphological aspects of nascent pattern. RhoA-GTP increases early during EC adhesion and accumulates at sites of membrane ruffling. Rac1 is activated later and localizes in lamellipodia and at cell-to-cell contacts of organized cell chains. When ECs stretch and remodel to form capillary structures, RhoA-GTP increases again and associates with stress fibers running along the major cell axis. N17Rac1 and N19RhoA mutants impair pattern formation. Cell-to-cell contacts and myosin light chains (MLC) are targets of Rac1 and RhoA, respectively. N17Rac1 reduces the shift of β-catenin and vascular endothelial cadherin to Triton X-100-insoluble fraction and impairs β-catenin distribution at adherens junctions, suggesting that Rac1 controls the dynamics of cadherin-catenin complex with F-actin. During the remodeling phase of network formation, ECs show an intense staining for phosphorylated MLC along the plasma membrane; in contrast, MLC is less phosphorylated and widely diffused in N19RhoA ECs. Both N17Rac1 and N19RhoA have been used to investigate the role of wild type molecules in the main steps characterizing in vitro angiogenesis: (i) cell adhesion to the substrate, (ii) cell movement, and (iii) mechanical remodeling of matrix. N17Rac1 has a striking inhibitory effect on haptotaxis, whereas N19RhoA slightly inhibits EC adhesion and motility but more markedly Matrigel contraction. We conclude that different Rho GTPases control distinct morphogenetic aspects of vascular morphogenesis.
Resolving the DDT target protein in insects as a subunit of the ATP synthase

1,1‐bis‐(p‐Chlorophenyl)‐2,2,2‐trichloroethane (DDT) inhibited the ATP hydrolytic activity of the ATP synthase from a DDT‐susceptible insect (Apis mellifera) as well as a DDT‐tolerant insect (Spodoptera littoralis), and from rat liver and bovine heart in a parallel way to its insecticidal properties and selectivity of action. Inhibition of the ATPase activity of these preparations by DDT was parallel to the poisoning of the source organism with DDT. Furthermore, both the inhibition and poisoning of insects were affected similarly by temperature. Inhibition of the insect enzyme activity by DDT was specific and differed from that by oligomycin or N,N‐dicyclohexylcarbodi‐imide (DCCD). PAGE analysis of the various preparations of the enzyme showed that the inhibition of the enzyme activity by DDT was associated with the presence of a selective protein band with an apparent molecular mass of 23 kDa. This protein band exists in the preparations from the DDT‐susceptible insects but was absent from the preparations of the enzyme from the DDT‐insensitive sources. Removal of this protein band from the enzyme rendered its activity insensitive to inhibition by DDT. The protein was purified directly from mitochondria and the DDT sensitivity was reconstituted upon its addition to the DDT‐insensitive F1‐ATPase. We conclude that this identified protein of the ATP synthase is the DDT target protein in insects.
Concentration of mutations causing schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia in the C‐terminal noncollagenous domain of type X collagen

Schmid metaphyseal chondrodysplasia (SMCD) has previously been shown to be the result of mutations in the type X collagen gene, COL10A1. A further three mutations have been identified, including two nonsense mutations (Y268X, W651X) and a frameshift mutation (1856delCC). Each of the 10 SMCD mutations identified to date is within the C‐terminal noncollagenous domain of type X collagen and three of five deletions initiated around the same nucleotide. This domain is believed to be involved in the initiation of collagen trimerization. The concentration of mutations within this domain is consistent with the hypothesis that the phenotype is the result of a reduction in the level of mature type X collagen due to the mutant polypcptide's inability to participate in trimer formation, although a dominant‐negative mechanism cannot be discounted, on the basis of current evidence. © Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Introducing IC reliability elements in digital circuits and systems design education

With the latest advances in technology scaling, reliability of IC design has emerged as an issue of significant concern in the VLSI design community. Reliability is a global concept that needs to be challenged with a system-level approach: all disciplines in circuit and systems education are steadily introducing reliability aspects in their coursework. Still, engineers need to be educated to a holistic view that must include in one context all different aspects of a digital system (analog / digital / packaging / board / software). This work describes an attempt at increasing the coverage and efficacy of this specific learning outcome in digital design courses, introducing a new tool and a new set of lab assignments on top of “standard” digital design flows introduced in previous offerings.
Prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Latin America: a systematic review of the literature

SUMMARY Strongyloides stercoralis is rarely recognized as a major public health issue, probably because its burden is largely underestimated. We reviewed the literature (both PubMed and ‘grey’ literature) about the prevalence of strongyloidiasis in Latin America, an area of presumable high endemicity. There were finally 88 papers involved in the analysis, covering the period between 1981 and 2011. Studies were heterogeneous in several aspects, such as the populations screened and the diagnostic methods used. Most of the studies relied on direct coproparasitological examination, which has low sensitivity for the detection of S. stercoralis larvae. The following countries presented areas of high prevalence (>20%): Argentina, Ecuador, Venezuela, Peru and Brazil. Globally, for most of the included countries it was not possible to define reliable data because of paucity and/or inadequacy of studies. S. stercoralis requires specific diagnostic methods for its detection; therefore, surveys should be specifically designed in order to avoid underestimation of the infection.
Ligamentous Posttraumatic Ankle Osteoarthritis

Background Ankle sprains are the most common injuries in sports and recreational activities. Hypothesis Ankle osteoarthritis can be caused by ankle ligament lesions. Latency time between injury and osteoarthritis is influenced by the type and side of the injured ligaments. The side of the ligamentous lesion correlates with the hindfoot alignment. Study Design Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods Of a cohort of 247 patients with ankle arthritis, we reviewed data from 30 patients (33 ankles; mean age, 58.6 years) with ligamentous end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The patients were evaluated etiologically, clinically, and radiologically. Results Etiologic analysis: 55% had a ligamentous lesion from sports injuries (soccer, 33%); 85% injured the lateral ankle ligaments, and 15% injured the medial and medial-lateral ligaments. The mean latency time between injury and osteoarthritis was 34.3 years. The survivorship rate for single severe ankle sprains was worse than that for chronic recurrent ligamentous lesions (mean latency time, 25.7 vs 38.0 years; P< .05), and the rate for medial sprains was worse than for lateral sprains (mean latency time, 27.5 vs 35.0 years; P< .05). At follow-up, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society hindfoot score was 23.0 points, 52% had varus malalignment, 52% had persistent instability, and the mean ankle arthritis grade was 2.6 points. There was a correlation between chronic lateral ankle instability and varus malalignment. Conclusion Lateral ankle sprains in sports are the main cause of ligamentous posttraumatic ankle osteoarthritis and correlate with varus malalignment. At the time of end-stage ligamentous ankle osteoarthritis, persistent instability may be encountered.
The Impact of Unemployment on Health: A Review of the Evidence

Objective: To review the scientific evidence supporting an association between unemployment and adverse health outcomes and to assess the evidence on the basis of the epidemiologic criteria for causation.Data sources: MEDLINE was searched for all relevant articles with the use of the MeSH terms “unemployment, “employment,” “job loss,” “economy” and a range of mortality and morbidity outcomes. A secondary search was conducted for references from the primary search articles, review articles or published commentaries. Data and definitions of unemployment were drawn from Statistics Canada publications.Study selection: Selection focused on articles published in the 198os and 199Os. English-language reports of aggregate-level research (involving an entire population), such as time-series analyses, and studies of individual subjects, such as cross–sectional, case-control or cohort studies, were reviewed. In total, the authors reviewed 46 articles that described original studies.Data extraction: Information was sought on the association (if any) between unemployment and health outcomes such as mortality rates, specific causes of death, incidence of physical and mental disorders and the use of health care services. Information was extracted on the nature of the association (positive or negative), measures of association (relative risk, odds ratio or standardized mortality ratio), and the direction of causation (whether unemployment caused ill health or vice versa). Data synthesis: Most aggregate-level studies reported a positive association between national unemployment rates and rates of overall mortality and mortality due to cardiovascular disease and suicide. However, the relation between unemployment rates and motor-vehicle fatality rates may be inverse. Large, census-based cohort studies showed higher rates of overall mortality, death due to cardiovascular disease and suicide among unemployed men and women than among either employed people or the general population. Workers laid off because of factory closure have reported more symptoms and illnesses than employed people; some of these reports have been validated objectively. Unemployed people may be more likely than employed people to visit physicians, take medications or be admitted to gen- eral hospitals. A possible association between unemployment and rates of dmission to psychiatric hospitals is complicated by other institutional and environmental factors.Conclusions: Evaluated on an epidemiologic basis, the evidence suggests a strong, positive association between unemployment and many adverse health outcomes. Whether unemployment causes these adverse outcomes is less straightforward, however, because there are likely many mediating and confounding factors, which may be social, economic or clinical. Many authors have suggested mechanisms of causation, but further research is needed to test these hypotheses.
Attachment of Pseudomonas fluorescens to glass and influence of electrolytes on bacterium-substratum separation distance

The influence of Na+, Ca2+, La3+, and Fe3+ on the adhesion of Pseudomonas fluorescens H2 and H2S was investigated with interference reflection microscopy (IRM). IRM is a light microscopy technique which allows (i) visualization of the adhesive sites of living bacteria as they attach to a glass cover slip surface and (ii) evaluation of the bacterium-glass surface separation distance within a range of 0 to ca. 100 nm. The addition of each cation caused changes in IRM images consistent with a decrease in the separation distance, and minimum effective concentrations were as follows: Na+, 1 mM; Ca2+, 1 mM; La3+, 50 microM; and Fe3+, 50 microM. With strain H2, the effects of Na+, Ca2+, and La3+ were fully reversible in that the separation distance increased again when the electrolyte was replaced with distilled water. However, with strain H2S, a spontaneous mutant of H2 with increased attachment ability, only the effect of Na+ was fully reversible, and the effects of Ca2+ and La3+ were only partially reversible or irreversible. The effect of Fe3+ was irreversible with both strains, but this may be related not only to the electrolytic nature of Fe3+ but also to the decrease in solution pH to 3.5 caused by its addition. It is proposed that the electrolytes caused a decrease in separation distance by neutralizing negative charges on bacterial surface polymers and that the different effects obtained with the two strains are related to their different adhesion abilities.
Neural organization of first optic neuropils in the littoral crab Hemigrapsus oregonensis and the semiterrestrial species Chasmagnathus granulatus

Crustaceans are among the most extensively distributed arthropods, occupying many ecologies and manifesting a great variety of compound eye optics; but in comparison with insects, relatively little is known about the organization and neuronal morphologies of their underlying optic neuropils. Most studies, which have been limited to descriptions of the first neuropil—the lamina—suggest that different species have approximately comparable cell types. However, such studies have been limited with regard to the types of neurons they identify and most omit their topographic relationships. It is also uncertain whether similarities, such as they are, are independent of visual ecologies. The present account describes and compares the morphologies and dispositions of monopolar and other efferent neurons as well as the organization of tangential and smaller centrifugal neurons in two grapsoid crabs, one from the South Atlantic, the other from the North Pacific. Because these species occupy significantly disparate ecologies we ask whether this might be reflected in differences of cell arrangements within the most peripheral levels of the visual system. The present study identifies such differences with respect to the organization of centrifugal neurons to the lamina. We also identify in both species neurons in the lamina that have hitherto not been identified in crustaceans and we draw specific comparisons between the layered organization of the grapsoid lamina and layered laminas of insects. J. Comp. Neurol. 513:129–150, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synchronizing routing information of control plane and forwarding plane gracefully

High availability in networks has become increasingly critical. Although the graceful restart mechanism makes the restarting router continue forwarding packets, the routing information between the control plane and the forwarding plane tends be inconsistent after the router completes its restart. The routing information inconsistency has a great influence on the forwarding behavior. Some actions must be taken to synchronize them. We think the synchronizing process should be graceful to minimize the negative effect of the router restart and keep it non-stop forwarding. So we present an algorithm PFGSA (prefixes file based graceful synchronizing algorithm) in the case that the control plane cannot get the forwarding plane routing information. The analysis and test results of the algorithm show that the control plane can synchronize the routing information in relatively short time. We believe the availability in networks will be increased further with the implementation of our algorithm