Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for asymptomatic abdominal aortic aneurysm: systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based screening studies.

BACKGROUND The incidence of and mortality from ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is increasing. There is uncertainty regarding the indicators which could be used to identify groups at high risk. This issue has been addressed in a systematic review of population-based screening studies. METHODS MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched, reference lists scanned and manual searches made of eight journals. The search was restricted to four languages (English, German, French and Italian). Population-based studies investigating risk factors associated with screening-detected AAA were included. The following risk factors were considered: sex, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, a history myocardial infarction, and peripheral vascular disease. RESULTS Fourteen cross-sectional studies met our inclusion criteria. Most studies screened people aged 60 years or older. The prevalence of AAA ranged from 4.1% to 14.2% in men and from 0.35% to 6.2% in women. Male sex showed a strong association with AAA (OR 5.69), whereas smoking (OR 2.41), a history of myocardial infarction (OR 2.28) or peripheral vascular disease (OR 2.50) showed moderate associations. Hypertension was only weakly associated with AAA (OR 1.33) and no association was evident with diabetes (OR 1.02). CONCLUSIONS The efficacy of screening men aged 60 years or older and women of the same age who smoke or have a history of peripheral or coronary artery disease should be evaluated in randomized controlled trials.
Off-state breakdown of GaAs PHEMTs: review and new data

This paper reviews the literature dealing with off-state gate-drain breakdown in MESFET and HEMT structures, with particular emphasis on GaAs PHEMTs, in terms of: 1) the physics of the breakdown phenomenon; 2) the breakdown walkout effect; 3) the impact of design and process choices on the breakdown behavior; and 4) the experimental techniques used for breakdown characterization. A thorough temperature-dependent breakdown characterization of commercial PHEMTs is also shown and discussed. It is found that different physical mechanisms may dominate the gate-drain leakage depending on the reverse bias and temperature range considered, and the particular PHEMT technology. The main results shown here tell us the following. 1) The breakdown voltages are decreasing functions of temperature between room temperature and 160/spl deg/C. 2) Between room temperature and 90-100/spl deg/C, thermionic-field emission seems be dominant, with low activation energies below 0.15 eV; as a consequence, the temperature dependence of the breakdown voltage is weak. 3) Between 110/spl deg/C and 160/spl deg/C, higher activation energy mechanisms (possibly trap-assisted tunneling and thermionic emission over a field-dependent barrier) tend to dominate, and the temperature dependence of the breakdown voltages is stronger.
NAD(P)H Oxidase and Endothelial Dysfunction

The regulation of endothelial function plays an important role in the development and progression of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. A critical determinant of endothelial function is the balance between nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species. Endothelium-derived NO availability can be limited by enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species. Major sources of reactive oxygen species in the vessel wall are NAD(P)H oxidase complexes. This review summarizes the impact of vascular NAD(P)H oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species on atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction. Changes in NAD(P)H oxidase expression and activity have clinical implications. Mutations in NAD(P)H oxidase subunits can lead to impaired oxidative burst in leukocytes and chronic granulomatous disease. In contrast, normalization of increased expression and activity of NAD(P)H oxidase in endothelial dysfunction and vascular disorders can be considered as a novel therapeutic strategy in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
The Epstein–Barr virus and the pathogenesis of lymphoma

Since the discovery in 1964 of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) in African Burkitt lymphoma, this virus has been associated with a remarkably diverse range of cancer types. Because EBV persists in the B cells of the asymptomatic host, it can easily be envisaged how it contributes to the development of B‐cell lymphomas. However, EBV is also found in other cancers, including T‐cell/natural killer cell lymphomas and several epithelial malignancies. Explaining the aetiological role of EBV is challenging, partly because the virus probably contributes differently to each tumour and partly because the available disease models cannot adequately recapitulate the subtle variations in the virus–host balance that exist between the different EBV‐associated cancers. A further challenge is to identify the co‐factors involved; because most persistently infected individuals will never develop an EBV‐associated cancer, the virus cannot be working alone. This article will review what is known about the contribution of EBV to lymphoma development. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Superficial Spreading Malignant Melanoma with Neurosarcomatous Metastasis

&NA; Summary A case of neurosarcomatous nodal metastasis of superficial spreading malignant melanoma, without primary site desmoplasia or sarcomatous changes, is reported. Of particular interest regarding the metastasis are: the ultrastructural demonstration of numerous cytoplasmic microtubules, absence of premeianosomes, intense immunohistochemical reaction with S‐100 protein antibody, and the presence, at the light microscopic level, of extranodal fibrosis. The primary lesion shows a preexisting benign nevus and features suggestive of lamellar fibroplasia. The origin and histogenesis of melanocytic desmoplasia, in the context of a neural crest progenitor cell, and of lamellar fibroplasia, are discussed.
Structural Basis for Assembly and Function of a Heterodimeric Plant Immune Receptor

Universal Immune Function Certain pathogen effectors are detected in plants by cytoplasmic receptors. First solving the crystal structures of Arabidopsis receptors, Williams et al. (p. 299; see the Perspective by Nishimura and Dangl) discovered that in the resting state, the structures form a heterodimer that readies the complex for effector binding and keeps the signaling domains from firing too early. Once the pathogen effector binds, the structure of the complex shifts such that the signaling domains can form a homodimer to initiate downstream signaling. Similarities between these plant-pathogen receptors and Toll-like receptors in animals suggest the molecular mechanisms may translate broadly. A heterodimer stands at the ready; a homodimer responds with action. [Also see Perspective by Nishimura and Dangl] Cytoplasmic plant immune receptors recognize specific pathogen effector proteins and initiate effector-triggered immunity. In Arabidopsis, the immune receptors RPS4 and RRS1 are both required to activate defense to three different pathogens. We show that RPS4 and RRS1 physically associate. Crystal structures of the N-terminal Toll–interleukin-1 receptor/resistance (TIR) domains of RPS4 and RRS1, individually and as a heterodimeric complex (respectively at 2.05, 1.75, and 2.65 angstrom resolution), reveal a conserved TIR/TIR interaction interface. We show that TIR domain heterodimerization is required to form a functional RRS1/RPS4 effector recognition complex. The RPS4 TIR domain activates effector-independent defense, which is inhibited by the RRS1 TIR domain through the heterodimerization interface. Thus, RPS4 and RRS1 function as a receptor complex in which the two components play distinct roles in recognition and signaling.
Realization of Long-Period Corrugated Grating in Silica-on-Silicon-Based Channel Waveguide

Long-period corrugated grating in silica-on-silicon-based channel waveguide is realized by making periodic corrugation on top of a relatively high-indexed (contrast ap.8%) Ge-doped silica waveguide, which is sandwiched between undoped silica undercladding and boro-phospho-silicate-glass overcladding layers. Resonance wavelength of the 15-mm-long grating is found at ~1581 nm, having negligible polarization dependency at room temperature, with a grating strength of ~11 dB and 3-dB bandwidth of 7 nm. The temperature characteristic of the grating is also investigated, which is found to be similar to that of the long-period fiber grating. This device has significant potential for various integrated-optic communication and sensing applications.
SLC41A1 Is a Novel Mammalian Mg2+ Carrier*

The molecular biology of mammalian magnesium transporters and their interrelations in cellular magnesium homeostasis are largely unknown. Recently, the mouse SLC41A1 protein was suggested to be a candidate magnesium transporter with channel-like properties when overexpressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Here, we demonstrate that human SLC41A1 overexpressed in HEK293 cells forms protein complexes and locates to the plasma membrane without, however, giving rise to any detectable magnesium currents during whole cell patch clamp experiments. Nevertheless, in a strain of Salmonella enterica exhibiting disruption of all three distinct magnesium transport systems (CorA, MgtA, and MgtB), overexpression of human SLC41A1 functionally substitutes these transporters and restores the growth of the mutant bacteria at magnesium concentrations otherwise non-permissive for growth. Thus, we have identified human SLC41A1 as being a bona fide magnesium transporter. Most importantly, overexpressed SLC41A1 provide HEK293 cells with an increased magnesium efflux capacity. With outwardly directed Mg2+ gradients, a SLC41A1-dependent reduction of the free intracellular magnesium concentration accompanied by a significant net decrease of the total cellular magnesium concentration could be observed in such cells. SLC41A1 activity is temperature-sensitive but not sensitive to the only known magnesium channel blocker, cobalt(III) hexaammine. Taken together, these data functionally identify SLC41A1 as a mammalian carrier mediating magnesium efflux.
Safety and feasibility of laparoscopic radical cystectomy for the treatment of bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Radical cystectomy is the mainstay of the management of muscle invasive bladder cancer. Numerous centers have adopted a minimally invasive approach to replace the standard open procedure. The objective of the study was to review published literature comparing laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) and open radical cystectomy (ORC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A systematic review of the literature according to Cochrane guidelines was conducted (1993 to 2012) for studies comparing LRC and ORC. All studies comparing the two procedures were included. The outcome measures were the patient demographics, operative time, blood loss, transfusion rates, time to oral intake, length of hospital stay, and complications. A meta-analysis was conducted. For continuous data, a Mantel-Haenszel chi-square test was used, and for dichotomous data, an inverse variance was used, each expressed as risk ratio with 95% confidence interval. P<0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS Four hundred twenty-seven patients were included-211 patients in the laparoscopic group and 216 patients in the open group (eight studies). There was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the demographic parameters except for age (age: P<0.0001; sex: P=0.1; body mass index: P=0.05). The laparoscopic group had significantly longer operative times (P<0.0001), but less blood loss (P<0.00001), less transfusion rates (P<0.0001), less time to oral intake (P<0.0001), less analgesic requirement (P=0.0009), and shorter length of hospital stay (P<0.0001). Significantly more minor complications developed in the ORC group than in the LRC group (P=0.02). There was no difference between the two groups regarding lymph node dissection yields, major complications, positive margins, pathologic results, local recurrence, or distant metastases (all P>0.05). There were significantly more positive nodes in the ORC group, however. CONCLUSION In experienced hands, LRC is a feasible and safe alternative to ORC with less blood loss, transfusion and analgesic requirement, shorter lengths of hospital stay, and less complications. LRC does, however, have longer operative times.
Cancer incidence among adolescents in France

In France, cancer ranks third as the most significant cause of mortality in young people. However, the incidence, the survival, and the management of adolescent cancers have never been studied. The aim of this study is to investigate incidence rate (IR) of adolescents with cancer from data recorded in French Cancer Registries covering eight administrative areas, representing 10% of the French population, over a 10‐year period (from 1988 to 1997).
Linear functional observer design for unknown input system and its application to disturbance attenuation problems

This paper presents a reduced-order state-function/unknown input observer for linear unknown input systems with additional Hinfin performance. The proposed reduced-order observer can be designed under a less strict existence condition. The control scheme which can be estimated unknown inputs and decoupled disturbance, simultaneously, is also proposed, and is applied to disturbance attenuation problems. Experimental results on robot control are shown to confirm the properties of the proposed reduced-order observer
Performance comparison of ZF-DPC to block diagonalization for quantized feedback

Multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO) systems can achieve higher data rates compared to single user (SU-MIMO) by exploiting multi-user diversity. The capacity bound for MU-MIMO systems is given by the MIMO broadcast channel (BC) capacity. Dirty paper coding (DPC) is a well known non-linear algorithm to achieve this bound. Zero forcing DPC (ZF-DPC) is a sub-optimal way to achieve DPC by triagularizing the channel. In our previous work, we had proposed an enhancement of ZF-DPC by introducing additional receiver which was shown to improve the achievable rates over linear schemes such as block diagonalization. In practise Block Diagonalization is implemented by the receiver feeding back quantized information about the channel and the transmitter figuring out the precoders subsequently. To establish a comparison of ZF-DPC to Block Diagonalization for such practical feedback, we first derive the framework for operating ZF-DPC with quantized feedback. Next we compare the performance of ZF-DPC over Block Diagonalization with quantized feedback and demonstrate that the former still performs better.
Detection spacing of DSRC-based data collection system for real-time highway travel time estimation

A DSRC (Dedicated Short-Range Communication)-based traffic data collection system has been introduced to enhance the accuracy of real-time traffic information. However, due to the lack of studies for the DSRC system on interrupted flow condition, there is no installation guideline of DSRC RSEs on the national highways in Korea. This study presented an appropriate spacing of DSRC RSEs for the national highways based on the accuracy of traffic information and the required minimum sample size. By analyzing the field data collected on the national highways, the optimal spacing of DSRC RSEs was selected for each type of road. According to the result, the optimal spacing for controlled-access highway was different from that for multi-lane road and urban and suburban arterial. It implies that detection spacing should be determined considering the type of road. These results would be utilized as a guideline for installing DSRC RSEs on the national highways.
Zinc oxide–engineered nanoparticles: Dissolution and toxicity to marine phytoplankton

It is now widely recognized that dissolution plays an important role in metallic nanoparticle toxicity, but to what extent remains unclear. In the present study, it was found that ZnO‐engineered nanoparticle (ZnO‐EN) toxicity to the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana could be solely explained by zinc ion (Zn2+) release. This is based on comparable inhibitive effects from ZnO‐EN addition media, with or without the ultrafiltration through a 3‐kD membrane, and from the media in which only Zn2+ was added. Considering the importance of dissolution in ZnO‐EN toxicity, Zn2+ release kinetics was systematically examined under different conditions for the first time. It was found to be mainly influenced by pH as well as the specific surface area of the nanoparticles. In contrast, natural organic compounds either enhance or reduce Zn2+ release, depending on their chemical composition and concentration. Compared with deionized water, ZnO‐EN dissolution rates were accelerated in seawater, whereas ZnO‐EN concentration itself only had a very small effect on Zn2+ release. Therefore, dissolution as affected by several physicochemical factors should not be neglected in the effects, behavior, and fate of ENs in the environment. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2010;29:2814–2822. © 2010 SETAC
What Affects Millennials’ Mobility? Part I: Investigating the Environmental Concerns, Lifestyles, Mobility-Related Attitudes and Adoption of Technology of Young Adults in California

Recent research has highlighted significant modifications in travel demand, suggesting a “VMT Peak”, and a peak in car ownership among young adults in California and the rest of the United States. In order to investigate this topic, and the motivations behind these trends, this study will undertake a detailed investigation of travel behavior and the propensity to purchase a car among young adults (aged 18-30) in California. Through the assistance of a commercial vendor, the authors will develop a representative sample of the population of young adults in California, and administer an online survey developed as part of the project. The research will explore the impact of a range of factors, including personal attitudes and preferences (e.g. about travel, the adoption of technology, the adoption of alternative-fuel vehicles, social, economic and environmental issues), lifestyles, the urban form, the individual’s living arrangements, the influence of peers and online social networks. The study will build on other studies and provide critical insights into the motivations affecting young persons’ travel behavior and car-ownership aspirations, and will allow researchers and policy-makers to better understand likely future trends in travel demand and the potential responses to policies designed to increase transportation sustainability. View the NCST Project Webpage
The research on advertising model of self-driving car platform

With the maturity of the self-driving car technology, the self-driving car advertising platform will provide the excellent capability of precision personalized advertising recommendation, and bring great changes to current advertising modes. By proposing the model and the system architecture of the future self-driving car advertising platform, this paper design the scheduling algorithm and dynamic adjusting mechanism to maximize the comprehensive platform benefit. With orthogonal bat algorithm, the simulation model is effective to solve the multi-objective optimization in this advertising scheduling scene and issues such as vehicle routing problem under the constraint conditions of time window and repeat Multi-route limitations, the experiment results show that optimum parameters solution can be obtained in a reasonable time, and can convergence to global optimal solution also.
Transcatheter closure of secundum atrial defect in small children

Objective: To assess safety and efficacy of transcatheter atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in small children. Background: Percutaneous closure of ASD is a well accepted alternative to surgery. Reported experience in small children remains, however, scarce. Methods: Fifty‐two children underwent percutaneous ASD closure at a weight ≤15 kg, in four Belgian tertiary referral paediatric cardiology centers. Indication for treatment, device implantation rate, procedural details, complication rate, residual shunt on echocardiography, and impact of procedure on symptoms were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Mean age at procedure was 36 months (7–60), mean weight 13 kg (4.7–15). Associated cardiac lesions were seen in 21% of the patients and noncardiac in 32.7%. Most patients (69.2%) were symptomatic. Mean ASD size was 12 mm (range 5–20 mm). A device could be inserted in 49 patients (94%). No major complications occurred. Minor complications occurred in 8 patients (15.4%) including device embolization in 2, successfully treated with transcatheter retrieval and second device insertion. Mean follow‐up reached 27 months (0.03–61.2). Residual shunt was absent, trivial, or small in 93% (n = 42) at latest follow‐up. Clinical improvement was noted in 91.7% of the symptomatic patients. Minor complications were more frequent in the presence of large ASDs (>15 mm) but not in smaller babies (<10 kg). Conclusion: Patients ≤15 kg requiring ASD closure form a special population with high incidence of associated anomalies and medical conditions. For this particular set of patients, percutaneous closure is a valid alternative. Asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic children should be treated at a later age. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
GA modeling and ANFIS control design for a solar power plant

The main objective of a solar power plant is to collect maximum amount of solar energy available. To enhance the performance and achieve a controlled condition with an optimized system a more precise modeling for collectors' field is needed. In this study, we focus on oil cycle behavior, and the oil cycle of Shiraz solar power plant is modeled and simulated. The collector field is modeled by Genetic algorithm. A prime control is required to maintain oil temperature of the collectors' field at a desired level to enhance efficiency and produce a stable condition. Adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was employed to control collectors' field. Furthermore, fuzzy switching control is utilized in order to prevent chattering phenomena of this multi-loop plant. Simulation results of the solar power plant and the control system show that the applied control system can manage the oil cycle in different situations with safe operating conditions and with better performances.
FemtoDAQ: A Low-Cost Digitizer for SiPM-Based Detector Studies and Its Application to the HAWC Detector Upgrade

The FemtoDAQ is a low-cost two-channel data acquisition system that we have used to investigate the signal characteristics of silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) coupled to fast scintillators. The FemtoDAQ system can also be used to instrument low-cost moderate-performance passive detectors, and is suitable for use in harsh environments (e.g., high altitude). The FemtoDAQ is being used as a SiPM test bench for the High Altitude Water Cherenkov (HAWC) Observatory, a TeV gamma ray detector located 4100 m above sea level. Planned upgrades to the HAWC array can benefit greatly from SiPMs, a robust low-voltage low-cost alternative to traditional vacuum photomultipliers. The FemtoDAQ is used to power the SiPM detector front end, bias the SiPM, and digitize the photosensor output in a single compact unit.