Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Geometrical Fusion of Multitrack PS Point Clouds

Recent radar satellites like TerraSAR-X and COSMO-SkyMed deliver very high resolution synthetic aperture radar images at a spatial resolution of less than 1 m. Persistent scatterer (PS) positions obtained from stacks of high-resolution spotlight data show very much details of buildings and other structures in 3-D due to the enormous amount of PS obtainable from data of this resolution class. As soon as more than one stack covering the same area is available, a combination of the results is eligible. However, geocoded PSs cannot be simply united due to residual offsets in their absolute positions which stem from unknown absolute height values of the different reference points chosen when processing the individual stacks independently. In this letter, two different methods for a geometrical fusion of geocoded PSs from stacks acquired at different aspect and incidence angles are presented. The algorithms are applied to PS interferometry results of both urban and nonurban areas.
European Pulsar Timing Array Limits On An Isotropic Stochastic Gravitational-Wave Background

We present new limits on an isotropic stochastic gravitational-wave background (GWB) using a six pulsar dataset spanning 18 yr of observations from the 2015 European Pulsar Timing Array data release. Performing a Bayesian analysis, we fit simultaneously for the intrinsic noise parameters for each pulsar, along with common correlated signals including clock, and Solar System ephemeris errors, obtaining a robust 95$\%$ upper limit on the dimensionless strain amplitude $A$ of the background of $A<3.0\times 10^{-15}$ at a reference frequency of $1\mathrm{yr^{-1}}$ and a spectral index of $13/3$, corresponding to a background from inspiralling super-massive black hole binaries, constraining the GW energy density to $\Omega_\mathrm{gw}(f)h^2 < 1.1\times10^{-9}$ at 2.8 nHz. We also present limits on the correlated power spectrum at a series of discrete frequencies, and show that our sensitivity to a fiducial isotropic GWB is highest at a frequency of $\sim 5\times10^{-9}$~Hz. Finally we discuss the implications of our analysis for the astrophysics of supermassive black hole binaries, and present 95$\%$ upper limits on the string tension, $G\mu/c^2$, characterising a background produced by a cosmic string network for a set of possible scenarios, and for a stochastic relic GWB. For a Nambu-Goto field theory cosmic string network, we set a limit $G\mu/c^2<1.3\times10^{-7}$, identical to that set by the {\it Planck} Collaboration, when combining {\it Planck} and high-$\ell$ Cosmic Microwave Background data from other experiments. For a stochastic relic background we set a limit of $\Omega^\mathrm{relic}_\mathrm{gw}(f)h^2<1.2 \times10^{-9}$, a factor of 9 improvement over the most stringent limits previously set by a pulsar timing array.
Accelerated Evolution of Developmentally Biased Genes in the Tetraphenic Ant Cardiocondyla obscurior

Plastic gene expression underlies phenotypic plasticity and plastically expressed genes evolve under different selection regimes compared with ubiquitously expressed genes. Social insects are well-suited models to elucidate the evolutionary dynamics of plastic genes for their genetically and environmentally induced discrete polymorphisms. Here, we study the evolution of plastically expressed genes in the ant Cardiocondyla obscurior—a species that produces two discrete male morphs in addition to the typical female polymorphism of workers and queens. Based on individual-level gene expression data from 28 early third instar larvae, we test whether the same evolutionary dynamics that pertain to plastically expressed genes in adults also pertain to genes with plastic expression during development. In order to quantify plasticity of gene expression over multiple contrasts, we develop a novel geometric measure. For genes expressed during development, we show that plasticity of expression is positively correlated with evolutionary rates. We furthermore find a strong correlation between expression plasticity and expression variation within morphs, suggesting a close link between active and passive plasticity of gene expression. Our results support the notion of relaxed selection and neutral processes as important drivers in the evolution of adaptive plasticity.
Zirconia in biomedical applications

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of zirconia in medicine and dentistry has rapidly expanded over the past decade, driven by its advantageous physical, biological, esthetic, and corrosion properties. Zirconia orthopedic hip replacements have shown superior wear-resistance over other systems; however, risk of catastrophic fracture remains a concern. In dentistry, zirconia has been widely adopted for endosseous implants, implant abutments, and all-ceramic crowns. Because of an increasing demand for esthetically pleasing dental restorations, zirconia-based ceramic restorations have become one of the dominant restorative choices. Areas covered: This review provides an updated overview of the applications of zirconia in medicine and dentistry with a focus on dental applications. The MEDLINE electronic database (via PubMed) was searched, and relevant original and review articles from 2010 to 2016 were included. Expert commentary: Recent data suggest that zirconia performs favorably in both orthopedic and dental applications, but quality long-term clinical data remain scarce. Concerns about the effects of wear, crystalline degradation, crack propagation, and catastrophic fracture are still debated. The future of zirconia in biomedical applications will depend on the generation of these data to resolve concerns.
Experience of Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis with HLA Matching at the University Hospital Virgen del Rocío in Spain: Technical and Clinical Overview

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) of genetic diseases, combined with HLA matching (PGD-HLA), is an option for couples at risk of transmitting a genetic disease to select unaffected embryos of an HLA tissue type compatible with that of an existing affected child. Here we present the results of our PGD-HLA program at the Department of Genetics, Reproduction and Fetal Medicine of the University Hospital Virgen del Rocío in Seville. Seven couples have participated in our program because of different indications. Overall, 26 cycles were performed, providing a total of 202 embryos. A conclusive molecular diagnosis and HLA-typing could be assured in 96% of the embryos. The percentage of transfers per cycle was 26.9% and the birth rate per cycle was 7.7% per transfer. Our PGD-HLA program resulted in the birth of 2 healthy babies, HLA-identical to their affected siblings, with successful subsequent haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantations. Both HSC-transplanted children are currently doing well 48 and 21 months following transplantation, respectively. All the procedures, including HSCs umbilical cord transplantation, were performed in our hospital.
Concentrations of trace elements in human milk: Comparisons among women in Argentina, Namibia, Poland, and the United States

Human milk contains essential micronutrients for growth and development during early life. Environmental pollutants, such as potentially toxic metals, can also be transferred to the infant through human milk. These elements have been well-studied, but changing diets and environments and advances in laboratory technology require re-examining these elements in a variety of settings. The aim of this study was to characterize the concentrations of essential and toxic metals in human milk from four diverse populations. Human milk samples (n = 70) were collected in Argentina (n = 21), Namibia (n = 6), Poland (n = 23), and the United States (n = 20) using a standardized mid-feed collection procedure. Milk concentrations of calcium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, lead, arsenic, and cadmium were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). We used standard multiple linear regression models to evaluate differences among populations, while including infant age, infant sex, and maternal parity status (multiparous or primiparous) as covariates. Concentrations of all elements, except zinc, varied across populations after controlling for infant age, infant sex, and maternal parity. Calcium and magnesium showed more differences across populations than iron or copper. There were no significant differences among population in zinc concentrations. Mean concentrations of lead, but not arsenic, were low compared to recently published values from other populations. The concentrations of trace elements in human milk are variable among populations. Limitations due to small sample sizes and environmental contamination of some samples prevent us from drawing robust conclusions about the causes of these differences.
Ego-centered community detection in directed and weighted networks

Community detection is one of the most studied topics in Social Network Analysis. Research in this realm has predominantly focus on finding out communities by considering the network as a whole. That is, all nodes are put in the same pool to define central metrics for finding out communities while ignoring the particularity of some nodes and their impact. Yet, if the position of some nodes matters when defining the metrics (i.e. node centric approach), the found communities may differ and can make more sens in real life situations. For instance, identifying the communities based on drug dealers and their interactions with others sounds better than finding communities while ignoring the individuals status. The purpose of this paper is to detect ego-centered community, which is defined as a community built from a particular node. Our solution is set to combine both link direction and weight, and therefore, differs from many existing solutions. Basically, we rely on a metric called a quality function that uses link properties to assess the cohesion of identified groups. Our method detect communities that reflect not only the structure but the reality regarding to the interaction nature in terms of intensity. We implement our solution and use "Les Miserables" dataset to demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution.
Programmable CMOS active resistor using computational circuits

A new active resistor circuit will be further presented, having the main advantages of an improved linearity and of a small area consumption. An original technique for linearizing the current-voltage characteristic of the active resistor will be proposed, based on the utilization of a MOS differential amplifier, whose transfer characteristic is linearized using an original biasing. The controllability of the active resistor circuit is excellent, being possible to modify the circuit equivalent resistance by changing the value of the biasing current. The proposed structure allows the implementing of a circuit having a negative equivalent resistance using an original cross-connection between input and output.
Young patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: study of the involvement of GSTP1 and deregulation of the Fanconi anemia genes.

OBJECTIVE To investigate whether oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) from young (</=40 years) and older (>/=60 years) patients have differential expression levels of GSTP1, FANCA, FANCC, FANCD2, and FANCG. DESIGN Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical analysis were used to assess gene and protein expression, respectively. SETTING This study was performed in a research institute within a hospital setting. PATIENTS Our study group consisted of 104 patients (42 young and 62 older). We collected RNA from 32 OSCC samples (10 young and 22 older patients) for gene expression analysis. Seventy-seven OSCC samples (37 from young and 40 from older patients) were used for protein expression analysis. Five patients were studied in both analyses. RESULTS Lower expression of GSTP1 (P = .04) and FANCA (P = .01) was observed in the tumors of young compared with older patients. We also detected lower expression of GSTP1 in the tumors of young patients compared with their nondysplastic mucosa (P = .01). FANCA was underexpressed in nondysplastic mucosa of young compared with older patients (P = .01). GSTP1 protein showed negative or low expression in 41% (n = 15 of 37) of young vs 5% (n = 2 of 40) of older patient tumors (P = .001). FANCG protein expression was absent or low in 81% (n = 30 of 37) of young compared with 36% (n = 15 of 40) of older patient tumors (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Differences in expression levels of GSTP1, FANCA, and FANCG in OSCC of young and older patients suggest that different mechanisms may be involved in tumor development through defective carcinogen metabolism and/or DNA repair capabilities. GSTP1 plays a key role in detoxification; therefore, underexpression of this gene in tumors of young patients may cause deficient detoxification that could lead to an increased susceptibility to the development of oral carcinoma.
Ergebnisse einer Bedarfsanalyse zur unterrichtlichen Aufbereitung der Nichtlinearen Physik

Es werden die Ergebnisse einer Umfrage zur Nichtlinearen Physik in der Schule vorgestellt, bei der Berliner Lehrer_innen befragt wurden (N = 108). Dabei wurde untersucht, ob es (aus Sicht der Lehrer_innen) einen Bedarf an didaktischen Aufbereitungen zu aktuellen Themen der Physik und Themen der Nichtlinearen Physik in der Schule gibt. (Beides wurde bejaht.) Weitergehend wurde untersucht, welche Formen der Aufbereitungen attraktiv sind und tatsachlich auch genutzt werden. So erscheinen experimentelle Aufbereitungen am attraktivsten, gefolgt von Fortbildungen, Computersimulationen und Materialien (Prufungsmaterialien und Unterrichtsentwurfe). Die Einsatzhaufigkeit verlauft analog zur Attraktivitat, mit Ausnahme von Computersimulationen, die haufiger eingesetzt werden. Weiter wird dargestellt, dass ein kleiner Anteil der Lehrer_innen bereits Elemente der Nichtlinearen Physik unterrichtet hat (ca. 15 %), dies aber hauptsachlich aus eigenaktiver Beschaftigung mit dem Gegenstand stammt.
The Gnowsis semantic desktop approach to personal information management: weaving the personal semantic web

We should no longer ask whether we have enough information, we should rather ask if we can manage the information we have. In theory, a person could store and access all information experienced in a lifetime. But to categorize and understand this information, integrated software tools are needed. Since 2003, I have been working on the vision of a Semantic Desktop to create a tool for keeping information. Based on semantic web standards developed by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), the information needed by a person to do knowledge work can be integrated and organized. In this thesis, a software architecture for the Semantic Desktop is presented consisting of ontologies, services, and applications. The core ontology is the Personal Information Model (PIMO), a personalized categorization and organisation framework. With it, a formal representation of the mental model of a user can be expressed. This personal information model is then used across applications and across domains, integrating information sources into a coherent view of the world. Existing documents are classified with multi-perspective classification, removing the limitations of hierarchical file structures. Several services are defined for the Semantic Desktop architecture. They are designed to run as operating system extensions and provide functionality to store data, annotate it, and support the user in PIM activities. To provide a user interface, different interface metaphors are tested in various prototypes. These range from small plugins that extend existing software with Semantic Desktop functionality to complex applications that allow generic resource browsing and annotations. The approach was evaluated in end-user experiments in order to find out how PIMO reflects the personal mental model of the user. It was verified to support the users in structuring their documents across applications according to their mental model and in retrieving information based on these structures. The realized implementation shows that the architecture is valid and works in real-life settings. The evaluated prototypes have shown their benefits in many person-years of productive usage. As part of our approach to software engineering at DFKI, we released our source code as free software. Other researchers have used our prototype as a basis for their work and have provided us with valuable feedback. Within the EU research project NEPOMUK, the presented results were integrated into the popular Linux desktop KDE (version 4) and are shipped to millions of users. The Aperture framework, initiated as part of this thesis, was downloaded more than 10.000 times and is in productive use. xii c © Leo Sauermann, 2007
Technology platform for tele-rehabilitation implementation in Mysathenia gravis at the point-of-care

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare neuromuscular condition characterized by weakness and fatigue. Exertional fatigue in MG provokes caution with exercise advice. There is no consensus on how to implement safe and effective exercise or rehabilitation for MG. To address this gap, we developed an MG specific, progressive exercise program that focuses on the muscles that are most affected. The program combines aerobic training, muscular endurance, and pulmonary rehabilitation to improve function, energy efficiency, and cardio-pulmonary capacity. Our Interactive Video Exercise Tele-rehabilitation (IVET) platform embeds our MG specific exercises, adapted to each client's capacity. A video avatar guides home exercises with adjustable metronome pacing, while video capturing the client's performance for unprecedented understanding of desired body mechanics and to enhance coach feedback. This two-way interactive wireless platform increases access to expert oversight and enhances safety. IVET was pilot tested at the point-of-care in neurology and infusion clinics to assess clients' acceptance of this technology, as well as client and coach/therapist ratings on client safety and competency for each exercise. Twelve clients with a broad range of age and MG severity were enrolled. Survey of client's technology acceptance for home IVET exercise used a nominal 10-point scale and demonstrated high rating for enjoyment, interest, confidence, safety, perceived value, and increased frequency of structured exercise. Further studies are needed to determine the treatment fidelity, safety, and efficacy of IVET as a virtual therapist in the home to improve function and health for individuals with MG.
A phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway promotes translocation of Mdm2 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus

The Mdm2 oncoprotein promotes cell survival and cell cycle progression by inhibiting the p53 tumor suppressor protein. To regulate p53, Mdm2 must gain nuclear entry, and the mechanism that induces this is now identified. Mitogen-induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase) and its downstream target, the Akt/PKB serine-threonine kinase, results in phosphorylation of Mdm2 on serine 166 and serine 186. Phosphorylation on these sites is necessary for translocation of Mdm2 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus. Pharmacological blockade of PI3-kinase/Akt signaling or expression of dominant-negative PI3-kinase or Akt inhibits nuclear entry of Mdm2, increases cellular levels of p53, and augments p53 transcriptional activity. Expression of constitutively active Akt promotes nuclear entry of Mdm2, diminishes cellular levels of p53, and decreases p53 transcriptional activity. Mutation of the Akt phosphorylation sites in Mdm2 produces a mutant protein that is unable to enter the nucleus and increases p53 activity. The demonstration that PI3-kinase/Akt signaling affects Mdm2 localization provides insight into how this pathway, which is inappropriately activated in many malignancies, affects the function of p53.
Weak link property in superconducting Y-Ba-Cu-O prepared by QMG process

The weak link property in a QMG (quench and melt growth)-processed single-grain Y-Ba-Cu-O specimen was investigated by measuring the dependence of the critical current density on temperature, history of magnetic field application, and its enhancement under a longitudinal field geometry. The results show that weak-link regions still remain in the specimen. It is speculated that these link regions, which can transport superconducting currents at low temperatures, are degraded with increasing temperature and lose superconductivity around 20 K. <<ETX>>
Measures of galaxy environment – III. Difficulties in identifying protoclusters at z ∼ 2

Galaxy environment is frequently discussed, but inconsistently defined. It is especially difficult to measure at high redshift where only photometric redshifts are available. With a focus on early forming proto-clusters, we use a semi-analytical model of galaxy formation to show how the environment measurement around high redshift galaxies is sensitive to both scale and metric, as well as to cluster viewing angle, evolutionary state, and the availability of either spectroscopic or photometric data. We use two types of environment metrics (nearest neighbour and fixed aperture) at a range of scales on simulated high-z clusters to see how "observed" overdensities compare to "real" overdensities. We also "observationally" identify z = 2 proto-cluster candidates in our model and track the growth histories of their parent halos through time, considering in particular their final state at z = 0. Although the measured environment of early forming clusters is critically dependent on all of the above effects (and in particular the viewing angle), we show that such clusters are very likely (< 90%) to remain overdense at z = 0, although many will no longer be among the most massive. Object to object comparisons using different methodologies and different data, however, require much more caution.
Local Polynomial Technique for Flood Frequency Analysis

Nonparametric estimators of at-site flood frequency using annual maximum flow data present an alternative to methods that a priori assume a specific probability distribution function. They approximate a wide class of distribution functions. Past work in this direction using kernel density and quantile estimators is extended here using a higher order approximation technique, locally weighted polynomial regression, for estimating the quantile function. An empirical investigation of the performance of this method relative to selected alternatives and for selected target distributions is presented here.
Generation of IgM anti‐platelet autoantibody in dengue patients

Dengue virus infection causes a wide range of diseases from dengue fever to life‐threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome (DHF/DSS). The mechanisms involved in DHF/DSS pathogenesis remain unclear. Patient sera collected from an outbreak in southern Taiwan from November 1998 to January 1999 were studied. The presence of antibodies which cross‐reacted with platelets could be detected in patient sera, and the isotype of these autoantibodies was IgM. The anti‐platelet IgM levels were higher in DHF/DSS than in dengue fever patient sera in disease acute phase. These autoantibodies were still detectable in convalescent stage (1–3 weeks after acute phase) and even eight to nine months after illness. The platelet binding activity was not observed in other virus‐infected patient sera tested. Further investigation showed that dengue patient sera caused platelet lysis in the presence of complement. The platelet cytotoxicity induced by DHF/DSS patient sera was higher than that by dengue fever sera. Dengue patient sera also inhibited platelet aggregation which, however, appeared to be not related to DHF/DSS development. J. Med. Virol. 63:143–149, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.