Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modulation doping for iterative demapping of bit-interleaved coded modulation

In this letter, the problem of the transmitter design for bit-interleaved coded modulation (BICM) with the receiver employing iterative demapping, is addressed. Conventionally, the design is focused on the appropriate choice of the constellation mapping so that the iterative process converges to small values of bit- or block- error rates. Here, instead of a difficult design of a new mapping, we propose to use symbols modulated using two different mappings. Through numerical simulation, our simple design is shown to outperform the conventional approach without increase in the receiver's complexity.
Improving Prediction of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease in the General Population Using Apolipoprotein B: The Copenhagen City Heart Study

Background—Apolipoprotein B (apoB) levels predict fatal myocardial infarction. Whether apoB also predicts nonfatal ischemic cardiovascular events is unclear. We tested the following hypotheses: apoB predicts ischemic cardiovascular events, and apoB is a better predictor of ischemic cardiovascular events than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Methods and Results—We studied 9231 asymptomatic women and men from the Danish general population followed prospectively for 8 years and observed the following incident events: ischemic heart disease 591, myocardial infarction 278, ischemic cerebrovascular disease 313, ischemic stroke 229, and any ischemic cardiovascular event 807. Women with apoB in the upper versus the lower tertile had hazard ratios for ischemic heart disease of 1.8 (1.2 to 2.5), for myocardial infarction 2.6 (1.4 to 4.7), and for any ischemic cardiovascular event 1.8 (1.3 to 2.3), and men had hazard ratios for ischemic heart disease of 1.9 (1.5 to 2.6), for myocardial infarction 2.4 (1.5 to 3.6), and for any ischemic cardiovascular event 1.6 (1.3 to 2.1). Women had similar hazard ratios for ischemic cerebrovascular disease and ischemic stroke. ApoB had a higher predictive ability than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the prediction of ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction, any ischemic cardiovascular event, and any nonfatal ischemic cardiovascular event in both genders (P=0.03 to <0.001). Finally, in smokers older than 60 years with systolic blood pressure >160 mm Hg, apoB contributed 11% in women and 15% in men to the increase in absolute 10-year risk from the lower to the upper apoB tertile. Conclusion—ApoB predicts ischemic cardiovascular events in both genders, and is better than low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in this respect. We suggest that prediction of future ischemic cardiovascular events could be improved by measuring apoB.
Plasmid typing and genetic context of AmpC β-lactamases in Enterobacteriaceae lacking inducible chromosomal ampC genes: findings from a Spanish hospital 1999-2007.

OBJECTIVES To gain insights into ampC transmission between bacterial strains. METHODS We examined the genetic context of 117 acquired ampC genes from 27119 Enterobacteriaceae collected between 1999 and 2007. Plasmid analysis was carried out by PCR-based replicon or relaxase typing, S1-PFGE and Southern hybridization. I-CeuI/PFGE was used for isolates not characterized by plasmid analysis. PCR reactions were used to map the genetic organization of the ampC genes. RESULTS Among the isolates studied, 81.2% of ampC genes were located on plasmids of known Inc/MOB groups, 7.7% were chromosomally located and 11.1% were not determined. A/C, I1 and K were the most commonly found replicons in plasmids carrying bla(CMY-2), while L/M replicons were associated with bla(DHA-1). bla(ACC-1) was linked to I1 and MOB(F11) plasmids; bla(CMY-27) was associated with IncF and MOB(P12) plasmids; the plasmid carrying bla(CMY-25) could not be typed, and bla(CMY-40) was chromosomally located. All 87 isolates carrying bla(CMY-2), bla(CMY-4), bla(CMY-25), bla(CMY-27), bla(CMY-40) or bla(ACC-1) displayed the transposon-like structures ISEcp1/ΔISEcp1-bla(CMY)-blc-sugE or ΔISEcp1-bla(ACC-1)-gdha. The most prevalent structure in bla(DHA-1) (93.3% of cases) was identical to that described in the Klebsiella pneumoniae pTN60013 plasmid. Remarkably, in three isolates containing chromosomal bla(CMY-2), this gene was mobilized by conjugation. CONCLUSIONS Although plasmids are the main cause of the rapid dissemination of ampC genes among bacteria, we need to be aware that other mobile genetic elements such as integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) can be involved in the mobilization of these genes.
Elevated calprotectin levels reveal bowel inflammation in spondyloarthritis

Introduction Microscopic bowel inflammation is present in up to 50% of patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and is associated with more severe disease. Currently no reliable biomarkers exist to identify patients at risk. Calprotectin is a sensitive marker of neutrophilic inflammation, measurable in serum and stool. Objectives To assess whether serum and faecal calprotectin in addition to C-reactive protein (CRP) can be used to identify patients with SpA at risk of microscopic bowel inflammation. Methods Serum calprotectin and CRP were measured in 125 patients with SpA. In 44 of these patients, faecal samples were available for calprotectin measurement. All 125 patients underwent an ileocolonoscopy to assess the presence of microscopic bowel inflammation. Results Microscopic bowel inflammation was present in 53 (42.4%) patients with SpA. Elevated serum calprotectin and CRP were independently associated with microscopic bowel inflammation. Faecal calprotectin was also significantly higher in patients with microscopic bowel inflammation. Patients with CRP and serum calprotectin elevated had a frequency of bowel inflammation of 64% vs 25% in patients with low levels of both. When either CRP or serum calprotectin was elevated, the risk was intermediate (40%) and measuring faecal calprotectin provided further differentiation. Hence we suggest a screening approach where initially serum calprotectin and CRP are assessed and, if necessary, faecal calprotectin. The model using this scenario provided an area under the ROC curve of 74.4% for detection of bowel inflammation. Conclusions Calprotectin measurements in stool and serum, in addition to CRP, may provide a promising strategy to identify patients with SpA at risk of bowel inflammation and could play a role in overall patient stratification.
Spatiotemporal Variability in Lake‐Atmosphere Net CO2 Exchange in the Littoral Zone of an Oligotrophic Lake

Lakes may function as either sinks or sources of CO2. Their response to climate change is uncertain, as we lack continuous data of lake CO2 efflux and its drivers. This is especially true in the littoral zone of lakes, which can be very dynamic from the continuous injection and remobilization of terrestrial nutrients. This study used high‐frequency measurements of CO2 exchange during the ice‐free season by prototype low‐power floating forced diffusion autochambers. We quantified the net surface flux of CO2 across a transect of the littoral zone of a small deep oligotrophic lake in eastern Nova Scotia, Canada, and examined potential drivers. The littoral zone was a net source for CO2, on average emitting 0.171 ± 0.023 μmol CO2 · m−2 · s−1, but we did observe significant temporal variation across diel and seasonal periods, as well as with distance from shore. While no pelagic environmental driver appeared to explain this variability in CO2 exchange, our study suggests that factors that vary on a fine spatial scale within the littoral zone may effectively regulate CO2 exchange. If environmental drivers of pelagic CO2 exchange are unrelated to CO2 exchange in the littoral zone, this may have large implications for current mechanistic understandings of lake carbon dynamics and for upscalings of fluxes. This work shows the spatial and temporal variability of littoral CO2 efflux, as well as the utility of low‐power forced diffusion automated chambers for observing lake‐atmosphere net CO2 exchange.
Haemophilia in Spain

Summary. To determine the prevalence of haemophilia A and B and their complications in Spain, and to characterize the health care network providing support to haemophiliac patients. The study examines clinical and genetic characteristics, treatment options, and complications observed during the course of the disease. Cross‐sectional multi‐centre study. The study population were patients with HA and HB in active follow‐up at any Spanish hospital by December 2006. We studied 2400 haemophiliacs, 2081 (86.7%) HA and 319 (13.3%) HB patients. Illness was severe in 32.3% of patients, moderate in 16.4%, and mild in 51.3%. Genetic screening was carried out in 32.6% of the patients. Treatment administered in 2006 consisted of coagulation factor concentrates in 60% of patients. Until December 2006, 45.8% of severely ill patients were taking prophylaxis. The mean number of bleeding episodes in 2006 was four for patients not receiving primary prophylaxis and 1.3 for those taking primary prophylaxis. Thirty percent of patients had established haemophiliac arthropathy in at least one joint; 16.8% of patients were HIV‐infected and 34.8% HCV‐infected. Inhibitors were detected in 10% of severe HA patients and in 6.5% of severe HB patients. Immune tolerance induction therapy was started in 34 patients. This is the first comprehensive study on the epidemiology of haemophilia in Spain. It will enable us to draw comparisons with neighbouring countries, to assess the quality of care provided to haemophiliacs in Spain, and to provide evidence‐based guidance for the even provision and improvement of such care.
A Proposed Protocol for Monitoring Ototoxicity in Patients who Take Cochleo- or Vestibulotoxic Drugs

No widely accepted protocol or guideline exists for monitoring ototoxicity in patients who take powerful and potentially cochleotoxic and/or vestibulotoxic agents. Many physicians in other specialties who prescribe these drugs do not understand the important role of otolaryngologists and audiologists in pretreatment counseling and evaluation and the need for follow-up assessments of their patients’ auditory function. Based on our combined experience of more than 50 years, we have developed a uniform yet flexible approach to monitoring cochlear and vestibular function in these patients. We discuss the mechanisms of ototoxic agents, risk factors for ototoxicity, the need for ongoing communication among the various disciplines, and the methods and timing of monitoring.
The Clinical Management of HCV in the HIV-Infected Patient

Chronic hepatitis C affects an estimated 170 million persons worldwide and due to shared transmission routes many persons are coinfected with HIV. Since the advent of HAART, HIV patients have longer life expectancy and suffer fewer AIDS-related complications. The result has been an increase in morbidity and mortality from HIV-associated non-AIDS conditions, with high rates of liver-related deaths resulting from HCV in the coinfected population. Coinfection with HIV is an independent predictor of liver disease progression, and proper staging of fibrosis is of critical importance in the coinfected patient. In contrast to HIV, it is possible to eradicate HCV infection; and undetectable viral load 12 weeks after cessation of therapy, or sustained viral response (SVR), is considered a clinical cure. As achievement of SVR has been associated with significantly reduced mortality from liver disease and liver disease complications, it is imperative that patients coinfected with HIV–HCV receive therapy for their HCV infection. The length of therapy with previously available interferon-based regimens added a significant burden to HIV–HCV-coinfected patients. Newer, all-oral, interferon-free regimens promise to simplify treatment regimens, reduce side-effect profiles, and demonstrate reduced drug interactions with numerous HAART regimens.
Evaluation of Antioxidative and Cytotoxic Activities of Streptomyces pluripotens MUSC 137 Isolated from Mangrove Soil in Malaysia

Streptomyces pluripotens MUSC 137 was isolated from mangrove soil obtained from Tanjung Lumpur, Pahang, Malaysia. We investigated the phylogenetic, genomic, biochemical, and phenotypic characteristics of this strain. Uniquely adapted microorganisms from mangrove habitats have previously yielded compounds of biopharmaceutical interest. In order to examine the bioactivities possessed by the strain, fermentation extract was prepared through solvent extraction method prior to bioactivities screenings. Antioxidant activity was examined via DPPH assay while the cytotoxic effect was assessed by means of examining the activity of the extract against selected human cancer cell lines, namely colon cancer cells (HCT-116, Caco-2, SW480, and HT-29), breast cancer cell (MCF-7), lung cancer cell (A549), prostate cancer cell (DU145), and cervical cancer cell (Ca Ski). The results revealed MUSC 137 possesses significant antioxidant activity and demonstrates cytotoxic effect against several cancer cell lines tested. The results indicated MCF-7 cells were most susceptible to the extract with the lowest IC50 (61.33 ± 17.10 μg/mL), followed by HCT-116 and A549. Additionally, selective index (SI) showed that MUSC 137 extract was less toxic against normal cell lines when compared to MCF-7 and HCT-116 cells. The extract was further subjected to chemical analysis using GC–MS and revealed the presence of deferoxamine and pyrrolizidines related compounds which may account for the antioxidant and cytotoxic properties observed.
Treatment beliefs, health behaviors and their association with treatment outcome in type 2 diabetes

Objective While the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is growing, it is increasingly well recognized that treatment outcomes in primary care practice are often suboptimal. The aim of this study is to examine the extent to which treatment beliefs and health behaviors predict diabetes health outcome as measured by glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level, blood pressure, and lipid profile. Research design and methods This was a large-scale cross-sectional, registry-based study involving a well-defined type 2 diabetes population, in the county of Funen, Denmark. Registry data were combined with a 27-item self-reported survey administered to all insulin-treated people in the registry (n=3160). The survey was constructed to operationalize key concepts of diabetes management, diabetes treatment beliefs, and health behaviors. Results In total, 1033 respondents answered the survey. The majority of treatment beliefs and health behaviors examined were predictors of glycemic control and, to a large extent, lipid profile. Absence from, or a low frequency of, self-measured blood glucose, non-adherence to general medical advice and the prescribed treatment, a low primary care utilization, and perceived low treatment efficacy were factors positively associated with HbA1c levels, s-cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein. Conversely, infrequent self-measured blood glucose was associated with a significantly higher likelihood of having a blood pressure below 130/80 mm Hg. Perceived low treatment efficacy was the only health belief associated with poorer levels of health outcome other than HbA1c. Conclusions Health behaviors were stronger predictors for health outcomes than treatment beliefs. Self-reported adherence to either the treatment regimen or general medical advice most consistently predicted both glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors.
High‐Resolution Mapping of Yield Curve Shape and Evolution for Porous Rock: The Effect of Inelastic Compaction on Porous Bassanite

Porous rock deformation has important implications for fluid flow in a range of crustal settings as compaction can increase fluid pressure and alter permeability. The onset of inelastic strain for porous materials is typically defined by a yield curve plotted in differential stress (Q) versus effective mean stress (P) space. Empirical studies have shown that these curves are broadly elliptical in shape. Here conventional triaxial experiments are first performed to document (a) the yield curve of porous bassanite (porosity ≈ 27–28%), a material formed from the dehydration of gypsum, and (b) the postyield behavior, assuming that P and Q track along the yield surface as inelastic deformation accumulates. The data reveal that after initial yield, the yield surface cannot be perfectly elliptical and must evolve significantly as inelastic strain is accumulated. To investigate this further, a novel stress‐probing methodology is developed to map precisely the yield curve shape and subsequent evolution for a single sample. These measurements confirm that the high‐pressure side of the curve is partly composed of a near‐vertical limb. Yield curve evolution is shown to be dependent on the nature of the loading path. Bassanite compacted under differential stress develops a heterogeneous microstructure and has a yield curve with a peak that is almost double that of an equal porosity sample that has been compacted hydrostatically. The dramatic effect of different loading histories on the strength of porous bassanite highlights the importance of understanding the associated microstructural controls on the nature of inelastic deformation in porous rock.
Interannual Variation and Regime Shift of the Evaporative Moisture Sources for Wintertime Precipitation Over Southern China

The evaporative moisture source for wintertime precipitation over southern China during 1979–2017 is determined using a Lagrangian methodology. The five most important moisture source regions, in descending order, are the South China Sea, southern China (local moisture recycling), southeastern Asia, the East China Sea, and the western North Pacific. The dominant mode of variability of moisture contribution appears at the interannual time scale, which is closely related to the El Niño Southern Oscillation variability. The conventional El Niño signal favors moisture transport from the surrounding moisture source regions through an enhancement of an anticyclonic anomaly over the western North Pacific, while El Niño Modoki drives moisture recycling over southern China by cutting off access to moisture sources from surrounding regions. A regime shift of the evaporative moisture source is identified to occur around 1991/1992, after which there was a significant eastward migration of the moisture source. This migration is closely related to the presence of a cyclonic anomaly over the South China Sea. Both the observational and experimental results reveal that the appearance of this cyclonic anomaly is due to the warming over the Maritime Continent during the last two decades.
Metabolic Imaging in Parkinson Disease

This review focuses on recent human 18F-FDG PET studies in Parkinson disease. First, an overview is given of the current analytic approaches to metabolic brain imaging data. Next, we discuss how 18F-FDG PET studies have advanced understanding of the relation between distinct brain regions and associated symptoms in Parkinson disease, including cognitive decline. In addition, the value of 18F-FDG PET studies in differential diagnosis, identifying prodromal patients, and the evaluation of treatment effects are reviewed. Finally, anticipated developments in the field are addressed.
Epigenetic mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension

Epigenetics refers to changes in phenotype and gene expression that occur without alterations in DNA sequence. Epigenetic modifications of the genome can be acquired de novo and are potentially heritable. This review focuses on the emerging recognition of a role for epigenetics in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Lessons learned from the epigenetics in cancer and neurodevelopmental diseases, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, can be applied to PAH. These syndromes suggest that there is substantial genetic and epigenetic cross-talk such that a single phenotype can result from a genetic cause, an epigenetic cause, or a combined abnormality. There are three major mechanisms of epigenetic regulation, including methylation of CpG islands, mediated by DNA methyltransferases, modification of histone proteins, and microRNAs. There is substantial interaction between these epigenetic mechanisms. Recently, it was discovered that there may be an epigenetic component to PAH. In PAH there is downregulation of superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and normoxic activation of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF-1α). This decrease in SOD2 results from methylation of CpG islands in SOD2 by lung DNA methyltransferases. The partial silencing of SOD2 alters redox signaling, activates HIF-1α) and leads to excessive cell proliferation. The same hyperproliferative epigenetic abnormality occurs in cancer. These epigenetic abnormalities can be therapeutically reversed. Epigenetic mechanisms may mediate gene-environment interactions in PAH and explain the great variability in susceptibility to stimuli such as anorexigens, virus, and shunts. Epigenetics may be relevant to the female predisposition to PAH and the incomplete penetrance of BMPR2 mutations in familial PAH.
Clinical and Pathologic Features of H-Type Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Associated with E211K Prion Protein Polymorphism

The majority of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) cases have been ascribed to the classical form of the disease. H-type and L-type BSE cases have atypical molecular profiles compared to classical BSE and are thought to arise spontaneously. However, one case of H-type BSE was associated with a heritable E211K mutation in the prion protein gene. The purpose of this study was to describe transmission of this unique isolate of H-type BSE when inoculated into a calf of the same genotype by the intracranial route. Electroretinograms were used to demonstrate preclinical deficits in retinal function, and optical coherence tomography was used to demonstrate an antemortem decrease in retinal thickness. The calf rapidly progressed to clinical disease (9.4 months) and was necropsied. Widespread distribution of abnormal prion protein was demonstrated within neural tissues by western blot and immunohistochemistry. While this isolate is categorized as BSE-H due to a higher molecular mass of the unglycosylated PrPSc isoform, a strong labeling of all 3 PrPSc bands with monoclonal antibodies 6H4 and P4, and a second unglycosylated band at approximately 14 kDa when developed with antibodies that bind in the C-terminal region, it is unique from other described cases of BSE-H because of an additional band 23 kDa demonstrated on western blots of the cerebellum. This work demonstrates that this isolate is transmissible, has a BSE-H phenotype when transmitted to cattle with the K211 polymorphism, and has molecular features that distinguish it from other cases of BSE-H described in the literature.
Modeling and analysis of mobile business processes

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present results from an analysis of service processes regarding their optimization potential through mobile technologies. The analysis was performed with a company of the housing industry.Design/methodology/approach – The analysis was conducted with the aim of organizing business processes more efficiently in order to realize cost savings. Therefore, a method introduced in this paper was used.Findings – It is shown how the initial situation of the company was analyzed, which alternative process models on the basis of mobile technologies were developed and how these alternatives were economically evaluated. Furthermore, first restrictions for the software and system design were identified on the basis of one process model. Finally, it is shown how the method can be used to verify whether the adoption of mobile technologies is suitable to obtain a defined goal, and which requirements such a solution needs to fulfill.Originality/value – This paper shows practitioners.