Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reproducibility of quantitative coronary analysis, Assessment of variability due to frame selection, different observers, and different cinefilmless laboratories.

Because of limited storage capacity for digital images, angiographic laboratories without cinefilm are dependent on locally performed quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) in clinical studies. In the present study the intra- and interobserver variability, as well as variability between different laboratories and variability due to frame selection was analyzed. A total of 20 coronary lesions were studied in two different laboratories 12 +/- 8 days apart. Images were analyzed on-line and after being transferred to a Cardiac Work Station (CWS). There was no significant difference between the measurement situations. For minimal luminal diameter (MLD) precision (SD of signed errors) ranged from 0.12 mm to 0.20 mm, for reference diameter (RD) from 0.15 mm to 0.28 mm, and for percent diameter stenosis (DS) from 4.2% to 5.8%. Overall relative precision was obtained by normalizing the QCA parameters, as well 11.9% for MLD, 7.0% for RD and 8.5% for DS (p < 0.001, Rd and DS compared to MLD). The overall variability in the interobserver and in the interlaboratory comparisons was 11.2% and 10.4%, respectively (n.s) (n.s.). Thus the variability of QCA performed in cinefilmless, digital laboratories is small, and within a range making it an useful tool for clinical practice and group comparisons in clinical studies. However, the error range of QCA measurements must be taken into consideration when judging results from individual patients.
Centralized and Distributed Multi-Region Traffic Flow Control

In this paper, centralized and distributed multi-region perimeter flow control approaches are proposed for congestion avoidance in urban networks. First, multi-region network dynamics are modeled with Macroscopic Fundamental Diagrams (MFDs) and necessary stability conditions are derived using Lyapunov stability theory for a centralized perimeter controller. Later, an optimization problem is formulated, solved and the desired optimal states are reached by means of an algorithm based on Model Predictive Control (MPC). Finally, the paper combines the centralized controller for perimeter control as a first layer controller and a distributed controller managing the inter-transfers between regions, thus optimizing the overall state of the network. Simulations show that the distributed control scheme leads to good results maximizing the output of the traffic network, similar to the MPC controller.
Pathological and Nonpathological Gamblers: A Survey in Gambling Settings

In this first study on gambling in Brazil, pathological and non-pathological gamblers were surveyed at three bingo clubs, one video poker club, and one horse-racing club in São Paulo. The South Oaks Gambling Screen and a questionnaire were administered to 171 subjects. When compared to nonpathological gamblers, a significantly higher proportion of pathological gamblers played cards, horse races, video poker, and dice in their lifetime. The two groups were similar with respect to socially acceptable games such as lotteries, bingo, sports, and the stock market. No significant differences were observed in drug consumption except for a higher lifetime consumption of tobacco among pathological gamblers. Only 4.9% of the gamblers sought help for gambling-related problems, suggesting that gambling is not generally perceived as a mental health problem by these subjects.
Jagged mediates differences in normal and tumor angiogenesis by affecting tip-stalk fate decision

Significance Developing effective antiangiogenesis strategies remains clinically challenging. Unlike physiological angiogenesis, pathological angiogenesis comprises of many microvessels that do not fully mature or develop functionally, because the cell fate decision about which endothelial cells become the tip and lead the following stalk cells is dysregulated. We devised a specific theoretical framework to decipher the cross-talk between two crucial players of the decision-making process of tip and stalk cell fate: VEGF and Notch-Delta-Jagged signaling. We find that high expression of Jagged, but not Delta, can destabilize the terminal differentiation into tip or stalk cells and give rise to a hybrid tip/stalk phenotype, a phenotype that can transform physiological into pathological angiogenesis. Our results offer insights into why tumor-stroma communication often implicates Jagged. Angiogenesis is critical during development, wound repair, and cancer progression. During angiogenesis, some endothelial cells adopt a tip phenotype to lead the formation of new branching vessels; the trailing stalk cells proliferate to develop the vessel. Notch and VEGF signaling mediate the selection of these tip endothelial cells. However, how Jagged, a Notch ligand that is overexpressed in cancer, affects angiogenesis remains elusive. Here, by developing a theoretical framework for Notch-Delta-Jagged-VEGF signaling, we found that higher production levels of Jagged destabilizes the tip and stalk cell fates and can give rise to a hybrid tip/stalk phenotype that leads to poorly perfused and chaotic angiogenesis, which is a hallmark of cancer. Consistently, the signaling interactions that restrict Notch-Jagged signaling, such as Fringe, cis-inhibition, and increased production of Delta, stabilize tip and stalk fates and limit the existence of hybrid tip/stalk phenotype. Our results underline how overexpression of Jagged can transform physiological angiogenesis into pathological one.
The Importance of Whole Language Approach in Teaching English to Intermediate Iranian EFL Learners

The main objective of this study is to emphasize on whole language approach developing mainly the two primary skills of reading and writing in varying degrees and combinations. Based on a language proficiency test, out of 150 senior EFL learners from Azad University of Torbat Heydariye, 90 were chosen and defined as intermediate learners. Two expository reading and writing tests were taken and the results were compared with four reading and four writing scores which were defined as their general reading and writing scores. The results were analyzed using the SPSS software and some correlation and ANOVA analyses were run. The correlation coefficients along with the scatter plot matrix showed strong, weak and in some cases partial correlations among the scales. The results of the post hoc tests of the repeated measures of ANOVA and the pairwise comparison of the measures also showed that the EFL learners performed almost equally well on the skills of reading and writing, but with expository writing and expository reading texts the performance was quite different. The concept of language proficiency was reconsidered in respect to the integrative approach’s principles and some pedagogical implications in the field of language teaching were suggested.
Effects of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea on the clinical manifestations of plaque vulnerability and the progression of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with acute coronary syndrome

Aims: It is unclear whether obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increases the recurrence of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI). We hypothesized that moderate-to-severe OSA increased the number of adverse cardiovascular events in patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods and results: This study included 272 patients with acute MI. Polysomnography at first admission determined that 124 patients suffered from moderate-to-severe OSA. The main study outcome measures were cardiac death, recurrence of ACS, and re-admission for heart failure. Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were defined as composite end points of individual clinical outcomes. Follow-up coronary angiograms were obtained in 222 patients. PCI-related measures were target vessel revascularization and newly necessitated PCI for progressive lesions. The moderate-to-severe OSA patients had increased ACS recurrence and MACEs compared with patients with mild OSA or without sleep apnea (16% vs. 7%, p = 0.014; 22% vs. 11%, p = 0.014, respectively). PCI for progressive lesions was also higher in the moderate-to-severe OSA patients (28% vs. 15%, p = 0.015). Cox regression analysis showed that moderate-to-severe OSA was an independent predictor of ACS recurrence (hazard ratio = 2.30, p = 0.040). In addition, moderate-to-severe OSA was an independent predictor of PCI for progressive lesions, with a hazard ratio of 2.38 (p = 0.015). Conclusions: Moderate-to-severe OSA increased the risk of ACS and the incidence of PCI for progressive lesions. Increased plaque vulnerability might be related to these clinical manifestations.
Assessment of human brown adipose tissue density during daily ingestion of thermogenic capsinoids using near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy

Abstract. F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) is widely used as a standard method for evaluating human brown adipose tissue (BAT), a recognized therapeutic target of obesity. However, a longitudinal BAT study using FDG-PET/CT is lacking owing to limitations of the method. Near-infrared time-resolved spectroscopy (NIRTRS) is a technique for evaluating human BAT density noninvasively. This study aimed to test whether NIRTRS could detect changes in BAT density during or after long-term intervention. First, using FDG-PET/CT, we confirmed a significant increase (+48.8%, P<0.05) in BAT activity in the supraclavicular region after 6-week treatment with thermogenic capsaicin analogs, capsinoids. Next, 20 volunteers were administered either capsinoids or placebo daily for 8 weeks in a double-blind design, and BAT density was measured using NIRTRS every 2 weeks during the 8-week treatment period and an 8-week period after stopping treatment. Consistent with FDG-PET/CT results, NIRTRS successfully detected an increase in BAT density during the 8-week treatment (+46.4%, P<0.05), and a decrease in the 8-week follow-up period (−12.5%, P=0.07), only in the capsinoid-treated, but not the placebo, group. Thus, NIRTRS can be applied for quantitative assessment of BAT in longitudinal intervention studies in humans.
Instrumental Conditioning of Jugular Self-Infusion in the Rhesus Monkey

A technique is described for self-infusion of pharmacologic agents in solution through a permanently indwelling jugular catheter in the rhesus monkey. The results of an experiment utilizing this technique demonstrate that an instrumental lever response can be conditioned, extinguished, reconditioned, and brought under stimulus control and reward-schedule control with saline self-infusion as the reinforcing stimulus.
The interrelationships of glycemic control measures: HbA1c, glycated albumin, fructosamine, 1,5‐anhydroglucitrol, and continuous glucose monitoring

Beck R, Steffes M, Xing D, Ruedy K, Mauras N, Wilson DM, Kollman C, the Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet) Study Group. The interrelationships of glycemic control measures: HbA1c, glycated albumin, fructosamine, 1,5‐anhydroglucitrol, and continuous glucose monitoring.
Profiling Cancer Stem Cells in Androgen‐Responsive and Refractory Human Prostate Tumor Cell Lines

In this study, we investigated androgen metabolism in two different human prostate cancer cell lines, the androgen‐responsive LNCaP cells and the nonresponsive PC3 cells. Following 24‐h and 72‐h incubation with either testosterone (T) or androstenedione (Ad) used as precursor, divergent patterns and rates of androgen metabolism were observed. Given the recent interest in the multiple uses of embryonic and adult stem cells for basic and applied research, we compared the expression of three presumptive stem cell markers (Oct‐4, SUZ‐12, and Cripto‐1), along with connexin 43 (Cx43), Cx32, and androgen receptor (AR), used as cell differentiation gene markers. In anchorage‐independent cell growth conditions, the expression levels of candidate markers of cancer stem cells initially increased (days 2–4) but drastically fell thereafter (day 6) in both cell lines. Results of immunocytochemical assay (ICA) largely confirmed those obtained by RT‐PCR. Interestingly, both symmetrical and asymmetrical cell divisions were revealed in PC3 cells using Oct‐4 immunostaining. Our data suggest that both androgen‐responsive and androgen‐nonresponsive prostate tumor cell lines contain a presumptive cancer stem cell population that can be identified using a panel of selected gene markers, including Oct‐4, SUZ‐12, and Cripto‐1.
The combination of sirolimus plus tacrolimus improves outcome after reduced-intensity conditioning, unrelated donor hematopoietic stem cell transplantation compared with cyclosporine plus mycofenolate

Different types of graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis have been proposed in the setting of reduced intensity and non-myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation. An alternative combination with sirolimus and tacrolimus has recently been tested although comparative studies against the classical combination of a calcineurin inhibitor and mycophenolate mofetil or methotrexate are lacking. We describe the results of a prospective, multicenter trial using sirolimus + tacrolimus as immunoprophylaxis, and compare this approach with our previous experience using cyclosporine + mycophenolate in the setting of unrelated donor transplantation setting after reduced-intensity conditioning. Forty-five patients received cyclosporine + mycophenolate between 2002 and mid-2007, while the subsequent 50 patients, who were transplanted from late 2007, were given sirolimus + tacrolimus. No significant differences were observed in terms of hematopoietic recovery or acute graft-versus-host disease overall, although gastrointestinal acute graft-versus-host disease grade ≥2 was more common in the cyclosporine + mycophenolate group (55% versus 21%, respectively, P=0.003). The 1-year cumulative incidence of chronic graft-versus-host disease was 50% versus 90% for the patients treated with the sirolimus- versus cyclosporine-based regimen, respectively (P<0.001), while the incidence of extensive chronic disease was 27% versus 49%, respectively (P=0.043). The 2-year non-relapse mortality rate was 18% versus 38% for patients receiving the sirolimus- versus the cyclosporine-based regimen, respectively (P=0.02). The event-free survival and overall survival at 2 years were 53% versus 29% (P=0.028) and 70% versus 45% (P=0.018) among patients receiving the sirolimus- versus the cyclosporine-based regimen, respectively. In conclusion, in the setting of reduced intensity transplantation from an unrelated donor, promising results can be achieved with the combination of sirolimus + tacrolimus, due to a lower risk of chronic graft-versus-host disease and non-relapse mortality, which translates into better event-free and overall survival rates, in comparison with those achieved with cyclosporine + mycophenolate. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials. gov as 2007-006416-32 by GEL-TAMO/GETH.
Blockade of oncogenic IκB kinase activity in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma by bromodomain and extraterminal domain protein inhibitors

Significance The activated B-cell–like (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive cancer that can only be cured in roughly 40% of cases. These malignant cells rely on the NF-κB signaling pathway for survival. Here, we report that genetic or pharmacologic interference with bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) chromatin proteins reduces NF-κB activity and ABC DLBCL viability. Unexpectedly, the mechanism involves inhibition of IκB kinase, the key cytoplasmic enzyme that activates the NF-κB pathway. The NF-κB pathway in ABC DLBCL is activated by B-cell receptor signaling, which can be blocked by the BTK kinase inhibitor ibrutinib. BET inhibitors synergized with ibrutinib to decrease growth of ABC DLBCL tumors in mouse models. BET inhibitors should be evaluated in ABC DLBCL clinical trials. In the activated B-cell–like (ABC) subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), NF-κB activity is essential for viability of the malignant cells and is sustained by constitutive activity of IκB kinase (IKK) in the cytoplasm. Here, we report an unexpected role for the bromodomain and extraterminal domain (BET) proteins BRD2 and BRD4 in maintaining oncogenic IKK activity in ABC DLBCL. IKK activity was reduced by small molecules targeting BET proteins as well as by genetic knockdown of BRD2 and BRD4 expression, thereby inhibiting downstream NF-κB–driven transcriptional programs and killing ABC DLBCL cells. Using a high-throughput platform to screen for drug–drug synergy, we observed that the BET inhibitor JQ1 combined favorably with multiple drugs targeting B-cell receptor signaling, one pathway that activates IKK in ABC DLBCL. The BTK kinase inhibitor ibrutinib, which is in clinical development for the treatment of ABC DLBCL, synergized strongly with BET inhibitors in killing ABC DLBCL cells in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. These findings provide a mechanistic basis for the clinical development of BET protein inhibitors in ABC DLBCL, particularly in combination with other modulators of oncogenic IKK signaling.
La Calidad periodística: teorías, investigaciones y sugerencias profesionales

espanolLos trabajos que componen este volumen estudian la «calidad periodistica» no circunscrita exclusivamente a la «calidad informativa», ya que abordan tanto el producto como todo el proceso de la produccion informativo-comunicativa. A partir de resultados provenientes de la aplicacion de metodologias cuantitativas o cualitativas y de reflexiones teoricas criticas, se conceptualiza, examina, mide y valora la cuestion de la calidad periodistica. En ellos se aborda tambien la funcion de la informacion periodistica a traves de los diversos medios y tecnologias, asi como el papel que aquella juega en la democracia de las sociedades avanzadas, dado que la merma de su calidad quebranta y empobrece la deliberacion y la toma de decisiones de la ciudadania. Asimismo, del contenido de los textos se desprenden interesantes sugerencias profesionales cuya aplicacion resulta factible. catalaEls treballs que componen aquest volum estudien la «qualitat periodistica» no circumscrita exclusivament a la «qualitat informativa», ja que aborden tant el producte com tot el proces de la produccio informatiu-comunicativa. A partir de resultats provinents de l'aplicacio de metodologies quantitatives o qualitatives i de reflexions teoriques critiques, es conceptualitza, examina, mesura i valora la questio de la qualitat periodistica. En ells s'aborda tambe la funcio de la informacio periodistica a traves dels diversos mitjans i tecnologies, aixi com el paper que aquella juga en la democracia de les societats avancades, ates que el minvament de la seua qualitat infringeix i empobreix la deliberacio i la presa de decisions de la ciutadania. Aixi mateix, del contingut dels textos es desprenen interessants suggeriments professionals l'aplicacio dels quals resulta factible.
A 37- $\mu \text{W}$ , Binary-Weighted PGA Based on a Novel Degeneration Transistor-Ladder

A programmable-gain amplifier with low power consumption is presented. The programmable gain function is achieved by varying the effective transconductance ratios of input and output stages, which is realized through innovative binary-weighted and triode-region transistor ladder. The proposed technique effectively overcomes the problems associated with the implementation of resistors ladder in these types of structures. The operational principle of this unique structure is discussed, its most important formulas are derived, and its outstanding performance is verified by post-layout simulations in TSMC 0.18- $\mu$ m N-well CMOS fabrication process. Owing to its unique construction, the proposed circuit combines the ever interesting constant bandwidth, linear-in-decibel, and fine-step programmable gain range merits all in a simple and low power structure. The core of proposed structure draws only 36.5 $\mu$ W from 1.8-V power supply. The circuit is capable of delivering a wide programmable range of about 37 dB and operating at frequencies up to 20 MHz. To approve the robustness of the structure, full process, voltage, and temperature variation analysis of the circuit is investigated through corner case and Monte Carlo simulations. Monte Carlo simulations show standard deviation values of less than 0.21 $\mu$ W and 0.5 dB in power consumption and voltage gain, respectively. These results indicate that the proposed structure would lend itself well for use in applications that demand high ratios of frequency over power consumption.
Retransmission diversity schemes for multicarrier modulations

In this work, we present some simple techniques for enhancing the diversity provided by retransmissions in OFDM and DMT modulations. The primary techniques of interest are symbol interleaving and mapping diversity for retransmissions. Symbol interleaving involves retransmitting packet symbols through different subcarriers of the same channel, while mapping diversity involves adapting the bit-to-symbol mapping for each retransmission. An analysis of the ability of interleaving to produce lower bit error rates is provided. Also, a discussion of optimally adapting the mappings and their application to OFDM and DMT is presented. Simulation results validate the efficiency of these methods in reducing BER and increasing throughputs.
The Alcaligenes eutrophus membrane-bound hydrogenase gene locus encodes functions involved in maturation and electron transport coupling

Alcaligenes eutrophus H16 produces two [NiFe] hydrogenases which catalyze the oxidation of hydrogen and enable the organism to utilize H2 as the sole energy source. The genes (hoxK and hoxG) for the heterodimeric, membrane-bound hydrogenase (MBH) are located adjacent to a series of eight accessory genes (hoxZ, hoxM, hoxL, hoxO, hoxQ, hoxR, hoxT, and hoxV). In the present study, we generated a set of isogenic mutants with in-frame deletions in the two structural genes and in each of the eight accessory genes. The resulting mutants can be grouped into two classes on the basis of the H2-oxidizing activity of the MBH. Class I mutants (hoxKdelta, hoxGdelta, hoxMdelta, hoxOdelta, and hoxQdelta) were totally devoid of MBH-mediated, H2-oxidizing activity. The hoxM deletion strain was the only mutant in our collection which was completely blocked in carboxy-terminal processing of large subunit HoxG, indicating that hoxM encodes a specific protease. Class II mutants (hoxZdelta, hoxLdelta, hoxRdelta, hoxTdelta, and hoxVdelta) contained residual amounts of MBH activity in the membrane fraction of the extracts. Immunochemical analysis and 63Ni incorporation experiments revealed that the mutations affect various steps in MBH maturation. A lesion in hoxZ led to the production of a soluble MBH which was highly active with redox dye.