Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Why Treat Chronic Total Occlusion without Stents? - A Short Comment

The treatment of chronic total occlusions is complex and associated with several risks and problems. Among therapeutic options including bypass surgery and medical therapy PCI represents an important strategy. PCI with stents, however, has limitations in such lesions due to characteristics like lesion length, unknown reference diameter and delayed stent coverage. Drug coated balloons have shown promising properties to overcome some of those limitations: They promote positive vessel remodeling and have a minimal thrombosis rate. In a first multicenter study it has been shown that drug coated balloons in proper indications and applied with appropriate technique might become a new treatment option for patients with chronic total occlusions.
Aerodynamic Performance of a NREL S809 Airfoil in an Air-Sand Particle Two-Phase Flow

This paper opens up a new perspective on the aerodynamic performance of a wind turbine airfoil. More specifically, the paper deals with a steady, incompressible two-phase flow, consisting of air and two different concentrations of sand particles, over an airfoil from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, NREL S809. The numerical simulations were performed on turbulence models for aerodynamic operations using commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code. The computational results obtained for the aerodynamic performance of an S809 airfoil at various angles of attack operating at Reynolds numbers of Re = 1 × 106 and Re = 2 × 106 in a dry, dusty environment were compared with existing experimental data on air flow over an S809 airfoil from reliable sources. Notably, a structured mesh consisting of 80,000 cells had already been identified as the most appropriate for numerical simulations. Finally, it was concluded that sand concentration significantly affected the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil; there was an increase in the values of the predicted drag coefficients, as well as a decrease in the values of the predicted lift coefficients caused by increasing concentrations of sand particles. The region around the airfoil was studied by using contours of static pressure and discrete phase model (DPM) concentration.
TAIEX Forecasting Using Fuzzy Time Series and Automatically Generated Weights of Multiple Factors

In this paper, we present a new method to forecast the Taiwan Stock Exchange Capitalization Weighted Stock Index (TAIEX) using fuzzy time series and automatically generated weights of multiple factors. The proposed method uses the variation magnitudes of adjacent historical data to generate fuzzy variation groups of the main factor (i.e., the TAIEX) and the elementary secondary factors (i.e., the Dow Jones, the NASDAQ and the M1B), respectively. Based on the variation magnitudes of the main factor TAIEX and the elementary secondary factors of a particular trading day, it constructs the occurrence vector of the main factor and the occurrence vectors of the elementary secondary factors on the trading day, respectively. By calculating the correlation coefficients between the numerical data series of the main factor and the numerical data series of each elementary secondary factor, respectively, it calculates the relevance degree between the forecasted variation of the main factor and the forecasted variation of each elementary secondary factor. Based on the correlation coefficients between the numerical data series of the main factor and the numerical data series of each elementary secondary factor on a trading day, it automatically generates the weights of the occurrence vector of the main factor and the occurrence vector of each elementary secondary factor on the trading day, respectively. Then, it calculates the forecasted variation of the main factor and the forecasted variation of each elementary secondary factor on the trading day, respectively, to obtain the final forecasted variation on the trading day. Finally, based on the closing index of the TAIEX on the trading day and the final forecasted variation on the trading day, it generates the forecasted value of the next trading day. The experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms the existing methods.
The Quest for Ovarian Cancer Screening Biomarkers: Are We on the Right Road?

Abstract Recent discoveries in the field of biomarkers for screening and early detection of ovarian cancer (OC) identified current needs for biomarkers capable of recognizing preclinical disease. The suggested approaches are (1) development of highly analytically sensitive CA 125 assays capable of detecting CA 125 released from small cancerous and preneoplastic lesions; (2) identification of biomarkers effective in CA 125–negative cases; and (3) performing biomarker discovery in samples obtained from patients with prophylactic bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy with pathologically confirmed preneoplastic lesions, or in appropriate animal models of ovarian cancer.
Influence of ‘historic’ photoperiod during stem elongation on the number of fertile florets in wheat

Extending the duration of the late reproductive phase in wheat has been proposed as a possible avenue to improve spike fertility. There is a positive correlation between the number of fertile florets and the duration of the stem elongation phase when this phase is varied by extended photoperiod. Photoperiod treatments imposed during the vegetative period also influence the duration of stem elongation. The present study analysed the effect of long photoperiod (19 h) of different duration (10, 12, 14, 18 or 22 d) imposed before the onset of stem elongation on floret fertility in wheat. It was found that the length of the stem elongation phase was modified by earlier ‘historic’ photoperiod treatments imposed during previous phases. However, neither the number of fertile florets per spike nor the spikelet fertility was affected significantly by these historic treatments. The results of the study therefore showed that an increased duration of the late reproductive phase was ineffective in increasing the number of fertile florets, unless the length of that phase was directly altered by current photoperiod.
A role for semaphorins and neuropilins in oligodendrocyte guidance

Oligodendrocytes develop in defined CNS regions as progenitor cells, which migrate to their final destinations, encountering soluble and membrane‐bound signals that influence their differentiation and potential to myelinate axonal projections. To identify the regulatory genes that may be involved in this process, microarray analysis of developing oligodendroglia was performed. Several neural guidance genes, including members of the neuropilin (NP) and semaphorin families were detected. These findings were verified and expanded upon using RT–PCR with RNA from fluorescent activated cell sorted A2B5+ oligodendrocyte progenitors and O4+ pro‐oligodendrocytes isolated from in vitro and in vivo sources. RT–PCR, western and immunocytochemical analyses revealed that oligodendrocytes expressed NP1, several alternatively spliced isoforms of NP2, and a broad spectrum of both soluble (Class 3), membrane‐spanning (Class 4–6), and membrane‐tethered (Class 7) semaphorin ligands. Class 3 semaphorins, in a modified stripe assay, caused the collapse of oligodendrocyte progenitor growth cones, redirection of processes, and altered progenitor migration. Our data support a role for neuropilins and semaphorins in orchestrating the migration patterns of developing oligodendrocytes in the CNS.
A Study on the Fabrication of Electrical Circuits on Fabrics Using Cu Pattern Laminated B-Stage Adhesive Films for Electronic Textile Applications

In this study, fabrication of the metal circuits on fabrics was demonstrated by a novel lamination method using B-stage epoxy adhesive films with patterned metals. Copper foils were firstly attached to the B-stage adhesive films, and copper was patterned by conventional photolithography methods. And then the patterned Cu/adhesive films were laminated onto conventional cloth or fabric using a vacuum lamination method. First, the effects of lithography processes on the chemical stability of uncured epoxy adhesive films were investigated. Morphology of Cu/fabric structures was observed by optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Furthermore, mechanical flexibility of the laminated Cu lines on fabrics were evaluated by a dynamic bending fatigue test. By optimizing adhesive curing properties and processes, patterned metal circuits on fabrics were successfully demonstrated for electronic textile applications.
Waiting to Be Asked: Gender, Power, and Relationship Progression Among Cohabiting Couples

The majority of young married Americans lived with their spouses before the wedding, and many cohabited with partners they did not wed. Yet little is known about how cohabitating relationships progress or the role gender norms play in this process. This article explores how cohabiting partners negotiate relationship progression, focusing on several stages where couples enact gender. Data are from in-depth interviews with 30 working-class couples (n = 60). The women in this sample often challenged conventional gender norms by suggesting that couples move in together or raising the issue of marriage. Men played dominant roles in initiating whether couples became romantically involved and progressed to a more formal status. Although women and men contest how gender is performed, cohabiting men remain privileged in the arena of relationship progression. The findings suggest that adherence to conventional gender practices even among those residing in informal unions perpetuates women’s secondary position in intimate relationships.
Modeling Regularities in Response Time and Accuracy Data With the Diffusion Model

Diffusion models for simple two-choice decision making have achieved prominence in psychology and neuroscience. The standard model views decision making as a process in which noisy evidence is accumulated until one of the two response criteria is reached, at which point the associated response is made. The criteria represent the amount of evidence needed to make a decision, and they reflect the decision maker’s response biases and speed–accuracy trade-off settings. In this article, we review the regularities in experimental data that a model must explain. These include the relation between accuracy and mean response times, the shapes of response-time distributions for correct and error responses and how they change with experimental variables, and individual differences in response time and accuracy. These relations are sometimes overlooked by researchers, but, taken together, they provide extremely strong tests of models.
Analyzing Modern Computer Game Narratives

In many computer games, narrative is a core component, with the game centering on an unfolding, interactive storyline which both motivates and is driven by the game-play. For larger games, however, narrative size and complexity makes analysis difficult, and while formal approaches to assessing game narratives and identifying flaws have been proposed, scalability remains a barrier to practical use. In this work we develop an optimized, formal analysis system for interactive fiction narratives. Our approach is based on a relatively high-level game language, borrowing analysis techniques from compiler optimization to improve performance. We demonstrate our system on a variety of non-trivial narratives analyzing a basic reachability problem, the path to win the game. The results are very encouraging, and using our optimized design we are able to analyze narratives orders of magnitude larger than the previous stateof-the-art. This level of performance allows for verification of narrative properties at practical scales.
FancJ/Brip1 helicase protects against genomic losses and gains in vertebrate cells

Defects in the FANCJ/BRIP1 helicase gene are associated with genome instability disorders such as familial breast cancer or Fanconi anemia (FA). Although FANCJ has an in vitro activity to resolve G‐quadruplex (G4) structures, and FANCJ ortholog in C. elegans prevents G4‐associated deletions during replication, how FANCJ loss affects genome integrity in higher organisms remains unclear. Here, we report that FANCJ, but not other FA genes FANCD2 or FANCC, protected against large‐scale genomic deletion that occurred frequently at the rearranged immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) locus in chicken DT40 cell line, suggesting that FancJ protects the genome independently of the FA ubiquitination pathway. In a more unbiased approach using array‐comparative genomic hybridization, we identified de novo deletions as well as amplifications in fancj cells kept in culture for 2 months. A cluster of G4 sequence motifs was found near the breakpoint of one amplified region, but G4 sequence motifs were not detected at the breakpoints of two deleted regions. These results collectively suggest that, unlike in C. elegans, actions of vertebrate FANCJ to promote genome stability may not be limited to protection against the G4‐mediated gene deletions.
Regulation of platelet lifespan by apoptosis

Abstract The lifespan of platelets in circulation is brief, close to 10 days in humans and 5 days in mice. Bone marrow residing megakaryocytes produce around 100 billion platelets per day. In a healthy individual, the majority of platelets are not consumed by hemostatic processes, but rather their lifespan is controlled by programmed cell death, a canonical intrinsic apoptosis program. In the last decade, insights from genetically manipulated mouse models and pharmacological developments have helped to define the components of the intrinsic, or mitochondrial, apoptosis pathway that controls platelet lifespan. This review focuses on the molecular regulation of apoptosis in platelet survival, reviews thrombocytopenic conditions linked to enhanced platelet death, examines implications of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia through apoptosis-inducing drugs in cancer therapy as well as discusses ex vivo aging of platelets.
Synchronization of an Inertial Neural Network With Time-Varying Delays and Its Application to Secure Communication

In this paper, synchronization of an inertial neural network with time-varying delays is investigated. Based on the variable transformation method, we transform the second-order differential equations into the first-order differential equations. Then, using suitable Lyapunov–Krasovskii functionals and Jensen’s inequality, the synchronization criteria are established in terms of linear matrix inequalities. Moreover, a feedback controller is designed to attain synchronization between the master and slave models, and to ensure that the error model is globally asymptotically stable. Numerical examples and simulations are presented to indicate the effectiveness of the proposed method. Besides that, an image encryption algorithm is proposed based on the piecewise linear chaotic map and the chaotic inertial neural network. The chaotic signals obtained from the inertial neural network are utilized for the encryption process. Statistical analyses are provided to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed encryption algorithm. The results ascertain that the proposed encryption algorithm is efficient and reliable for secure communication applications.
A Micro–Macroapproach to Predict Stiction due to Surface Contact in Microelectromechanical Systems

Stiction, which results from contact between surfaces, is a major failure mode in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Indeed, microscopic structures tend to adhere to each other when their surfaces come into contact and when the restoring forces are unable to overcome the interfacial forces. Since incidental contacts cannot be completely excluded and since contacts between moving parts can be part of the normal operation of some types of MEMS, stiction prediction is an important consideration when designing micro- and nanodevices. In this paper, a micro-macro multiscale approach is developed in order to predict possible stiction. At the lower scale, the unloading adhesive contact-distance curves of two interacting rough surfaces are established based on a previously presented model [L. Wu , J. Appl. Phys. 106, 113502, 2009]. In this model, dry conditions are assumed, and only the van der Waals forces as adhesion source are accounted for. The resulting unloading adhesive contact-distance curves are dependent on the material, surface properties such as elastic modulus and surface energy, and rough surface topography parameters (the standard deviation of asperity heights and the asperity density). At the higher scale, a finite element analysis is considered to determine the residual cantilever beam configuration due to the adhesive forces once contact happens. Toward this end, the adhesive contact-distance curve computed previously is integrated on the surface of the finite elements as a contact law. The effects of the design parameters can then be studied for the given material and surface properties.
Molecular epidemiology and clinical features of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) in epidemic areas of Interior Sindh, Pakistan

Objective: Highly variable genome of HCV and high prevalence in many geographical areas made it necessary to conduct local population studies. This study has been conducted to show HCV parameters along with clinical features in the local population of interior Sindh, province of Pakistan. Methods: Present study was conducted in from August 2010 to November 2015 in the rural areas of Sindh, Pakistan. All the 31560 screened samples selected for the study were tested by second Generation Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA Biokit 480&96). Results: Total 31560 people were screened for HCV and out of these 13.67% (n= 4314) HCV infected patients. When 4314 samples of patients were examined; the anti-HCV was significantly higher in males 2814 (14.98%) than in females 1500 (11.74%) with P value = 0.06. The age of the patients ranged from 18 to 65 years. Out of 4314 HCV samples, 3020 (70%) were of Genotype 3a, 237(5.5%) of Genotype 2a, 108 (2.5%) of Genotype- 1a, 216 (5%) of Genotype 1b, 237 (5.5%) of Genotype 3b and 43 (1%) of Genotype 4. Additionally, 108 (2.5%) had co-infection and 345 (8%) samples showed no result –designated as untypable by the genotyping. Conclusion: This study showed that HCV is most frequently reported disease with genotype 3a being the most prevalent genotype.
Sex differences in the control of glucose homeostasis

Purpose of reviewA markedly higher prevalence of impaired glucose tolerance has been reported in women than in men, whereas the opposite was seen for impaired fasting glucose. The present review focuses on the underlying mechanisms. Recent findingsAn increased meal glucose appearance and disturbances in postprandial glucose disposal may contribute to higher glucose concentrations in women. An increased, similar or reduced insulin sensitivity has been reported in women than in men, which makes it unclear to what extent a disturbed insulin-mediated glucose disposal may contribute to increased postprandial glucose concentrations in women. This discrepancy may be explained by differences in the phase of menstrual cycle during the study, the use of oral contraceptives and different degrees of physical fitness. Nevertheless, there are consistent data indicating that women are protected against fatty acid-induced insulin resistance. Furthermore, both disturbances in endogenous glucose output and metabolic clearance of glucose may contribute to the reduced fasting glucose concentrations in women. SummaryThere is an urgent need for studies that test whether sex-related disturbances in glucose metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and the metabolic syndrome, taking age, menstrual cycle, the use of oral contraceptives and physical activity into account.
Fingolimod for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis

Fingolimod is the first oral agent approved in the USA for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis. Fingolimod is a sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor modulator that binds to sphingosine 1-phosphate receptors on lymphocytes, resulting in a downregulation of the receptor and a reversible sequestration of lymphocytes in lymphoid tissue. Effector memory T cells are not sequestered so that immune surveillance may be minimally affected. Two large-scale Phase III clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy of fingolimod compared with placebo and intramuscular interferon β-1a in relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis. Due to its mechanism of action, fingolimod administration may be associated with first-dose bradycardia and macular edema. Therefore, patients should be observed for 6 h at the time of their first dose and undergo ophthalmologic evaluation prior to treatment initiation and at 3–4 months after initiation.
Cytokine gene polymorphisms in hepatitis C virus‐related oral lichen planus

Abstract: Cytokine polymorphisms may influence both the risk of developing oral lichen planus (OLP) and the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients and OLP has been frequently associated with HCV infection. The aim of the present study was to analyse whether cytokine polymorphisms may influence the susceptibility to HCV‐related OLP. Thirty‐five patients with OLP and chronic HCV infection (OLP–HCV+ve) took part in the study. As controls, 44 patients with OLP but without HCV (OLP–HCV−ve) infection and 140 healthy donors were studied. Thirteen cytokine genes with 22 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) were studied. IFN‐γ UTR 5644 genotype frequencies showed an increase in number of A/T heterozygote in OLP–HCV+ve patients compared with OLP–HCV−ve that approached the statistical significance [P = 0.03, P‐corrected (PC) = 0.66]. Contrarily, in OLP–HCV+ve patients, the frequency of genotype −308 G/A of the TNF‐α was decreased, whereas the genotype −308 G/G was increased compared with OLP–HCV−ve (P = 0.0005, PC = 0.011 and P = 0.0016, PC = 0.0352, respectively). OLP patients with and without HCV infection showed a different genetic cytokine background suggesting distinct pathogenetic mechanisms.
Replication in genetic studies of complex traits

Disappointments in replicating initial findings in gene mapping for complex traits are often attributed to small sample sizes and inadequate techniques to determine the threshold value. This is clearly not the whole truth. More fundamental reasons lie in the inherent heterogeneity related to disease, including genetic heterogeneity, differences in allele frequencies, and context‐dependency in genetic architecture. There are also other reasons related to the data collection and analysis. Replication may remain a source of frustration unless more emphasis is put on controlling these sources of heterogeneity between studies.
The Determinants of Audit Prices for Financial Services Institutions in the United States

Several studies have sought to establish the link between the characteristics of a corporation and the audit fees charged by its auditor. Many studies have tried to discover whether auditor specialization affects audit fees. Other research has attempted to discover the effects of government regulation on fees. The impact of risk on audit fees has also been examined, but has proved to be an elusive topic. This study uses regression analysis to examine the effect of size and financial position on audit fees. The model shows a direct relationship between measures of both assets and revenues and the audit fees that firms are charged.