Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reducing Readmissions Using Teach-Back: Enhancing Patient and Family Education

This article describes a quality improvement initiative, implemented by a patient education workgroup within a tertiary Magnet® facility. The project focused on the association between inadequate care transitions in patients with heart failure and subsequent costly readmissions. The teach-back initiative was piloted with patients hospitalized with heart failure, because of this population’s high risk of readmission. Learning outcomes included documented improvements in patients’ understanding of their disease and reduced readmission rates.
Momentum strategies for style and sector indexes

The existing literature shows that cross-sectional stock returns exhibit both price momentum and earnings momentum. In this paper, we examine whether commonly used style and sector indexes also have momentum patterns. We show that style indexes exhibit strong price momentum, but give little evidence of earnings momentum. On the other hand, sector indexes exhibit both significant price momentum and earnings momentum. Moreover, we provide evidence that price momentum in style indexes can be explained by individual stock return momentum, whereas price momentum in sector indexes is driven by earnings momentum. Finally, we show that a dynamic momentum strategy can further enhance the performance of style investment even after adjusting for transaction costs.
A Dynamic Histogram Equalization for Image Contrast Enhancement

In this paper, a smart contrast enhancement technique based on conventional histogram equalization (HE) algorithm is proposed. This dynamic histogram equalization (DHE) technique takes control over the effect of traditional HE so that it performs the enhancement of an image without making any loss of details in it. DHE partitions the image histogram based on local minima and assigns specific gray level ranges for each partition before equalizing them separately. These partitions further go though a repartitioning test to ensure the absence of any dominating portions. This method outperforms other present approaches by enhancing the contrast well without introducing severe side effects, such as washed out appearance, checkerboard effects etc., or undesirable artifacts.
A Brief Review on Blind Image Quality Evaluation Methods

Image Quality Assessment plays an important role in various image processing applications. It is still an active area of research. A great deal of effort has been made in recent years to develop objective image quality metrics that correlate well with perceived human quality measurement or subjective methods. Image quality assessment means estimating the quality of an image and it is used for many image processing applications. Image quality can be measured in two ways, subjective and objective method. In Subjective image quality assessment the evaluation of quality by humans is obtained by mean opinion score (MOS) method where in objective evaluation of quality is done by algorithms. It concerned with how image is perceived by a viewer and gives his or her opinion on a particular image and judge quality of the multimedia content. The human eyes extract structural information from the viewing field, so the human visual system is highly adapted for this purpose.
Mechanism of prebeta-HDL formation and activation.

The mechanism of formation of functional high-density lipoprotein (HDL) from secreted lipid-free apolipoprotein A1 (apo A1) was determined using human liver-derived (HepG2) cells, human intestine-derived (CaCO2) cells, and CHO cells stably expressing full-length human apo A1 (CHO-A1 cells). In each cell line, a significant proportion of secreted apo A1 had a Stokes radius of 2.6 nm and was inactive in binding phospholipids (PL) or free cholesterol (FC). Extracellularly, in a reaction dependent on membrane transporter ABCA1, prealpha-migrating 2.6 nm apo A1 was converted to a prebeta-migrating product that was able to bind PL. Both forms were reactive with mAb55201, a monoclonal antibody specific for native plasma lipid-poor (prebeta1) HDL [Nakamura, Y. , et al. (2004) Biochemistry 43, 14311-14318]. The physical properties of precursor and product apo A1 suggested that both are monomers, with Stokes radii of 2.6 and 3.6 nm, respectively, consistent with the absence of intermolecular cross-linking of apo A1 in lipid-poor HDL, reported previously. Product but not precursor apo A1 promoted reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) from human aortic smooth muscle cells. These studies suggest an important contribution of secreted lipid-free apo A1 to HDL formation.
Analysis of mutational lesions of acetate metabolism in Neurospora crassa by 13C nuclear magnetic resonance

The adaptation of Neurospora crassa mycelium to growth on acetate as the sole carbon source was examined by using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance. Extracts were examined by nuclear magnetic resonance at various times after transfer of the mycelium from medium containing sucrose to medium containing [2-13C]acetate as the sole carbon source. The label was initially seen to enter the alanine, glutamate, and glutamine pools, and after 6 h 13C-enriched trehalose was evident, indicating that gluconeogenesis was occurring. Analysis of the isotopomer ratios in the alanine and glutamate-glutamine pools indicated that substantial glyoxylate cycle activity became evident between 2 and 4 h after transfer. Immediately after transfer of the mycelium to acetate medium, the alanine pool increased to about four times its previous level, only a small fraction of which was enriched with 13C. The quantity of 13C-enriched alanine remained almost constant between 2 and 7.5 h after the transfer, whereas the overall alanine pool decreased to its original level. The selective catabolism of the unenriched alanine leads us to suggest that the alanine pool is partitioned into two compartments during adaptation. Two acetate-nonutilizing mutants were also studied by this technique. An acu-3 strain, deficient for isocitrate lyase (EC 4.1.3.1) activity, showed metabolic changes consistent with this lesion. An acp strain, previously thought to be deficient in an inducible acetate permease, took up [2-13C]acetate but showed no evidence of glyoxylate cycle activity despite synthesizing the necessary enzymes; the lesion was therefore reinterpreted.
Coronary artery calcium distribution and interscan measurement variability in end-stage renal and coronary heart disease patients

Background: Coronary heart disease patients and end-stage renal disease patients have been documented to have an increased amount of coronary artery calcifications (CAC). Purpose: To evaluate the distribution of CAC and its influence on interscan variability of measurement in end-stage renal disease and coronary heart disease patients, proven to have calcifications. Material and Methods: 69 patients having CAC, including 34 with coronary heart disease and 35 with end-stage renal disease, were scanned twice with multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT). Amount of CAC was determined as the number of calcified lesions (CN), total calcium score (CS), calcium volume (CV), and calcium mass (CM). Distribution of CAC was evaluated on a per-patient basis as the median CS and CM of a single lesion. Density of the calcifications was calculated as the patient's CM divided by CV. Results: The overall median CS was 457.2, and the median CM was 75.6 mg. There were no significant differences in the number of calcified lesions, CS, or CM between the two groups. Both CS and CM of a single lesion, as well as the mean calcium density were lower in renal disease patients (P<0.05) than in coronary heart disease subjects. The relative interscan variability of coronary calcium measurement was higher in the renal disease group (P<0.05). There was a negative correlation between the calcium concentration and the relative interscan variability. Conclusion: The results indicate that the coronary calcium distribution influences the measurement interscan reproducibility, and the distribution may differ between end-stage renal disease patients and coronary heart disease patients, reflecting the dissimilar nature of coronary calcifications in those groups.
Expression of Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2) in the Developing Heart

Interactions between cells and the surrounding extracellular matrix are important for a number of developmental events. In the heart, cardiac fibroblasts produce the majority of extracellular matrix proteins, particularly collagen types I and III. Cells originating from the proepicardial organ migrate over the surface of the heart, invade the underlying myocardium and ultimately give rise to smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and coronary endothelium. Although integrin expression in the developing heart has been well characterized, the expression of Discoidin Domain Receptor 2 (DDR2) remains to be defined. Using confocal microscopy, the expression of DDR2 was examined at several points during cardiac development. Initially, DDR2 expression was detected on the epicardial surface of the heart and on endothelial and mesenchymal cells within the cardiac cushions. As development progressed, DDR2 expression increased at localized regions in the apex and atrioventricular sulcus, although this expression decreased from epicardial to endocardial surface. Eventually, DDR2 expression spanned the myocardial free wall and was detected within the septum. Not until postnatal development was DDR2 expression detected uniformly throughout the myocardium and this distribution was maintained in the adult heart. In summary, the data presented demonstrate that the distribution of DDR2-positive cells changes within the heart during development.
Architecture, design and technology guidelines for crosspoint memories

While standalone Flash memories (NAND) are facing their physical limitations, the emergence of resistive switching memories (RRAM) is seen as a solution for high density, low cost and low energy NAND replacement candidate. However, it has been shown that deeply scaled, high density RRAM architectures, such as crosspoint, suffer of voltage drop effects (IR drop) in metal lines, periphery overhead and metal line charging time due to injected current during programming operations and sneaking currents through unselected bitcells. In this work, we first propose several innovative models for IRdrop, periphery overhead and array-line charging time accounting for in-array multiple bit-write operation. Then, we introduce a new methodology for crosspoint memory design to determine IRdrop, periphery overhead and timing associated with the optimal characteristics of 1 selector-1 resistance (ISIR) device. We apply the proposed methodology to various half metal pitch memory technology nodes (from 50nm to 15nm) and to several written word sizes (from 1 to 32 bits). We show that for 1 bit programmed per array, the RRAM programming current has to be lower than 30μΑ and the selector leakage current lower than 10nA and that limitations increase as soon as multiple bits are written simultaneously in the same array. This, suggests massively parallel multi-bank write of a small number of bits per array, as the best solution for the RRAM memories to be competitive with NAND memories.
UWB Reactive Near Field Detection for Smart Packages: A Comprehensive Study Using Eggs

Detection of packages or storage containers relies heavily on the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tagging, though such technology provides no means to determine the quantity of items within them. This paper presents a comprehensive study of ultra wideband (UWB) detection in the reactive near field as a low cost, low power way of detecting solid items within a package to complement RFID. For proof of concept, egg boxes within a smart fridge are used as a chosen test case. Simulations and measurements are carried out to evaluate the filtering of the UWB impulse response from which it can resolve the quantity of eggs in a box, using an array of sensors either attached to the package or placed underneath. Correlation coefficients are derived as a metric of this filtering in a reactive near field detection scenario. The robustness of the approach is further evaluated by considering other food cluttered around and above the egg box. The results show smart packages which detect an item directly above the sensor is not affected by surrounding clutter.
Definitive chemoradiotherapy with carboplatin for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck

Definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is considered the standard of care for organ preservation and is the only potentially curative therapy for surgically unresectable patients with stage III to IVb locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. In patients with high risks for adverse events utilizing cisplatin, carboplatin has been empirically substituted. The objective of this study was to estimate the locoregional control rate, progression‐free survival, overall survival, and adverse events in locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck patients treated with CRT utilizing carboplatin.
The Arabidopsis DCR Encoding a Soluble BAHD Acyltransferase Is Required for Cutin Polyester Formation and Seed Hydration Properties1[C][W][OA]

The cuticle covering every plant aerial organ is largely made of cutin that consists of fatty acids, glycerol, and aromatic monomers. Despite the huge importance of the cuticle to plant development and fitness, our knowledge regarding the assembly of the cutin polymer and its integration in the complete cuticle structure is limited. Cutin composition implies the action of acyltransferase-type enzymes that mediate polymer construction through ester bond formation. Here, we show that a member of the BAHD family of acyltransferases (DEFECTIVE IN CUTICULAR RIDGES [DCR]) is required for incorporation of the most abundant monomer into the polymeric structure of the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) flower cutin. DCR-deficient plants display phenotypes that are typically associated with a defective cuticle, including altered epidermal cell differentiation and postgenital organ fusion. Moreover, levels of the major cutin monomer in flowers, 9(10),16-dihydroxy-hexadecanoic acid, decreased to an almost undetectable amount in the mutants. Interestingly, dcr mutants exhibit changes in the decoration of petal conical cells and mucilage extrusion in the seed coat, both phenotypes formerly not associated with cutin polymer assembly. Excessive root branching displayed by dcr mutants and the DCR expression pattern in roots pointed to the function of DCR belowground, in shaping root architecture by influencing lateral root emergence and growth. In addition, the dcr mutants were more susceptible to salinity, osmotic, and water deprivation stress conditions. Finally, the analysis of DCR protein localization suggested that cutin polymerization, possibly the oligomerization step, is partially carried out in the cytoplasmic space. Therefore, this study extends our knowledge regarding the functionality of the cuticular layer and the formation of its major constituent the polymer cutin.
Augmentation of Therapeutic Angiogenesis Using Genetically Modified Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells with Altered Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3β Activity*

Previously we reported that inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β), a key regulator in many intracellular signaling pathways, enhances the survival and migration of vascular endothelial cells. Here we investigated the effect of inhibition of GSK3β activity on the angiogenic function of endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) and demonstrated a new therapeutic angiogenesis strategy using genetically modified EPC. As we previously reported, two biologically distinct types of EPC, spindle-shaped “early EPC” and cobblestone-shaped “late EPC” could be cultivated from human peripheral blood. Catalytically inactive GSK3β gene was transduced into both EPC. Inhibition of GSK3β signaling pathway led to increased nuclear translocation of β-catenin and increased secretion of angiogenic cytokines (vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-8). It enhanced the survival and proliferation of early EPC, whereas it promoted the survival and differentiation of late EPC. Transplantation of either of these genetically modified EPC into the ischemic hind limb model of athymic nude mouse significantly improved blood flow, limb salvage, and tissue capillary density compared with nontransduced EPC. Inhibition of GSK3β signaling of either of these genetically modified EPC augmented the in vitro and in vivo angiogenic potency of these cell populations. These data provide evidence that GSK3β has a key role in the angiogenic properties of EPC. Furthermore, the genetic modification of EPC to alter this signaling step can improve the efficacy of cell-based therapeutic vasculogenesis.
Adaptive Modulation and Space-Time Coding Scheme Based on Constellation-Constrained Capacity

Adaptive modulation is one of key technologies in wireless communication systems. The modulation order can be adaptively adjusted via different space-time coding under constrained transmission rate. Constellation-constrained capacity of different modulations under the constrained transmission rate and the adaptive modulation and space-time coding(AM-STC) scheme are analyzed in this paper. Analysis suggests that lower modulation satisfying the transmission rate can get higher spectrum efficiency at high SNRs and the simulations show that the AM-STC scheme is helpful to select the best modulation at low SNRs. Moreover, the simulation results are reasonable agreement with the results of theoretical analysis.
Geographical Distribution Patterns and Niche Modeling of the Iconic Leafcutter Ant Acromyrmex striatus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract Ants are considered one of the most successful groups in the planet’s evolutionary history. Among them highlights the fungus-farming ants of the genera Atta and Acromyrmex that occur throughout most of the Americas. Within the Acromyrmex genus, the species A. striatus distinguishes from other Acromyrmex species as its morphology and karyotype differ from its congeners. This species is found in open environments of dry climate in the southern States of Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay; however, little is known about the current distribution of the species. This article aimed to investigate the current distribution of the species by compiling its known distribution and discussing its distributional range. To achieve this, published and unpublished data obtained through a literature search and active collections in various locations were compiled. Published and unpublished data revealed that 386 colonies were recorded, distributed across four countries where its occurrence is known. Environmental factors, such as temperature, humidity, soil type and vegetation, as well as historical geological and climate events that have modified Earth’s surface may have influenced species distribution patterns. In the Neotropics, the environmental factors that most impacted the distribution of species were the glaciation periods that occurred in the Quaternary, leading to a great migratory process. These factors may have contributed to the current geographical distribution of A. striatus.
Symmetric Inertial Confinement Fusion Implosions at Ultra-High Laser Energies

Ignition Set to Go One aim of the National Ignition Facility is to implode a capsule containing a deuterium-tritium fuel mix and initiate a fusion reaction. With 192 intense laser beams focused into a centimeter-scale cavity, a major challenge has been to create a symmetric implosion and the necessary temperatures within the cavity for ignition to be realized (see the Perspective by Norreys). Glenzer et al. (p. 1228, published online 28 January) now show that these conditions can be met, paving the way for the next step of igniting a fuel-filled capsule. Furthermore, Li et al. (p. 1231, published online 28 January) show how charged particles can be used to characterize and measure the conditions within the imploding capsule. The high energies and temperature realized can also be used to model astrophysical and other extreme energy processes in a laboratory settings. Laser-driven temperatures and implosion symmetry are close to the requirements for inertial-fusion ignition. Indirect-drive hohlraum experiments at the National Ignition Facility have demonstrated symmetric capsule implosions at unprecedented laser drive energies of 0.7 megajoule. One hundred and ninety-two simultaneously fired laser beams heat ignition-emulate hohlraums to radiation temperatures of 3.3 million kelvin, compressing 1.8-millimeter-diameter capsules by the soft x-rays produced by the hohlraum. Self-generated plasma optics gratings on either end of the hohlraum tune the laser power distribution in the hohlraum, which produces a symmetric x-ray drive as inferred from the shape of the capsule self-emission. These experiments indicate that the conditions are suitable for compressing deuterium-tritium–filled capsules, with the goal of achieving burning fusion plasmas and energy gain in the laboratory.
A method to measure the water-holding properties of dietary fibre using suction pressure

1. Water-holding capacity (WHC) of dietary fibre is usually considered as the amount of water held but the manner in which water is held by the fibre matrix may be more relevant in understanding the role of fibre in nutrition. 2. A method used to determine WHC under physiological conditions has been adapted to determine how strongly water is held by fibre. Solutions of compounds, such as polyethylene glycol, of known osmotic potential are used to generate a suction pressure across a dialysis membrane containing a fibre sample. The WHC at each suction pressure can then be determined. 3. The method can be applied to water-soluble and water-insoluble sources of fibre. Fibre sources studied included potato fibre concentrate, bran and gum arabic. 4. Results are comparable to other similar systems of WHC measurement for gels and suggest that vegetable fibre has water-holding properties more akin to a true gel than bran. Bran has very poor water-holding properties. 5. Differences in WHC between fibre sources are more apparent if WHC is considered as fibre concentration (g fibre/g water). 6. Differences in the water-holding properties could be important in determining fibre activity in the gut.
Inhibition of the mammalian transcription factor LSF induces S‐phase‐dependent apoptosis by downregulating thymidylate synthase expression

The thymidylate synthase (TS) gene, which is induced at the G1–S transition in growth‐stimulated cells, encodes an enzyme that is essential for DNA replication and cell survival. Here we demonstrate that LSF (LBP‐1c, CP2) binds to sites within the TS promoter and intronic regions that are required for this induction. Mutation of the LSF binding sites inhibits G1–S induction of mRNA derived from a TS minigene. Furthermore, expression of dominant‐negative LSF (LSFdn) prevents the increase in TS enzyme levels during G1–S, and induces apoptosis in growth‐ stimulated mouse and human cell lines. Such apoptosis can be prevented either by circumventing the TS requirement through addition of low concentrations of thymidine, or by coexpression of the TS gene driven by a heterologous promoter. Induction of apoptosis by LSFdn parallels the process known as thymineless death, which is induced by the TS inhibitor and chemotherapeutic drug 5‐fluorodeoxyuridine. Thus, LSF is a novel regulatory factor that supports progression through S‐phase by targeting a single gene that is critical for cell survival.