Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blood Pressure Levels at the Time of Percutaneous Coronary Revascularization and Risk of Coronary In-Stent Restenosis.

BACKGROUND High blood pressure (BP) levels expose patients treated with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) to very high risk of 10-year cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE To investigate the role of BP levels at the time of PCI on the risk of in-stent restenosis (ISR). METHODS We retrospectively included 796 patients previously treated with PCI, who underwent repeated angiography for recurrent angina or reversible myocardial ischemia. Patients were stratified into either case (n = 354) and control (n = 442) groups in the presence or absence of ISR (defined as in-stent diameter stenosis ≥50%). BP levels were measured at the time of first and second procedures. Normal BP levels were defined for <140/90 mm Hg. RESULTS Patients with normal BP showed significantly higher ISR-free survival (Log-rank: 5.937; P = 0.015). Both systolic (HR (95% CI): 0.731 (0.590-0.906)) and systolic/diastolic BP (HR (95% CI): 0.757 (0.611-0.939)) were significantly and independently associated with lower risk of ISR at Cox-regression analysis, adjusted for potential confounding factors, including stent type and concomitant medications. Patients with ISR showed lower rates of normal systolic/diastolic BP values (166 (47%) vs. 254 (57%); P = 0.003) compared to controls. They also received higher stent number (1.40±0.74 vs. 1.24±0.51; P < 0.001) with higher stent length (24.3±15.6 vs. 21.7±13.9 mm; P = 0.012), and lower rate of drug-eluting stents (DESs) (210 (48%) vs. 139 (40%); P = 0.025) compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS Normal BP at the time of PCI is associated with nearly 24% risk reduction of ISR as evaluated in a new angiography in patients with coronary artery disease.
Tests of the elaborated intrusion theory of craving and desire: Features of alcohol craving during treatment for an alcohol disorder.

OBJECTIVES We tested predictions from the elaborated intrusion (EI) theory of desire, which distinguishes intrusive thoughts and elaborations, and emphasizes the importance of imagery. Secondarily, we undertook preliminary evaluations of the Alcohol Craving Experience (ACE) questionnaire, a new measure based on EI Theory. METHODS Participants (N = 232) were in correspondence-based treatment trials for alcohol abuse or dependence. The study used retrospective reports obtained early in treatment using the ACE, and daily self-monitoring of urges, craving, mood and alcohol consumption. RESULTS The ACE displayed high internal consistency and test - retest reliability and sound relationships with self-monitored craving, and was related to Baseline alcohol dependence, but not to consumption. Imagery during craving was experienced by 81%, with 2.3 senses involved on average. More frequent imagery was associated with longer episode durations and stronger craving. Transient intrusive thoughts were reported by 87% of respondents, and were more common if they frequently attempted to stop alcohol cognitions. Associations between average daily craving and weekly consumption were seen. Depression and negative mood were associated with more frequent, stronger and longer lasting desires for alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Results supported the distinction of automatic and controlled processes in craving, together with the importance of craving imagery. They were also consistent with prediction of consumption from cross-situational averages of craving, and with positive associations between craving and negative mood. However, this study's retrospective reporting and correlational design require that its results be interpreted cautiously. Research using ecological momentary measures and laboratory manipulations is needed before confident inferences about causality can be made.
Generalized Mercer theorem and its application to feature space related to indefinite kernels

The support vector machine (SVM) is well understood when kernel functions are positive definite. However, in practice, indefinite kernels arise and demand application in SVM. These indefinite kernels often yield good empirical classification results. However, they are hard to understand for missing geometrical and theoretical understanding. In this paper we focus our topic on the structure of feature space related to indefinite kernels. We develop a new method by improving Mercer theorem to construct the mapping that maps input data set into the high-dimensional feature space for indefinite kernels. Via this mapping, structure of the feature space is easily observed. By this, we obtain a sound framework and motivation for SVM with indefinite kernels.
A review on compact slot antenna for wireless MIMO communication system

This paper present the review on the wireless system specifically with Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technique. This is due to the advantage of MIMO system that able to enhanced the overall wireless channel capacity. Besides system performances, the size and mobility of the communication devices are also contributed the successfulness of proposed wireless communication system. The compact antenna design has been discussed by many researchers for various application. However, the needs of compact antenna with capability of multiple application is very significant in wireless communication today. Therefore, this paper will review the compact antenna design for wireless MIMO application based on slot design methods.
Köln's unstable hemoglobin: case report and literature review

Unstable hemoglobins are a group of genetic variants of hemoglobins caused by the mutation of amino acids into alpha and beta globins and, depending on the points and types of mutation, the result can vary from no clinical symptomatology to severe hemolytic anemia. On the present report, we study the case of a female patient who showed a very exuberant hematological picture for the red series, which suggests hemoglobinic changes; this was confirmed following the conduction of the protocol established by Laboratorio Medico Santa Luzia for the study of hemoglobinopathies and which was then sent for a reference laboratory: C.D. A. Naoun Laboratorios de Analises Clinicas
A multi-mode MASH ΣΑ modulator for low power wideband applications

This paper proposes a novel multi-mode re-configurable multi-stage noise-shaping sigma delta (MASH ΣΔ) modulator that enhances the order of noise shaping with interstage feedback technique. This reconfigurable MASH 2-1 ΣΔ modulator achieves third, fourth and fifth order noise transfer function (NTF) in three different modes of operation. The low oversampling ratio, low distortion capability, reduction in number of active blocks and noise shaping enhancement makes the modulator attractive for low power wideband applications. Mathematical analysis and simulation results prove the fitness of this architecture.
Induction of Intracellular Calcium Concentration by Environmental Benzo(a)pyrene Involves a β2-Adrenergic Receptor/Adenylyl Cyclase/Epac-1/Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Pathway in Endothelial Cells*

Background: Calcium signal induced by the environmental polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) contributes to its aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-related toxic effects. Results: β2-Adrenoreceptor (β2ADR) mediates B(a)P-induced calcium signal through a G protein/adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/Epac-1/inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate pathway. Conclusion: An important crosstalk between β2ADR and AhR pathways can be activated by PAHs. Significance: β2ADR is potentially involved in deleterious effects of PAHs. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) are widely distributed environmental contaminants, known as potent ligands of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). These chemicals trigger an early and transient increase of intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), required for AhR-related effects of PAHs. The mechanisms involved in this calcium mobilization were investigated in the present study. We demonstrated that B(a)P-mediated [Ca2+]i induction was prevented in endothelial HMEC-1 cells by counteracting β2-adrenoreceptor (β2ADR) activity using pharmacological antagonists, anti-β2ADR antibodies, or siRNA-mediated knockdown of β2ADR expression; by contrast, it was strongly potentiated by β2ADR overexpression in human kidney HEK293 cells. B(a)P was shown, moreover, to directly bind to β2ADR, as assessed by in vitro binding assays and molecular modeling. Pharmacological inhibition and/or siRNA-mediated silencing of various signaling actors acting downstream of β2ADR in a sequential manner, such as G protein, adenylyl cyclase, Epac-1 protein, and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3)/IP3 receptor, were next demonstrated to prevent B(a)P-induced calcium signal. Inhibition or knockdown of these signaling elements, as well as the use of chemical β-blockers, were finally shown to counteract B(a)P-mediated induction of cytochrome P-450 1B1, a prototypical AhR target gene. Taken together, our results show that B(a)P binds directly to β2ADR and consequently utilizes β2ADR machinery to mobilize [Ca2+]i, through activation of a G protein/adenylyl cyclase/cAMP/Epac-1/IP3 pathway. This β2ADR-dependent signaling pathway activated by PAHs may likely be crucial for PAH-mediated up-regulation of AhR target genes, thus suggesting a contribution of β2ADR to the health-threatening effects of these environmental pollutants.
Hyperoxia may be beneficial

The current practice of mechanical ventilation comprises the use of the least inspiratory O2 fraction associated with an arterial O2 tension of 55 to 80 mm Hg or an arterial hemoglobin O2 saturation of 88% to 95%. Early goal-directed therapy for septic shock, however, attempts to balance O2 delivery and demand by optimizing cardiac function and hemoglobin concentration, without making use of hyperoxia. Clearly, it has been well-established for more than a century that long-term exposure to pure O2 results in pulmonary and, under hyperbaric conditions, central nervous O2 toxicity. Nevertheless, several arguments support the use of ventilation with 100% O2 as a supportive measure during the first 12 to 24 hrs of septic shock. In contrast to patients without lung disease undergoing anesthesia, ventilation with 100% O2 does not worsen intrapulmonary shunt under conditions of hyperinflammation, particularly when low tidal volume–high positive end-expiratory pressure ventilation is used. In healthy volunteers and experimental animals, exposure to hyperoxia may cause pulmonary inflammation, enhanced oxidative stress, and tissue apoptosis. This, however, requires long-term exposure or injurious tidal volumes. In contrast, within the timeframe of a perioperative administration, direct O2 toxicity only plays a negligible role. Pure O2 ventilation induces peripheral vasoconstriction and thus may counteract shock-induced hypotension and reduce vasopressor requirements. Furthermore, in experimental animals, a redistribution of cardiac output toward the kidney and the hepato-splanchnic organs was observed. Hyperoxia not only reverses the anesthesia-related impairment of the host defense but also is an antibiotic. In fact, perioperative hyperoxia significantly reduced wound infections, and this effect was directly related to the tissue O2 tension. Therefore, we advocate mechanical ventilation with 100% O2 during the first 12 to 24 hrs of septic shock. However, controlled clinical trials are mandatory to test the safety and efficacy of this approach.
Variability budgetin pulsed flip-flops

In this paper, the impact of variations on the most representative pulsed flip-flops topologies is comparatively evaluated in 65-nm CMOS. The analysis explicitly considers fundamental sources of variations such as process, voltage, temperature and clock slope. For each FF topology, the variations are statistically evaluated through Monte Carlo simulations and they explicitly include the non-negligible impact of layout parasitics.
Utility of a limited panel of calretinin and Ber-EP4 immunocytochemistry on cytospin preparation of serous effusions: A cost-effective measure in resource-limited settings

Background: Differentiation between reactive, but morphologically atypical, mesothelial cells and adenocarcinoma in effusions can be problematic. Elaborate immunohistochemical panels have been devised. Techniques like DNA analysis, flow/image cytometry, and K-ras mutation analysis are research oriented and difficult to perform in routine, especially in resource-poor centers. We evaluated the efficacy of a limited two-antibody panel comprising calretinin and Ber-EP4 on cytospin and cell block preparations, in 100 effusion samples. Materials and Methods: Fifty cases of reactive mesothelial hyperplasia and 50 cases of adenocarcinoma diagnosed by cytomorphology in ascitic/pleural fluid specimens over a 2-year period were assessed. The diagnoses were confirmed by clinical/histopathologic correlation. Cytospin smears were made in all. Cell blocks were prepared, wherever adequate fluid was available. Immunocytochemistry (ICC) for calretinin and Ber-EP4 was performed. Results: Forty-five of the reactive effusion cases (90%) were calretinin reactive and Ber-EP4 negative. Among the adenocarcinoma cases, 49 (98%) were calretinin negative but Ber-EP4 positive. Thus, both calretinin and Ber-EP4 had a high sensitivity (90% and 98%, respectively), as well as a high specificity (100% and 86%, respectively). In the 21 reactive mesothelial cases, whose cell blocks were made, results were comparable to those on cytospin. However, of the 19 adenocarcinoma cases in which cell blocks were prepared, all were Ber-EP4 immunopositive except for three, which were positive on cytospin, implying false-negative results on cell blocks. Conclusions: A limited panel of two monoclonal antibodies, calretinin and Ber-EP4, may be useful in cytology, as a “primary antibody panel”, for accurate diagnosis and patient management. Additionally, ICC can be performed easily on cytospin preparations, which gave results comparable to cell blocks in our study.
Galaxy wide radio induced feedback in a radio quiet quasar

We report the discovery of a radio-quiet type 2 quasar (SDSS J165315.06+234943.0 nicknamed the ‘Beetle’ at z = 0.103) with unambiguous evidence for active galactic nucleus (AGN) radio-induced feedback acting across a total extension of ∼46 kpc and up to ∼26 kpc from the AGN. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first radio-quiet system where radio-induced feedback has been securely identified at ≫several kpc from the AGN. The morphological, ionization and kinematic properties of the extended ionized gas are correlated with the radio structures. We find along the radio axis (a) enhancement of the optical line emission at the location of the radio hotspots (b) turbulent gas kinematics (FWHM ∼ 380–470 km s−1) across the entire spatial range circumscribed by them (c) ionization minima for the turbulent gas at the location of the hot spots, (d) high temperature Te ≳ 1.9 × 104 K at the NE hotspot. Turbulent gas is also found far from the radio axis, ∼25 kpc in the perpendicular direction. We propose a scenario in which the radio structures have perforated the interstellar medium of the galaxy and escaped into the circumgalactic medium. While advancing, they have interacted with in situ gas modifying its properties. Our results show that jets of modest power can be the dominant feedback mechanism acting across huge volumes in radio-quiet systems, including highly accreting luminous AGNs, where radiative mode feedback may be expected.
HIV-1 strains from a cohort of American subjects reveal the presence of a V2 region extension unique to slow progressors and non-progressors

ObjectivesTo determine the molecular nature of HIV-1 quasispecies and their evolution, in vivo over time, in an American cohort of 22 homosexual men [four rapid progressors (RP), 15 slow progressors (SP) and three long-term non-progressors (LTNP)], infected with HIV-1 between 1982 and 1983, and to assess the possible role of the HIV-1 V2 region extension in HIV disease progression. DesignGenetic and phylogenetic analyses of the V3 region and the nef gene clones over time from uncultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of American patients with varying HIV disease progression rates. MethodsProviral DNA from longitudinally collected uncultured PBMC were subjected to PCR amplification in the nef gene and env V2 and V3 regions, followed by cloning, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis to establish evolutionary relationships between HIV-1 strains over time. ResultsAnalysis of multiple viral clones showed nef gene deletions/insertions in 10 out of 15 SP, along with the coexistence of intact and defective nef gene lineages in the same individual over time, whereas these nef gene abnormalities were absent from HIV-1 strains from LTNP. Increasing quasispecies diversity in HIV-1 strains, over time, abrogation of a V3 region N-linked glycosylation site in > 60% of the clones, and, importantly, an extended V2 region were unique features of HIV-1 strains from SP and LTNP. ConclusionsThe V2 region extension was unique to only SP and LTNP, and so may have a role in slow progression or non-progression of HIV disease. Increasing genetic diversity in HIV-1 strains in SP and LTNP correlated with the immunocompetent status of the host.
Kir4.1 K+ channels are regulated by external cations

The inwardly rectifying potassium channel (Kir), Kir4.1 mediates spatial K+-buffering in the CNS. In this process the channel is potentially exposed to a large range of extracellular K+ concentrations ([K+]o). We found that Kir4.1 is regulated by K+o. Increased [K+]o leads to a slow (mins) increase in the whole-cell currents of Xenopus oocytes expressing Kir4.1. Conversely, removing K+ from the bath solution results in a slow decrease of the currents. This regulation is not coupled to the pHi-sensitive gate of the channel, nor does it require the presence of K67, a residue necessary for K+o-dependent regulation of Kir1.1. The voltage-dependent blockers Cs+ and Ba2+ substitute for K+ and prevent deactivation of the channel in the absence of K+o. Cs+ blocks and regulates the channel with similar affinity, consistent with the regulatory sites being in the selectivity-filter of the channel. Although both Rb+ and NH4+ permeate Kir4.1, only Rb+ is able to regulate the channel. We conclude that Kir4.1 is regulated by ions interacting with specific sites in the selectivity filter. Using a kinetic model of the permeation process we show the plausibility of the channel’s sensing the extracellular ionic environment through changes in the selectivity occupancy pattern, and that it is feasible for an ion with the selectivity properties of NH4+ to permeate the channel without inducing these changes.
A gradient-based method for OFDM sub-carrier power allocation

It is well-known that under a frequency-selective fading channel the resultant sub-channel frequency functions in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) modem are frequency-variant and may also be time-variant. Hence adaptive modulation may be appropriately applied to improve the error performance and data throughput in an OFDM modem by assigning different power and/or modulation & coding schemes to different sub-carriers. A fundamental issue in deploying adaptive modulation is to determine the power and/or number of bits to be loaded into each of the sub-carriers. While families of analytically derived bit/power loading algorithms for an un- coded OFDM system are available in the literature, channel coding may be difficult to be incorporated in such analytical approaches. This paper suggests a novel gradient-based method that adapts the sub-carriers' powers to maximize or improve the net data throughput. It can be deployed to both un-coded and coded systems.
Characterizing and Predicting the Popularity of Online Videos

A huge amount of video content has been generated on the Internet, and user attention among those videos is allocated in an asymmetric way, with the vast majority barely noticed while a few of videos become very popular. Hence, understanding the popularity characteristics of online videos and predicting the future popularity of individual videos are of great importance. They have direct implications in various contexts, such as service design, advertisement planning, network management, and so on. In this paper, we address those two problems head-on based on data collected from a leading online video service provider in China, namely Youku. We firstly analyze the characteristics of Youku video popularity from four key aspects: long-term popularity, video lifetime, popularity evolution pattern, and early stage popularity. Then, we undertake the challenge of future popularity prediction, by proposing a model that can capture the popularity dynamics based on early popularity evolution pattern and future popularity burst prediction. The approach is validated on exhaustive real-world data and achieves significant decreases in relative prediction errors, reaching up to 32.73% and 11.28% reductions over two state-of-the-art baseline models, respectively. At last, we also provide the potential and limitation analysis of model parameters in practice.
Adrenergic cardiovascular control before and after removal of stimulatory α-1 adrenoreceptor antibodies.

To the Editor: Agonistic autoantibodies directed against G protein–coupled receptors are implicated in the pathogenesis of various human cardiovascular disorders. A patient subset with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy features agonistic antibodies directed against β-1 adrenoreceptors. Subsequently, immunization against β-adrenoreceptors in rats, as well as transfer of serum to nonimmunized animals, induces left ventricular dilation and dysfunction.1 Agonistic antibodies against the angiotensin II subtype 1 receptor may contribute to preeclampsia and humorally mediated kidney transplant rejection. More recent studies identified agonistic antibodies against the α-1 adrenoreceptor in 51% of treatment-resistant hypertension patients.2 In vitro, patient and rabbit α-1 adrenoreceptor antibodies activated protein kinase C-α and transient extracellular-related kinase phosphorylation and induced mesentery artery segment contraction.2 Finally, 5 patients in whom agonistic α-1 adrenoreceptor antibodies were removed through immunoabsorption showed favorable blood pressure responses.2 Another study arrived at similar conclusions after infused antibodies rapidly raised blood pressure in anesthetized rats; prazosin abolished the response.3 However, how agonistic …