Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immediate thallium re-injection after stress imaging for the detection of myocardial viability

Myocardial perfusion imaging with thallium is an established method to assess the presence of ischaemic and viable myocardium. Using planar imaging, images acquired 1 h after immediate thallium re-injection have been shown to be comparable to those of 3 h redistribution. The aim of this study was to clarify this using SPET. Twenty patients with chronic coronary artery disease with at least two perfusion defects on post-exercise images participated in this study. All patients received thallium re-injection after post-stress SPET and all had 1 h, 3 h and 24 h redistribution imaging. The thallium myocardial tomograms were divided into 14 segments for each patient. A total of 78 segments were studied. When the frequency of reversibility on 1 h, 3 h and 24 h redistribution images is compared, of the 78 SPET defects 18 (23.1%) showed reversibility by 1 h, 34 (43.6%) by combined 1 h and 3 h imaging (P<0.05) and 50 (64.1%) by combined 1 h, 3 h and 24 h imaging (P<0.05). Our results show that, compared to 3 h images, images acquired 1 h after immediate thallium re-injection underestimate the extent of viable myocardial segments and the incidence of late reversibility was not reduced by the immediate re-injection of thallium.
A Distributed System for Continuous Integration with JINI

The present work extends a previously developed continuous integration system to support platform dependent builds and to reduce turnaround time by incorporating distributed computing capabilities. By adopting the Replicated-Worker Pattern as the distributed architecture and using JINI distributed technology as the means of implementation, both requirements are achieved. Experimental results in support of the claims are presented.
SadB Is Required for the Transition from Reversible to Irreversible Attachment during Biofilm Formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa PA14

ABSTRACT Current models of biofilm formation by Pseudomonas aeruginosa propose that (i) planktonic cells become surface associated in a monolayer, (ii) surface-associated cells form microcolonies by clonal growth and/or aggregation, (iii) microcolonies transition to a mature biofilm comprised of exopolysaccharide-encased macrocolonies, and (iv) cells exit the mature biofilm and reenter the planktonic state. Here we report a new class of P. aeruginosa biofilm mutant that defines the transition from reversible to irreversible attachment and is thus required for monolayer formation. The transposon insertion carried by the sadB199 mutant was mapped to open reading frame PA5346 of P. aeruginosa PA14 and encodes a protein of unknown function. Complementation analysis and phage-mediated transduction demonstrated that the transposon insertion in PA5346 was the cause of the biofilm-defective phenotype. Examination of flow cell-grown biofilms showed that the sadB199 mutant could initiate surface attachment but failed to form microcolonies despite being proficient in both twitching and swimming motility. Closer examination of early attachment revealed an increased number of the sadB199 mutant cells arrested at reversible attachment, functionally defined as adherence via the cell pole. A positive correlation among biofilm formation, irreversible attachment, and SadB level was demonstrated, and furthermore, RpoN and FleR appear to negatively affect SadB levels. Fractionation studies showed that the SadB protein is localized to the cytoplasm, and with the use of GPS-linker scanning mutagenesis, the C-terminal portion of SadB was shown to be dispensable for function, whereas the two putative domains of unknown function and the linker region spanning these domains were required for function. We discuss the results presented here in the context of microbial development as it applies to biofilm formation.
Long-term follow-up of home mechanical ventilation in young children with spinal cord injury and neuromuscular conditions.

OBJECTIVES To provide outcomes of two decades of experience in home ventilation of children with spinal cord injury and neuromuscular conditions. STUDY DESIGN Data were collected through chart review and interviews on 39 children who had become ventilator-dependent before their 6th birthday; 23 children had neuromuscular diseases and 16 had spinal cord injuries. RESULTS Patients required an average of 0.7 rehospitalizations per year. There were 8 deaths. Survival rates were 97% at 1 year, 97% at 3 years, 84% at 5 years, and 71% at 10 years. Thirty children attended school, 13 were in regular school (1 at university level), 5 were home-schooled, 5 were in special education schools, and 5 were in regular school with some special education classes. One graduated high school, and another graduated university and received a graduate degree. Three children had progressive weakness. Two gained significant muscle strength. CONCLUSIONS Our experience showed that these patients can be discharged to home with low morbidity and mortality rates and successful reintegration into the community.
An 800 MOPS 110 mW 1.5 V parallel DSP for mobile multimedia processing

The central signal-processing unit for a portable multimedia terminal in the coming wide-band wireless communication age should meet the following three requirements: (1) high-performance for processing video-class wide-band digital signals, (2) low-power for extended battery life, (3) programmability to cope with applications with a small chip count. Conventional DSPs lack the high-performance, while emerging media processors consume too much power. This DSP exploits task-level, coarse-grained parallelism inherent in multimedia applications. This chip achieves performance in a power-efficient manner, while maintaining the programmability of conventional DSPs.
"ALTRUISTIC" BEHAVIOR IN RHESUS MONKEYS.

A 5 X 5 X 2 ft. masonite and plexiglass box was divided in the middle by a half-silvered screen that blocked vision only from the right (stimulus) to the left (operator) compartment. The latter was equipped with red and blue signal lights, two chains suspended from ceiling microswitches, a food tube and a water cup; the right compartment was bare except for floor and wall grids attached to a Grason-Stadler E6070B constant current shock source and scrambler. Eight male and 7 female feral rhesus monkeys (Os) were separately trained in the operator compartment to secure a 0.7 gm. pellet of food by pulling one chain in response to a red light and the other chain to a blue one, each of 5 sec. duration and occurring in random order at irregular intervals ranging from a mean of 15 sec. ; this training was continued until the responses were 90% correct with less than 20 unsignalled reactions in 2 consecutive sessions. A "stimulous animal" (SA) was then placed in the right compartment for 3 sessions while the O continued to feed on signal; however, on the 4th day one of the chanins was programmed also to administer a 3 sec. , 5 ma high-frequency shock to the SA. Each O was run with a given SA until, again in 2 consecutive sessions, either (i), the O selected the non-shock
Mining Association Rules Using Value Dependence and Pseudo Intension

Association rules are useful for determining correlations between items and have applications in marketing, financial and retail sectors. Lots of algorithms have been proposed for finding the association rules in databases. In this paper, we propose a new algorithm to find out association rules. First, attention is paid to value dependence theory. Then we study a theory called pseudo intension which is usually used in Formal Concept Analysis (FCA). Finally, we propose an algorithm based on value dependence and pseudo intension theories to mine association rules. Keywords-association rules; pseudo intension; FCA; value dependence
Yeux plus grands que le ventre. Les TICE dans le dispositif scolaire

L'introduction des TICE dans le dispositif scolaire institutionnalise, voulue et entreprise par la plupart de ses responsables politiques et administratifs, rencontre dans les etablissements des obstacles importants, notamment lorsqu'il s'agit de faire penetrer l'ordinateur dans l'espace de la classe. L'article propose une interpretation des causes de ces resistances qui met l'accent sur la responsabilite des decideurs qui, mesestimant certaines des caracteristiques de l'institution scolaire, sont conduits a fixer a leurs reformes des objectifs demesures. L'observation attentive des pratiques de classes permet de proposer une interpretation plus equilibree des tensions que les TICE introduisent dans l'institution scolaire.
Is old age really a reason to withhold thrombolytic therapy?

Patients eligible for thrombolysis should be treated regardless of age Van Oostenbrugge et al ( see pages 375–7 ) of this issue present data on a group of 45 patients aged 80 years or over and compare outcome after thrombolytic therapy to that in a group of patients aged less than 80 years. In their study, older patients have a significantly worse outcome as measured by the modified Rankin scale. There was a non-significant trend towards more intracranial bleeding in the older patients. The authors conclude that their results “question whether the use of rt-PA [recombinant tissue plasminogen activator] is justified in patients over 80 years of age”. The authors are ambivalent with regard to thrombolytic therapy, and even more so when it comes to the treatment of elderly patients. As stated in …
High intake of energy, sucrose, and polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with increased risk of preeclampsia.

OBJECTIVE Preeclampsia is associated with high body mass index, insulin resistance, and hypertriglyceridemia. Our objective was to investigate prospectively whether diet in the first half of pregnancy is associated with the risk for preeclampsia. STUDY DESIGN This prospective, population-based, cohort study of pregnant women investigated dietary intake early in the second trimester with a quantitative food frequency questionnaire. RESULTS The questionnaire was completed by 3133 women (83%). Preeclampsia developed in 85 women. Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for preeclampsia was 3.7 (1.5-8.9) for energy intake of >3350 kcal/d compared with < or =2000 kcal/d. Adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for preeclampsia was 3.6 (1.3-9.8) for sucrose intake (percent of total energy) of >25% compared with < or =8.5% and 2.6 (1.3-5.4) for polyunsaturated fatty acids intake (percent of total energy) of >7.5% compared with < or =5.2%. Other energy-providing nutrients were not associated with the risk for preeclampsia. CONCLUSION The current study suggests that high intakes of energy, sucrose, and polyunsaturated fatty acids independently increase the risk for preeclampsia.
Two-step spin transition in a 1D Fe(II) 1,2,4-triazole chain compound.

A thermochromic 1D spin crossover coordination (SCO) polymer [Fe(βAlatrz)3](BF4)2⋅2 H2O (1⋅2 H2O), whose precursor βAlatrz, (1,2,4-triazol-4-yl-propionate) has been tailored from a β-amino acid ester is investigated in detail by a set of superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID), (57)Fe Mössbauer, differential scanning calorimetry, infrared, and Raman measurements. An hysteretic abrupt two-step spin crossover (T1/2(↓) = 230 K and T1/2(↑) = 235 K, and T1/2(↓) = 172 K and T1/2(↑) = 188 K, respectively) is registered for the first time for a 1,2,4-triazole-based Fe(II) 1D coordination polymer. The two-step SCO configuration is observed in a 1:2 ratio of low-spin/high-spin in the intermediate phase for a 1D chain. The origin of the stepwise transition was attributed to a distribution of chains of different lengths in 1⋅2 H2O after First Order Reversal Curves (FORC) analyses. A detailed DFT analysis allowed us to propose the normal mode assignment of the Raman peaks in the low-spin and high-spin states of 1⋅2 H2O. Vibrational spectra of 1⋅2 H2O reveal that the BF4(-) anions and water molecules play no significant role on the vibrational properties of the [Fe(βAlatrz)3](2+) polymeric chains, although non-coordinated water molecules have a dramatic influence on the emergence of a step in the spin transition curve. The dehydrated material [Fe(βAlatrz)3](BF4)2 (1) reveals indeed a significantly different magnetic behavior with a one-step SCO which was also investigated.
Optimal Inspection and Replacement Policy using Stochastic Method for Deterioration Prediction

This paper introduces a Weibull hazard model formulated by the aggregated Markov method to forecast the expected design life of highway facilities and equipments and also for the inspection/replacement processes of tunnel lighting systems. First, the paper focuses on presenting a methodology to overcome the estimation bias issues caused by the incompleteness of the data set due to the lack of full life length information. The incompleteness of the data structure varies in different monitoring schemes. Hence, the necessity to develop an estimation methodology of the deterioration hazard models considering the available incomplete life length data from the observed samples arises. The paper also investigates the optimal inspection and replacement policy of tunnel lighting systems using a deterioration hazard model. The inspection/replacement intervals and the maximum life length of the light bulbs are considered as the major management policy variables, and the impacts of these management variables upon the life cycle costs and the fault probability of the light bulbs are investigated. Subsequently, the optimal inspection/replacement model to find the optimal policy that minimizes the life cycle costs given the levels of the fault risks is presented. The applicability of the methodology presented in this paper is examined against real world data concerning the facilities and equipments on the highways.
Mitochondrial dysfunction and Down's syndrome: is there a role for coenzyme Q(10) ?

Structural changes and abnormal function of mitochondria have been documented in Down's syndrome (DS) cells, patients, and animal models. DS cells in culture exhibit a wide array of functional mitochondrial abnormalities including reduced mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced ATP production, and decreased oxido-reductase activity. New research has also brought to central stage the prominent role of oxidative stress in this condition. This review focuses on recent advances in the field with a particular emphasis on novel translational approaches involving the utilization of coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10) ) to treat a variety of clinical phenotypes associated with DS that are linked to increased oxidative stress and energy deficits. CoQ(10) has already provided promising results in several different conditions associated with altered energy metabolism and oxidative stress in the CNS. Two studies conducted in Ancona investigated the effect of CoQ(10) treatment on DNA damage in DS patients. Although the effect of CoQ(10) was evidenced only at single cell level, the treatment affected the distribution of cells according to their content in oxidized bases. In fact, it produced a strong negative correlation linking cellular CoQ(10) content and the amount of oxidized purines. Results suggest that the effect of CoQ(10) treatment in DS not only reflects antioxidant efficacy, but likely modulates DNA repair mechanisms.
Paternal heat exposure causes DNA methylation and gene expression changes of Stat3 in Wild guinea pig sons

Abstract Epigenetic mechanisms convey environmental information through generations and can regulate gene expression. Epigenetic studies in wild mammals are rare, but enable understanding adaptation processes as they may occur in nature. In most wild mammal species, males are the dispersing sex and thus often have to cope with differing habitats and thermal changes more rapidly than the often philopatric females. As temperature is a major environmental selection factor, we investigated whether genetically heterogeneous Wild guinea pig (Cavia aperea) males adapt epigenetically to an increase in temperature, whether that response will be transmitted to the next generation(s), and whether it regulates mRNA expression. Five (F0) adult male guinea pigs were exposed to an increased ambient temperature for 2 months, corresponding to the duration of the species' spermatogenesis. To study the effect of heat, we focused on the main thermoregulatory organ, the liver. We analyzed CpG‐methylation changes of male offspring (F1) sired before and after the fathers' heat treatment (as has recently been described in Weyrich et al. [Mol. Ecol., 2015]). Transcription analysis was performed for the three genes with the highest number of differentially methylated changes detected: the thermoregulation gene Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (Stat3), the proteolytic peptidase gene Cathepsin Z (Ctsz), and Sirtuin 6 (Sirt6) with function in epigenetic regulation. Stat3 gene expression was significantly reduced (P < 0.05), which indicated a close link between CpG‐methylation and expression levels for this gene. The two other genes did not show gene expression changes. Our results indicate the presence of a paternal transgenerational epigenetic effect. Quick adaptation to climatic changes may become increasingly relevant for the survival of wildlife species as global temperatures are rising.
Measurement of intracellular chloride in guinea‐pig vas deferens by ion analysis, 36chloride and micro‐electrodes

1. Cl‐sensitive micro‐electrodes were used to measure the intracellular Cl activity (aCli) in smooth muscle cells of the guinea‐pig vas deferens. The values obtained were compared with those of intracellular Cl (Cli) found by both ion analysis and 36Cl efflux.
Alignment in Syntactic Blending

Examples like these illustrate the fact that “the general principle of competition between planning structures is obviously capable of being thrust into a causal role at many points,” in the explanation for speech error phenomena. Crucially, “the problem,” as Garrett says, “is to find a suitably constrained range of such claims” (p. 206). The aim of my paper is to do exactly that, using a large corpus of syntactic blends published by Cohen (1987). The proposal of the paper is grounded in the intuition that a syntactic blend is formed on the basis of correspondences between subparts of plans. For example, in the blend at some detail, composed of in some detail and at some length, it appears that in and at stand in a correspondence relation such that they compete for a single slot. Uttering at therefore precludes uttering in. In this sense, in and at “correspond” or are “aligned”, as are length and detail. I propose a model of syntactic blending consisting of two parts: alignment and selection. The process of alignment creates a sequence of slots, where each slot corresponds to a lexical item (or perhaps a short sequence of words) from one or both of the sources. Selection chooses exactly one element from each slot. I will argue further that this alignment is sensitive to syntax, by showing evidence that syntactic constraints are operative in determining the alignment between the two sources. Let us call this the “Syntactic Alignment Hypothesis”: Words in syntactically parallel positions align. In particular, I will argue that syntactically parallel words align with each other and therefore compete for selection. Take the following example:
Chinese Casino Gambling Behaviors: Risk Taking in Casinos vs. Abstract Investments

Investments Bernadete Ozorio Davis Ka-Chio Fong Capitalizing on the recent developments in casino gambling in Macao and the dominance of Chinese gambling at Macao casinos, the purpose of this research was to study how Chinese behaved in gambling and how these behaviors related to another risk taking activity, investment, which has been documented to be in a different risk taking domain from gambling. A survey was carried out in Macao with casino gamblers as the target respondents. In addition to socio-economic data, each respondent was asked about the extent of his gambling involvement and his responses to some standardized investment decision making situations. Bet-to-income ratio was used to assess a respondent's risk taking behavior in casino gambling. The questionnaire developed by MacCrimmon and Wehrung (1988) was used to assess risk taking propensities in the area of investment. Results showed that gamblers appeared to be taking high risk while gambling. In addition, the degrees of risk taking in the two domains were significantly and positively correlated. The quest for instant rewards either for quick profits or for satisfying strong immediate sensations and excitement might possibly explain the correlation.
Learned movements in a left-handed pianist: an f-MRI evaluation

The spatial arrangement of neuronal sources for digit movement is non somatotopic, and is structured as extensively arranged through different regional cortex. We have functionally examined the cerebro-cortical activation during simple and complex motor sequences, before and after learning sessions, in healthy volunteers, both considering left- and right-dominant hand use, and left non dominant hand use, skillfulness and educational level. We discuss the results with a review on the topic.
Mobile MSN Messenger: Still a Complement?

In order to understand how mobile instant messaging services can fit into the usersâ? current communication behavior, Ericsson Research performed a qualitative user study in Sweden in May 2007. The results showed that the respondents were positive towards (free of charge) mobile MSN Messenger and perceived it as an ex¬tension of the computer-based version that could be used anywhere. However, although MSN Messenger on the com¬puter definitely was considered as a â? must-haveâ? application, the mobile version was only perceived as a â? nice-to-haveâ? application and a complement to text mes¬saging (SMS). Almost one year later, in April 2008, Ericsson Research performed a short qualita¬tive follow-up study with the same set of respondents to un¬derstand if and how the mobile MSN Messenger usage had changed. The results actually revealed that none of the re¬spondents used mobile MSN Messenger anymore as the application no longer was free of charge. On a general level, the study highlights important considera¬tions when intro¬ducing computer-based concepts and Internet services in a mo¬bile environment.
Survey of physicians’ attitudes toward the use of magnesium sulfate for acute asthma exacerbations in Turkey

Abstract Background: Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is considered to be a well-tolerated, inexpensive, and effective medication for severe asthma exacerbations. We surveyed physicians who treat patients with asthma to evaluate the current knowledge and usage of MgSO4. Methods: A self-administered questionnaire was e-mailed to members of the Turkish National Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology and was distributed to participants of its annual congress. Results: Of the 456 respondents (mean age: 36.53 ± 9.11 years), 42.3% reported to use MgSO4 in asthma exacerbations in their practice, and 48.7% agreed that MgSO4 was included in asthma guidelines. The best known indication was that it was useful only in patients refractory to bronchodilators and systemic corticosteroids (67.7%). The two most common reasons to use MgSO4 were to shorten hospital stay (94.7%), and prevent admission to intensive care unit (80.3%). The respondents mostly used MgSO4 in the treatment of severe or life-threatening exacerbations. Thirty-nine percent believed that MgSO4 had no effect on discharge period, and 29% of them marked minor side effects. The most common reason for not using MgSO4 was inexperience (36.5%). Having an academic affiliation (OR = 3.20, p < 0.001), the number of asthmatic outpatients seen per month (OR = 1.82, p = 0.007), and more recent graduation from medical school (≤1991) (OR = 0.23, p < 0.001) were associated with the use of MgSO4 in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Even though the effect of MgSO4 in acute severe asthma is well known, only half of the physicians dealing with asthma patients have used it in their practice. Education and encouragement in this regard are necessary.