Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Jitter compensation technique for continuous-time sigma-delta modulator

This paper proposes a new compensation technique to reduce the clock jitter effects for the continuous-time sigma-delta (CT-ΣΔ) modulator by using divided-by-n (D-N) feedback DAC waveform. There are two types of clock jitter: independent clock jitter (random jitter) and accumulated clock jitter (deterministic jitter). This technique provides a useful approach to solve one of the critical non-idealities, independent clock jitter, in the CT-ΣΔ modulator without increasing the speed requirement of the modulator as well as the complexity of system and circuit design. This technique can be implemented with the proposed DLL-based clock generator. The results prove the effectiveness of this new compensation technique for independent clock jitter.
Speciation in the marine crop Pyropia yezoensis (Bangiales, Rhodophyta)

In the marine red alga Pyropia yezoensis, commonly known in Japan as nori, sympatric occurrence of two cryptic species Pyropia sp. 2 and Pyropia sp. 3 on the same rock in a natural habitat has been confirmed by molecular analysis and detailed morphological observations. To confirm whether Pyropia sp. 2 and Pyropia sp. 3 were reproductively isolated in the sympatric population, 170 blades that had previously been studied using a maternally inherited plastid marker were examined with a nuclear gene marker. The results suggested that Pyropia sp. 2 and Pyropia sp. 3 with identical morphological features were reproductively isolated in the sympatric population and that they were different species based on the biological species concept. Although gametophytic blades of Pyropia were usually assumed to be haploid, 18 of 170 blades possessed both of the two genotypes derived from Pyropia sp. 2 and from Pyropia sp. 3. These results inferred that allodiploid blades were generated from the interspecific hybridization between these two cryptic species. The present findings provide insights for future studies on the speciation mechanism in seaweeds, particularly for genera that contain numerous species.
Left ventricular shape predicts different types of cardiovascular events in the general population

Objective To investigate whether sphericity volume index (SVI), an indicator of left ventricular (LV) remodelling, predicts incident cardiovascular events (coronary heart disease, CHD; all cardiovascular disease, CVD; heart failure, HF; atrial fibrillation, AF) over 10 years of follow-up in a multiethnic population (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis). Methods 5004 participants free of known CVD had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 2000–2002. Cine images were analysed to compute, equivalent to LV volume/volume of sphere with length of LV as the diameter. The highest (greatest sphericity) and lowest (lowest sphericity) quintiles of SVI were compared against the reference group (2–4 quintiles combined). Risk-factor adjusted hazard's ratio (HR) from Cox regression assessed the predictive performance of SVI at end-diastole (ED) and end-systole (ES) to predict incident outcomes over 10 years in retrospective interpretation of prospective data. Results At baseline, participants were aged 61±10 years; 52% men and 39%/13%/26%/22% Cauc/Chinese/Afr-Amer/Hispanic. Low sphericity was associated with higher Framingham CVD risk, greater coronary calcium score and higher N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP); while increased sphericity was associated with higher NT-proBNP and lower ejection fraction. Low sphericity predicted incident CHD (HR: 1.48, 1.55–2.59 at ED) and CVD (HR: 1.82, 1.47–2.27 at ED). However, both low (HR: 1.81, 1.20–2.73 at ES) and high (HR: 2.21, 1.41–3.46 at ES) sphericity predicted incident HF. High sphericity also predicted AF. Conclusions In a multiethnic population free of CVD at baseline, lowest sphericity was a predictor of incident CHD, CVD and HF over a 10-year follow-up period. Extreme sphericity was a strong predictor of incident HF and AF. SVI improved risk prediction models beyond established risk factors only for HF, but not for all CVD or CHD.
Canine hip dysplasia treated by juvenile pubic symphysiodesis

Summary Objectives: To measure one and two year effects of juvenile pubic symphysiodesis (JPS) in puppies defined as ‘at-risk’ for canine hip dysplasia (CHD) using the following objective hip conformation criteria: Acetabular angle (AA), dorsal acetabular rim angle (DARA) and hip laxity (PennHIP© distraction index (DI). Design: Controlled clinical case study. Animals: Thirty-nine dysplastic puppies (six controls). Procedures: The dogs were anaesthetised and acetabular angle, DARA, and DI values were obtained by computed tomography and radiography preoperatively. Electro-cautery fusion of the pubic symphysis was performed between 12 – 24 weeks of age. The imaging was repeated at one and two years of age. Results: Significant hip improvements were seen at the two-year follow-up appointments for: AA (JPS dogs 31% increase, control 3%), DARA (JPS 38% decrease, control 15%) and DI (JPS 41% decrease in laxity, controls 20%) for all postoperative versus preoperative values. Pubic fusion occurred with minor morbidity. Conclusion: Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis resulted in significant improvements in hip conformation (AA and DARA), especially in mild to moderately lax hips (DI = 0.40–0.69). Most dogs with DI ≥0.70 increased in osteoarthritis grade by two years of age. Clinical relevance: Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis surgery at 12–24 weeks of age significantly improved hip conformation and decreased laxity in at-risk CHD dogs. Early-age (12 to 16 week) recognition of hip laxity offered greater JPS benefits than surgery performed at 19- to 24-weeks-old. Dogs with severe laxity (DI ≥0.70) continued to increase in osteoarthritis. An early (12–16 weeks) positive laxity test (Ortolani) should alert one to obtain objective laxity determinations (Penn-HIP© DI).
Current and future drug-eluting coronary stent technology

Despite the impressive benefits obtained following the introduction of the drug-eluting stent, safety concerns have been raised over their long-term safety with particular regard to stent thrombosis. Various mechanisms such as delayed endothelialization, local hypersensitivity and endothelial dysfunction owing to the durable polymer coating and/or the drug itself have been suggested as possible causes of this phenomenon. Therefore, to address these concerns, a newer-generation of drug-eluting stents has been developed and they are currently undergoing preclinical and clinical evaluation in order to increase both the safety and biocompatibility by optimizing the three major components of drug-eluting stents: the stent platform, the polymer and the drug. This article critically reviews the key clinical trials and the current status of these new coronary devices as well as preventing future perspectives for their continued development.
Regulation of transmitter release by synapsin II in mouse motor terminals

We investigated quantal release and ultrastructure in the neuromuscular junctions of synapsin II knockout (Syn II KO) mice. Synaptic responses were recorded focally from the diaphragm synapses during electrical stimulation of the phrenic nerve. We found that synapsin II affects transmitter release in a Ca2+‐dependent manner. At reduced extracellular Ca2+ (0.5 mm), Syn II KO mice demonstrated a significant increase in evoked and spontaneous quantal release, while at the physiological Ca2+ concentration (2 mm), quantal release in Syn II KO synapses was unaffected. Protein kinase inhibitor H7 (100 μm) suppressed quantal release significantly stronger in Syn II KO synapses than in wild type (WT), indicating that Syn II KO synapses may compensate for the lack of synapsin II via a phosphorylation‐dependent pathway. Electron microscopy analysis demonstrated that the lack of synapsin II results in an approximately 40% decrease in the density of synaptic vesicles in the reserve pool, while the number of vesicles docked to the presynaptic membrane remained unchanged. Synaptic depression in Syn II KO synapses was slightly increased, which is consistent with the depleted vesicle store in these synapses. At reduced Ca2+ frequency facilitation of synchronous release was significantly increased in Syn II KO, while facilitation of asynchronous release was unaffected. Thus, at the reduced Ca2+ concentration, synapsin II suppressed transmitter release and facilitation. These results demonstrate that synapsin II can regulate vesicle clustering, transmitter release, and facilitation.
Beta‐catenin activity negatively regulates bacteria‐induced inflammation

Wild‐type (WT) Salmonella typhimurium cause acute intestinal inflammation by activating the NF‐kappaB pathway. Interestingly, WT Salmonella infection also causes degradation of beta‐catenin, the regulator of cell proliferation. Regulation of beta‐catenin and the inhibitor of NF‐kappa B, I kappa B alpha, are strikingly similar, involving phosphorylation at the same sites, ubiquitination by the same E3 ligase, and subsequent proteasomal degradation. However, how beta‐catenin directly regulates the NF‐kappa B pathway during bacteria‐induced inflammation in vivo is unknown. Using streptomycin‐pretreated mice challenged with Salmonella, we demonstrated that WT Salmonella stimulated beta‐catenin degradation and decreased the physical association between NF‐kappa B and beta‐catenin. Accordingly, WT Salmonella infection decreased the expression of c‐myc, a beta‐catenin‐regulated target gene and increased the levels of IL‐6 and TNF‐alpha, the NF kappa B‐regulated target genes. Bacterial infection directly stimulated phosphorylation of beta‐catenin, both in vivo and in vitro. Closer examination revealed that GSK‐3beta kinase activity was increased in response to WT Salmonella whereas non‐virulent Salmonella had no effect. Additionally, cells expressing constitutively active beta‐catenin showed I kappa B stabilization and inhibition of NF‐kappa B activity not only after WT Salmonella, but also after commensal bacteria (E. coli F18). This study indicates a new role for beta‐catenin as a negative regulator of inflammation.
Sleep-Loss as a Possible Mediator of Diverse Causes of Mania

When sleep duration and mood were monitored longitudinally in a 59–year-old woman with bipolar illness, sleep loss appeared to mediate the triggering of mania by psychosocial and pharmacological precipitating factors. This interpretation was supported by observations that mania could repeatedly be induced experimentally by depriving her of sleep for one night. The patient's data illustrate how sleep-loss might be a preventable cause of mania in a variety of situations.
Comparison of Single- and Double-Stage Designs in the Prevalence Estimation of Eating Disorders in Community Samples

The aim of this research was to compare two different case-identification designs: (a) a one-stage anonymous design using the Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q; Fairburn & Beglin, 1994) as diagnostic instrument and (b) a two-stage-non-anonymous design using the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT; Garner & Garfinkel, 1979) and the EDE-Q as screening instruments and the clinical interview Eating Disorders Examination (EDE; Fairburn & Cooper, 1993) as diagnostic instrument, in the estimation of eating disorders prevalence in community samples. Both epidemiological designs were compared in: eating disorders prevalence, population at risk, and weekly frequency of associated symptomatology (binge eating episodes, self-vomiting) within a sample of 559 scholars (14 to 18 year-old males and females) studying in the region of Madrid. Eating disorders prevalence estimation using single-stage design was 6.2%, and 3% using the two-stage design; however, these differences were not significant (p = .067). No significant differences between the two procedures were found either in population at risk or in weekly frequency of reported self-vomiting. Reported binge eating episodes were higher in the one-stage design. The use of a two-stage procedure with clinical interview (vs. questionnaire) leads to a better understanding of the items (specially the most ambiguous ones) and thus, to a more accurate prevalence estimation. El objetivo era comparar la adecuación de dos protocolos en la estimación de prevalencia de trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA): Protocolo de una fase, anónimo, usando como instrumento diagnóstico “Eating Disorders Examination-Questionnaire” (EDE-Q; Fairburn & Beglin, 1994); y Protocolo de doble fase, no anónimo, usando como instrumentos de “cribado” el “Eating Attitudes Test” (EAT; Garner & Garfinkel, 1979) y el EDE-Q; y como instrumento diagnóstico el “Eating Disorders Examination” (EDE; Fairburn & Cooper, 1993). Ambos protocolos fueron comparados en estimación de prevalencia de TCA, población en riesgo y frecuencia semanal de sintomatología asociada (episodios de sobreingesta y vómitos autoinducidos), en 559 adolescentes (ambos sexos) 14 - 18 años escolarizados en la Comunidad de Madrid. La estimación de prevalencia TCA con el protocolo de una fase fue 6,2%; y con el protocolo de dos fases, 3%, aunque las diferencias no fueron significativas (p = 0,067). No hubo diferencias significativas en cuanto a población en riesgo ni en frecuencia semanal de vómitos autoinducidos obtenida por ambos protocolos. La frecuencia semanal de atracones fue superior en el grupo de una fase. El protocolo de dos fases permite una mejor comprensión de los ítems y, por tanto, es más aconsejable para una estimación más precisa de la prevalencia de TCA.
No Hablamos Habeas: How Incarcerated Immigrant Inmates Struggle with Ineffective Assistance of Counsel Language Access Claims

This article examines the constitutional requirements of a fair and impartial criminal justice system that are impacted when a defendant does not speak English and is provided neither with an attorney who speaks their native language nor effective translation and interpretation services. It examines the Strickland v. Washington test for ineffective assistance of counsel claims and discusses language access habeas cases to demonstrate the inadequate state of language access in the legal system. The article concludes by reiterating the importance of safeguards for clients who speak foreign languages inside and outside the courtroom and provides some recommendations to assist in implementing necessary safeguards.
A Contingent View of Partner Coopetition in International Joint Ventures

Is coopetition between foreign and local partners good or bad for international joint venture (IJV) performance? This study develops a contingent view to examine how the efficacy of coopetition is conditional on IJV characteristics (i.e., foreign equity share and partner cultural compatibility) and environmental factors (i.e., technological turbulence and market growth). The results from analyzing 194 IJVs in China reveal that coopetition fosters IJV performance under the conditions of high foreign equity share, low partner cultural compatibility, high technological turbulence, and/or high market growth. In contrast, coopetition hinders IJV performance at low levels of foreign equity share, technological turbulence, and/or market growth, or at high levels of partner cultural compatibility. These findings support the authors’ contingent view of coopetition and provide novel insights for managing partner coopetition in IJVs.
Learning Patient Safety in Academic Settings: A Comparative Study of Finnish and British Nursing Students' Perceptions.

BACKGROUND Globalization of health care demands nursing education programs that equip students with evidence-based patient safety competences in the global context. Nursing students' entrance into clinical placements requires professional readiness. Thus, evidence-based learning activities about patient safety must be provided in academic settings prior to students' clinical placements. AIMS To explore and compare Finnish and British nursing students' perceptions of learning about patient safety in academic settings to inform nursing educators about designing future education curriculum. METHODS A purpose-designed instrument, Patient Safety in Nursing Education Questionnaire (PaSNEQ) was used to examine the perceptions of Finnish (n = 195) and British (n = 158) nursing students prior to their final year of registration. Data were collected in two Finnish and two English nursing schools in 2012. Logistic regressions were used to analyze the differences. RESULTS British students reported more inclusion (p < .001) of "gaining knowledge," "training skills," and "highlighting affirmative attitudes and motivation" related to patient safety in their programs. Both student groups considered patient safety education to be more valuable for their own learning than what their programs had provided. Training patient safety skills in the academic settings were the strongest predictors for differences (odds ratio [OR] = 34.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.39-162.83), along with work experience in the healthcare sector (OR = 3.02, 95% CI 1.39-6.58). LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION To prepare nursing students for practical work, training related to clear communication, reporting errors, systems-based approaches, interprofessional teamwork, and use of simulation in academic settings requires comprehensive attention, especially in Finland. Overall, designing patient safety-affirming nursing curricula in collaboration with students may enhance their positive experiences on teaching and learning about patient safety. An international collaboration between educators could help to develop and harmonize patient safety education and to better prepare nurses for practice in the global context.
The Transcription Factor VvMYB5b Contributes to the Regulation of Anthocyanin and Proanthocyanidin Biosynthesis in Developing Grape Berries12[W]

Among the dramatic changes occurring during grape berry (Vitis vinifera) development, those affecting the flavonoid pathway have provoked a number of investigations in the last 10 years. In addition to producing several compounds involved in the protection of the berry and the dissemination of the seeds, final products of this pathway also play a critical role in berry and wine quality. In this article, we describe the cloning and functional characterization of VvMYB5b, a cDNA isolated from a grape berry (V. vinifera ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’) library. VvMYB5b encodes a protein belonging to the R2R3-MYB family of transcription factors and displays significant similarity with VvMYB5a, another MYB factor recently shown to regulate flavonoid synthesis in grapevine. The ability of VvMYB5a and VvMYB5b to activate the grapevine promoters of several structural genes of the flavonoid pathway was confirmed by transient expression of the corresponding cDNAs in grape cells. Overexpression of VvMYB5b in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) leads to an up-regulation of genes encoding enzymes of the flavonoid pathway and results in the accumulation of anthocyanin- and proanthocyanidin-derived compounds. The ability of VvMYB5b to regulate particularly the anthocyanin and the proanthocyanidin pathways is discussed in relation to other recently characterized MYB transcription factors in grapevine. Taken together, data presented in this article give insight into the transcriptional mechanisms associated with the regulation of the flavonoid pathway throughout grape berry development.
Detection of submicrogram quantities of glycosaminoglycans on agarose gels by sequential staining with toluidine blue and Stains‐All

A sensitive method has been developed for the visualization of nonradiolabelled glycosaminoglycans resolved by agarose gel electrophoresis using staining with toluidine blue followed by Stains‐All procedure. This method, which can detect as little as 10 ng of a single species, can be used to stain a few micrograms of a complex polysaccharide mixture. The combination of agarose gel electrophoresis and sequential toluidine blue/Stains‐All staining can be applied to the analysis of all the complex glycosaminoglycans (i.e., heparin, heparan sulfate, chondroitin/dermatan sulfate) and nonsulfated polyanions (i.e., hyaluronate, defructosylated capsular polysaccharide K4) as well as to comparisons of specificities of the glycosaminoglycan‐degrading enzymes and the identification and quantification of the contaminations of other polysaccharides within glycosaminoglycan preparations with great sensitivity (about 0.1%). Furthermore, this method can be used to stain low‐molecular‐mass fractions and oligosaccharides derived from the natural polyanions, such as heparin. This procedure may be particularly valuable in situations where the availability of glycosaminoglycan is very limited.
Coffee consumption and death from coronary heart disease in middle aged Norwegian men and women.

OBJECTIVE--To study the association between number of cups of coffee consumed per day and coronary death when taking other major coronary risk factors into account. DESIGN--Men and women attending screening and followed up for a mean of 6.4 years. SETTING--Cardiovascular survey performed by ambulatory teams from the National Health Screening Service in Norway. PARTICIPANTS--All middle aged people in three counties: 19,398 men and 19,166 women aged 35-54 years who reported neither cardiovascular disease or diabetes nor symptoms of angina pectoris or intermittent claudication. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE--Predictive value of number of cups of coffee consumed per day. RESULTS--At initial screening total serum cholesterol concentration, high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration, blood pressure, height, and weight were measured and self reported information about smoking history, physical activity, and coffee drinking habits was recorded. Altogether 168 men and 16 women died of coronary heart disease during follow up. Mean cholesterol concentrations for men and women were almost identical and increased from the lowest to highest coffee consumption group (13.1% and 10.9% respectively). With the proportional hazards model and adjustment for age, total serum and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, systolic blood pressure, and number of cigarettes per day the coefficient for coffee corresponded to a relative risk between nine or more cups of coffee and less than one cup of 2.2 (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 4.5) for men and 5.1 (0.4 to 60.3) for women. For men the relative risk varied among the three counties. CONCLUSIONS--Coffee may affect mortality from coronary heart disease over and above its effect in raising cholesterol concentrations.
Learning Manual Skills in Anesthesiology: Is There a Recommended Number of Cases for Anesthetic Procedures?

The learning process is a multidimensional function with a wide intra-and interindividual scattering. To determine the learning process in anesthesia, we evaluated 11 first-year residents according to their rate of success or failure when applying manual anesthesiological skills, such as performance of spinal, epidural, or brachial plexus anesthesia and tracheal intubation or insertion of an arterial line. Epidural anesthesia was the most difficult procedure (P < 0.05). Significant differences were found between epidural anesthesia and tracheal intubation (P < 0.05), insertion of an arterial line (P < 0.05), and brachial plexus block (P < 0.05), as well as between spinal anesthesia and orotracheal intubation (P < 0.05). Learning curves are a valid tool for monitoring institutional and individual success. Implications: To investigate the learning process in anesthesia, typical anesthetic procedures were performed by inexperienced residents during their first year. Learning curves were generated for each procedure performed. Epidural anesthesia was the most difficult procedure to perform (P < 0.05). (Anesth Analg 1998;86:635-9)