Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fractional flow reserve in acute coronary syndromes.

This editorial refers to ‘Fractional flow reserve versus angiography in guiding management to optimize outcomes in non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the British Heart Foundation FAMOUS-NSTEMI randomized trial’, by J. Layland et al. , on page doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehu338 Little doubt exists about the outcome benefit of an invasive strategy in patients with an acute coronary syndrome (ACS). 1 Yet, once the revascularization is performed, the treatment strategy of patients admitted with an ACS is not always as straightforward in daily clinical practice as indicated in guidelines.2 The reasons for this are at least three-fold. First, a sizable proportion of patients admitted for an ACS have multiple stenoses on the angiogram.3 Based on the clinical history, the electrocardiogram (ECG), and the angiogram, it is (usually) easy to identify the stenosis responsible for the acute clinical syndrome, but not to decide whether the non-culprit stenoses warrant treatment. Secondly, incomplete revascularization—whatever its definition4—is associated with poor outcomes.3 While the timing of this additional revascularization procedure remains debated, leaving stenoses that induce ischaemia untreated is detrimental.7 Thirdly, assessing residual ischaemia after an ACS is less reliable than what is usually reported in patients with stable coronary artery disease. Many patients admitted with an ACS have several …
Neuroglobin protects the brain from experimental stroke in vivo

Neuroglobin (Ngb) is an O2-binding protein localized to cerebral neurons of vertebrates, including humans. Its physiological role is unknown but, like hemoglobin, myoglobin, and cytoglobin/histoglobin, it may transport O2, detoxify reactive oxygen species, or serve as a hypoxia sensor. We reported recently that hypoxia stimulates transcriptional activation of Ngb in cultured cortical neurons and that antisense inhibition of Ngb expression increases hypoxic neuronal injury, whereas overexpression of Ngb confers resistance to hypoxia. These findings are consistent with a role for Ngb in promoting neuronal survival after hypoxic insults in vitro. Here we report that in rats, intracerebroventricular administration of an Ngb antisense, but not sense, oligodeoxynucleotide increases infarct volume and worsens functional neurological outcome, whereas intracerebral administration of a Ngb-expressing adeno-associated virus vector reduces infarct size and improves functional outcome, after focal cerebral ischemia induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. We conclude that Ngb acts as an endogenous neuroprotective factor in focal cerebral ischemia and may therefore represent a target for the development of new treatments for stroke.
Mapping Arabic WordNet synsets to Wikipedia articles using monolingual and bilingual features

Abstract The alignment of WordNet and Wikipedia has received wide attention from researchers of computational linguistics, who are building a new lexical knowledge source or enriching the semantic information of WordNet entities. The main challenge of this alignment is how to handle the synonymy and ambiguity issues in the contents of two units from different sources. Therefore, this paper introduces mapping method that links an Arabic WordNet synset to its corresponding article in Wikipedia. This method uses monolingual and bilingual features to overcome the lack of semantic information in Arabic WordNet. For evaluating this method, an Arabic mapping data set, which contains 1,291 synset–article pairs, is compiled. The experimental analysis shows that the proposed method achieves promising results and outperforms the state-of-the-art methods that depend only on monolingual features. The mapped method has also been used to increase the coverage of Arabic WordNet by inserting new synsets from Wikipedia.
Hypogonadism induced by luteinising hormone releasing hormone agonist analogues: effects on bone density in premenopausal women.

bradykinin in guinea pigs,3" and inhaled kinins can provoke bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients.32 The data presented in this paper do not support a relation with asthma, but the mechanism ofproduction ofcough may be similar and might be mediated by the local irritant effect of increased bradykinin as suggested by Stark.33 Any postulated mechanism for the reaction would need to take into account the preponderance of women among the patients with cough. The similar age distribution of the men and women and the fact that most of the women were postmenopausal suggests that sex hormones do not have an influence. Captopril enhances the release of prostaglandin-like substance from guinea pig lungs3' and can increase production of prostaglandin E2 in patients with hypertension.34 Prostaglandin E2 and others have an irritant effect on the respiratory tract, and so prostaglandins should be considered as possible mediators.35
Identify bilayer modules via pseudo-3D clustering: applications to miRNA-gene bilayer networks

Abstract Module identification is a frequently used approach for mining local structures with more significance in global networks. Recently, a wide variety of bilayer networks are emerging to characterize the more complex biological processes. In the light of special topological properties of bilayer networks and the accompanying challenges, there is yet no effective method aiming at bilayer module identification to probe the modular organizations from the more inspiring bilayer networks. To this end, we proposed the pseudo-3D clustering algorithm, which starts from extracting initial non-hierarchically organized modules and then iteratively deciphers the hierarchical organization of modules according to a bottom-up strategy. Specifically, a modularity function for bilayer modules was proposed to facilitate the algorithm reporting the optimal partition that gives the most accurate characterization of the bilayer network. Simulation studies demonstrated its robustness and outperformance against alternative competing methods. Specific applications to both the soybean and human miRNA-gene bilayer networks demonstrated that the pseudo-3D clustering algorithm successfully identified the overlapping, hierarchically organized and highly cohesive bilayer modules. The analyses on topology, functional and human disease enrichment and the bilayer subnetwork involved in soybean fat biosynthesis provided both the theoretical and biological evidence supporting the effectiveness and robustness of pseudo-3D clustering algorithm.
Effect of Age at Onset of Deafness on Children's Speech Perception Abilities with a Cochlear Implant

The speech perception abilities of 37 children with cochlear implants (single-channel or multichannel) were examined as a function of age at onset of deafness. There was no significant difference in the speech perception abilities of implanted children who were born deaf and those of implanted children who lost their hearing during the first 3 years of life. In contrast, the performance of children whose age at onset of deafness was 5 years or later was significantly better than that of the children with congenital or early-acquired deafness on tests of stress pattern categorization, closed-set word identification, open-set identification of common phrases, and lipreading enhancement.
The N-1-Naphthylphthalamic Acid-Binding Protein Is an Integral Membrane Protein

N-1-Naphthylphthalmic acid (NPA)-binding protein is a plasmalemma (PM) protein involved in the control of cellular auxin efflux. We re-evaluated the spatial relationship of this protein with the PM of zucchini (Cucurbita pepo L.) hypocotyls. First, Triton X-114 partitioning indicated that the NPA-binding protein was more hydrophobic than most PM proteins. Second, the NPA-binding activity was found to be resistant to proteolytic digestion in membranes. Maximum concentrations of binding sites for NPA were virtually identical in untreated and proteinase K-treated PMs: 19.2 and 20.6 pmol [3H]NPA bound/mg protein, respectively. The insensitivity of the NPA-binding protein was not due to its presence inside tightly sealed vesicles or due to lack of protease activity in the conditions tested. This protein could be made sensitive to proteolytic degradation upon solubilization by 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate in the presence of sodium molybdate. Proteinase K treatment decreased the concentration of binding sites to 0.84 pmol [3H]NPA bound/mg protein from 9.2 for untreated, solubilized PM. Third, this activity could not be solubilized by chaotropic agents or sodium carbonate treatment of intact PM. This study indicates that the NPA-binding protein may be an integral membrane protein and contradicts previously reported findings that suggested that this protein was peripheral to the PM.
On the Black-box Use of Somewhat Homomorphic Encryption in NonInteractive Two-Party Protocols

In this work, we develop a methodology for determining the communication required to implement various two-party functionalities noninteractively. In the particular setting on which we focus, the protocols are based upon somewhat homomorphic encryption, and furthermore, they treat the homomorphic properties as a black box. In this setting, we develop lower bounds which give a smooth trade-off between the communication complexity and the “expressiveness” of the cryptosystem---the latter being measured in terms of the depth of the arithmetic circuits that can be evaluated on ciphertext. Given the current state of the art in homomorphic encryption, this trade-off may also be viewed as one between communication and computation, since at present, more expressive cryptosystems are markedly less efficient. We then apply this methodology to place lower bounds on a number of cryptographic protocols including private information retrieval writing and private keyword search. Our work provides a useful “litmus test” .
Are we using excessive neuroleptics? An argument for systematic neuroleptic dose reduction in stable patients with schizophrenia with specific reference to clozapine

Pharmacological intervention using antipsychotic agents is the cornerstone of treatment in schizophrenia. Polypharmacy and the use of higher doses is often practised in the hope of getting better symptom control in multi-episode, chronically unwell, people with schizophrenia. However, these regimes often pose unacceptable and at times dangerous risks. The current review examines the factors that influence dosing and argues that optimization is transient and needs ongoing consideration throughout the course of the illness. What is defined as ‘the optimal dose’ changes over the course of the illness and this should be reflected in treatment. The evidence presented in the current paper suggests that given the negative symptoms associated with neuroleptic medication, dosage should be discussed as part of the case review process and dosage should be systematically reduced as part of the standard treatment protocol. A case-study is presented of a patient who had her dosage of clozapine reduced and the subsequent health and lifestyle benefits from this reduction. We argue that the focus needs to be shifted away from the specific aim of treatment of psychotic symptoms to a more holistic view of treatment that incorporates function and psychosocial function as a measure of improvement.
Whole blood versus red cells and plasma for exchange transfusion in ABO haemolytic disease

summary. Records of 381 neonates who underwent exchange transfusion (ET) due to ABO haemolytic disease at the Division of Neonatology of Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey, between January 1977 and December 2003 were reviewed. Records were kept for the type of blood used in ET, the number of ETs for each infant, adverse event attributable to ET and bilirubin levels before, and 4 and 8 h after each ET. Of 381 infants, 300 were transfused with whole blood, whereas 81 infants were transfused with O red cells suspended in A or B plasma. The re‐exchange rate was higher in the whole blood group, compared with the erythrocyte and plasma group. Use of erythrocyte and plasma provided 30% reduction in the number of ETs per patient. Eight hours after the first ET, mean bilirubin levels were 84% of the pre‐exchange values in the whole blood group and 73% of the pre‐exchange values in the erythrocyte and plasma group (P = 0·001). As the use of O group red cells re‐suspended in AB plasma decreased the re‐exchange risk compared with O group whole blood, we suggest the use of O red cells re‐suspended in AB plasma for the ET in cases of ABO haemolytic disease.
Novel Arrangement of Enhancer Sequences for NifA-Dependent Activation of the Hydrogenase Gene Promoter in Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae

ABSTRACT The transcriptional activation of the NifA-dependent σ54 promoter of the Rhizobium leguminosarum hydrogenase structural genes hupSL (P1) has been studied through gel retardation analysis and detailed mutagenesis. Gel retardation analysis indicated the existence of a physical interaction between NifA and the promoter. Extensive mutagenesis followed by in vivo expression analysis showed that three sequences of 4 bases each (−170 ACAA −167, −161 ACAA −158, and −145 TTGT −142) are required for maximal stimulation of in vivo transcription of the P1 promoter. The arrangement of these upstream activating sequences (ACAA N5 ACAA N12 TTGT) differs from the canonical 5′ACA N10 TGT 3′ UAS structure involved in NifA-dependent activation of nif/fix genes. Mutant promoter analysis indicated that the relative contribution of each of these sequences to P1 promoter activity increases with its proximity to the transcription start site. Analysis of double mutants altered in two out of the three enhancer sequences suggests that each of these sequences functions in NifA-dependent activation of the P1 promoter in an independent but cooperative mode. The similarities and differences between cis elements of hup and nif/fix promoters suggest that the structure of the P1 promoter has adapted to activation by NifA in order to coexpress hydrogenase and nitrogenase activities in legume nodules.
Emergency Contraceptive Pills: A 10-Year Follow-up Survey of Use and Experiences at College Health Centers in the Mid-Atlantic United States

The authors conducted a 10-year follow-up study using a telephone survey to investigate the availability of emergency contraceptive pills (ECPs) at college health centers in the mid-Atlantic region of the United States. They also examined related issues, such as distribution procedure, existence of a written protocol, personnel involved, contraindications, follow-up procedures, methods of advertising, staff attitudes, changes in distribution over the past 10 years, and availability if ECPs become over-the-counter. Of the 119 completed responses, 58 schools (49%) reported distributing ECPs. The most common reasons schools listed for not distributing ECPs (n = 61, 51%) were religious convictions, understaffing, and lack of funding. Major changes in ECP distribution over the past 10 years related primarily to the number of schools distributing ECPs, protocol in ECP distribution, and advertising for ECP services.
Itraconazole alters the pharmacokinetics of atorvastatin to a greater extent than either cerivastatin or pravastatin

3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) are metabolized by distinct pathways that may alter the extent of drug‐drug interactions. Cerivastatin is metabolized by cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4 and CYP2C8. Atorvastatin is metabolized solely by CYP3A4, and pravastatin metabolism is not well defined. Coadministration of higher doses of these statins with CYP3A4 inhibitors has the potential for eliciting adverse drug‐drug interactions.
Grass Barrier and Vegetative Filter Strip Effectiveness in Reducing Runoff, Sediment, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Loss

Addition of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) barriers to vegetative filter strips (FS) shows potential as conservation practice. This study evaluates the comparative effectiveness of three conservation practices in reducing runoff, sediment, N, and P losses from 1.5- by 16-m plots on an Aeric Epiaqualf. Three practices compared are a traditional fescue (Festuca arundinacea) filter strip (Fescue-FS), a switchgrass barrier in combination with the Fescue-FS (B-Fescue-FS) and a switchgrass barrier in combination with a native grass and forbs species filter strip (B-Native-FS). This study also predicts transport of sediment, N, and P in Fescue-FS and B-Fescue-FS. Fescue-FS and B-Fescue-FS of equal widths (0.7 m) significantly reduced runoff and sediment transport as compared with a continuous cultivated fallow (CCF) treatment, but B-Fescue-FS was more effective for reducing runoff (p < 0.05) and sediment (p < 0.01) transport. B-Fescue-FS was also more effective than Fescue-FS for reducing losses of organic N, NO 3 -N, NH 4 -N, particulate P, and PO 4 -P (p < 0.01). Fescue-FS and B-Native-FS were equally effective for reducing runoff, sediment, and nutrient loss. Effectiveness of FS increased with distance with 18% of runoff, 92% of sediment, and 71% of nutrient leaving the source area being reduced in the first 4 m of the FS. An equation to predict sediment associated with runoff ponding above barriers explained approximately 70% of the variability between measured and predicted values of sediment, organic N, and particulate P transport. Combination of switchgrass barriers with FS is an effective alternative to Fescue-FS alone for reducing sediment and nutrients in runoff.
Issues involved in automatic selection and intensity based matching of feature points for mls registration of medical images

Most of the Registration algorithms require selection of corresponding control points from the source and the target images. The MLS being a point based method requires the selection of control points for registration. The accuracy of registration process depends greatly on the selected control points. Hence, feature detection and matching play an important role in the process of point based registration of medical images. Therefore an analysis on the consequence of automating the control point selection process using feature extraction algorithms like Harris Corner, Min-Eigen, Speeded Up Robust Features (SURF) and Canny Edge pixels is deemed to be essential. Since the end users are medical practitioners, who prefer to have an interactive system, where the control points need to be selected based on the diagnostic requirements analysis on manual selection of control points has also been included. The issues involved in automatic control point selection from MRI/CT images have been discussed in this work.
Implementation of Side-Fringe Locking in an SHG Cavity

An alternative method for locking a second-harmonic generation (SHG) cavity on resonance is described and implemented. The usual method, Pound-Drever-Hall locking, is prone to long-term power fluctuations from power variations in the incident laser. When using the second harmonic field for squeezing, these power fluctuations need to be stabilized with an additional control loop (usually a Mach-Zender interferometer). The alternative method, side-fringe locking, involves a simple DC offset on the second-harmonic signal at the desired power to generate the error signal. This thesis demonstrates the insensitivity of side-fringe locking to such long-term power fluctuations and that the noise spectrum is comparable to PDH locking-explained largely due to PZT noise length fluctuations off-resonance. Thesis Supervisor: Matthew Evans Title: Assistant Professor
Group Attention Control for Communication Robots

A humanoid robot can support people in a real environment by interacting with them through human-like body movements, such as shaking hands, greeting, and pointing. In real environments, a robot often interacts with groups of people to provide services, but one-to-many interaction is quite different from one-to-one interaction. For example, a robot cannot satisfy different demands of people simultaneously when it interacts with many people. To solve such problems of interaction, we focused on purpose of attention; it explains why people are aiming their attention in a particular direction. This paper describes a group attention control (GAC) system that enables a communication robot to simultaneously interact with many people. The system is designed to coordinate people's purpose of attention through behavior that is based on two design policies: controlling cooperative situations and indicating explicit control. We implemented a semi-autonomous GAC system in a communication robot that guides visitors to exhibits in a science museum and engages in free-play interactions with them. We developed the semi-autonomous system to concentrate on the behavior-generating mechanism in the GAC system, and to avoid difficulties of sensing problems in real environments. We investigate the effectiveness of the GAC system through a two-week field trial in the museum. Experimental results revealed that visitors evaluated the robot with the GAC system more highly than without it. We believe these results will allow us to develop interactive humanoid robots that can interact effectively with groups of people.
RC-3095, a Gastrin-Releasing Peptide Receptor Antagonist, Synergizes With Gemcitabine to Inhibit the Growth of Human Pancreatic Cancer CFPAC-1 In Vitro and In Vivo

Objectives Pancreatic cancer remains a lethal disease. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a combination of gastrin-releasing peptide receptor antagonist RC-3095 and gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer CFPAC-1. Methods The antiproliferation effects of RC-3095, gemcitabine, or the combination on pancreatic cancer were monitored in vitro. Nude mice bearing xenografts of CFPAC-1 cell received injections of the vehicle (control), RC-3095 (20 &mgr;g, subcutaneously, daily), gemcitabine (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, every 3 days), or the combination of RC-3095 and gemcitabine for 4 weeks. The histological changes and protein expression were tested using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Results Treatment with the combination in culture exhibited a powerful inhibition effect on CFPAC-1 cell proliferation. In xenograft mice model, RC-3095 or gemcitabine significantly reduced the volume and weight of tumors after 4 weeks of treatment, as compared with controls. The combination more potently inhibited the tumor growth than either agent used individually. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting showed gastrin-releasing peptide receptor/bombesin receptor subtype-3 positive cells and protein expression in tumors decreased by treatment with RC-3095 or gemcitabine alone or greater in combination. Conclusions Our data suggested that the combination could be considered for the possible new approaches for treatment of pancreatic cancers.
[Simulation of crown leaf area index of Korean pine and broadleaved mixed forest in Chang-Bai mountains].

Based on the 3-year successive automatic measurement of photosynthetic active radiation above and under the crown of Korean pine and broadleaved mixed forest in Changbai Mountains, as well as the seasonal observation on leaf area index, a semi-empirical model was established to estimate the crown leaf area index of the forest. The results showed that this model could well reflect the seasonal variation of crown leaf area. From the comparison of 3-year leaf area index series, it was found that the date when the leaf area index began to rise was postponed if the date when its air temperature stably surpassed 0 degrees C came late. The dynamics of the leaf area index in whole growth season could be divided into three stages, i. e. , rising, relatively stable, and dropping, and at each stage, there was a greater correlation between the leaf area index and the accumulated temperature above 0 degrees C, which could be expressed by Logistic curve and linear equation. The problems existing in the observation and estimation of forest crown leaf area index were discussed.