Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Usefulness of the dipyridamole-exercise echocardiography test for diagnosis of coronary artery disease.

To test the hypothesis that a dipyridamole infusion might sensitize the myocardium to exercise-induced ischemia, 33 patients with effort chest pain syndrome--including 24 with and 9 without angiographically documented coronary artery disease (CAD)--and 10 control subjects were studied. As inclusion criterion, all enrolled subjects had a negative resting high-dose dipyridamole-echocardiography test result for both mechanical (development of a transient asynergy) and electrocardiographic (greater than 0.1 mV ST-segment shift) changes. All performed 2 supine exercises during 2-dimensional echocardiography and 12-lead electrocardiography monitoring, immediately after high-dose (0.84 mg/kg over 10 minutes) dipyridamole (dipyridamole-exercise stress test) or placebo (exercise stress test) infusion. The overall sensitivity (by electrocardiographic, echocardiographic or combined criteria) for CAD detection was 10 of 24 for exercise stress test and 21 of 24 for dipyridamole-exercise stress test (42 vs 88%, p less than 0.01). The specificity was 19 of 19 for exercise stress test and 18 of 19 for dipyridamole-exercise stress test (100 vs 95%, difference not significant). Both exercise stress test and dipyridamole-exercise stress test yielded negative results in the 10 control subjects, with a similar peak rate-pressure product (X 1/100) reached in the 2 tests (287 +/- 55 vs 274 +/- 42, difference not significant). Eight patients (all with significant CAD) had positive results of their exercise stress test and all 8 had also positive dipyridamole-exercise stress test results, at a significantly lower rate-pressure product with respect to the exercise stress test (253 +/- 49 vs 204 +/- 35, p less than 0.05). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The projection adaptive natural gradient online algorithm for SVM

The training of Support Vector Machine (SVM) is an optimization problem of quadratic programming which can not be applied to the online training in real time applications or time-variant data source. The online algorithms proposed by other researchers have high computational complexity and slow training speed. In this paper the projection gradient and adaptive natural gradient is combined. The projection adaptive natural gradient online algorithm is proposed. The learning performance is compared via prediction of the concentration of component A of Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor. The results of simulation demonstrate that the time taken by the projection adaptive natural gradient online algorithm is much less than that of incremental algorithm, while keep similar prediction precision.
Waist Circumference-to-Height Ratio Detected in a Convenient Sample of Young Slovak People with Increased Cardio-Metabolic Risk.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease is a serious problem increasingly affecting young people worldwide. Cardio-metabolic risk factors include lipid profile parameters and atherogenic index of plasma (AIP), as well as basic anthropometric parameters such as the ratio of waist circumference to height (WHtR). The aim of our study was to determine WHtR. METHOD WHtR was determined in a group of 500 clinically healthy young people aged 18-25 and, on the basis of measured data, a reference range for WHtR was designed. RESULTS The average WHtR value for the whole group was 0.45±0.06, with 0.46±0.06 for men, and 0.44±0.06 for women. WHtR values in respondents with all other parameters in normal range were from 0.41 to 0.52 for men and from 0.38 to 0.50 for women. Values are similar to those observed in other studies across diverse world populations. A positive correlation was observed between WHtR and atherogenic indices (AP1, AIP) uric acid levels and lipid profile parameters at p<0.001, with the exception of glucose and HDL. WHtR and HDL were negatively correlated at p<0.001. CONCLUSION As WHtR can be easily determined, it can be used as another cardio-metabolic risk factor.
Frame Interpolation with Multi-Scale Deep Loss Functions and Generative Adversarial Networks

Frame interpolation attempts to synthesise intermediate frames given one or more consecutive video frames. In recent years, deep learning approaches, and in particular convolutional neural networks, have succeeded at tackling low- and high-level computer vision problems including frame interpolation. There are two main pursuits in this line of research, namely algorithm efficiency and reconstruction quality. In this paper, we present a multi-scale generative adversarial network for frame interpolation (FIGAN). To maximise the efficiency of our network, we propose a novel multi-scale residual estimation module where the predicted flow and synthesised frame are constructed in a coarse-to-fine fashion. To improve the quality of synthesised intermediate video frames, our network is jointly supervised at different levels with a perceptual loss function that consists of an adversarial and two content losses. We evaluate the proposed approach using a collection of 60fps videos from YouTube-8m. Our results improve the state-of-the-art accuracy and efficiency, and a subjective visual quality comparable to the best performing interpolation method.
Electrostatic behaviour of materials in a charging space environment

Electrostatics is one of the major concerns of spacecraft technology. Space is filled with hot and low-density plasma building up high differential voltages resulting in electrostatic discharges, sometimes causing an anomalous behavior of spacecraft electronics. The interaction of the satellite with its environment induces a static charge of the various materials which it is made of. The flow and the evacuation of the charges would require a conductive satellite. Unfortunately, the reality is different and satellites are covered with dielectric materials highly resistant for thermo-optic specific purpose. It is resulting in an absolute charge value of the structure of the satellite and in a differential charge built-up between its components that can be at the origin of electrostatic discharges which consequences can end up in the loss of the satellite itself. Typical anomalies are reviewed; it is shown how they can be recognized as consequences of environmental induces discharges. The distribution of charges over different parts of the spacecraft is depending of ambient conditions: plasma temperature and density and sun illumination. Surface and internal charging are possible; they result in dielectric or metal arcing discharges. Understanding of charging phenomena allows us to define mitigation techniques by controlling charging, electromagnetic interference. Finally, we end with the presentation of what it is done in France and in Europe though activities in the domain of space environment in order to take into account problems in a more general context.
Decimal multiplication using compact BCD multiplier

Decimal multiplication is an integral part of financial, commercial, and internet-based computations. The basic building block of a decimal multiplier is a single digit multiplier. It accepts two Binary Coded Decimal (BCD) inputs and gives a product in the range [0, 81] represented by two BCD digits. A novel design for single digit decimal multiplication that reduces the critical path delay and area is proposed in this research. Out of the possible 256 combinations for the 8-bit input, only hundred combinations are valid BCD inputs. In the hundred valid combinations only four combinations require 4 times 4 multiplication, 64 combinations need 3 times 3 multiplication, and the remaining 32 combinations use either 3 times 4 or 4 times 3 multiplication. The proposed design makes use of this property. This design leads to more regular VLSI implementation, and does not require special registers for storing easy multiples. This is a fully parallel multiplier utilizing only combinational logic, and is extended to a Hex/Decimal multiplier that gives either a decimal output or a binary output. The accumulation of partial products generated using single digit multipliers is done by an array of multi-operand BCD adders for an (n-digit times n-digit) multiplication.
Modeling conformal antennas on prolate spheroids using the finite element-boundary integral method

In this paper, the effects of curvature on the resonant input impedance and radiation pattern of a cavity-backed, rectangular, aperture antenna that is conformal to the surface of a perfectly conducting prolate spheroid are investigated. The radiation pattern and input impedance are calculated using a hybrid finite element-boundary integral approach. To gain further insight, the behavior of the resistive part of the resonant input impedance of the antenna is compared with that of the same type of antenna that is conformal to the surface of a perfectly conducting circular cylinder as the curvature is varied.
Nitric oxide and G proteins mediate the response of bovine articular chondrocytes to fluid‐induced shear

Mechanical loading alters the metabolism of articular cartilage, possibly due to effects of shear stress on chondrocytes. In cultured chondrocytes, glycosaminoglycan synthesis increases in response to fluidinduced shear. This study tested the hypothesis that shear stress increases nitric oxide production in chondrocytes, and nitric oxide then influences glycosaminoglycan metabolism. Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, G proteins, phospholipase C, potassium channels, and calcium channels were also analyzed for effects on nitric oxide release and glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Fluid‐induced shear was applied to primary high‐density monolayer cultures of adult bovine articular chondrocytes using a cone viscometer. Nitric oxide release in chondrocytes increased in response to the duration and the magnitude of the fluid‐induced shear. Shearinduced nitric oxide production was reduced in the presence of nitric oxide synthase inhibitors but was unaffected by pertussis toxin, neomycin, tetraethyl ammonium chloride, or verapamil. The increase in glycosaminoglycan synthesis in response to shear stress was blocked by nitric oxide synthase inhibitors, pertussis toxin, and neomycin but not by tetraethyl ammonium chloride or verapamil. The phospholipase C inhibitor, neomycin, also decreased glycosaminoglycan synthesis in the absence of flow‐induced shear. As studied here, shear stress increased nitric oxide production by chondrocytes, and the shear‐induced change in matrix macromolecule metabolism was influenced by nitric oxide synthesis, G protein activation, and phospholipase C activation.
Efficacy of infliximab in the treatment of uveitis that is resistant to treatment with the combination of azathioprine, cyclosporine, and corticosteroids in Behçet's disease: an open-label trial.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of infliximab on the frequency of uveitis attacks and the visual prognosis in male patients with Behçet's disease in whom uveitis was resistant to combination therapy with corticosteroids, azathioprine, and cyclosporine. METHODS The study group comprised patients who were receiving combination therapy but experienced at least 2 attacks of posterior uveitis/panuveitis or retinal vasculitis during the 6-month period prior to enrollment. Infliximab infusions (5 mg/kg) were administered at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 14. Weeks 0-22 were defined as the infusion period, and weeks 23-54 were defined as the observation period. Patients continued to receive azathioprine and corticosteroids, but cyclosporine was discontinued after the screening visit. The primary outcome measures were the absence of uveitis attacks during the infusion period (remission), and the absence of uveitis attacks throughout the study period (sustained remission). RESULTS Thirteen patients were enrolled in the study. Thirty-two uveitis attacks involving the posterior segment occurred during the previous-treatment period. During the infusion period, 4 patients (30.8%) remained attack-free, and 9 patients had a total of 13 uveitis attacks. Ten of these attacks (76.9%) occurred at either week 14 or week 22. One of 13 patients fulfilled the definition of sustained remission, and the remaining 12 patients had a total of 36 uveitis attacks during the observation period. The mean number of uveitis attacks and daily corticosteroid doses were significantly lower during the infusion period than during the previous-treatment period or the observation period. Although potential visual acuity was regained following infliximab infusion, this beneficial effect was not preserved until week 54. None of the patients experienced a serious adverse event. CONCLUSION The results of this trial suggest that infliximab is effective in suppressing the occurrence of uveitis attacks, has a corticosteroid-sparing effect, and has favorable implications for the visual prognosis of patients with resistant Behçet's uveitis.
Characterization of the Insulin-regulated Membrane Aminopeptidase in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes (*)

A novel membrane aminopeptidase has been identified as a major protein in vesicles from rat adipocytes containing the glucose transporter isotype Glut4. In this study we have characterized this aminopeptidase, referred to as vp165, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The subcellular distributions of vp165 and Glut4 were determined by immunoisolation of vesicles with antibodies against both proteins, by immunofluorescence, and by subcellular fractionation and immunoblotting. Relative amounts of vp165 at the cell surface in basal and insulin-treated cells were assayed by cell surface biotinylation. These experiments showed that vp165 and Glut4 were entirely colocalized and that vp165 increased markedly at the cell surface in response to insulin, in a way similar to Glut4. When intact cells were assayed with a novel, membrane-impermeant fluorogenic substrate for vp165, we found that insulin stimulated aminopeptidase activity at the cell surface. This observation provides direct evidence for the functional consequence of vp165 translocation.
Calibration of Nonlinear Crosstalk in MIMO Transmitter

Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques have been extensively used in modern wireless communications. The front-end nonlinearity coupled with crosstalk in a MIMO transmitter is much more complex than that in a single-input single-output (SISO) system. In this paper, we propose a nonlinear crosstalk calibration algorithm with the corresponding reference signal design. We start with the nonlinear crosstalk model of the MIMO transmitter and derive its corresponding inverse compensation model. The proposed model characterizes the nonlinearity and the crosstalk in separated blocks. We then propose specifically designed reference signals that utilize the model structure. The nonlinear crosstalk model can be reorganized and simplified with the reference signal. Thus, the complexity of the model coefficients estimation is greatly reduced without compromising the model accuracy. In addition, with the proposed algorithm, the compensation of the nonlinearity and crosstalk can be done separately. Simulations show a satisfactory calibration results with low computational complexity.
A cytogenetic and genetic characterization of a group of closely linked second chromosome mutations that suppress position-effect variegation in Drosophila melanogaster.

Characterization of a group of dominant second chromosome suppressor of position-effect variegation (PEV) (Su(var)) mutants has revealed a variety of interesting properties, including: maternal-effect suppression of PEV, homozygous lethality or semilethality and male-specific hemizygous lethality, female infecundity, acute sensitivity to the amount of heterochromatin in the cell and sensitivity to sodium butyrate. Deficiency/duplication mapping and complementation tests have revealed that eight of the mutants define at least two genes in section 31 of the left arm of chromosome 2 and they suggest that a ninth corresponds to an additional nonessential Su(var) gene within or near this region. The effects of specific deficiencies and a duplication on PEV indicate that the expression of one or more of the Su(var) genes in this region of the chromosome is dose-dependent, i.e., capable of haplo-abnormal suppression and triplo-abnormal enhancement. Interestingly, the appearance of certain visible phenotypes among a subset of the mutants suggests that they may possess antimorphic properties. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that two of these Su(var) genes encode structural components of heterochromatin. We also report that two previously isolated mutants located in 31E and 31F-32A act as recessive suppressors of PEV.
Genetic influences on life events in childhood

Synopsis Until recently, life events were considered as chance occurrences. However, there is now increasing evidence that reported life events, at least in adult life are not random. Life events not only tend to cluster in families but also appear to be influenced by genetic factors. The aim of this study was to investigate whether genetic factors also influence reported life events in childhood using a systematically ascertained sample of 376 twin pairs aged 8 to 17. Overall, reported life events in this younger population were found to be heritable. However, the degree of genetic and environmental influence appeared to vary across the sexes, at least for parent-rated life events and according to whether life events were rated by the parents or the children themselves. Genetic influences appeared to be more important for self reports, suggesting that individual differences in cognition play a role in reporting life events.
Percentage of subjects with no heavy drinking days: evaluation as an efficacy endpoint for alcohol clinical trials.

BACKGROUND Percent subjects with no heavy drinking days (PSNHDDs), an efficacy end point recommended by the Food and Drug Administration, considers abstinent individuals or those engaging in low-risk drinking behavior as successful responders to treatment. As PSNHDD has been used infrequently in previous alcohol clinical trials, we evaluated the utility and validity of the PSNHDD outcome measure in 2 large alcohol clinical trials. METHODS Data sets from 2 alcohol trials, COMBINE and a multisite topiramate trial, were used to analyze PSNHDDs and other traditional end points for the topiramate, naltrexone, acamprosate, and placebo groups. Effect sizes of PSNHDDs were determined for each month of active treatment and by varying grace periods-early periods in the trial where outcome is not considered in the analysis-and were compared with that of other traditional outcome measures. Long-term outcomes were compared for groups that had no heavy drinking days versus those that had heavy drinking days during active treatment. RESULTS PSNHDD effect sizes were significant for both topiramate (0.34 and 0.25 at months 2 and 3, respectively) and naltrexone (0.24 and 0.26 at months 3 and 4, respectively). Given a 2-month grace period for naltrexone, the effect size of PSNHDDs was comparable to the effect sizes using traditional outcome measures. With a 1-month grace period for topiramate, it was greater than the majority of traditional outcome measures. Little is gained by allowing up to 1, 2, or 3 heavy drinking days as an end point. Subjects with no HDDs during treatment fared better than those with some HDDs on drinking outcomes and alcohol-related consequences during a 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS PSNHDD appears to be a clinically informative end point measure, especially when used with a grace period, and is as sensitive as most traditional outcome measures in detecting differences between the medication and placebo groups. Nonetheless, these findings should be replicated in other clinical data sets, particularly with medications that work via different mechanisms.
Does Forecast Confidence Boost Trading? Exploring an Improved Forecast Certainty Measure

While finance studies propose that forecast-confidence motivates trading, the experimental findings regarding the anticipated confidence-trading link are inconclusive and typically insignificant. Attempting to bridge the gap, we modify the standard interval forecasting task to measure the personal tendency for forecast-confidence directly. The modified task is utilized to test the confidence-trading correlations at the general, attitudinal level and in specific scenarios. The attitudinal test surprisingly reveals that forecast-confidence links with smaller inclination to churn stocks, although confidence in profitability boosts the willingness to buy particular stocks beyond the response to forecasts alone. The trait level correlation is brought by opposite personality and competence effects on confidence and trading.
Would School Choice Change the Teaching Profession?

When parents have some form of school choice, schools should want to hire and keep teachers who help them attract students. Thus, parental freedom to choose schools may affect how schools structure teaching jobs and teachers' pay. This paper investigates whether schools that face choice-based incentives actually do create teaching jobs that are different. Using data on traditional forms of choice (Tiebout choice, choice of private schools) and a new survey of charter school teachers, I find evidence that suggests that choice makes schools place more value on teachers' effort, teachers' independence, the quality of teachers' college education, and teachers' math and science skills.
Oil Price Volatility and Business Cycles in Nigeria

Abstract The effect of oil price volatility on the business cycle (measured as fluctuations in real GDP) in Nigeria is investigated, while controlling for effects of other variables such as inflation, exchange rate, money supply, trade openness and foreign direct investment. Volatility in real GDP and oil price is generated through the EGARCH process. The ARDL approach to cointegration and error correction modeling is employed for analysis of data covering the period from 1970 to 2015. The study finds positive and significant short-run effect of oil price volatility on real GDP volatility, and no significant long-run effect. The short-run and long-run effects of other variables on business cycle (real GDP volatility) in Nigeria are not statistically significant. This suggests that short-run fluctuations in real GDP are engendered mainly by oil price volatility. This could be attributed to the precarious dependence of the country on oil export. The paper recommends channeling of efforts by the government towards diversifying the productive base and exports of the country as measure to reduce volatility in the real GDP.
Analysis of responses to angiotensin I-(3-10) in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat.

Responses to angiotensin I-(3-10), the precursor for angiotensin IV, were investigated in the anesthetized cat. Intravenous injections of the precursor caused dose-related increases in systemic arterial pressure that were similar to responses elicited by angiotensin i.v. and that were inhibited by captopril. in the hindlimb vascular bed of the cat under constant-flow conditions, injections of the substrate into the perfusion circuit in doses of 3-100 micrograms caused dose-related increases in hindlimb perfusion pressure that were rapid in onset and were not altered by the presence of a time-delay coil in the perfusion circuit. Dose-response curves for the precursor and angiotensin i.v. were parallel, and the precursor was approximately twofold less potent than angiotensin i.v. in its ability to increase hindlimb perfusion pressure. Responses to the precursor were inhibited by captopril in a dose that attenuated hindlimb vasoconstrictor responses to angiotensin I. Increases in hindlimb perfusion pressure in response to angiotensin I-(3-10) were inhibited by DuP-532 in a dose that attenuated the response to angiotensin i.v. PD-123,319, an AT2 receptor antagonist, had no significant effect on responses to angiotensin I-(3-10). The present results suggest that angiotensin I-(3-10) is rapidly and efficiently converted by an angiotensin converting enzyme-dependent pathway into an active peptide, which induces vasoconstriction by activating AT1 receptors in the peripheral vascular bed of the cat.