Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Masked Hypertension Defined by Home Blood Pressure Monitoring Is Associated With Impaired Flow‐Mediated Vasodilatation in Patients With Cardiovascular Risk Factors

The relationships between home blood pressure (BP), masked hypertension defined by home BP, and integrated flow‐mediated vasodilation (FMD) response remain unclear. The authors enrolled 257 patients (mean age, 63.5 years; 51% men) who had at least one cardiovascular risk factor. FMD of the brachial artery was measured with a semiautomatic edge‐detection algorithm. The integrated FMD response was calculated as the area under the dilation curve during 120 seconds after deflation (FMD‐AUC120) and the FMD magnitude as the percentage change in peak diameter (ΔFMD). Masked hypertension was defined by office BP <140/90 mm Hg and home BP ≥135 mm Hg and/or 85 mm Hg. Home systolic BP was inversely correlated with FMD‐AUC120 and ΔFMD (FMD‐AUC120: r=−.23, P<.001; ΔFMD: r=−.13, P=.041), and office systolic BP was inversely associated with FMD‐AUC120 (r=−.16, P=.011), but not with ΔFMD. After adjusting for covariates, home systolic BP (β=−.27, P=.003), but not office BP, was inversely associated with FMD‐AUC120, whereas ΔFMD was not associated with office or home systolic BP. FMD‐AUC120 was significantly lower in patients with masked hypertension compared with those with normotension (7.7±6.7 vs 11.5±8.8 mm × s, P=.048). Home systolic BP and masked hypertension defined by home BP were associated with a decrease in FMD‐AUC120.
Working with objects - the OOram software engineering method

The object-oriented methodology OOram has been in use and development in Norway since 1983. This is an account of the OOram methodology for software analysis, design, development, maintenance and reuse. It shows how to: apply role modelling and benefit from its inherent advantages over class modelling; describe large systems through a number of distinct models; derive composite models from simpler base models; manage very large systems in a decentralized manner; and incorporate powerful reuse techniques into an ongoing policy which impacts work processes and organization.
Granuloma Encapsulation Is a Key Factor for Containing Tuberculosis Infection in Minipigs

A transthoracic infection involving a low dose of Mycobacterium tuberculosis has been used to establish a new model of infection in minipigs. The 20-week monitoring period showed a marked Th1 response and poor humoral response for the whole infection. A detailed histopathological analysis was performed after slicing the formalin-fixed whole lungs of each animal. All lesions were recorded and classified according to their microscopic aspect, their relationship with the intralobular connective network and their degree of maturity in order to obtain a dissemination ratio (DR) between recent and old lesions. CFU counts and evolution of the DR with time showed that the proposed model correlated with a contained infection, decreasing from week 9 onwards. These findings suggest that the infection induces an initial Th1 response, which is followed by local fibrosis and encapsulation of the granulomas, thereby decreasing the onset of new lesions. Two therapeutic strategies were applied in order to understand how they could influence the model. Thus, chemotherapy with isoniazid alone helped to decrease the total number of lesions, despite the increase in DR after week 9, with similar kinetics to those of the control group, whereas addition of a therapeutic M. tuberculosis fragment-based vaccine after chemotherapy increased the Th1 and humoral responses, as well as the number of lesions, but decreased the DR. By providing a local pulmonary structure similar to that in humans, the mini-pig model highlights new aspects that could be key to a better understanding tuberculosis infection control in humans.
Th17 in Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis

IL-17-secreting helper CD4 T cells (Th17 cells) constitute a newly identified subset of helper CD4 T cells that play a key role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in its animal models. Recently, several models of spontaneous RA, which elucidate the mechanism of RA onset, have been discovered. These animal models shed new light on the role of Th17 in the development of autoimmune arthritis. Th17 cells coordinate inflammation and promote joint destruction, acting on various cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, synovial fibroblasts, and osteoclasts. Regulatory T cells cannot control Th17 cells under conditions of inflammation. In this review, the pathogenic role of Th17 cells in arthritis development, which was revealed by the recent animal models of RA, is discussed.
Effects of a low-salt diet on idiopathic hypercalciuria in calcium-oxalate stone formers: a 3-mo randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND A direct relation exists between sodium and calcium excretion, but randomized studies evaluating the sustained effect of a low-salt diet on idiopathic hypercalciuria, one of the main risk factors for calcium-oxalate stone formation, are still lacking. OBJECTIVE Our goal was to evaluate the effect of a low-salt diet on urinary calcium excretion in patients affected by idiopathic calcium nephrolithiasis. DESIGN Patients affected by idiopathic calcium stone disease and hypercalciuria (>300 mg Ca/d in men and >250 mg Ca/d in women) were randomly assigned to receive either water therapy alone (control diet) or water therapy and a low-salt diet (low-sodium diet) for 3 mo. Twenty-four-hour urine samples were obtained twice from all patients: one sample at baseline on a free diet and one sample after 3 mo of treatment. RESULTS A total of 210 patients were randomly assigned to receive a control diet (n = 102) or a low-sodium diet (n = 108); 13 patients (2 on the control diet, 11 on the low-sodium diet) withdrew from the trial. At the follow-up visit, patients on the low-sodium diet had lower urinary sodium (mean +/- SD: 68 +/- 43 mmol/d at 3 mo compared with 228 +/- 57 mmol/d at baseline; P < 0.001). Concomitant with this change, they showed lower urinary calcium (271 +/- 86 mg/d at 3 mo compared with 361 +/- 129 mg/d on the control diet, P < 0.001) and lower oxalate excretion (28 +/- 8 mg/d at 3 mo compared with 32 +/- 10 mg/d on the control diet, P = 0.001). Urinary calcium was within the normal range in 61.9% of the patients on the low-salt diet and in 34.0% of those on the control diet (difference: +27.9%; 95% CI: +14.4%, +41.3%; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION A low-salt diet can reduce calcium excretion in hypercalciuric stone formers. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01005082.
The development of the physical fitness construct across childhood

The measurement of physical fitness (PF) is an important factor from many different perspectives. PF is a determinant of healthy child development as it is related to several health outcomes. However, existing taxonomies of the construct and frequently used fitness assessments vary concerning their theoretical assumptions and practical implications. From a theoretical perspective, the construct of physical fitness covers a variety of motor domains, such as cardiovascular endurance, strength, coordination, or flexibility (eg, Caspersen et al., 1985). However, most fitness assessments provide a single (composite) score including all items as test outcome. This implicitly relates to a one‐dimensional structure of physical fitness, which has been shown for other motor performance assessments in early childhood (eg, Utesch et al., 2016). This study investigated this one‐dimensional structure for 6‐ to 9‐year‐old children within the item response theory framework (Partial Credit Model). Seven fitness subtests covering a variety of motor dimensions (6‐minute run, pushups, sit‐ups, standing broad jump, 20 m sprint, jumping sideways, and balancing backwards) were conducted to a total of 790 six‐year‐olds, 1371 seven‐year‐olds, 1331 eight‐year‐olds, and 925 nine‐year‐olds (48.2% females). Each item was transformed into five performance categories controlling for sex and age. This study indicates that a one‐dimensional testing of PF is feasible across middle childhood. Furthermore, for 6‐ and 7‐year‐olds, all seven items including balancing backwards can be accumulated to one factor. From the age of about 8 and 9 years balancing backwards seems to become too easy. Altogether, analyses show no diversification of PF across childhood.
Cellulose nanocrystals coating – A novel paper coating for use in the graphic industry

The rising concern about the impact of printing material on the environment is pushing the graphic industry to turn towards the use of materials derived from abundant, renewable resources. The end-result of this process would be a replacement of conventional printing materials that are often derived from unsustainable resources. The aim of this study was the application of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) coating as a novel type of sustainable coating that might eliminate use of synthetic coatings. The selected coating was prepared from cellulose nanocrystals suspension that was derived from cellulose fibrils on the laboratory scale. The coating formulation examined in this paper was not yet used on the industrial scale. Experimental research was carried out in the form of preliminary laboratory tests for offset printing application using IGT test methods of ink transfer and set-off. Paper coated with cellulose nanocrystals was used as a printing substrate, while vegetable oil-based ink was used as a printing ink in order to stay in line with environmentally preferred choice of printing materials. The results indicated an increase in surface gloss on paper coated with cellulose nanocrystals, as well as in print gloss on printed paper coated with cellulose nanocrystals. The downside of cellulose nanocrystals coating was the prolonged drying time of ink. Further research should be dedicated to improving cellulose nanocrystals coating as the formulation used in this study caused undesirable cockling and waviness on selected paper grade.
Finite element modelling and seismic behaviour of integral abutment bridges considering soil–structure interaction

Abstract A comprehensive non-linear finite element (FE) model of integral abutment bridges (IABs) is presented to facilitate the analysis of such bridges using commercial software, especially under seismic loading. The presented model is capable of capturing non-linearity in both the structure and soil, in addition to considering far-field soil response. The model is simple enough to be used for practical purposes. On the other hand, many aspects of seismic behaviour of IABs are unclear, due to complicated soil–structure interaction. Using the presented model, a parametric study is performed to identify the effects of bridge length, abutment type and soil type on seismic behaviour of IABs. Non-linear direct integration FE analyses are performed on the IAB models. The results of the parametric analyses demonstrate the importance of non-linear modelling of soil and pile in capturing a realistic seismic response of IABs.
The Response of Some Properties of (Al-Si-Mg) Alloy to Nano-Ceramic Materials’ Addition

Al-Si alloys which are widely used in engineering applications due to their outstanding properties can be modified for more enhancements in their properties. Current work investigated the ability of these alloys to be modified by casting them through the addition of nanoparticles. So, Multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNT) and titanium carbide ceramic particles (TIC) with size of (20 nm) were added with different amounts started from (0.5 up to 3%) weight to cast alloy A356 that was considered to be the base metal matrix, then stirred with different speeds of (270, 800, 1500, 2150) rpm at 520 °C for one minute. The results showed change in microstructure’ shape of the casted alloys from the dendritic to spherical grains with increasing stirring speed. Also, EDX analysis confirmed the existence of CNT and TIC additions over inter-dendritic locations related to the affected area. However, the enhancement in the mechanical properties for both types of castings was gained at a weight of 2.5% and a stirring speed of 1500 rpm.
Non-BPS D-branes on a Calabi-Yau Orbifold

A system containing a pair of non-BPS D-strings of type-IIA string theory on an orbifold, representing a single D2-brane wrapped on a non-supersymmetric 2-cycle of a Calabi-Yau 3-fold with (h(1,1),h(1,2)) = (11,11), is analyzed. In certain region of the moduli space the configuration is stable. We show that beyond the region of stability the system can decay into a pair of non-BPS D3-branes. At one point on the boundary of the region of stability, there exists a marginal deformation which connects the system of non-BPS D-strings to the system of non-BPS D3-branes. Across any other point on the boundary of the region of stability, the transition from the system of non-BPS D-strings to the system of non-BPS D3-branes is first order. We discuss the phase diagram in the moduli space for these configurations.
Effects of light intensity and curing time of the newest LED Curing units on the diametral tensile strength of microhybrid composite resins

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of light intensity and curing time of the latest LED curing units on the diametral tensile strength of microhybrid composite resins. Sixty-three specimens from three brands (Polofil Supra, Filtek Z250, and Solare X) were divided into two test groups and one control group. The test groups were polymerized with a Flashmax P3 LED curing unit for one or three seconds. The control group was polymerized with a Ledmax 450 curing unit with the curing time based on the resin manufacturer’s instructions. A higher light intensity and shorter curing time did not influence the diametral tensile strength of microhybrid composite resins.
Serum interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in colorectal adenoma and cancer patients

Abstract Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the most common cancers of the gastrointestinal tract and the fourth cause of cancer death in the world. It has been shown that local chronic inflammation may lead to colorectal carcinogenesis via adenomatous polyps. Interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein are biomarkers of inflammation and indicators of the immune response to tumors. Methods: Serum levels of interleukin-6, carcinoembryonic antigen and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 were determined using immunoenzymatic assays, and C-reactive protein concentrations by immunoturbidimetric kits in 76 colorectal cancer patients before surgery, in 38 colorectal adenoma patients and in 35 healthy controls. Results: Serum levels of interleukin-6, C-reactive protein and carcinoembryonic antigen were significantly higher in cancer patients when compared to adenoma patients and healthy subjects, and increased in more advanced stages of disease and in patients with non-resectable tumors. Based on Cox's analysis, the elevated preoperative serum level of C-reactive protein was an independent significant prognostic factor for patients' survival. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the usefulness of interleukin-6 in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer patients and C-reactive protein in the survival prognosis. Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1423–8.
Chinese character recognition using simulated phosphene maps.

PURPOSE A visual prosthetic device may produce phosphene maps in which individual phosphene characteristics can be altered. This study was an investigation of the ability of normally sighted subjects to recognize Chinese characters (CCs) after altering simulated phosphene maps. METHODS Thirty volunteers with normal or corrected visual acuity of 20/20 were recruited. CC recognition accuracy and response time were investigated while one parameter was changed (distortion, pixel dropout percentage, pixel size variability, or pixel gray level) or different combinations of three parameters were used. Five hundred CCs consisting of 1 to 16 strokes were used for the character sets. RESULTS CC recognition accuracy and response times respectively decreased and increased when distortion, dropout, and pixel size variability increased. Gray levels did not significantly affect the results, except when eight levels were used. To maintain an 80% accuracy rate, there should be a distortion index (k) of no more than 0.2 (irregularity), a pixel dropout of 20%, and a pixel size range of 1 to 16 mm (7-112 min arc). Only a combination of a k=0.1 distortion index, a dropout of 10%, and a pixel size range of 1.33 to 12 mm (9.3-84 min arc) achieved a goal of ≥80% accuracy. CONCLUSIONS Distortion, dropout percentage, and pixel size variability have a significant impact on pixelated CC recognition. Although at present the visual ability of prosthesis users is limited, it should be possible to extend this to CC recognition and reading in the future. The results will help visual prosthesis researchers determine the effects of altering phosphene maps and improve outcomes for patients.
Linear transceiver optimization in multicell MIMO based on the generalized benders decomposition

We study the maximum sum rate optimization problem in the multiple-input multiple-output interfering broadcast channel. The multiple-antenna transmitters and receivers are assumed to have perfect channel state information. In this setting, finding the optimal linear transceiver design is an NP-hard problem. We show that a reformulation of the problem renders the application of generalized Benders decomposition suitable. The decomposition provides us with an optimization structure which we exploit to apply two different optimization approaches. While one approach is guaranteed to converge to a local optimum of the original problem, the other approach hinges on techniques which can be promising for devising a global optimization method.
Comparison of the Compositions of the Stool Microbiotas of Infants Fed Goat Milk Formula, Cow Milk-Based Formula, or Breast Milk

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to compare the compositions of the fecal microbiotas of infants fed goat milk formula to those of infants fed cow milk formula or breast milk as the gold standard. Pyrosequencing of 16S rRNA gene sequences was used in the analysis of the microbiotas in stool samples collected from 90 Australian babies (30 in each group) at 2 months of age. Beta-diversity analysis of total microbiota sequences and Lachnospiraceae sequences revealed that they were more similar in breast milk/goat milk comparisons than in breast milk/cow milk comparisons. The Lachnospiraceae were mostly restricted to a single species (Ruminococcus gnavus) in breast milk-fed and goat milk-fed babies compared to a more diverse collection in cow milk-fed babies. Bifidobacteriaceae were abundant in the microbiotas of infants in all three groups. Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium breve, and Bifidobacterium bifidum were the most commonly detected bifidobacterial species. A semiquantitative PCR method was devised to differentiate between B. longum subsp. longum and B. longum subsp. infantis and was used to test stool samples. B. longum subsp. infantis was seldom present in stools, even of breast milk-fed babies. The presence of B. bifidum in the stools of breast milk-fed infants at abundances greater than 10% of the total microbiota was associated with the highest total abundances of Bifidobacteriaceae. When Bifidobacteriaceae abundance was low, Lachnospiraceae abundances were greater. New information about the composition of the fecal microbiota when goat milk formula is used in infant nutrition was thus obtained.
n-QUASI-ISOTOPY: II. COMPARISON

Geometric aspects of the filtration on classical links by k-quasi-isotopy are discussed, including the effect of Whitehead doubling, relations with Smythe's n-splitting and Kobayashi's k-contractibility. One observation is: ω-quasi-isotopy is equivalent to PL isotopy for links in a homotopy 3-sphere (respectively, contractible open 3-manifold) M if and only if M is homeomorphic to S3 (respectively, ℝ3). As a byproduct of the proof of the "if" part, we obtain that every compact subset of an acyclic open set in a compact orientable 3-manifold M is contained in a PL homology 3-ball in M. We show that k-quasi-isotopy implies (k + 1)-cobordism of Cochran and Orr. If zm-1 (c0+c1z2+⋯+cnz2n) denotes the Conway polynomial of an m-component link, it follows that the residue class of ck modulo gcd(c0,…,ck-1) is invariant under k-quasi-isotopy. Another corollary is that each Cochran's derived invariant βk is also invariant under k-quasi-isotopy, and therefore assumes the same value on all PL links, sufficiently C0-close to a given topological link. This overcomes an algebraic obstacle encountered by Kojima and Yamasaki, who "became aware of impossibility to define" for wild links what for PL links is equivalent to the formal power series ∑βnzn by a change of variable.
Neural Module Networks

Visual question answering is fundamentally compositional in nature-a question like where is the dog? shares substructure with questions like what color is the dog? and where is the cat? This paper seeks to simultaneously exploit the representational capacity of deep networks and the compositional linguistic structure of questions. We describe a procedure for constructing and learning neural module networks, which compose collections of jointly-trained neural "modules" into deep networks for question answering. Our approach decomposes questions into their linguistic substructures, and uses these structures to dynamically instantiate modular networks (with reusable components for recognizing dogs, classifying colors, etc.). The resulting compound networks are jointly trained. We evaluate our approach on two challenging datasets for visual question answering, achieving state-of-the-art results on both the VQA natural image dataset and a new dataset of complex questions about abstract shapes.
The Relaxation Response †.

When Dr. Herbert Benson introduced this simple, effective, mind/body approach to relieving stress twenty-five years ag, his book became an instant national bestseller. Since that time, millions of people have learned the secret--without high-priced lectures or prescription medicines. The Relaxation Response has become the classic reference recommended by most health care professionals and authorities to treat the harmful effects of stress.Discovered by Dr. Benson and his colleagues in the laboratories of Harvard Medical School and its teaching hospitals, this revitalizing, therapeutic approach is now routinely recommended to treat patients suffering from heart conditions, high blood pressure, chronic pain, insomnia, and many other physical ailments. It requires only minutes to learn, and just ten to twenty minutes of practice twice a day.