Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Empirical Evaluation of AXIOM as an Approach to Cross-platform Mobile Application Development

AXIOM is a domain-specific modeling language for cross-platform mobile applications. AXIOM is based on more general techniques such as Model-Driven Architecture and generates native code for the iOS and Android platforms. Previous small-scale quantitative experiments suggested that AXIOM had the potential to provide significant productivity benefits. We have since conducted a limited set of more complex, mid-scale experiments and analyzed AXIOM’s capabilities using both quantitative and qualitative metrics to further define AXIOM’s ability to improve developer productivity when building cross-platform mobile applications. In this paper we describe the methodology of our mid-scale experiments and present the findings from source code and SonarQube analyses. We evaluate these findings and discuss what they mean to AXIOM in general. Finally, we look at possible changes to AXIOM’s syntax and capabilities.
Parallel Optimal Reactive Power Flow Based on Cooperative Co-Evolutionary Differential Evolution and Power System Decomposition

Differential evolution (DE) is a promising evolutionary algorithm for solving optimal reactive power flow problems, but it requires relatively large population to avoid premature convergence. In order to overcome this disadvantage, a novel decomposition and coordination method based on the cooperative co-evolutionary architecture and the voltage-var sensitivity-based power system decomposition technique is proposed and incorporated with DE in this paper. It is implemented with a three-level parallel computing topology on a PC-cluster. Based on the IEEE 118-bus system test case, the effectiveness of the proposed method has been verified by comparison with the parallel basic DE not using the decomposition and coordination technique
[Investigation on nurses' knowledge of and experience in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and on nurses' knowledge of the guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiovascular care established in 2000--results of a survey at Asahikawa Medical College Hospital (second report)].

BACKGROUND We reported that the practical knowledge and skill on basic life support were not enough among nursing staffs. Therefore, to clarify the existing conditions and issues in CPR education we carried out a survey on knowledge of and experience in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and on knowledge of the Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) established in 2000. METHODS Three hundred and four nurses at Asahikawa Medical College Hospital were asked to fill in questionnaires. RESULTS The results show that more than 80% of the nurses are much interested in CPR. Most of the nurses had received education and training in CPR as students or after graduation. However, cases of cardiopulmonary arrest and CPR were experienced by only about 40% of the nurses. Most of the nurses had never heard of the Guidelines for CPR and ECC in 2000. CONCLUSION The results of this survey demonstrate the need to provide more education (on CPR) to nursing staff.
The influence of Surelease and sodium alginate on the in‐vitro release of tamsulosin hydrochloride in pellet dosage form

The objective of this study was to prepare controlled‐release pellets containing 0.2 mg tamsulosin hydrochloride using a pelletizer‐equipped piston extruder and double‐arm counter‐rotating rollers with Surelease and sodium alginate. The release of tamsulosin HCl from pellets coated with the commercial aqueous ethylcellulose dispersion (Surelease) was investigated at different coating loads. In addition, the effect of sodium alginate on drug release was investigated by varying the ratio of sodium alginate to microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). Dissolution studies were first performed in 500 mL simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2) containing 0.003% (w/w) polysorbate 80 and then in simulated intestinal fluids (pH 7.2). The morphology of pellet surfaces and cross sections were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Apparently, the spherical pellets were prepared using a pelletizer‐equipped piston extruder and double‐arm counter‐rotating rollers. The release profiles of tamsulosin HCl from Surelease‐coated pellets were significantly affected by changing the content of Surelease, the pH of the dissolution medium and the ratio of sodium alginate to MCC. The drug release rates not only decreased with increase in the coating load, but also increased when the pH of the dissolution medium was increased from 1.2 to 7.2 regardless of the sodium alginate‐to‐MCC ratio. Moreover, the drug release rate at pH 7.2 was gradually increased by increasing the ratio of sodium alginate to MCC. SEM showed smooth surfaces of Surelease‐coated pellets. These results suggest that Surelease and sodium alginate would be useful excipients in the preparation of controlled‐release pellets with the desired release profiles.
Determinants of weight change in a longitudinal study of Iranian adults: Isfahan Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND The extensive rise in the prevalence of obesity is a matter of great concern and poses a global threat to people's health. Obesity and overweight are considered to be the consequence of a collection of conditions including genetic, social, environmental, behavioral, and physical factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of weight change over seven years in a prospective study in an Iranian population. METHODS The Isfahan Cohort Study (ICS) is an ongoing longitudinal study started in 2001. A total of 6504 adults aged ≥ 35 years participated in this study. Subjects were followed every 2 years by phone calls. The interview and measurements were repeated in 2007 for 3284 subjects with the same protocol as the baseline study. Obesity indices, including body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were measured at both time points. For the purpose of data analysis, multiple multinomial logistic regression, Chi-square, and ANOVA tests were used. RESULTS In males, weight gain was more frequent from normal to overweight (11.7%), while in females, weight gain was observed more from overweight to obesity (11.4%). Younger individuals gained weight more than older individuals (P < 0.001); it was the same for lower education level (P = 0.007). Weight gain was negatively (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97-0.99 in male and OR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.95-0.98 in female) and weight loss was positively (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.05 in male and OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04 in female) associated with age in both sexes. Education more than 12 years in women and between 6-12 years in men was negatively associated with weight gain while smoking was positively related to weight loss in females and weight gain in males. CONCLUSION Our data showed that multiple factors affect weight change, among which age, smoking, and education are important determinants in Iranian adults.
Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been used to model dynamic fluctuations in the structure of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-) upon binding to the natural agonist 17-estradiol (E2) and to the active metabolite of the breast cancer drug and antagonist, 4-hydroxytamoxifen

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been used to model dynamic fluctuations in the structure of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER-) upon binding to the natural agonist 17-estradiol (E2) and to the active metabolite of the breast cancer drug and antagonist, 4-hydroxytamoxifen (OHT). We present the most extensive MD simulations to date of ER-with over 1 s of combined simulations for the monomer and dimer forms. Simulations reveal that the antagonistbound complex includes significant fluctuations while the agonist-bound complex is tightly restrained. OHT increases dynamic disorder in the loops located to either side of the tail H12 helix; H12 has been associated with the activation status of ER-. We also report that fluctuations near H12 lead to greater conformational variation in the binding mode of the ethylamine tail of OHT. Both the agonist and antagonist conformations are stable throughout the 240 ns simulations, supporting the hypothesis that there are no transitions between these two states or into intermediate states. The stable position of H12 in the OHT-bound conformation suggests that OHT stabilizes a well-defined antagonist conformational ensemble rather than merely blocking the agonist-driven activation of ER-. Simultaneously, the increased dynamic properties of the OHT-bound complex is a potential source of binding entropy.
GATA-4 promotes myocardial transdifferentiation of mesenchymal stromal cells via up-regulating IGFBP-4.

BACKGROUND AIMS GATA-4 is a cardiac transcription factor and plays an important role in cell lineage differentiation during development. We investigated whether overexpression of GATA-4 increases adult mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transdifferentiation into a cardiac phenotype in vitro. METHODS MSC were harvested from rat bone marrow (BM) and transduced with GATA-4 (MSC(GATA-4)) using a murine stem cell virus (pMSCV) retroviral expression system. Gene expression in MSC(GATA-4) was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. Native cardiomyocytes (CM) were isolated from ventricles of neonatal rats. Myocardial transdifferentiation of MSC was determined by immunostaining and electrophysiologic recording. The transdifferentiation rate was calculated directly from flow cytometery. RESULTS The expression of cardiac genes, including brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), Islet-1 and α-sarcomeric actinin (α-SA), was up-regulated in MSC(GATA-4) compared with control cells that were transfected with Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) only (MSC(Null)). At the same time, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein (IGFBP)-4 was significantly up-regulated in MSC(GATA-4). A synchronous beating of MSC with native CM was detected and an action potential was recorded. Some GFP (+) cells were positive for α-SA staining after MSC were co-cultured with native CM for 7 days. The transdifferentiation rate was significantly higher in MSC(GATA-4). Functional studies indicated that the differentiation potential of MSC(GATA-4) was decreased by knockdown of IGFBP-4. CONCLUSIONS Overexpression of GATA-4 significantly increases MSC differentiation into a myocardial phenotype, which might be associated with the up-regulation of IGFBP-4.
The Use of Mind Mapping Strategy in Malaysian University English Test (MUET) Writing

This study aims to investigate SMK Oya Pre-U students’ perceptions on the use of mind mapping strategy in their MUET (Malaysian University English test) writing. To achieve the aim of the study, a questionnaire was used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Therefore, 25 SMK Oya Pre-U students with different band achievement in MUET (Malaysian University English Test) were selected to participate in this study. The analysis of the data indicated that majority of the students had positive perceptions of the use of mind mapping strategy in enhancing their writing skills. The use of mind mapping helps students in planning their writing, adapting a deeper level of understanding of the writing topics and promoting creativity in writing. The findings of the study are hoped to provide insights to the students, teachers and curriculum designers to integrate mind mapping strategy in ESL (English as a Second Language) writing classes. Instructional implications are provided as well.
Notice of Retraction: Ramipril Markedly Improves Walking Ability in Patients With Peripheral Arterial Disease

TO THE EDITOR: Following admission of data fabrication by the first author, Anna Ahimastos, in a similar study of ramipril for patients with peripheral arterial disease (1), Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute conducted an independent investigation of the trial, published in Annals in 2006 (2). Based on that investigation and our own analysis, we, the undersigned authors, wish to retract this article due to an inability to adequately validate primary data sources. Dr. Ahimastos maintains the integrity of the data and validity of reported results and has declined to answer additional questions. The investigation did not find culpability on our part, and we apologize unreservedly to the editors, reviewers, and readers of Annals of Internal Medicine. Given the clinical indications for ramipril and other angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, we believe there is no risk that these possibly invalid trial data harmed trial participants or patients with peripheral arterial disease taking ramipril. Editor's Note: The above-named authors agreed to this retraction. Attempts on the part of the journal office to obtain input regarding this retraction from Dr. Ahimastos, first author of the retracted article, were unsuccessful.
Changes in Clinician Ability to Assess Risk and Help Patients Determine the Need for Hiv Testing

An estimated one of four people with HIV in the United States do not know they have the infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages HIV testing in clinical settings, but there is evidence that this is not done on a regular basis. The purposes of this study were to (a) compare two less traditional teaching methods with a classroom method to determine whether the less traditional methods resulted in greater improvement of clinician knowledge, skill, and willingness to perform HIV risk assessment as the basis for recommending HIV testing; and (b) find out whether there were significant differences in convenience, cost, learner preference, or learner acceptance that would make one method more desirable than the others. Findings from participants in the standardized patient interaction with facilitator feedback (FB) and the case-based self-study module (SSM) were not different from those of participants in the interactive classroom education method (CL). Generally, there were positive changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors over time. Participants preferred standardized patient interaction (FB) and interactive classes (CL) to self-study modules (SSM).
Guaranteed tuning of PID controllers for parametric uncertain systems

This paper presents a methodology for tuning the controller of a parametric uncertain plant in order to guarantee the satisfaction of specifications. These specifications are defined by means of an interval reference model that represents the set of satisfactory time or frequency behaviors. The controller synthesis is then formulated as a set-inclusion problem in the frequency domain. Interval techniques for the solution of constraint satisfaction problems are applied to design fixed-structure controllers in a guaranteed manner. In particular, PID controllers are considered since they are widely used in industry.
Attitudes and behaviors of hospital staff toward elders in an acute care setting.

This study was a grounded-theory approach to the social processes engaged in by elderly people while in the hospital. Staff behaviors were identified along two continua, attitude, which affected the elders' dignity and autonomy, and managing care, which affected the elders' health. Elders described the physicians' role as the director of their health care. The elders characterized the nurses' role to provide their medications and direct needs, whereas the nurses identified their role as providing education and emotional support. Implications and recommendations for practice are offered.
Area socioeconomic status and progressive CKD: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study.

BACKGROUND Individual-level socioeconomic status (SES) has been found to be associated inversely with progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD); the effect of area-level SES on progressive CKD is less known. We conducted a cohort study of 12,856 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study participants to examine the independent risk for progressive CKD associated with living in a low SES area. METHODS Progressive CKD is defined as a creatinine level elevation of 0.4 mg/dL or greater (> or = 35 micromol/L) during a 9-year follow-up, hospitalization for CKD, or death. Area-level SES was characterized by using measures of income, wealth, education, and occupation for 1990 US Census block groups of residence. RESULTS Age- and center-adjusted incidence rates (per 1,000 person-years) of progressive CKD by quartiles of area-level SES score showed increasing rates with decreasing SES for African-American women: quartile 1 (Q1; low) = 11.1, Q2 = 10.5, Q3 = 6.4, and Q4 = 7.1 and white men: Q1 = 6.6, Q2 = 4.8, Q3 = 4.0, and Q4 (high) = 3.5, but not for African-American men or white women. Cox proportional hazards models showed that living in the lowest versus the highest SES-area quartile was associated with a 60% greater risk for progressive CKD in white men after adjusting for age, center, baseline creatinine level, body mass index, and individual-level SES (hazard ratio, 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.0 to 2.5). This risk and trend persisted after adjusting for such potential mediators as health awareness, health care access, and behavioral and physiological factors. We found no significant association of progressive CKD risk and area SES in white women, African-American women, or African-American men after adjustment. CONCLUSION For white men, living in a low SES area is independently associated with greater risk for progressive CKD. Future research is needed to examine this association, considering the disparate effects found by race/sex groups.
Randomized, placebo-controlled, esophageal squamous cell cancer chemoprevention trial of selenomethionine and celecoxib.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma remains a leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Squamous dysplasia, the accepted histological precursor for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, represents a potentially modifiable intermediate end point for chemoprevention trials in high-risk populations. METHODS We conducted a randomized, controlled trial of selenomethionine 200 microg daily and/or celecoxib 200 mg twice daily (2 x 2 factorial design) among residents of Linxian, People's Republic of China. Subjects had histologically confirmed mild or moderate esophageal squamous dysplasia at baseline. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed before and after a 10-month intervention. Per-subject change (regression, stable, or progression) in the worst dysplasia grade was defined as the primary end point. Results were compared by agent group (selenomethionine vs placebo; celecoxib vs placebo). RESULTS Two hundred sixty-seven subjects fulfilled all eligibility criteria, and 238 (89%) completed the trial. Overall, selenomethionine resulted in a trend toward increased dysplasia regression (43% vs 32%) and decreased dysplasia progression (14% vs 19%) compared with no selenomethionine (P = .08). In unplanned stratified analyses, selenomethionine favorably affected a change in dysplasia grade among 115 subjects with mild esophageal squamous dysplasia at baseline (P = .02), but not among 123 subjects with moderate esophageal squamous dysplasia at baseline (P = 1.00). Celecoxib status did not influence changes in dysplasia grade overall (P = .78) or by baseline histology subgroup. CONCLUSIONS After a 10-month intervention, neither selenomethionine nor celecoxib inhibited esophageal squamous carcinogenesis for all high-risk subjects. However, among subjects with mild esophageal squamous dysplasia at baseline, selenomethionine did have a protective effect. Although it is based on unplanned stratified analyses, this finding is the first report of a possible beneficial effect for any candidate esophageal squamous cell carcinoma chemopreventive agent in a randomized controlled trial.
Infections and Patellar Tendon Ruptures After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: No studies document the incidence or results of infections and patellar tendon ruptures after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a contralateral patellar tendon autograft. Purpose: To determine the results of patients who have infections and patellar tendon ruptures after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft and compare the results between ipsilateral and contralateral grafts. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: The authors determined the incidence of infections requiring surgical intervention and complete patellar tendon ruptures after surgery. Data were analyzed in 2 groups based on the graft source: ipsilateral (n = 2553) or contralateral (n = 2811). Data reviewed included range of motion, quadriceps strength, and subjective evaluations. Results: Infections occurred in 9 ipsilateral patients (0.35%) and 4 contralateral patients (0.14%) (P = .12). At final follow-up, less than normal knee extension was found in 4 ipsilateral patients and 1 contralateral patient; less than normal flexion was found in 4 ipsilateral patients and 2 contralateral patients. Patellar tendon ruptures occurred in 6 ipsilateral patients (0.24%) and 7 contralateral patients (0.25%) (P = .92). At 1 month after patellar tendon repair, mean motion (degree of hyperextension–degree short of 0° extension–degree of flexion) in the contralateral group was 5-0-137 in the reconstructed knee and 5-0-118 in the graft-donor knee, which was greater than 5-0-98 found in the ipsilateral group for the reconstructed knee (P < .05). The mean Noyes subjective score at a mean of 4 years postoperatively for the tendon-ruptured knee was 87 points in the ipsilateral group and 93 points in the contralateral group (P = .32), which is comparable with the published normative data for the Noyes score reporting a mean score of 93.6 ± 8.3 points. Conclusion: There were no significant differences in the incidence of infection or patellar tendon rupture between the ipsilateral and contralateral groups. Patients with complications after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a patellar tendon autograft may have less difficulty obtaining full knee motion when the graft is harvested from the contralateral knee.
Integration in Electronic Exchange Environments

Provided the increasing prevalence of electronic exchange environments-including propriety electronic data interchange (EDI) and some Internet-based EDI (e-commerce) systems-we argue that management's decision-making focus vis-à-vis electronic data interchange (EDI)assumes a tactical disposition rather than a strategic one. We offer that the formulation and execution of tactics may be organized around the general question of how to effectively integrate EDI with internal systems, since this appears to be crucial for obtaining the expected performance advantages. We distinguish between two integration concepts, including the integration between the EDI systems and internal systems (interface integration), and the integration among the internal systems (internal integration). Based on theory and literature, we propose that interface integration is favorably related to performance outcomes, and that interface integration and internal integration are positively related. Using data from the Group Insurance industry, we obtain supportive findings. We conclude that tactical EDI planning should centrally focus on interface integration regardless of how intensively management plans to use EDI. We further conclude that management may want to consider internal integration as a risk factor during EDI implementation, because the ability to establish high interface integration may be inhibited or advanced by low or high internal integration, respectively.