Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Educational Animations: Taxonomy and Recommendations

Animations can communicate movement, changes in status, and various other temporal changes more effectively than static images. The potential for the use of computer animations in training and education in laboratory settings is tremendous. For example, algorithm animations have been used in computer science to make visible the essential steps of an algorithm. The need exists for a systematic approach to categorize and evaluate the effectiveness of an animation with respect to the subject matter. The goal of an animation is to communicate a message to the user. The effectiveness of the animation is determined by the extent to which its message is understood by the user. To facilitate evaluations of animations, a taxonomy is presented that outlines the critical elements of the interaction scenario, the objects, and the animations involved in a view. Suggestions for its use in evaluation of animation views accompany the taxonomy.
Arterioventricular Coupling and Ventricular Efficiency After Antihypertensive Therapy: A Noninvasive Prospective Study

Patients with hypertension exhibit impaired energetic coupling between the ventricle and the arterial system, leading to reduced cardiac mechanic efficiency and exercise capacity. We tested whether blood pressure normalization with current antihypertensive therapy can improve arterioventricular coupling. Eighteen hypertensive patients without other cardiovascular disease were examined before and after antihypertensive therapy. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed. Central aortic pressure waveforms, including end-systolic pressure, were derived from radial artery applanation tonometry. Afterload was increased with isometric handgrip exercise. Central aortic end-systolic pressure and ventricular volumes at rest and handgrip were used to calculate ventricular elastance, effective arterial elastance, arterioventricular coupling (effective arterial elastance/ventricular elastance), and mechanical efficiency. After 142±67 days, systolic blood pressure decreased from 150.9±14.6 to 119.8±9.2 mm Hg (P<0.00001), diastolic blood pressure from 85.9±14.8 to 68.8±8.4 mm Hg (P=0.00002), and cardiac output from 5.8±1.7 to 4.9±1.8 L/min (P=0.03). Resting left ventricular end-systolic volume, ejection fraction, and septal thickness did not change. Ventricular elastance increased from 1.7±1.0 to 3.2±1.4 mm Hg/mL (P=0.00002), whereas effective arterial elastance decreased from 1.4±0.5 to 1.2±0.4 mm Hg/mL (P=0.02). Effective arterial elastance/ventricular elastance decreased in all patients, from 1.1±0.8 to 0.4±0.2 (P=0.0002). Efficiency improved at rest (72.9±5.8% versus 83.5±5.7%; P<0.00001) and during handgrip (63.5±7.8% versus 78.9±7.1%; P<0.00001). In hypertensive patients, optimal brachial and central blood pressure reduction shifts arterioventricular coupling from cardiac output maximization to ventricular mechanical efficiency optimization. This occurs before significant changes in ventricular geometry and may be responsible for early clinical improvements.
Localization and Treatment of Unruptured Paraclinoid Aneurysms: A Proton Density MRI-based Study

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of proton density magnetic resonance (PD MR) imaging for localization of paraclinoid internal carotid artery aneurysms. Materials and Methods From April 2014 to April 2015, 76 unruptured paraclinoid aneurysms in 66 patients were evaluated using PD MR and angiography (CT/MR angiography or digital subtraction angiography). The locations (extradural, transdural, intradural) in relation to the distal dural ring (DDR) and projection (superior, inferior/posterior, medial, lateral) of the aneurysms were assessed and compared. Results The most common location of paraclinoid aneurysms was extradural (n = 48, 63.2%), followed by intradural (n = 18, 23.7%), and transdural (n = 10, 13.2%). In the medial projection group (n = 49, 64.5%), 31 were extradural (63.3%), 5 were transdural (10.2%), and 13 were intradural (26.5%). In the inferior/posterior projection group (n = 19, 25.0%), there were 14 extradural (73.7%), 4 transdural (21.0%), and 1 intradural (5.3%). In the superior (n = 4, 5.3%)/lateral (n = 4, 5.3%) projection groups, there were 0/3 extradural (0/75.0%), 1/0 transdural (25.0/0%), and 3/1 intradural (75.0/25.0%). Conclusion PD MR showed sufficient contrast difference to distinguish paraclinoid aneurysms from surrounding dural structures.
An Efficient Mixed-Mode Execution Environment for C on Mobile Phone Platforms

Mobile devices are constrained in terms of computational power, battery lifetime and memory sizes. Software development for mobile devices is further complicated by application complexity and heterogeneous hardware platforms.Virtual Machines (VMs) abstract from the underlying hardware, but their use with embedded devices can only be justified if the interpretive overhead is kept to a minimum.In this paper we argue that efficient byte code execution is feasible on mobile devices. We adapt a VM for the Cprogramming language for ARM-based mobile phone platforms.Our VM utilizes latest interpreter technologies to achieve high performance. It offers mixed-mode execution,i.e., code is either executed on the VM or on the CPU, to combine the advantages of VM-based hardware abstraction with the speed of machine-code.We conduct extensive experiments with the MiBench embedded benchmark suite to evaluate VM-performance and the effectiveness of interpreter optimizations on an ARMbasedmobile phone platform. Our interpreter consumes just 10.55KB of code and 0.9KB of data. For all surveyed applications, we achieve a slowdown of less than a factor of 23 over binary code execution, which makes our VM aviable option for byte code execution on mobile devices.
How close is close enough? Understanding the role of cloudlets in supporting display appropriation by mobile users

Transient use of displays by mobile users was prophesied two decades ago. Today, convergence of a range of technologies enable the realization of this vision. For researchers in this space, one key question is where to physically locate the application for which the display has been appropriated. The emergence of cloud and cloudlet computing has increased the range of possible locations. In this paper we focus on understanding the extent to which application location impacts user experience when appropriating displays. We describe a usage model in which public displays can be appropriated to support spontaneous use of interactive applications, present an example architecture based on cloudlets, and explore how application location impacts user experience.
Recycling of carbon/epoxy composites

The recycling of carbon fibers from carbon/epoxy composites was attempted with a solvent method in nitric acid solutions. Gel permeation chromatography and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry showed that the epoxy resin could entirely decompose into low-molecular-weight compounds, and the main components of the dissoluble decomposed compounds were 2,4-dinitrophenol and 2-nitro-4-carboxylphenol. Electron probe microscopy showed no damage to the recycled carbon fibers. The single-fiber tension strength loss of the recycled carbon fibers was 1.1% under the following conditions: a decomposition temperature of 90 °C, a nitric acid solution concentration of 8M, and a ratio of the sample weight to the nitric acid solution volume of 6 g:100 mL. Through orthogonal experimentation, the recycling conditions for the carbon/epoxy composites were examined. The best combination was a decomposition temperature of 90°C, a nitric acid solution concentration of 8M, and a ratio of the sample weight to the nitric acid solution volume of 4g:100 mL. This method could liquefy raw materials for rocket engine shells reinforced with carbon fibers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 95: 1912–1916, 2004
Framework for spatial visual design of abstract information

Spatially-organized information can be accessed and operated on rapidly and effortlessly, especially when a spatial arrangement reveals the conceptual organization of information. Therefore, spatial perception plays an important role for cognitive processing when interacting with abstract information. The process of spatial information visualization is shaped by various factors including interactive, perceptual, navigational as well as organizational and metaphorical aspects and as such requires an interdisciplinary approach. Consequently, bringing the knowledge from different disciplines requires the development of a framework which can host and classify the interdisciplinary features important in designing effective spatial visualizations. In this paper we present a framework which manifests a holistic approach in designing spatial visualization of abstract information.
Rapid and sensitive detection of internal tandem duplication and activating loop mutations of FLT3

Mutations of the FLT3 gene, a receptor tyrosine kinase, are the most frequent genetic alteration reported in acute myeloid leukaemia, with internal tandem duplications (ITD) or mutations within the activating loop (AL) reported at a frequency of around 24% and 6%, respectively. ITD mutations have associated with a poor prognosis. In this study we have used polymerase chain reaction (PCR), combined with restriction enzyme digestion for the detection of AL mutations, with the DNA products separated on the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyser using a DNA‐500 kit. This analysis enabled the rapid identification of mutations in FLT3, approximate sizing of the ITD, an estimate of the proportion of mutant RNA and in some cases, specific heteroduplex patterns associated with triplet deletions. Our data shows that approximately 16% of the patients examined had an ITD mutation and over 13% had a mutation in the AL including triplet deletions involving codons 835/836 and point mutations in codon D839. Based on the sensitivity and speed of the bioanalyser, we suggest that this method is invaluable and provides an improvement to the current use of agarose gels for the analysis of FLT3 PCR products.
Vascular endothelial growth factor biology: clinical implications for ocular treatments

Decades of research on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) have reached fruition with the recent development of intravitreal anti-VEGF treatments for exudative age-related macular degeneration. VEGF is a critical regulator of angiogenesis and vascular permeability with diverse roles, both pathological and physiological, during development and adulthood. The aim of this article is to review aspects of VEGF biology that may be relevant to the clinical use of anti-VEGF agents in ophthalmology: molecular characteristics and isoforms of VEGF; its roles in vasculogenesis, vascular maintenance and angiogenesis; systemic effects of VEGF inhibition; and properties of current anti-VEGF agents.
Occlusion‐Driven Scene Sorting for Efficient Culling

Image space occlusion culling is a powerful approach to reduce the rendering load of large polygonal models. However, occlusion culling is not for free; it trades overhead costs with the rendering costs of the possibly occluded geometry. Meanwhile, occlusion queries based on image space occlusion culling are supported on modern graphics hardware. However, a significant consumption of fillrate bandwidth and latency costs are associated with these queries.
The C-terminal Domain of the Xenopus Cyclin-dependent Kinase Inhibitor, p27Xic1, Is Both Necessary and Sufficient for Phosphorylation-independent Proteolysis*

Cell cycle progression is regulated by cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), cyclins, and CDK inhibitors. In the frog, Xenopus laevis, the CDK inhibitor p27Xic1 (Xic1) inhibits DNA synthesis by negatively regulating CDK2-cyclin E. Using the frog egg extract as a model system for the study of Xic1, studies have demonstrated that Xic1 protein levels are regulated by nuclear ubiquitination and proteolysis. To characterize the molecular mechanism that regulates Xic1 turnover, we have identified the minimal sequences of Xic1 that are necessary and sufficient for its nuclear ubiquitination and degradation. Using deletion mutagenesis, our studies indicated that the C-terminal 50 amino acids of Xic1 are critical for its proteolysis beyond a role in nuclear transport. Replacement of the Xic1 C terminus with the SV40 nuclear localization sequence resulted in the nuclear localization of Xic1 but not its ubiquitination or degradation. Our deletion studies also indicated that the CDK2-cyclin binding domain of Xic1 is important for its efficient retention in the nucleus. Further deletion analyses identified at least 3 lysine residues within the Xic1 C terminus that are targeted for specific ubiquitination. Importantly, our studies demonstrated that the Xic1 C-terminal 50 amino acids can serve as a nuclear degradation signal when fused to a stable heterologous nuclear protein. Moreover, a 30-amino-acid region within the C terminus of Xic1 can serve as a nuclear ubiquitination signal. To address the role of phosphorylation on Xic1 turnover, all the potential phosphorylation sites within the C-terminal 50 amino acids of Xic1 were mutated to alanine to prevent possible phosphorylation. This resulted in a Xic1 protein that was nevertheless degraded in a manner similar to wild-type Xic1, suggesting that phosphorylation of Xic1 is not critical for its nuclear ubiquitination or proteolysis.
PRESERVATION OF Na-K-ACTIVATED AND Mg-ACTIVATED ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATASE ACTIVITIES OF AVIAN SALT GLAND AND TELEOST GILL WITH FORMALDEHYDE AS FIXATIVE

The effect of glutaraldehyde and formaldehyde fixation on the level of biochemically demonstrable Na-K-adenosine triphosphatase (Na-K-ATPase) and Mg-ATPase of avian salt glands and teleost gill filaments was studied. Sections, 100-200 µ, prepared with the Smith-Farquhar tissue chopper, were fixed for varying periods, homogenized and assayed for ATPase activity. Fixation of salt gland tissue with 0.5% glutaraldehyde for 40-60 min completely inhibited the Na-K-ATPase activity and reduced the level of Mg-ATPase by 85%. In contrast, fixation with 2 or 3% formaldehyde, prepared from paraformaldehyde, for 60-90 min resulted in a loss of only 30% of the Na-K-ATPase activity and 65% of the Mg-ATPase activity. Similar results were obtained with gill filaments. In addition, Na-K-ATPase of formaldehyde-fixed tissue retained an obligatory requirement for Na+ and K+ and was fully sensitive to ouabain. Electron microscopic examination of formaldehyde-fixed tissue, sectioned with either the tissue chopper or in the cryostat and incubated in the Wachstein-Meisel medium, showed excellent morphologic preservation. Reaction product deposition (presumably due to Mg-ATPase) was associated with the extracellular side of the plasma membrane in the secretory cells of the salt gland and over the mitochondrial matrix of chloride cells present in the gill epithelium.
Screening and early treatment of migrants for chronic hepatitis B virus infection is cost-effective.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Persons with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are at risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Early detection of chronic HBV infection through screening and treatment of eligible patients has the potential to prevent these sequelae. We assessed the cost-effectiveness in The Netherlands of systematically screening migrants from countries that have high and intermediate HBV infection levels. METHODS Epidemiologic data of the expected numbers of patients with active chronic HBV infection in the target population and information about the costs of a screening program were used in a Markov model and used to determine costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) for patients who were and were not treated. RESULTS Compared with the status quo, a 1-time screen for HBV infection can reduce mortality of liver-related diseases by 10%. Using base case estimates, the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of screening, compared with not screening, is euros (euro) 8966 per QALY gained. The ICER ranged from euro7936 to euro11,705 based on univariate sensitivity analysis, varying parameter values of HBV prevalence, participation rate, success in referral, and treatment compliance. Using multivariate sensitivity analysis for treatment effectiveness, the ICER ranged from euro7222 to euro15,694; for disease progression, it ranged from euro5568 to euro60,418. CONCLUSIONS Early detection and treatment of people with HBV infection can have a large impact on liver-related health outcomes. Systematic screening for chronic HBV infection among migrants is likely to be cost-effective, even using low estimates for HBV prevalence, participation, referral, and treatment compliance.
From mice to men: gene therapy's future for treatment of myocardial infarction.

More than 1 million Americans experience new or recurrent myocardial infarction (MI) annually1 with clinical outcomes strongly related to infarct size and the deleterious effects of ventricular remodeling.2,3 Standard MI treatments are appropriately directed at early reperfusion, antiplatelet/lipid-lowering therapies, and the administration of β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors to help reduce adverse post-MI ventricular remodeling. However, there is strong evidence to suggest that inflammation and the generation of reactive oxygen species, such as the superoxide anion (O2−), contribute substantially to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.4 Thus, there is great interest in developing novel therapies targeting postinfarct inflammatory processes, including oxidative stress. Article see p 478 Attenuating the effects of O2− is an attractive potential therapy for MI. Not only does O2− directly damage tissue through the peroxidation of lipids and oxidation of sulfhydryl groups,5 but it also reacts with NO very rapidly, leading to the formation of another reactive oxidizing agent, peroxynitrate (ONOO−), and to decreased levels of NO, an extremely important cardioprotective regulator of cellular function and survival.6 Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD), a key enzyme that is secreted into the extracellular space and catalyzes the dismutation of O2− to hydrogen peroxide and molecular oxygen, has been shown to attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury by limiting the direct effects of O2− and ONOO− as well as increasing NO bioavailability.7 To date, administration of antioxidant therapies after MI has been disappointing in patients with intravenous infusion of any of the 3 major superoxide dismutase enzymes, showing mixed results.8,9 Because oxidative stress may last for weeks to months after MI, therapies need to be tailored to exert a sustained, localized antioxidant effect. As a result, parenteral …
RB-tracker: A fully distributed, replicating, network-, and topology-aware P2P CDN

Finding a good balance between link congestion and over-provisioning for network service providers is a challenge. Recent advances in transport protocols promise a smoother transfer of bulk background data-traffic that P2P (Peer-to-Peer) file sharing systems are significantly contributing to still today. This paper focuses on reducing the link congestion, and traffic peaks originating from P2P systems by replicating data during periods of low network traffic. For this purpose, RB-Tracker is proposed as an extension of B-Tracker in order to automatically manage the overlay network and replication of content, similar to a Content Delivery Network (CDN). RB-Tracker is designed to manage autonomously a P2P network and to use state-of-the-art mechanisms, such as biased neighbor selection.
Polymer Membranes for Hydrogen Fuel Cells

The purpose of this study is to improve the kinetics of styrene monomer accumulation in polyvinylidene fluoride films with radiation-chemical grafting of styrene monomer. The work has proved that the degree of grafting depends on the absorbed dose of helium ions, temperature and composition of the grafting solution.
Analyzing and Visualizing Multivariate Volumetric Scalar Data and Their Uncertainties

Data sets from the real world and most scientiﬁc simulations are known to be imperfect, often incorporating uncertainty information. Exploration and analysis of such variable data can lead to inaccurate or even incorrect results and inferences. As a powerful tool to communicate the data with users, an effective visualization system should present and inform users of the uncertainty information existing in the data. While some research has been conducted on visualizing uncertainty in spatio-temporal data and univariate data, little work has been reported on multivariate data. In addition, there are two main disadvantages in the existing uncertainty visualization methods for volumetric data. First, they rely heavily on the human perceptual system to recognize the uncertainty information, lacking the capability to depict them quantitatively. Second, they often present large amounts of diverse information in a single display, which may result in visual clutter and occlusion. In this paper, we present our hybrid framework that combines both information visualization techniques and scientiﬁc visualization techniques together to allow users to interactively specify features of interest, quantitatively explore and analyze the multi-variate volumetric data and their uncertainties as well as localize features in the 3D object space. In comparison with those existing methods, we argue that our method not only allows users to quantitatively visualize the uncertainties within multivariate volumetric data, but also yields a clearer data presentation and facilitates a greater level of visual data analysis. We demonstrate the effectiveness of our framework by reporting a case study from the OpenGGCM (Open Geospace General Circulation Model) simulation in space science application domain.
Survivable Distributed Storage with Progressive Decoding

We propose a storage-optimal and computation efficient primitive to spread information from a single data source to a set of storage nodes, to allow recovery from both crash-stop and Byzantine failures. A progressive data retrieval scheme is employed, which retrieves minimal amount of data from live storage nodes. The scheme adapts the cost of successful data retrieval to the degree of errors in the system. Implementation and evaluation studies demonstrate comparable performance to that of a genie-aid decoding process.
Polytherapy and drug interactions in elderly

There is an increase in population of elderly above the age of 65. As age advances, more diseases develop resulting in use of more medications. Physiological changes, alterations in homeostatic regulation and diseases modify pharmacokinetics and drug response in older patients. The risk for drug interactions and drug-related problems increases along with multiple medications. Periodic evaluation of the patients' drug regimen is essential to minimize polytherapy. Clinicians must be alert to the use of herbal and dietary supplements as they are prone to drug-drug interactions. This article focuses on the possible pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and herbal drug interactions occurring in the elderly.