Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
24-Hour blood pressure response to lower dose (30 mg) fimasartan in Korean patients with mild to moderate essential hypertension

Background/Aims Fimasartan is an angiotensin type 1 receptor blocker (ARB) which has comparable efficacy and tolerability with other ARBs. The aim of this study was to evaluate 24-hour blood pressure (BP) lowering efficacy and the tolerability of the low dose fimasartan compared with valsartan in patients with mild to moderate hypertension. Methods This study was a phase II, prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-grouped trial. A total of 75 hypertensive patients, whose mean ambulatory BP monitoring values were ≥ 135/85 mmHg, were randomized to either fimasartan 30 mg or valsartan 80 mg daily. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in the mean 24-hour systolic BP (SBP) values from the baseline and at the week 8. Secondary endpoints included the change in the mean 24-hour diastolic BP values, the daytime and the nighttime mean BP values at week 8, the trough-to-peak (T/P) ratio and the smoothness index. Results At week 8, the mean 24-hour SBP values significantly decreased in both groups; –10.5 ± 11.9 mmHg (p < 0.0001) in the fimasartan group and –5.5 ± 11.6 mmHg (p = 0.0307) in the valsartan group. The difference between two groups was 4.3 ± 2.9 mmHg but there was no statistical significance (p = 0.1392). The global T/P ratio in the fimasartan 30 mg groups were 0.48 and 0.40 in the valsartan 80 mg group, respectively (p = 0.3411). The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were acute pharyngitis and there were no cases of severe AEs. Conclusions In mild-to-moderate hypertensive patients, low dose (30 mg) fimasartan showed comparable 24-hour BP lowering efficacy compared with valsartan (80 mg). There was no difference in tolerability between two groups.
A One-Dimensional Continuum Elastic Model for Membrane-Embedded Gramicidin Dimer Dissociation

Membrane elastic properties, which are subject to alteration by compounds such as cholesterol, lipid metabolites and other amphiphiles, as well as pharmaceuticals, can have important effects on membrane proteins. A useful tool for measuring some of these effects is the gramicidin A channels, which are formed by transmembrane dimerization of non-conducting subunits that reside in each bilayer leaflet. The length of the conducting channels is less than the bilayer thickness, meaning that channel formation is associated with a local bilayer deformation. Electrophysiological studies have shown that the dimer becomes increasingly destabilized as the hydrophobic mismatch between the channel and the host bilayer increases. That is, the bilayer imposes a disjoining force on the channel, which grows larger with increasing hydrophobic mismatch. The energetic analysis of the channel-bilayer coupling is usually pursued assuming that each subunit, as well as the subunit-subunit interface, is rigid. Here we relax the latter assumption and explore how the bilayer junction responds to changes in this disjoining force using a simple one-dimensional energetic model, which reproduces key features of the bilayer regulation of gramicidin channel lifetimes.
ROS-based robot navigation and human interaction in indoor environment

This paper sets the basis of a robot collaborative application framework that is able to perform basic interactions with a human partner, namely patrol and monitor a designated area, followed by interaction with a human participant when this is detected. The application is developed using an adaptation of ROS to Corobot robot and image processing techniques that involve OpenCV face detection.
DISTRIBUTION AND ORIENTATION OF FIBERS IN STEEL FIBER REINFORCED CONCRETE

Measurements were made on the number of fibers per unit cross-sectional area in steel fiber reinforced concrete specimens incorporating various volume fractions of fibers of different types. Based on statistical evaluation of the measured values, the differences in fiber concentrations at different locations on the cross section were assessed. Theoretical expressions were derived for the number of fibers per unit cross-sectional area in fiber reinforced concrete, with due consideration given to the effects of the surrounding boundaries. The effects of vibration on reorientation of steel fibers in concrete were investigated through comparisons betwen the computed and measured values of number of fibers per unit cross-sectional area.
Induction of Regulator of G-Protein Signaling 2 Expression by Long-Acting β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists and Glucocorticoids in Human Airway Epithelial Cells

In asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) multiple mediators act on Gαq-linked G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) to cause bronchoconstriction. However, acting on the airway epithelium, such mediators may also elicit inflammatory responses. In human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells (bronchial epithelium + adenovirus 12-SV40 hybrid), regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) 2 mRNA and protein were synergistically induced in response to combinations of long-acting β2-adrenoceptor agonist (LABA) (salmeterol, formoterol) plus glucocorticoid (dexamethasone, fluticasone propionate, budesonide). Equivalent responses occurred in primary human bronchial epithelial cells. Concentrations of glucocorticoid plus LABA required to induce RGS2 expression in BEAS-2B cells were consistent with the levels achieved therapeutically in the lungs. As RGS2 is a GTPase-activating protein that switches off Gαq, intracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]i) flux was used as a surrogate of responses induced by histamine, methacholine, and the thromboxane receptor agonist U46619 [(Z)-7-[(1S,4R,5R,6S)-5-[(E,3S)-3-hydroxyoct-1-enyl]-3-oxabicyclo[2.2. 1]heptan-6-yl]hept-5-enoic acid]. This was significantly attenuated by salmeterol plus dexamethasone pretreatment, or RGS2 overexpression, and the protective effect of salmeterol plus dexamethasone was abolished by RGS2 RNA silencing. Although methacholine and U46619 induced interleukin-8 (IL-8) release and this was inhibited by RGS2 overexpression, the repression of U46619-induced IL-8 release by salmeterol plus dexamethasone was unaffected by RGS2 knockdown. Given a role for Gαq-mediated pathways in inducing IL-8 release, we propose that RGS2 acts redundantly with other effector processes to repress IL-8 expression. Thus, RGS2 expression is a novel effector mechanism in the airway epithelium that is induced by glucocorticoid/LABA combinations. This could contribute to the efficacy of glucocorticoid/LABA combinations in asthma and COPD.
Rescue of Glaucomatous Neurodegeneration by Differentially Modulating Neuronal Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Molecules

Axon injury is an early event in neurodegenerative diseases that often leads to retrograde neuronal cell death and progressive permanent loss of vital neuronal functions. The connection of these two obviously sequential degenerative events, however, is elusive. Deciphering the upstream signals that trigger the neurodegeneration cascades in both neuronal soma and axon would be a key step toward developing the effective neuroprotectants that are greatly needed in the clinic. We showed previously that optic nerve injury-induced neuronal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays an important role in retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Using two in vivo mouse models of optic neuropathies (traumatic optic nerve injury and glaucoma) and adeno-associated virus–mediated RGC-specific gene targeting, we now show that differential manipulation of unfolded protein response pathways in opposite directions—inhibition of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α-C/EBP homologous protein and activation of X-box binding protein 1—promotes both RGC axons and somata survival and preserves visual function. Our results indicate that axon injury-induced neuronal ER stress plays an important role in both axon degeneration and neuron soma death. Neuronal ER stress is therefore a promising therapeutic target for glaucoma and potentially other types of neurodegeneration. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Neuron soma and axon degeneration have distinct molecular mechanisms although they are clearly connected after axon injury. We previously demonstrated that axon injury induces neuronal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and that manipulation of ER stress molecules synergistically promotes neuron cell body survival. Here we investigated the possibility that ER stress also plays a role in axon degeneration and whether ER stress modulation preserves neuronal function in neurodegenerative diseases. Our results suggest that neuronal ER stress is a general mechanism of degeneration for both neuronal cell body and axon, and that therapeutic targeting of ER stress produces significant functional recovery.
Red Iron-Pigmented Tooth Enamel in a Multituberculate Mammal from the Late Cretaceous Transylvanian “Haţeg Island”

Mammals that inhabit islands are characterized by peculiar morphologies in comparison to their mainland relatives. Here we report the discovery of a partial skull associated with the lower jaws of a Late Cretaceous (≈70 Ma) multituberculate mammal from the Carpathian “Haţeg Island” of Transylvania, Romania. The mammal belongs to the Kogaionidae, one of the rare families that survived the Cretaceous—Paleogene mass extinction in Europe. The excellent preservation of this specimen allows for the first time description of the complete dentition of a kogaionid and demonstration that the enigmatic Barbatodon transylvanicus presents a mosaic of primitive and derived characters, and that it is phylogenetically basal among the Cimolodonta. Another peculiarity is the presence of red pigmentation in its tooth enamel. The red coloration is present on the anterior side of the incisors and on the cusps of most of the teeth. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDS) analysis reveals that the pigmented enamel contains iron, as in living placentals. Such a red pigmentation is known in living soricine shrews and many families of rodents, where it is thought to increase the resistance of the enamel to the abrasion that occurs during “grinding” mastication. The extended pattern of red pigment distribution in Barbatodon is more similar to that in eulipotyplan insectivores than to that in rodents and suggests a very hard diet and, importantly, demonstrates that its grasping incisors were not ever-growing. As inferred for other endemic Transylvanian vertebrates such as dwarf herbivorous dinosaurs and unusual theropod dinosaurs, insularity was probably the main factor of survival of such a primitive mammalian lineage relative to other mainland contemporaries of the Northern hemisphere.
UML4COP: UML-based DSML for context-aware systems

Context-awareness plays an important role in developing flexible and adaptive systems. However, it is not easy to design and implement such a context-aware system, because its system configuration can be dynamically changed. This paper proposes UML4COP, a UML-based design method for COP (Context-Oriented Programming). UML4COP is a DSML(Domain-Specific Modeling Language) for designing context-aware systems. In UML4COP, each context is modeled separately and a system design model at a certain period of time is composed by merging associated contexts.
Long QT syndrome: reduced repolarization reserve and the genetic link

Marked QT prolongation and torsades de pointes can occur not only in the congenital long QT syndromes (LQTSs) but also as a consequence of environmental stimuli, notably administration of certain drugs. A key feature of this ‘acquired’ form of the LQTS has been its unpredictable nature. That is, although risk factors have been identified in series of patients, they have not been terribly useful in addressing risk in an individual patient. Normal cardiac repolarization depends critically on the interplay of multiple ion currents, and these provide some redundancy, or ‘reserve’, to protect against excessive QT prolongation by drugs. We have proposed that lesions in these repolarizing mechanisms can remain subclinical but nevertheless increase risk on drug exposure, and have termed this situation ‘reduced repolarization reserve’. The evidence in support of this concept is presented, and the known and potential contributions by genetic variants to risk is examined. Assessing variability in susceptibility to acquired LQTS provides a framework for analysis of other complex gene–environment interactions.
Augmented Reality In-Situ 3D Sketching of Physical Objects

We describe a multimodal 3D Sketching environment based on Video See-through Augmented Reality, allowing the freehand sketching of manufacturable 3D objects in situ with real-time visual feedback. Using a head-mounted stereo display (HMD), an optical tracking system, and head mounted cameras, we dynamically overlay 3D sketch strokes obtained with a wand onto the HMD in real time. This integration allows users to see the real world as they are drawing, enabling the use of physical world references in the creation of 3D content. The user then is able to accomplish tasks such as drawing a basket with suitable dimensions that will hold specific real world items, drawing a part that can be attached to an existing object, or even drawing a path that follows the movements of a moving object.
Measuring enrichment: the assembly and validation of an instrument to assess student self-beliefs in CS1

Educational research has shown that self-beliefs can have profound influences on learning behaviour and achievement. It follows, then, that beliefs about the nature of programming aptitude (e.g., students' mindset) and the way in which individuals perceive themselves as programmers (e.g., students' self-concept) could also have a salient impact on programming practice behaviour and the development of programming expertise. However, in order to test this hypothesis, a valid and reliable measurement instrument is needed. This paper draws upon the Control-Value Theory of Achievement Emotion to assemble such a measurement instrument. An evaluation of the proposed measurement instrument with three cohorts of undergraduate computing students (N=239) then demonstrates that reliability and construct validity are adequate, while the concurrent validity of the conceptual framework is satisfactory. This suggests that the measurement instrument is suitable for further research into students' self-beliefs within the introductory programming context. However, it is important to note that this work represents only a first step and further validation is required to establish whether the measurement instrument is valid across different contexts and populations.
An Ellipsoidal Tool as a Nanoscale Removal Processes for Computer and Digital System

A newly designed ellipsoidal electrode tool used for micro-electrochemical etching (μ-ECE) in a precise reclamation process that removes defective In2O3SnO2 conductive microstructure from the surface of LCD color filters is presented. The electrochemical removal of ITO film eliminates the danger of scoring the surface of the substrate. The efficiency of the electrochemical process, enhanced by the ellipsoidal shaped electrode, also allows the feed rate of the workpiece (display color filter) to be higher and this reduces production costs. In the current study, a higher current rating and a faster workpiece feed effectively resulted in more effective removal. An ellipsoidal anode with a small major axis coupled with a narrow gap between the cathode and the workpiece also reduces the time taken to remove the In2O3SnO2. An ellipsoidal anode with small minor axis also provides better discharge mobility and removal. A thin cathode or one with a small arc radius also gives a higher removal rate for In2O3SnO2. The effective ellipsoidal anode provides more discharge mobility and removes the In2O3SnO2 easily and cleanly in a short time. The surface roughness, the average light transmittance and chromaticity of the three primary colors is also maintained at the same level after the μ-ECE process as it was before the removal of the ITO.
Empirical performance maximization for linear rank statistics

The ROC curve is known to be the golden standard for measuring performance of a test/scoring statistic regarding its capacity of discrimination between two populations in a wide variety of applications, ranging from anomaly detection in signal processing to information retrieval, through medical diagnosis. Most practical performance measures used in scoring applications such as the AUC, the local AUC, the p-norm push, the DCG and others, can be seen as summaries of the ROC curve. This paper highlights the fact that many of these empirical criteria can be expressed as (conditional) linear rank statistics. We investigate the properties of empirical maximizers of such performance criteria and provide preliminary results for the concentration properties of a novel class of random variables that we will call a linear rank process.
Regular Functions and Cost Register Automata

We propose a deterministic model for associating costs with strings that is parameterized by operations of interest (such as addition, scaling, and minimum), a notion of regularity that provides a yardstick to measure expressiveness, and study decision problems and theoretical properties of resulting classes of cost functions. Our definition of regularity relies on the theory of string-to-tree transducers, and allows associating costs with events that are conditioned on regular properties of future events. Our model of cost register automata allows computation of regular functions using multiple “write-only” registers whose values can be combined using the allowed set of operations. We show that the classical shortest-path algorithms as well as the algorithms designed for computing discounted costs can be adapted for solving the min-cost problems for the more general classes of functions specified in our model. Cost register automata with the operations of minimum and increment give a deterministic model that is equivalent to weighted automata, an extensively studied nondeterministic model, and this connection results in new insights and new open problems.
Learning to Predict Movie Ratings from the Netflix Dataset

In this paper, we describe a hybrid recommendation system combining the two main approaches to recommendation collaborative filtering and content-based classification. We build a collaborative filtering framework to construct a useritem matrix of ratings and produce recommendations based on user-user similarity computed using Pearson correlation. We tackle the sparsity of the user-item matrix by incorporating a NaiveBayes classifier for each user and using it to predict the unknown ratings in the user-item matrix. We presents results from applying our approach to a movie recommendation database provided by the Netflix movie rental service.
Facile preparation route for graphene oxide reinforced polyamide 6 composites via in situ anionic ring-opening polymerization

In this study, a new and facile route has been developed to prepare graphene oxide (GO) reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6) composites and synthesize simultaneously PA6 grafted GO hybrid materials: e-caprolactam (CL) was firstly fixed onto the GO sheets coupling by 4,4′-methylenebis(phenyl isocyanate), and then PA6 was grafted from the GO surface by in situ anionic ring-opening polymerization. The polymerization processing was effectively carried out at relatively low reaction temperature (150 °C) and in a short reaction time (20 to 40 min) by using a caprolactam magnesium bromide (C1) initiator in combination with a difunctional hexamethylene-1,6-dicarbamoylcaprolactam (C20) activator. The PA6 grafted graphene oxide (g-GO) was verified by 1H NMR, FTIR, TGA, XPS and AFM. The PA6 grafted GO sheets (g-GO) contain about 74 wt% polymers, which make the GO sheets homogenously dispersed in matrix and gain good interfacial adhesion. The tensile results show that the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the nanocomposites can be obviously improved by incorporation of g-GO at low contents. Furthermore, the crystallization temperature and degree of crystallinity of PA6-GO nanocomposites both increased in the non-isothermal crystallization process, especially for the composites with GO loading less than 0.2 wt%. This simple and effective approach is believed to offer possibilities for broadening the graphene applications with the development of PA6-graphene nanocomposites.
Incidence of ureteral stricture after ureterorenoscopic pneumatic lithotripsy for distal ureteral calculi.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE We investigated the incidence of ureteral stricture in patients treated with ureterorenoscopic pneumatic lithotripsy for distal ureteral calculi. PATIENT AND METHODS Between April 2006 and January 2009, 154 patients requiring ureterorenoscopic pneumatic lithotripsy for distal ureteral calculi were enrolled into the study. We evaluated the stone size, impaction of a stone, the need for ureteral orifice dilatation and the need for application of double-J stent. RESULTS A total of 154 patients underwent URS-PL for ureteral calculi. Mean calculi diameter was 12.17 +/- 2.54 (range: 5-20 mm). Stone free rates after the first URS-PL operation were 97.4% of patients. In 2 patients (1.29%), ureteral perforation occurred as an early complication. We observed deep mucosal injury in 9 patients (5.84%). Partial stricture (partial obstruction) was observed in 9 patients (5.84%). Of 9 patients who had an ureteral stricture postoperatively, 7 patients had ureteral calculi > or = 10 mm, 2 patients had calculi < 10 mm. We observed ureteral stricture in 2 (8.69%) out of 23 patients who had calculi < 10 mm, and in 7 (5.34%) out of 131 patients who had calculi > or = 10 mm (p > 0.05). Ureteral stricture was observed in 2 (13.33%) out of 15 patients who had impacted calculi, and in 7 (5.03%) out of 139 patients who did not have impacted calculi (p < 0.05). We observed ureteral stricture in 3 (6.25%) out of 48 patients who required ureteral dilatation, and in 6 (5.66%) out of 106 patients who did not require ureteral dilatation (p > 0.05). Ureteral stricture was observed in 6 (15%) out of 40 patients who required ureteral double-J catheter placement, and in 3 (2.63%) out of 114 patients who did not require ureteral double-J catheter placement (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The results of our study have demonstrated that the success rate was not related to the stone dimension, but the time of operation was found to be increased with larger stones. Main risk factors for formation of ureteral stricture were impacted ureteral calculi and reasons which merits double-J catheter placement like mucosal damage, perforation, impacted calculi and high stone burden.