Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling of tension modulation nonlinearity in plucked strings

A nonlinear discrete-time model that simulates a vibrating string exhibiting tension modulation nonlinearity is developed. The tension modulation phenomenon is caused by string elongation during transversal vibration. Fundamental frequency variation and coupling of harmonic modes are among the perceptually most important effects of this nonlinearity. The proposed model extends the linear bidirectional digital waveguide model of a string. It is also formulated as a computationally more efficient single-delay-loop structure. A method of reducing the computational load of the string elongation approximation is described, and a technique of obtaining the tension modulation parameter from recorded plucked string instrument tones is presented. The performance of the model is demonstrated with analysis/synthesis experiments and with examples of synthetic tones.
Effects of strontium ranelate on osseointegration of titanium implant in osteoporotic rats.

OBJECTIVES Previous studies have demonstrated the dual effects of strontium ranelate (SR) on osteoporotic and undisturbed bone. However, reports of its effect on titanium implant osseointegration in osteoporotic bodies were limited. This study was designed to investigate the effects of SR on osseointegration of titanium implant in ovariectomized rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Twelve weeks after bilateral ovariectomy in female Sprague-Dawley rats, each animal received two titanium implants in the distal metaphysis of femur. All rats were then randomly divided into two groups: Control and SR (625 mg/kg/day). Twelve weeks after implantation, serum levels of osteocalcin (OCN) and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) 5b, implant osseointegration and peri-implant trabecular microarchitecture were analyzed by histomorphometry, micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT), and biomechanical test. RESULTS Compared with control, SR treatment increased serum levels of OCN by 29.2%, and decreased the levels of TRAP 5b by 25.5% in serum analysis; SR treatment increased percent bone volume by 63.1% and percent osseointegration by 48.3% in micro-CT assessment, and increased bone area density by 55.6% and bone-to-implant contact by 49.0% in histomorphometry; SR treatment also increased the maximal push-out force by 117.7% and the ultimate shear strength by 103.5% in push-out test. CONCLUSIONS Strontium ranelate treatment could improve titanium implant osseointegration in osteoporotic rats.
Postglacial range expansion from northern refugia by the wood frog, Rana sylvatica

Although the range dynamics of North American amphibians during the last glacial cycle are increasingly better understood, the recolonization history of the most northern regions and the impact of southern refugia on patterns of intraspecific genetic diversity and phenotypic variation in these regions are not well reconstructed. Here we present the phylogeographic history of a widespread and primarily northern frog, Rana sylvatica. We surveyed 551 individuals from 116 localities across the species’ range for a 650‐bp region of the NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 and tRNATRP mitochondrial genes. Our phylogenetic analyses revealed two distinct clades corresponding to eastern and western populations, as well as a Maritime subclade within the eastern lineage. Patterns of genetic diversity support multiple refugia. However, high‐latitude refugia in the Appalachian highlands and modern‐day Wisconsin appear to have had the biggest impact on northern populations. Clustering analyses based on morphology further support a distinction between eastern and western wood frogs and suggest that postglacial migration has played an important role in generating broad‐scale patterns of phenotypic variation in this species.
Learned mutation strategies in genetic programming for evolution and adaptation of simulated snakebot

In this work we propose an approach of incorporating learned mutation strategies (LMS) in genetic programming (GP) employed for evolution and adaptation of locomotion gaits of simulated snake-like robot (Snakebot). In our approach the LMS are implemented via learned probabilistic context-sensitive grammar (LPCSG). The LPCSG is derived from the originally defined context-free grammar, which usually expresses the syntax of genetic programs in canonical GP. Applying LMS implies that the probabilities of applying each of particular production rules in LPCGS during the mutation depend on the context. These probabilities are learned from the aggregated reward values obtained from the parsed syntax of the evolved best-of-generation Snakebots. Empirically obtained results verify that LMS contributes to the improvement of computational effort of both (i) the evolution of the fastest possible locomotion gaits for various fitness conditions and (ii) the adaptation of these locomotion gaits to challenging environment and degraded mechanical abilities of Snakebot. In all of the cases considered in this study, the locomotion gaits, evolved and adapted employing GP with LMS feature higher velocity and are obtained faster than with canonical GP.
Disruption of Learning Processes by Chemotherapeutic Agents in Childhood Survivors of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia and Preclinical Models

Objective: With the survival rate of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) surpassing 90 percent within this decade, new research is emerging in the field of late effects. A review of the research investigating the relationship of treatment regimens for ALL to specific late effect deficits, underlying mechanisms, and possible remediation is warranted to support continued studies. Methods: The clinical literature was briefly surveyed to describe the occurrence and topography of late effects, specifically neurocognitive deficits. Additionally, the preclinical literature was reviewed to uncover potential underlying mechanisms of these deficits. The advantages of using rodent models to answer these questions are outlined, as is an assessment of the limited number of rodent models of childhood cancer treatment. Results: The literature supports that childhood survivors of ALL exhibit academic difficulties and are more likely to be placed in a special education program. Behavioral evidence has highlighted impairments in the areas of attention, working memory, and processing speed, leading to a decrease in full scale IQ. Neurophysiological and preclinical evidence for these deficits has implicated white matter abnormalities and acquired brain damage resulting from specific chemotherapeutic agents commonly used during treatment. Conclusions: The exact role of chemotherapeutic agents in learning deficits remains mostly unknown. Recommendations for an improved rodent model of learning deficits in childhood cancer survivors are proposed, along with suggestions for future directions in this area of research, in hopes that forthcoming treatment regimens will reduce or eliminate these types of impairments.
Improved cerebral resuscitation from cardiac arrest in dogs with mild hypothermia plus blood flow promotion.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In past studies, cerebral outcome after normothermic cardiac arrest of 10 or 12.5 minutes in dogs was improved but not normalized by resuscitative (postarrest) treatment with either mild hypothermia or hypertension plus hemodilution. We hypothesized that a multifaceted combination treatment would achieve complete cerebral recovery. METHODS With our established dog outcome model, normothermic ventricular fibrillation of 11 minutes (without blood flow) was followed by controlled reperfusion (with brief normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass simulating low flow and low PaO2 of external cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and defibrillation at < 2 minutes. Controlled ventilation was provided to 20 hours and intensive care to 96 hours. Control group 1 (n = 8) was kept normothermic (37.5 degrees C), normotensive, and hypocapnic throughout. Experimental group 2 (n = 8) received mild resuscitative hypothermia (34 degrees C) from about 10 minutes to 12 hours (by external and peritoneal cooling) plus cerebral blood flow promotion with induced moderate hypertension, mild hemodilution, and normocapnia. RESULTS All 16 dogs in the protocol survived. At 96 hours, all 8 dogs in control group 1 achieved overall performance categories 3 (severe disability) or 4 (coma). In group 2, 6 of 8 dogs achieved overall performance category 1 (normal); 1 dog achieved category 2 (moderate disability), and 1 dog achieved category 3 (P < .001). Final neurological deficit scores (0% [normal] to 100% [brain death]) at 96 hours were 38 +/- 10% (22% to 45%) in group 1 versus 8 +/- 9% (0% to 27%) in group 2 (P < .001). Total brain histopathologic damage scores were 138 +/- 22 (110 to 176) in group 1 versus 43 +/- 9 (32 to 56) in group 2 (P < .001). Regional scores showed similar group differences. CONCLUSIONS After normothermic cardiac arrest of 11 minutes in dogs, resuscitative mild hypothermia plus cerebral blood flow promotion can achieve functional recovery with the least histological brain damage yet observed with the same model and comparable insults.
A Review of Linked Data Proposals in the Learning Domain

This study critically reviews the recently published scientific literature on Linked Data proposals in the educational field. After systematically searching online bibliographic databases, 33 original works satisfied the scope and quality criteria, and thus were included in this review. Studies were classified with respect to TEL research areas; interoperability, personalization and contextualized learning were the main areas addressed. Many studies have a foundation on learning object and repository research, where Linked Data practices are applied to simplify the integration of educational datasets. As learning institutions are gradually exposing their key datasets as Linked Data, an emergent educational data web is being constituted. A number of the reviewed works consume these data for different purposes, reporting reusability and enrichment benefits. Nevertheless, upcoming proposals should be aware of existing challenges, de- rived from the Linked Data model, such as the lack of control of data sources or varying degrees of data quality. We also give some recommendations for delivering Linked Data- based proposals in education, including a classification of vocabularies, datasets and technological products. Future research directions include the release of new datasets as Linked Data, federation and interlinking practices to improve the cohesion of the emergent educational Web of Data, generation of learning artifacts, curation and en- richment of educational data, novel educational applications consuming Linked Data, and performance improvements.
Use of Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing for Diagnosis of Anorectal Sexually Transmitted Infections

ABSTRACT Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) has become the preferred method to detect Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae, but no commercial tests are cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use with rectal swab samples. This study evaluated the performance of strand displacement amplification (SDA) and transcription-mediated amplification (TMA) to detect C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae and to determine if TMA could also detect Mycoplasma genitalium and Trichomonas vaginalis in men and women reporting a history of receptive anal intercourse. Discordant results between the NAATs were reevaluated using the Aptima CT or Aptima GC assay, each of which targets primers other than those targeted by the Aptima Combo 2 (AC2) assay, as the confirmatory test. Of 497 evaluable participants, 41 (8.2%) were positive for C. trachomatis, 21 (4.2%) were positive for N. gonorrhoeae, 26 (5.2%) were positive for T. vaginalis, and 47 (9.5%) were positive for M. genitalium. The sensitivity and specificity of the C. trachomatis test were 100% and 99.8% for AC2 and 56.1% and 100% for SDA, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the N. gonorrhoeae test were 100% and 100% for AC2 and 76.2% and 100% for SDA, respectively, while culture was only 23.8% sensitive. Of the 114 participants who had a positive result for any of the four infectious agents, 16 were positive for two pathogens and 3 were positive for three pathogens. These data suggest that rectal infection is common and that the AC2 is superior to SDA for the detection of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae from rectal swab samples.
Computer Self-Efficacy: Development of a Measure and Initial Test

This paper discusses the role of individuals' beliefs about their abilities to competently use computers (computer self-efficacy) in the determination of computer use. A survey of Canadian managers and professionals was conducted to develop and validate a measure of computer self-efficacy and to assess both its impacts and antecedents. Computer self- efficacy was found to exert a significant influence on individuals' expectations of the outcomes of using computers, their emotional reactions to computers (affect and anxiety), as well as their actual computer use. An individual's self-efficacy and outcome expecta- tions were found to be positively influenced by the encouragement of others in their work group, as well as others' use of computers. Thus, self-efficacy represents an important individual trait, which moderates organizational influences (such as encouragement and support) on an individual's decision to use computers. Understanding self-efficacy, then, is important to the successful implementation of systems in organizations. The existence of a reliable and valid measure of self-efficacy makes assessment possible and should have implications for organizational support, training, and implementation.
Impact of atmospheric coastal jet off central Chile on sea surface temperature from satellite observations (2000–2007)

The coast of central Chile is characterized by intermittent low-level along-shore southerly wind periods, called coastal jets (CJs). In this study, we take advantage of long-term satellite data to document the CJs characteristics over 2000-2007 and investigate its impact on upwelling. The CJ structure has a core some 100 km from the shore and a cross-shore scale of ∼160 km, and it usually lasts for several days (3-10). Its period of occurrence ranges from weekly to a few months. On the basis of covariance analyses between wind stress and sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies, it is found that CJ activity is seasonally phase locked with SST, with a peak season in August-October. The statistically dominant forcing mechanisms of the SST cooling during CJ event is a combination of seaward advection of temperature resulting from Ekman transport, air-sea heat exchange, and Ekman-driven coastal divergence. However, case studies of two events suggest a significant sensitivity of the dominant upwelling forcing mechanisms to the background conditions. For instance, the upward Ekman pumping associated with cyclonic wind stress curl is enhanced for the event with the CJ located more to the south. Although there are limitations associated with both the formulation of the heat budget and the data sets, the results illustrate the complexity of the upwelling forcing mechanisms in this region and the need for realistic high-resolution forcing fluxes. A CJ activity index is also proposed that takes into account the coastal upwelling variability, which can be used for teleconnection studies.
Determinants of Financial Reporting Quality: Evidence from Local Governments in Sumatera Island

This study aims to investigate determinants of financial reporting quality (FRQ) local government in Sumatera Islands, Indonesia. The FRQ local government is proxied by audit opinion from the Indonesian Supreme Audit Board (ISAB) for each local government sample. The tested independent variables are capital expenditure, characteristics of local governments (size, financial independency, and local government status), and mayor’s characteristics (experience and age). Data were obtained from the summary of semester audit results of ISAB, official website of the ministry of finance and the local governments in Sumatera Island. Total samples are 143 local governments and the period of study is 5 years (2016 – 2020, or 715 observations). Using the multinomial logistic regression, this study found that a lower ratio of capital expenditure, smaller local governments, local government in city areas, and local governments led by older and experienced mayor are associated with higher financial reporting quality. This study also uncovered that mayor education level and mayor graduated from the Institute of Public Administration (or IPDN) have positive influence of financial reporting quality of the local governments.
Phenobarbital for the Treatment of Epilepsy in the 21st Century: A Critical Review

Summary: Phenobarbital (PB) is the most widely used antiepileptic drug (AED) in the developing world and remains a popular choice in many industrialized countries. Meta‐analyses of randomized controlled trials suggest that few differences in efficacy exist between PB and other established AEDs, but its possible deleterious cognitive and behavioral side effects remain a concern in the developed world. In contrast, high degrees of efficacy and tolerability in everyday clinical use have been demonstrated consistently in observational studies in developing countries. We propose that a pragmatic, comprehensive outcomes program be carried out, perhaps under the aegis of the Global Campaign Against Epilepsy, to optimize the conditions of the use of PB, so that more people around the world can benefit from this cost‐effective medication and live more fulfilling lives.
Landscape scale carbon stock assessment of tropical peat swamp forests using an integrated field measurement and remote sensing technique : a case study in pt diamond raya timber, Rokan Hilir district, Riau province, Indonesia

Indonesia's tropical peatland ecosystems constitute one of the largest terrestrial carbon pools in the world. However, anthropogenic and natural disturbances ( e.g. logging, drainage, fire, and conversion to other land uses) can easily convert the peatland ecosystems' status from carbon sinks and stores to carbon sources. Huge amounts of carbon are released to the at1nosphere as carbon dioxide (CO2) through peat decomposition and fire. When these emissions are taken into account, Indonesia became one of the largest CO2 en1itter worldwide. Despite their significant role in the global climate change, tropical peatland ecosystems (particularly peat swamp forests) are inadequately studied. Thus, the main objectives of this research are to fill the gap in knowledge regarding peat swamp forests and to develop a practical framework for assessing carbon stock at landscape level in peat swamp forests under an active logging cornpany. Research for this thesis has been conducted in the concession forest of PT Diamond Raya Timber (PT DRT) in Rokan Hilir District, Riau Province, Indonesia. The development of site-specific allometric equations for above-ground biomass and carbon (AOB and AOC) of peat swamp forest were carried out based on 51 and 31 destn1ctively sampled trees, respectively. The carbon fraction used to develop AOC equations were analysed based on 362 subsamples from 31 selected sampled trees using the Walkley-Black method. All the developed AOB and AOC equations have coefficient of determination (R) of greater than 95%. The lowest R values resulted fr01n the simplest 1nodels which used only diameter at breast height (DBH) as a predictor. Adding total tree height (H) and wood density (p) as a single or a combined variable improved the model predictions. Model 5, which used DBH, Hand p as predictive variables, provided best performance when estimating the AOB and AOC of the study area. Hence, as long as reliable data are available as input, Model 5 is recommended. The all01netric carbon equations developed in this study can be used directly to estimate the AOC of peat swamp forests, which is particularly relevant to carbon accounting under global cli1nate change agree1nent 1nechanis1ns such as REDD+. A performance co1nparison of the developed allometric equations to the several published equations was conducted to provide a scientific justification on the application of the generalized or other site-specific allometric equations to esti1nate AOB of trees in peat swamp forests. In general, the developed equations outperformed the published equations used com1nonly in biomass ( carbon) studies. However, the generalized allometric equations developed by Brown et al. (1989) and Brown (1997) can b~ applied with the developed site-specific allon1etric equations, especially for larger DBH classes. This is based
Prognosis for the recovery of surgeons from chemical dependency: a 5-year outcome study.

HYPOTHESIS Rates of relapse, monitoring contract completion, and return to medical practice may differ between surgeons and nonsurgeons being monitored for diagnosed substance use disorders. DESIGN Retrospective 5-year longitudinal cohort study. SETTING A sample of 16 state physician health programs in the United States. PARTICIPANTS Nine hundred four physicians who underwent treatment for a substance use disorder and were consecutively admitted to 1 of 16 state physician health programs between September 1, 1995, and September 1, 2001. The study analyzed a subset of data comparing 144 surgeons with 636 nonsurgeons. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Rates of continued drug and alcohol misuse (relapse), monitoring contract completion, and return to medical practice at 5 years. RESULTS Surgeons were significantly more likely than nonsurgeons to enroll in a physician health program because of alcohol-related problems (odds ratio, 1.9; 95% CI, 1.3-2.7; P = .001) and were less likely to enroll because of opioid use (odds ratio, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.8, P = .002). Surgeons were neither more nor less likely than nonsurgeons to have a positive drug test result, complete or fail to complete the monitoring contract, or extend the monitoring period beyond the original 5 years specified in their agreements. Fewer surgeons than nonsurgeons were licensed and practicing medicine at the conclusion of the monitoring period, although this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Surgeons in this study had positive outcomes similar to those of nonsurgeons. However, further research is necessary to conclude whether surgeons are less likely than their nonsurgeon peers to successfully return to medical practice following chemical dependency treatment.