Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation in Tinnitus Patients: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Although transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has already been used to manage tinnitus patients, paucity of reports and variations in protocols preclude a comprehensive understanding. Hence, we conducted a meta-analysis based on systemic review to assess effectiveness of tDCS in tinnitus management and to compare stimulation parameters. PubMed was searched for tDCS studies in tinnitus. For randomized controlled trials (RCTs), a meta-analysis was performed. A total of 17 studies were identified and 6 of them were included in the systemic review and 2 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall 39.5% responded to active tDCS with a mean tinnitus intensity reduction of 13.5%. Additionally, left temporal area (LTA) and bifrontal tDCS indicated comparable results. Active tDCS was found to be more effective than sham tDCS for tinnitus intensity reduction (Hedges' g = .77, 95% confidence interval 0.23–1.31). The efficacy of tDCS in tinnitus could not be fully confirmed by the current study because of the limited number of studies, but all studies included in the current systemic review and meta-analysis demonstrated significant tinnitus intensity improvement. Therefore, tDCS may be a promising tool for tinnitus management. Future RCTs in a large series regarding the efficacy as well as the comparison between LTA- and bifrontal tDCS are recommended.
Purchase Bidding Strategy for a Retailer With Flexible Demands in Day-Ahead Electricity Market

The paper aims to determine the day-ahead market bidding strategies for retailers with flexible demands to maximize the short-term profit. It proposes a short-term planning framework to forecast the load under dynamic tariffs and construct biding curves. Stochastic programming is applied to manage the uncertainties of spot price, regulating price, consumption behaviors, and responsiveness to dynamic tariffs. A case study based on data from Sweden is carried out. It demonstrates that a real-time selling price can affect the aggregate load of a residential consumer group and lead to load shift toward low-price periods. The optimal bidding curves for specific trading periods are illustrated. Through comparing the bidding strategies under different risk factors, the case study shows that a risk-averse retailer tends to adopt the strategies with larger imbalances. The benefit lies in the reduction of low-profit risk. However, the aversion to risk can only be kept in a certain level. A larger imbalance may lead to a quick reduction of profit in all scenarios.
Efficiency of plant growth‐promoting P‐solubilizing Bacillus circulans CB7 for enhancement of tomato growth under net house conditions

P‐solubilizing bacterial isolate CB7 isolated from apple rhizosphere soil of Himachal Pradesh, India was identified as Bacillus circulans on the basis of phenotypic characteristics, biochemical tests, fatty acid methyl esters analysis, and 16S rRNA gene sequence. The isolate exhibited plant growth‐promoting traits of P‐solubilization, auxin, 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate deaminase activity, siderophore, nitrogenase activity, and antagonistic activity against Dematophora necatrix. In vitro studies revealed that P‐solubilization and other plant growth‐promoting traits were dependent on the presence of glucose in PVK medium and removal of yeast extract had no significant effect on plant growth‐promoting traits. Plant growth‐promoting traits of isolate CB7 were repressed in the presence of KH2PO4. P‐solubilization activity was associated with the release of organic acids and a drop in the pH of the Pikovskaya's medium. HPLC analysis detected gluconic and citric acid as major organic acids in the course of P‐solubilization. Remarkable increase was observed in seed germination (22.32%), shoot length (15.91%), root length (25.10%), shoot dry weight (52.92%) and root dry weight (31.4%), nitrogen (18.75%), potassium (57.69%), and phosphorus (22.22%) content of shoot biomass over control. These results demonstrate that isolate CB7 has the promising PGPR attributes to be developed as a biofertilizer to enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth.
Educationally influential physicians: The need for construct validation

Introduction: Educational influential physicians may be a valuable resource in continuing medical education. Although the idea driving this research—informal learning—converges with research in adult education, organizational learning, marketing, and knowledge diffusion, the results of interventions hare proven inconclusive. To actualize the promise of the educationally influential physician (EIP) construct, it is argued that researchers must return to the “classic” studies in this area and resume the process of validating the meaning of the construct. Methods: A literature review and the occasion of an educationally influential physician identification survey provided an opportunity to contribute to development of this construct. We compared three identification rules used to study 212 physicians. Result: Each rule may identify different people as EIPs. Discussion: To improve the use of educational influentials, research must be completed to validate their role in informal learning.
Creatine monohydrate enhances strength and body composition in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Objective: To determine whether creatine monohydrate (CrM) supplementation increases strength and fat-free mass (FFM) in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DD). Methods: Thirty boys with DD (50% were taking corticosteroids) completed a double-blind, randomized, cross-over trial with 4 months of CrM (about 0.10 g/kg/day), 6-week wash-out, and 4 months of placebo. Measurements were completed of pulmonary function, compound manual muscle and handgrip strength, functional tasks, activity of daily living, body composition, serum creatine kinase and γ-glutamyl transferase activity and creatinine, urinary markers of myofibrillar protein breakdown (3-methylhistidine), DNA oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine [8-OH-2-dG]), and bone degradation (N-telopeptides). Results: During the CrM treatment phase, there was an increase in handgrip strength in the dominant hand and FFM (p < 0.05), with a trend toward a loss of global muscle strength (p = 0.056) only for the placebo phase, with no improvements in functional tasks or activities of daily living. Corticosteroid use, but not CrM treatment, was associated with a lower 8-OH-2-dG/creatinine (p < 0.05), and CrM treatment was associated with a reduction in N-telopeptides (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Four months of CrM supplementation led to increases in FFM and handgrip strength in the dominant hand and a reduction in a marker of bone breakdown and was well tolerated in children with DD.
Networked Coordination-Based Distributed Model Predictive Control for Large-Scale System

A class of large-scale systems, which is naturally divided into many smaller interacting subsystems, is usually controlled by a distributed or decentralized control framework. In this case, how to improve the performance of the entire system is a problem. A novel distributed model predictive control (MPC) is proposed for improving the global performance. Each subsystem is controlled by a subsystem-based MPC. These controllers coordinate with each other through global performance optimization index, and take the interactions among subsystems into account when predicting states evolution. The stability analysis for the unconstrained distributed MPC is given for guiding the control parameters tuning. Numeric results show that the proposed architecture could guarantee satisfactory global performance under even strong interactions among subsystems.
Natural Compounds as Regulators of NLRP3 Inflammasome-Mediated IL-1β Production

IL-1β is one of the main proinflammatory cytokines that regulates a broad range of immune responses and also participates in several physiological processes. The canonical production of IL-1β requires multiprotein complexes called inflammasomes. One of the most intensively studied inflammasome complexes is the NLRP3 inflammasome. Its activation requires two signals: one signal “primes” the cells and induces the expression of NLRP3 and pro-IL-1β, while the other signal leads to the assembly and activation of the complex. Several stimuli were reported to function as the second signal including reactive oxygen species, lysosomal rupture, or cytosolic ion perturbation. Despite very intensive studies, the precise function and regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome are still not clear. However, many chronic inflammatory diseases are related to the overproduction of IL-1β that is mediated via the NLRP3 inflammasome. In this review, we aimed to provide an overview of studies that demonstrated the effect of plant-derived natural compounds on NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated IL-1β production. Although many of these studies lack the mechanistic explanation of their action, these compounds may be considered as complementary supplements in the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases, consumed as preventive agents, and may also be considered as molecular tools to study NLRP3 function.
Authenticating "non-native speaker teacher" professional identity in French as a second language (FSL) education

ii PREFACE . iv TABLE OF CONTENTS . v LIST OF TABLES . viii LIST OF FIGURES . ix LIST OF ACRONYMS . x ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . xi DEDICATION . xv CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 Purpose of the study . 1 Background & research questions . 3 Research questions . 4 Significance of study. 7 Structure of dissertation . 11 CHAPTER 2: STUDY ABROAD & L2 TEACHER IDENTITY . 12 Introduction . 12 L2 teachers studying abroad . 14 L2 teacher identity . 22 The “native speaker” . 24 The “native speaker teacher” and “non-native speaker teacher” . 28 À propos language expertise . 29 Challenging the “native speaker”. 32 “Francophone” . 35 Inside Quebec. 36 In the ROC (Rest of Canada) . 41 Conclusion . 43 CHAPTER 3: THEORETICAL FRAMING . 45 Introduction . 45 Practice theory . 46 Language and culture as social action . 49 Authenticity in L2 education . 51 Defining authenticity . 52 Authenticity in L2 learning and teaching . 54 Authenticity as ideology . 56 Language ideology in FSL . 58 Identity . 64 Conclusion: Identity and authenticity . 69 CHAPTER 4: METHODOLOGY . 72 Introduction . 72 Case study . 73 Research context: Sites and participants . 74
Parent attitudes toward participation of their children in polio vaccine trials.

are likely to be resistant or hostile. Data secured from a study of parental reactions to polio vaccine trials may be useful inindicating in somewhat greater detail than is usually available the factors influencing participation in such a program and the attitudes and characteristics of participants and nonparticipants. Testing the Salk polio vaccine by inoculating hundreds of thousands of school children during 1954 entailed an intensive task of local organization in
Testing the reactance vs. the reciprocity of politeness explanations for the effectiveness of the “but you are free” compliance-gaining technique

Abstract Two studies were conducted to assess whether reactance or politeness offers a better explanation of the effectiveness of the “but you are free” (BYAF) technique of gaining compliance. The first was conducted with an online survey in the US (N = 131) and found that the BYAF was associated with lower perceived freedom threat than a control or polite request. The second was a field study and collected data in France (N = 372), Norway (N = 360), and the US (N = 108) to test a 3 (direct request, polite request, or BYAF) × 2 (requester benefits or 3rd party group benefits) design. The BYAF was associated with higher compliance than the other two messages.
Growth mechanism and properties of ZnO nanorods synthesized by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition

Uniformly distributed ZnO nanorods have been grown by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition using a two-step process. By controlling the oxygen content in the gas mixture during the nucleation and growth steps, no catalyst is required for the formation of ZnO nanorods. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy studies show that ZnO nanorods are single crystals and that they grow along the c axis of the crystal plane. Alignment of these nanorods with respect to the substrates depends on the lattice mismatch between ZnO and the substrate, the surface electric field, and the amount of defects in the starting nuclei. Room-temperature photoluminescence measurements of these ZnO nanorods have shown ultraviolet peaks at 380 nm with a full width at half-maximum of 106 meV, which are comparable to those found in high-quality ZnO films. Photoluminescence measurements of annealed ZnO nanorods in hydrogen and oxygen atmospheres indicate that the origins of green emission are oxygen vacancies and zinc inter.
Supporting Prospective Teachers to Notice Students' Mathematical Thinking through Rehearsal Activities.

In recent years there have been calls for ambitious mathematics teaching which places student thinking and reasoning at the centre of instruction. Drawing on a larger study concerning implementation of practice-based pedagogies within our initial teacher education mathematics programme, this paper examines the range of opportunities for prospective teachers to practise and explore the role of professional noticing within rehearsal activities. We illustrate how the rehearsal process served to highlight components of professional noticing, namely, making students’ thinking visible, eliciting and responding to student thinking, and connecting to mathematical ideas. In looking at exemplars of each of these components, we illustrate how the mathematics teacher educators’ coaching moves—prompted by their professional noticing of prospective teachers’ learning—supported learning. We conjecture that the learning community’s collective exchanges within the rehearsals affirmed more than the ‘desired’ teaching orientation towards professional noticing; these efforts also made explicit the ‘how’, ‘why’ and to ‘what effect’ such an orientation has on diverse mathematics learners.
An observer for controlled Lipschitz continuous systems

In this paper we present an ob- server for controlled nonlinear systems that are locally Lipschitz continuous in both the state and control variables. This observer is based on a recently introduced model of ob- server for autonomous Lypschitz continuous systems, and can be designed to realize an ar- bitrary, finite accuracy when both the state space and control variables evolve in bounded regions.
Dose Effect of Botulinum Toxin A in Heterotropia and Heterophoria

Purpose: To evaluate the short-term dose effect of botulinum toxin in manifest and intermittent horizontal strabismus types. Methods: Dysport™ of 2 international units was injected into a single muscle in cases of constant esotropia and exotropia plus decompensating esophoria and exophoria. Electromyography (EMG) signal was recorded during each procedure. Angle of deviation was measured in each case pretreatment and posttreatment at 2 weeks by prism cover test for near and distance fixation. Change in deviation was evaluated by nonparametric statistical evaluation. Results: Sixty-six patients were reviewed: 30 males and 36 females. The mean age was 24 years (1-79: SD 20.4). Of the 66 patients, 28 had botulinum toxin to the right eye and 38 had it to the left eye. Thirty-nine had eso deviations (19 constant, 20 intermittent) and 27 had exo deviations (12 constant, 15 intermittent). EMG signal was classed as excellent (30%), good (26%), low (6%), or absent (38%). Percentage net change in angle of deviation was 52% to 60% for eso and exo deviations at near and distance fixation. No association was found in extent of reduction of angle of deviation for type of deviation, presence of constant or intermittent deviation, eye injected, or EMG signal. Conclusions: All changes in angle of deviation were significant. Larger pretreatment angles of deviation did not preclude significant changes in angle of deviation using botulinum toxin and significantly greater change in deviation was seen in pretreatment angles greater than 20PD.
Contextualization and authenticity in TBLT: Voices from Chinese classrooms

In view of ongoing debates about the future of task-based language teaching (TBLT) in contexts of English as a foreign language (EFL), we present a detailed case study of teacher beliefs and practices regarding TBLT conducted in a secondary school in mainland China with a long history of communicative and task-based teaching approaches. We used a mixed-methods approach to gather a broad range of triangulated data, combining individual interviews, material analysis and observations coded using a novel task-focused version of the scheme ‘Communicative Orientation of Language Teaching’ (COLT). Quantitative and qualitative findings revealed positive beliefs about TBLT principles in general, reflecting strong institutional support for communicative teaching. However, there was marked variability between beliefs and practices in using tasks, especially with beginner-level learners. Most teachers demonstrated an intrinsic lack of confidence in using tasks as more than a communicative ‘add-on’ to standard form-focused teaching. We argue that this demonstrates a need for building teacher autonomy, in implementing TBLT, even in supportive settings, to support successful authentic contextualizing TBLT principles in different EFL contexts.
Children, Morality and Abusive Words: The Ghanaian Perspectives

In almost every Traditional-Akan society in Ghana, generally one observes and listens to growing-up child say words such as ‘mummy or daddy’. Addition to these words is some few names of familiar people that the child struggles to mention accurately. How surprising it may look or sound, the successive words the child may speak are those words that are abusive upon hearing. However, one may want to understand the where and why children use abusive words as part of their choice of diction. Secondly, can we say whether these children comprehend the ethical/moral implications of the use of these words in their world of life? By joining this ethical/moral discourse, this paper seeks to find out the source(s), children’s understanding of abusive words by paying particular attention to words like ‘aboa’, ‘kwasia’ and ‘wo maame’. The paper concludes by suggesting some pragmatic measures that parents, teachers and guardians in Ghana can adopt to make sure that children do not become acquainted to the use of abusive words in the society.
Long-term Persistence of Oral Human Papillomavirus Type 16: The HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study

Persistent infection with oral HPV16 is believed to drive the development of most oropharyngeal cancers. However, patterns of oral HPV16 persistence remain understudied, particularly among HIV-negative individuals. Oral HPV16 persistence was evaluated among 1,626 participants of the HPV Infection in Men (HIM) Study. Twenty-three oral HPV16-positive men who provided an oral gargle sample on ≥2 study visits were included in the analysis. Archived oral samples from all follow-up visits were tested for HPV16 using Linear Array and INNO-LiPA detection methods. Persistence was evaluated using consecutive HPV16-positive visits held approximately 6 months apart and using the Kaplan–Meier method. Oral HPV16-positive men were aged 18 to 64 years [median, 36 years; interquartile range (IQR), 25–42] and were followed for a median of 44.4 months (IQR, 29.9–49.5). Of 13 incident infections, 4 (30.8%) persisted ≥12 months, 1 (10.0%) persisted ≥24 months, and none persisted ≥36 months [median infection duration, 7.3 months; 95% confidence interval (CI), 6.4–NA)]. Of 10 prevalent infections, 9 (90.0%) persisted ≥12 months, 8 (80.0%) persisted ≥24 months, 4 (57.1%) persisted ≥36 months, and 2 (40.0%) persisted ≥48 months (median infection duration, NA). Twelve-month persistence of incident infections increased significantly with age (Ptrend = 0.028). Prevalent oral HPV16 infections in men persisted longer than newly acquired infections, and persistence appeared to increase with age. These findings may explain the high prevalence of oral HPV observed at older ages. Understanding oral HPV16 persistence will aid in the identification of men at high-risk of developing HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer. Cancer Prev Res; 8(3); 190–6. ©2015 AACR.
Minimising the effect of WiFi interference in 802.15.4 wireless sensor networks

Interference from colocated networks operating over the same frequency range, becomes an increasingly severe problem as the number of networks overlapping geographically increases. Our experiments show that such interference is indeed a major problem, causing up to 58% packet loss to a multihop 802.15. 4 sensor network competing for radio spectrum with a WiFi network. We present interference estimators that can be efficiently implemented on resource constrained motes using off-the-shelf radios and outline distributed algorithms that use these estimators to dynamically switch frequencies as interference is detected. Lastly, we evaluate the proposed algorithms in the context of a real-life application that downloads large amounts of data over multihop network paths. Our results show that the proposed approach successfully detects interference from competing WiFi channels and selects non-overlapping 802.15. 4 channels. As a result, the proposed solution reduces end-to-end loss rate from 22% 58% to < 1%.
A Discriminative Approach for Unsupervised Clustering of DNA Sequence Motifs

Algorithmic comparison of DNA sequence motifs is a problem in bioinformatics that has received increased attention during the last years. Its main applications concern characterization of potentially novel motifs and clustering of a motif collection in order to remove redundancy. Despite growing interest in motif clustering, the question which motif clusters to aim at has so far not been systematically addressed. Here we analyzed motif similarities in a comprehensive set of vertebrate transcription factor classes. For this we developed enhanced similarity scores by inclusion of the information coverage (IC) criterion, which evaluates the fraction of information an alignment covers in aligned motifs. A network-based method enabled us to identify motif clusters with high correspondence to DNA-binding domain phylogenies and prior experimental findings. Based on this analysis we derived a set of motif families representing distinct binding specificities. These motif families were used to train a classifier which was further integrated into a novel algorithm for unsupervised motif clustering. Application of the new algorithm demonstrated its superiority to previously published methods and its ability to reproduce entrained motif families. As a result, our work proposes a probabilistic approach to decide whether two motifs represent common or distinct binding specificities.
Diencephalic Stimulation and the Effects of Ect in Endogenous Depression

Summary We compared conventional bilateral ECT treatment electrode placement with simultaneous unilateral electrode placement to both sides of the head (dominant/nondominant unilateral ECT) in 20 patients with endogenous depression. Under double-blind random assignment conditions we found that six bilateral ECT were significantly more effective than six dominant/nondominant unilateral ECT in reducing depression rating scale scores. In the light of data from intracerebral ECT current distribution studies we interpret our findings to support our previously advanced hypothesis that diencephalic stimulation is requisite for the therapeutic benefit of bilateral ECT in endogenous depression.