Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Application of the vibrant soundbridge® to unilateral osseous atresia cases

Patients with high‐grade atresia‐microtia suffer from a combined malformation of the outer and middle ears, typically leading to a severe hearing impairment. Long‐term results of middle ear reconstruction with tympanoplasty are often insufficient due to persistent air‐bone gaps, and new techniques in hearing rehabilitation are required. The objective of this research is to evaluate the active middle ear implant, the Vibrant Soundbridge® (VSB), for hearing rehabilitation of patients with unilateral osseous aural atresia.
Optimal shipboard power system management via mixed integer dynamic programming

Power systems involve continuous and discrete components and controls. The modeling of 'hybrid' power systems using a logical specification to define the transition dynamics of the discrete subsystem is described. A computational tool for reduction of the logical specification to a set of inequalities is discussed. The use of the transformed model in a dynamic programming approach to the design of optimal feedback controls is described. Examples are given.
Constraints on dark energy from Chandra observations of the largest relaxed galaxy clusters

We present constraints on the mean matter density, {Omega}{sub m}, dark energy density, {Omega}{sub DE}, and the dark energy equation of state parameter, w, using Chandra measurements of the X-ray gas mass fraction (fgas) in 42 hot (kT > 5keV), X-ray luminous, dynamically relaxed galaxy clusters spanning the redshift range 0.05 < z < 1.1. Using only the fgas data for the 6 lowest redshift clusters at z < 0.15, for which dark energy has a negligible effect on the measurements, we measure {Omega}{sub m}=0.28{+-}0.06 (68% confidence, using standard priors on the Hubble Constant, H{sub 0}, and mean baryon density, {Omega}{sub b}h{sup 2}). Analyzing the data for all 42 clusters, employing only weak priors on H{sub 0} and {Omega}{sub b}h{sup 2}, we obtain a similar result on {Omega}{sub m} and detect the effects of dark energy on the distances to the clusters at {approx}99.99% confidence, with {Omega}{sub DE}=0.86{+-}0.21 for a non-flat LCDM model. The detection of dark energy is comparable in significance to recent SNIa studies and represents strong, independent evidence for cosmic acceleration. Systematic scatter remains undetected in the f{sub gas} data, despite a weighted mean statistical scatter in the distance measurements of only {approx}5%. For a flat cosmology with constant w, we measure {Omega}{sub m}=0.28{+-}0.06 and w=-1.14{+-}0.31. Combining the fgas data with independent constraints from CMB and SNIa studies removes the need for priors on {Omega}{sub b}h{sup 2} and H{sub 0} and leads to tighter constraints: {Omega}{sub m}=0.253{+-}0.021 and w=-0.98{+-}0.07 for the same constant-w model. More general analyses in which we relax the assumption of flatness and/or allow evolution in w remain consistent with the cosmological constant paradigm. Our analysis includes conservative allowances for systematic uncertainties. The small systematic scatter and tight constraints bode well for future dark energy studies using the f{sub gas} method.
Pharmacokinetics of Torsemide in Patients with Decompensated and Compensated Congestive Heart Failure

Plasma pharmacokinetics of oral furosemide have been shown to be influenced by degree of decompensation in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). This open‐label, sequential comparison trial was conducted to determine whether CHF decompensation also alters the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of torsemide. Twelve patients with CHF, defined by either hemodynamic parameters or clinical signs and symptoms, were enrolled. On admission for treatment of their CHF, the patients were given 100 mg oral torsemide (phase A). A second dose of oral torsemide 100 mg was administered after hemodynamic parameters and clinical signs and symptoms of decompensated CHF resolved (phase B). Plasma and urine samples were collected over a 24‐hour period for determination of torsemide concentrations and urine sodium. Hemodynamic measurements and physical signs and symptoms also were evaluated. During phase A, patients had significantly greater urine output and fractional sodium excretion compared with phase B. A significant increase in the area under the plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) was observed during phase B compared with phase A. However, no significant differences in maximal excretion rate of torsemide were noted between phase A and phase B. Heart failure status slightly affects the plasma pharmacokinetics of torsemide; however, this does not significantly alter the maximal urinary excretion rate of torsemide.
Insights into system-wide code duplication

Duplication of code is a common phenomenon in the development and maintenance of large software systems. The detection and removal of duplicated code has become a standard activity during the refactoring phases of a software life-cycle. However, code duplication identification tends to produce large amounts of data making the understanding of the duplication situation as a whole difficult. Reengineers can easily lose sight of the forest for the trees. There is a need to support a qualitative analysis of the duplicated code. We propose a number of visualizations of duplicated source elements that support reengineers in answering questions, e.g., which parts of the system are connected by copied code or which parts of the system are copied the most.
Sexual Assault Support Services and Community Systems

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) individuals encounter social conditions that create important considerations for LGBTQ sexual assault victims. This exploratory, mixed-methods study examines the relationship between community attitudes toward LGBTQ persons and associated community responses to LGBTQ sexual assault victims. An online and paper-and-pencil survey (n = 130) and four focus group interviews (n = 14) are analyzed using frequency distributions and grounded theory methods. The central theme that emerged in focus group interviews, titled “low community awareness and support for sexual violence in the LGBTQ community,” was corroborated by survey participants. Participants' views of unique considerations for LGBTQ sexual assault victims are presented, including causal factors, consequences, and recommended strategies.
A successful program to lower cesarean-section rates.

Despite the consensus that national cesarean-section rates are excessive, they continue to rise. Currently, approximately one of every four deliveries is by cesarean section. We developed an initiative to reduce the number of cesarean deliveries to a rate of 11 percent of all deliveries at our inner-city hospital. Participation by attending physicians was voluntary and not linked to any sanction. The program included a stringent requirement for a second opinion, objective criteria for the four most common indications for cesarean section, and a detailed review of all cesarean sections and of individual physicians' rates of performing them. During the first two years of the program, the cesarean-section rate fell from 17.5 percent of 1697 deliveries in 1985 to 11.5 percent of 2301 deliveries in 1987 (P less than 0.05). The proportion of infants with five-minute Apgar scores lower than 7 increased from 3 percent in 1985 to 4.9 percent in 1987 (P less than 0.05), but neither the fetal mortality rate (11.9 per 1000) nor the neonatal mortality rate (11.2 per 1000) in 1987 differed significantly from the rates in 1985. A single maternal death, unrelated to cesarean delivery, occurred during the study. Rates of both primary and repeat cesarean sections decreased, although only the decline in the rate of primary cesarean sections, from 12 to 6.8 percent, was statistically significant (P less than 0.05). During the same period, operative vaginal deliveries (i.e., forceps deliveries and midpelvic procedures) declined from 10.4 to 4.3 percent (P less than 0.05) of total deliveries. We conclude that an initiative within an obstetrics department can reduce cesarean-section rates substantially without adverse effects on the outcome for mother or infant.
Finito: A faster, permutable incremental gradient method for big data problems

Recent advances in optimization theory have shown that smooth strongly convex finite sums can be minimized faster than by treating them as a black box "batch" problem. In this work we introduce a new method in this class with a theoretical convergence rate four times faster than existing methods, for sums with sufficiently many terms. This method is also amendable to a sampling without replacement scheme that in practice gives further speed-ups. We give empirical results showing state of the art performance.
How integument colour reflects its carotenoid content: a stickleback’s perspective

1. Carotenoid-based signals typically vary in both the total concentration of carotenoids deposited and the relative quantities of different constituent carotenoids. As these constituents often have differing spectral properties, the relative and absolute concentrations of different carotenoids deposited in a signal can significantly affect the spectrum of light reflected. A critical but rarely tested assumption of hypotheses concerning the information content of carotenoid-based signals is that their colour directly reveals the concentration and composition of constituent carotenoids to intended recipients. Most previous studies have attempted to address this question using either photographic techniques or by analysing recorded reflectance spectra, neither of which take into account the specific properties of the receiver's visual system. 2. Here, we use psychophysical models of the visual system of three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) to estimate their sensitivity to variation in the concentration and relative abundance of constituent carotenoids of males' carotenoid-based sexual signals. 3. We demonstrate that sticklebacks are acutely sensitive to variation in both the total concentration of carotenoids in the signal and the relative proportion of its constituents, and that the accuracy of these assessments is largely unaffected by the presence or absence of ultraviolet radiation in the illuminant. We discuss these findings in relation to the evolution, maintenance and information content of carotenoid-based sexual signals.
ILLIADS: a new fast MOS timing simulator using direct equation-solving approach

By using a direct equation solver of a new MOS circuit primitive with piecewise-linear approximation of electrical waveforms, ILLIADS has been shown to be significantly superior to existing fast MOS timing simulators in both accuracy and speed. For simulation of medium-size digital circuits containing a few hundred transistors (n), ILLIADS has already achieved an O(n), about 3n or more, speedup over SPICE with error less than 3%. The sizes of circuits ILLIADS can handle is not limited by this method and the speedup is expected to grow with the circuit size. The possibility of generating false waveforms caused by merging of parallel transistors is reduced. A modified waveform relaxation algorithm is used to handle circuits with feedbacks as demonstrated through simulation of a ring oscillator and a updown counter.
Development and Testing of a Novel Arm Cranking-Powered Watercraft

There is a lack of human-powered watercrafts for people with lower-body disabilities. The purpose of this study was therefore to develop a watercraft for disabled people and investigate the metabolic cost and efficiency when pedaling. The watercraft was designed by combining parts of a waterbike and a handbike. Nine able-bodied subjects pedaled the watercraft at different speeds on a lake to provide steady-state metabolic measurements, and a deceleration test was performed to measure the hydrodynamic resistance of the watercraft. The results showed a linear correlation between metabolic power and mechanical power (r2 = 0.93). Metabolic expenditure when pedaling the watercraft was similar to other physical activities performed by people with lower-body disabilities. Moreover, the efficiency of the watercraft showed to be comparable to other human-powered watercraft and could, as a result, be an alternative fitness tool especially for people with lower-body disabilities, who seek water activities. A number of suggestions are proposed however, to improve the efficiency and ergonomics of the watercraft.
Capillary Effects on Surface Enhancement in a Non-Homogeneous Fibrous Porous Medium

The evaluation of a free fluid surface in a porous medium has several mathematical applications that are important in industries using molds, particularly in the fluid injection process. The vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) process is a promising technology in the primary composite industry. An accurate computational simulation of the VARTM process would be a cost-effective tool in the manufacturing of composites. In this paper, capillary effects were incorporated into an existing resin transfer molding model to simulate VARTM processing. To increase the accuracy of the VARTM process simulation, the effect of capillary pressure on a surface without flow was studied using the boundary element method. The simulation results were close to the experimental data reported by other researchers. It can be concluded that better reliability and accuracy could be achieved from theoretical predictions by examining the effects of capillary pressure on flow injection into porous materials.
Mold2, Molecular Descriptors from 2D Structures for Chemoinformatics and Toxicoinformatics

Research applications in chemoinformatics and toxicoinformatics increasingly use representations of molecules in the form of numerical descriptors that capture the structural characteristics and properties of molecules. These representations are useful for ADME/toxicity prediction, diversity analysis, library design, QSAR/QSPR, virtual screening, and other purposes. Molecular descriptors have ranged from relatively simple forms calculated from simple two-dimensional (2D) chemical structures to more complex forms representing three-dimensional (3D) chemical structures or complex molecular fingerprints consisting of numerous bit positions to represent specific chemical information. The Mold (2) software was developed to enable the rapid calculation of a large and diverse set of descriptors encoding two-dimensional chemical structure information. Comparative analysis of Mold (2) descriptors with those calculated by Cerius (2), Dragon, and Molconn-Z on several data sets using Shannon entropy analysis demonstrated that Mold (2) descriptors convey a similar amount of information. In addition, using the same classification method, slightly better models were generated using Mold (2) descriptors compared to those generated using descriptors from the compared commercial software packages. The low computing cost for Mold (2) makes it suitable not only for small data sets, such as in QSAR, but also for large databases in virtual screening. High reproducibility and reliability are expected because Mold (2) does not require 3D structures. Mold (2) is freely available to the public ( http://www.fda.gov/nctr/science/centers/toxicoinformatics/index.htm).
The development of quick, robust, quantitative phenotypic assays for describing the host–nonhost landscape to stripe rust

Nonhost resistance is often conceptualized as a qualitative separation from host resistance. Classification into these two states is generally facile, as they fail to fully describe the range of states that exist in the transition from host to nonhost. This poses a problem when studying pathosystems that cannot be classified as either host or nonhost due to their intermediate status relative to these two extremes. In this study, we investigate the efficacy of the Poaceae-stripe rust (Puccinia striiformis Westend.) interaction for describing the host–nonhost landscape. First, using barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and Brachypodium distachyon (L.) P. Beauv. We observed that macroscopic symptoms of chlorosis and leaf browning were associated with hyphal colonization by P. striiformis f. sp. tritici, respectively. This prompted us to adapt a protocol for visualizing fungal structures into a phenotypic assay that estimates the percent of leaf colonized. Use of this assay in intermediate host and intermediate nonhost systems found the frequency of infection decreases with evolutionary divergence from the host species. Similarly, we observed that the pathogen’s ability to complete its life cycle decreased faster than its ability to colonize leaf tissue, with no incidence of pustules observed in the intermediate nonhost system and significantly reduced pustule formation in the intermediate host system as compared to the host system, barley-P. striiformis f. sp. hordei. By leveraging the stripe rust pathosystem in conjunction with macroscopic and microscopic phenotypic assays, we now hope to dissect the genetic architecture of intermediate host and intermediate nonhost resistance using structured populations in barley and B. distachyon.
Low-velocity Impact Performance of Glass Fiber, Kenaf Fiber, and Hybrid Glass/Kenaf Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composite Laminates

The goal to decrease global dependency on petroleum-based materials has created a demand for bio-based composites. Composites that are reinforced with natural fibers often display reduced strength compared with those using synthetic reinforcement, and hybridizing both types of reinforcement within a common matrix system offers a possibly useful compromise. This research investigated the low-velocity impact performance of glass, kenaf, and hybrid glass/kenaf reinforced epoxy composite plates. The aim of the study was to determine the low-velocity impact behavior of biocomposite material in assessing its potential for application in the radome structures of aircraft. Natural fibers possess low dielectric constants, which is a primary requirement for radome. However, the structural integrity of the material to impact damage is also a concern. Composite samples were prepared via a vacuum infusion method. A drop weight impact test was performed at energy levels of 3 J, 6 J, and 9 J. The Impact tests showed that the impact peak force and displacement increased with the energy level. Hybrid glass/kenaf composites displayed damage modes of circular and biaxial cracking. The former is analogous to the damage observed in glass-reinforced composite, while the latter is unique to woven kenaf reinforced composites. The severity of the damage increased with impact energy and was found to be significant at 3 J.
Structural studies of FIV and HIV‐1 proteases complexed with an efficient inhibitor of FIV protease

Three forms of feline immunodeficiency virus protease (FIV PR), the wild type (wt) and two single point mutants, V59I and Q99V, as well as human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease (HIV‐1 PR), were cocrystallized with the C2‐symmetric inhibitor, TL‐3. The mutants of FIV PR were designed to replace residues involved in enzyme‐ligand interactions by the corresponding HIV‐1 PR residues at the structurally equivalent position. TL‐3 shows decreased (improved) inhibition constants with these FIV PR mutants relative to wt FIV PR. Despite similar modes of binding of the inhibitor to all PRs (from P3 to P3′), small differences are evident in the conformation of the Phe side chains of TL‐3 at the P1 and P1′ positions in the complexes with the mutated FIV PRs. The differences mimick the observed binding of TL‐3 in HIV‐1 PR and correlate with a significant improvement in the inhibition constants of TL‐3 with the two mutant FIV PRs. Large differences between the HIV‐1 and FIV PR complexes are evident in the binding modes of the carboxybenzyl groups of TL‐3 at P4 and P4′. In HIV‐1 PR:TL‐3, these groups bind over the flap region, whereas in the FIV PR complexes, the rings are located along the major axis of the active site. A significant difference in the location of the flaps in this region of the HIV‐1 and FIV PRs correlates with the observed conformational changes in the binding mode of the peptidomimetic inhibitor at the P4 and P4′ positions. These findings provide a structural explanation of the observed Ki values for TL‐3 with the different PRs and will further assist in the development of improved inhibitors. Proteins 2000;38:29–40. Published 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of SiC on Mechanical, Microstructure and Tribological properties of Aluminum MMC processed by Stir Casting

Stir casting process is an effective manufacturing technique for producing metal matrix composites. The extensively use reinforcing materials for the aluminum matrix composites are silicon carbide, aluminum oxide and graphite in the variety of particles. In this work, the effect of addition of SiC reinforcement on the microstructure, mechanical and wear properties of the Al5083-SiC MMCs has been studied. Aluminum matrix composite has been prepared by adding 3, 5 and 7 wt. % SiC through Stir casting process. The wear tests have been conducted using a pin on disc configuration under normal loads of 10, 20 & 30 N. The tribological behaviour was evaluated at a sliding velocity of 3.14 m/s and distance of 942 m. After the wear tests, the worn out surface of test specimens have been observed with Olympus inverted optical microscope to analyse the wear mechanisms. Microhardness tests were employed to measure the microhardness number (VHN) of Al 5083-SiC MMCs by indenting the diamond indenter. The tensile tests were conducted on universal testing machine to know the improvements in the strength. Microstructures are observed by using SEM and XRD analysis.The Tribological properties are superior with the increasing of addition of SiC particles to the aluminum matrix. The images of scanning electron microscopy shows a uniform distribution of SiC particles in the aluminium metal matrix.
Influence of Presintering Parameters on the Mechanical Properties of Presintered Dental Zirconia Block

This study aimed to investigate the effects of presintering parameters on the mechanical and microstructural properties of presintered zirconia block. The zirconia block was prepared using colloidal and cold isostatic pressing techniques and subsequently subjected to various presintering procedures at 850 °C, 900 °C, and 950 °C with two different heating rates (3 and 10 °C/min). All samples were evaluated in terms of hardness, density, and morphology. Results showed that the sample porosity decreased with increment in the presintering temperature. On the contrary, the Vickers hardness increased from 1.8 GPa at 850 °C to 2.7 GPa at 950 °C at 10 °C/min heating rate. The sintering temperature of 950 °C with 3 °C/min heating rate was considered the most suitable parameter among presintering procedures, with high theoretical density (96.2%) and appropriate hardness (1.27 GPa) that are within the range of commercial zirconia block hardness values for restoration milling procedure. Furthermore, to sinter the block samples successfully without considerable failure, the heating and cooling rates should be lowered to ≤3 °C/min. Therefore, on the basis of these results, the forming methods and the sintering temperature influence the resultant mechanical and microstructural properties of the final sample.