Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring the role of flow experience, learning performance and potential behavior clusters in elementary students' game-based learning

Well-designed game-based learning can provide students with an innovative environment that may enhance students' motivation and engagement in learning and thus improve their learning performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among elementary school students' flow experience and learning performances. We also investigated the gender and grade differences as well as the types of potential clusters of flow experiences and performance. Thirty-four elementary school students participated in this study. This study conducted correction analysis, difference analysis and a two-stage cluster analysis. The findings suggested that the students with higher flow experiences tended to have higher learning performances. The results of gender differences showed that female students had high performance scores and great flow experiences in the mini-educational game in this study. Moreover, the results revealed that the students of higher grade had significantly higher scores in both performance and flow experience than the students of lower grade. The result of cluster analysis fell into three categories: low performance/low flow experience students, high flow experience students and high performance/high flow experience students. On the basis of our findings, we also proposed suggestions for future game-based learning research.
The ciliary marginal zone of the zebrafish retina: clonal and time-lapse analysis of a continuously growing tissue

Clonal analysis is helping us understand the dynamics of cell replacement in homeostatic adult tissues (Simons and Clevers, 2011). Such an analysis, however, has not yet been achieved for continuously growing adult tissues, but is essential if we wish to understand the architecture of adult organs. The retinas of lower vertebrates grow throughout life from retinal stem cells (RSCs) and retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) at the rim of the retina, called the ciliary marginal zone (CMZ). Here, we show that RSCs reside in a niche at the extreme periphery of the CMZ and divide asymmetrically along a radial (peripheral to central) axis, leaving one daughter in the peripheral RSC niche and the other more central where it becomes an RPC. We also show that RPCs of the CMZ have clonal sizes and compositions that are statistically similar to progenitor cells of the embryonic retina and fit the same stochastic model of proliferation. These results link embryonic and postembryonic cell behaviour, and help to explain the constancy of tissue architecture that has been generated over a lifetime. Summary: A quantitative study of cell proliferation and fate choice in the zebrafish retina - a continuously growing neural tissue - reveals key features of late retinal neurogenesis.
VirtualFriendship: Hiding interactions on Online Social Networks

The tremendous popularity of Online Social Networks (OSNs), such as Facebook and Google+, has accustomed people to an easy and reliable process of social interactions. Inherently, the huge amount of information disseminated and the sensitive information possessed by OSNs prompted several privacy concerns. In order to increase the privacy of OSNs users, several solutions proposed the use of encryption and masking techniques to conceal profile information or the content of exchanged messages. Unfortunately, even when such countermeasures are in place, the OSNs can still infer sensitive information based on the social network structure and the behavior of users. In this paper, we present VirtualFriendShip, a novel solution that allows users to hide their real social network structure, and to browse the OSNs while keeping their actions anonymous. To do so, we introduce the concept of routing friends, which are build upon the social trust and relay other users traffic throughout a decentralized channel. We demonstrate the feasibility of our solution via a prototype implementation of VirtualFriendShip for Facebook. Alongside with a set of experiments we show that the additional costs are tolerable to end users.
Calibrating digital photogrammetric airborne imaging systems using a test field

Passive and active digital imaging is rapidly replacing film imaging in photogrammetric data capture. The reliability, accuracy, and efficiency of airborne photogrammetry are based on calibrated, high-quality sensors and rigorous processing. The calibration processes of the digital photogrammetric airborne imaging systems are under development. Central challenges in the development of the calibration are the extensive variation in digital systems, the need for radiometric calibration, and the necessity for accurate system calibration. Test field calibration is a potential approach for determining the system calibration. An investigation was carried out on the need for and feasibility of test field calibration of the geometry, radiometry, and spatial resolution of digital photogrammetric imaging systems. A unified framework and parameterization for the calibration of these properties was devised. A prototype test field calibration methodology was developed and the need for and feasibility of the test field calibration was investigated using empirical image materials. In the empirical study, data sets from the three first-generation commercial digital photogrammetric large-format sensors, ADS40, DMC, and UltraCamD were used. The results proved the feasibility of the test field calibration; a permanent test field can be an efficient, highly automated, and reliable tool for system calibration. The test field calibration was necessary for the evaluated systems to provide the missing or invalid calibration parameters and to assess their measurement capability. The results also showed that calibration of the high quality photogrammetric systems in a test field was feasible.
Zebrafish Hagoromo Mutants Up-Regulate fgf8 Postembryonically and Develop Neuroblastoma

We screened an existing collection of zebrafish insertional mutants for cancer susceptibility by histologic examination of heterozygotes at 2 years of age. As most mutants had no altered cancer predisposition, this provided the first comprehensive description of spontaneous tumor spectrum and frequency in adult zebrafish. Moreover, the screen identified four lines, each carrying a different dominant mutant allele of Hagoromo previously linked to adult pigmentation defects, which develop tumors with high penetrance and that histologically resemble neuroblastoma. These tumors are clearly neural in origin, although they do not express catecholaminergic neuronal markers characteristic of human neuroblastoma. The zebrafish tumors result from inappropriate maintenance of a cell population within the cranial ganglia that are likely neural precursors. These neoplasias typically remain small but they can become highly aggressive, initially traveling along cranial nerves, and ultimately filling the head. The developmental origin of these tumors is highly reminiscent of human neuroblastoma. The four mutant Hagoromo alleles all contain viral insertions in the fbxw4 gene, which encodes an F-box WD40 domain–containing protein. However, although one allele clearly reduced the levels of fbxw4 mRNA, the other three insertions had no detectable effect on fbw4 expression. Instead, we showed that all four mutations result in the postembryonic up-regulation of the neighboring gene, fibroblast growth factor 8 (fgf8). Moreover, fgf8 is highly expressed in the tumorigenic lesions. Although fgf8 overexpression is known to be associated with breast and prostate cancer in mammals, this study provides the first evidence that fgf8 misregulation can lead to neural tumors. (Mol Cancer Res 2009;7(6):841–50)
Relationship Between COMLEX and USMLE Scores Among Osteopathic Medical Students who Take Both Examinations

Background and Purpose: The relationship between osteopathic (COMLEX) and allopathic (USMLE) exam scores in not well described. We sought to describe the relationship between COMLEX and USMLE scores for osteopathic medical students who reported scores for both exams during application to internal medicine residency. Methods: Cross sectional study of 588 matched USMLE/COMLEX Step 1 scores and 241 matched Step 2 scores. Means, standard deviations, and pairwise correlations for matched scores were calculated. Results: USMLE and COMLEX paired scores resulted in a Pearson's correlation of 0.85 for Step 1 scores and 0.79 for Step 2 scores. COMLEX means were 560 and 561 for Level 1 and 2 and USMLE means were 209 and 215 for Step 1 and 2. Conclusions: USMLE and COMLEX scores are strongly related for internal medicine residency applicants who took both exams. Our sample performed approximately 0.8 standard deviation higher that the national COMLEX means on both Level 1 and 2 but at the national mean on USMLE Step 1 and 2. The variation in scoring methodology and potential differences between the study sample and individual applicant characteristics suggesteject caution should be taken in using a given COMLEX score as a predictor of performance on the USMLE.
Comparison of the Septi-Chek AFB and BACTEC systems and conventional culture for recovery of mycobacteria

The performance of the Septi-Chek AFB system was compared with that of the BACTEC radiometric system and that of Lowenstein-Jensen agar slants (LJ) for detection of mycobacteria in clinical specimens. A total of 642 specimens were cultured; 61 (9.5%) yielded mycobacteria. Mycobacterium tuberculosis (34 isolates) and Mycobacterium avium complex (25 isolates) were the predominant species isolated. Of the 61 culture-positive specimens, 30 were smear positive and 31 were smear negative. Overall, 95% of the positive specimens were detected by Septi-Chek and BACTEC (100% of M. tuberculosis isolates) and 75% by LJ (82% of M. tuberculosis isolates). The mean times to detection were 15 days for BACTEC, 23 days for Septi-Chek, and 27 days for LJ. Of the 30 smear-positive specimens, 100% were recovered by Septi-Chek and BACTEC and 90% were recovered by LJ. Of the 31 smear-negative specimens, 90% were detected by Septi-Chek and BACTEC and 61% were detected by LJ. The Septi-Chek and BACTEC systems are superior to the conventional (LJ) mycobacterial culture method. Although Septi-Chek requires more time for the detection of mycobacteria than BACTEC, it is comparable in terms of overall recovery.
Caffeine use as a model of acute and chronic insomnia.

It was hypothesized that the metabolic effects of caffeine, which can be objectively measured (i.e. physiological, "arousal"), could be used to develop a physiological arousal model of chronic insomnia in a group of normal young adults. Twelve normal young adult males participated for 11 nights after laboratory adaptation. Subjects received 400 mg of caffeine three times a day for 7 nights and days. As predicted, the use of caffeine resulted in increased metabolic rate. Sleep efficiency was significantly reduced by caffeine and multiple sleep latency tests (MSLTs) were significantly increased. Some adaptation to the metabolic, sleep efficiency, and MSLT effects of caffeine was seen over the week of administration. Withdrawal effects (i.e. rebound sleep or sleepiness) were not seen for metabolic, MSLT or sleep variables. The data indicated that caffeine was effective in producing significant metabolic and sleep effects and that those effects were related. The results were consistent with the interpretation that a chronic decrease in sleep efficiency associated with increased physiological arousal, although producing subjective dysphoria, does not produce a physiological sleep debt.
Habitat‐specific ranging patterns of Dian's tarsiers (Tarsius dianae) as revealed by radiotracking

Dian's tarsier Tarsius dianae, one of the smallest primates on earth, is endemic to the central regions of Sulawesi, Indonesia. To evaluate the effects of increasing land use by humans on the ranging patterns of this nocturnal insect hunter, four study plots along a gradient of anthropogenic disturbance were selected for this study. In these plots, 71 tarsiers were captured with mist nets, and 30 of these were fitted with 3.9 g radiotransmitters and subsequently tracked over the course of 2 weeks per animal. The average home ranges were 1.1–1.8 ha in size, with the smallest ranges in slightly disturbed habitat and the largest ranges in a heavily disturbed plantation. These findings coincide with different estimates of insect abundance in the study plots. Nightly travel distances were smallest in undisturbed old‐growth forest and slightly increased along a gradient of human disturbance. The tarsiers were most active shortly after dusk and just before dawn. The results of this comprehensive radiotracking study on tarsiers show that T. dianae adapts its ranging behavior to the degree and type of human land use. Integrated data on home range size and travel distance indicate that slightly disturbed forest is as favorable to these animals as undisturbed habitat. However, with increasing anthropogenic effects, the living conditions of the tarsiers appear to deteriorate, resulting in the necessity for larger home and night ranges. The results of this study provide an important tool for directing conservation efforts targeted at the survival of this primate in central Sulawesi. Am. J. Primatol. 68:111–125, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age Distribution of Cases of 2009 (H1N1) Pandemic Influenza in Comparison with Seasonal Influenza

Introduction Several aspects of the epidemiology of 2009 (H1N1) pandemic influenza have not been accurately determined. We sought to study whether the age distribution of cases differs in comparison with seasonal influenza. Methods We searched for official, publicly available data through the internet from different countries worldwide on the age distribution of cases of influenza during the 2009 (H1N1) pandemic influenza period and most recent seasonal influenza periods. Data had to be recorded through the same surveillance system for both compared periods. Results For 2009 pandemic influenza versus recent influenza seasons, in USA, visits for influenza-like illness to sentinel providers were more likely to involve the age groups of 5–24, 25–64 and 0–4 years compared with the reference group of >64 years [odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval (CI)): 2.43 (2.39–2.47), 1.66 (1.64–1.69), and 1.51 (1.48–1.54), respectively]. Pediatric deaths were less likely in the age groups of 2–4 and <2 years than the reference group of 5–17 years [OR (95% CI): 0.46 (0.25–0.85) and 0.49 (0.30–0.81), respectively]. In Australia, notifications for laboratory-confirmed influenza were more likely in the age groups of 10–19, 5–9, 20–44, 45–64 and 0–4 years than the reference group of >65 years [OR (95% CI): 7.19 (6.67–7.75), 5.33 (4.90–5.79), 5.04 (4.70–5.41), 3.12 (2.89–3.36) and 1.89 (1.75–2.05), respectively]. In New Zealand, consultations for influenza-like illness by sentinel providers were more likely in the age groups of <1, 1–4, 35–49, 5–19, 20–34 and 50–64 years than the reference group of >65 years [OR (95% CI): 2.38 (1.74–3.26), 1.99 (1.62–2.45), 1.57 (1.30–1.89), 1.57 (1.30–1.88), 1.40 (1.17–1.69) and 1.39 (1.14–1.70), respectively]. Conclusions The greatest increase in influenza cases during 2009 (H1N1) pandemic influenza period, in comparison with most recent seasonal influenza periods, was seen for school-aged children, adolescents, and younger adults.
Novel program versus disturb window characterization for split-gate flash cell

In this letter, a new methodology for program versus disturb window characterization on split gate flash cell is presented for the first time. The window can be graphically illustrated in V/sub wl/ (word-line)-V/sub ss/ (source) domain under a given program current. This method can help us understand quantitatively how the window shifts versus bias conditions and find the optimal program condition. The condition obtained by this method can have the largest tolerance for program bias variations. This methodology was successfully implemented in 0.18-/spl mu/m triple self-aligned (SA3) split-gate cell characterization to provide program condition for 32 M products.
Fatigue of fiberglass wind turbine blade materials

Fatigue behavior for a variety of generic materials used in wind turbine blades has been explored. Coupon testing was carried out under constant amplitude tensile fatigue loading to beyond 10[sup 7] cycles for most materials. Unidirectional materials performed close to expectations despite fiber misalignment. Materials with triaxial (0/[plus minus]45) reinforcement showed greater fatigue sensitivity than expected, but lifetime trends flattened at high cycles. The uniaxial and triaxial materials could be normalized to a single S-N lifetime trend for each case. Results include the effects of differing matrix materials, manufacturing methods, reinforcement structure, and ply terminations. Materials were supplied by Phoenix Industries and US Windpower.
Global Surface Net-Radiation at 5 km from MODIS Terra

Reliable and fine resolution estimates of surface net-radiation are required for estimating latent and sensible heat fluxes between the land surface and the atmosphere. However, currently, fine resolution estimates of net-radiation are not available and consequently it is challenging to develop multi-year estimates of evapotranspiration at scales that can capture land surface heterogeneity and are relevant for policy and decision-making. We developed and evaluated a global net-radiation product at 5 km and 8-day resolution by combining mutually consistent atmosphere and land data from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board Terra. Comparison with net-radiation measurements from 154 globally distributed sites (414 site-years) from the FLUXNET and Surface Radiation budget network (SURFRAD) showed that the net-radiation product agreed well with measurements across seasons and climate types in the extratropics (Wilmott’s index ranged from 0.74 for boreal to 0.63 for Mediterranean sites). Mean absolute deviation between the MODIS and measured net-radiation ranged from 38.0 ± 1.8 W∙m−2 in boreal to 72.0 ± 4.1 W∙m−2 in the tropical climates. The mean bias was small and constituted only 11%, 0.7%, 8.4%, 4.2%, 13.3%, and 5.4% of the mean absolute error in daytime net-radiation in boreal, Mediterranean, temperate-continental, temperate, semi-arid, and tropical climate, respectively. To assess the accuracy of the broader spatiotemporal patterns, we upscaled error-quantified MODIS net-radiation and compared it with the net-radiation estimates from the coarse spatial (1° × 1°) but high temporal resolution gridded net-radiation product from the Clouds and Earth’s Radiant Energy System (CERES). Our estimates agreed closely with the net-radiation estimates from the CERES. Difference between the two was less than 10 W·m−2 in 94% of the total land area. MODIS net-radiation product will be a valuable resource for the science community studying turbulent fluxes and energy budget at the Earth’s surface.
Endogenous κ-Opioid Peptide Mediates the Cardioprotection Induced by Ischemic Postconditioning

The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying mechanism that dynorphin, an endogenous kappa opioid receptor (κ-OR) agonist, triggers antiapoptotic effect of postconditioning (Postcon). In addition to vehicle treatment, Sprague Dawley rats (n = 6) underwent a 30-minute left anterior descending occlusion followed by 2 hours of reperfusion with or without a Postcon stimulus. The selective κ-OR antagonist nor-binaltorphimine (Nor-BNI) was administered intravenously 5 minutes before reperfusion. Infarct size was determined by using 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Blood plasma concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and myocardial caspase-3 activity were analyzed spectrophotometrically. Myocardial apoptosis was analyzed by the detection of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate (dUTP) nick-end labeling. Immunoreactive dynorphin in blood serum and myocardium was measured by means of an antigen-competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Infarction size, caspase-3 activity, apoptotic index, and CK and LDH levels were significantly higher in the ischemic/reperfusion group than in the vehicle group (P < 0.01). Postcon significantly reduced infarction size, caspase-3 activity, apoptotic index, CK and LDH levels (P < 0.01 vs. ischemic/reperfusion). Dynorphin content significantly increased after Postcon (P < 0.01). All the effects described above were abolished by Nor-BNI, with the exception of dynorphin content. We found that cardiac protection and antiapoptotic effect of Postcon is mediated by the activation of κ-OR. Effect of Postcon is mediated, at least partially, by enhanced dynorphin expression.
Combining Manual and Automatic Prosodic Annotation for Expressive Speech Synthesis

Text-to-speech has long been centered on the production of an intelligible message of good quality. More recently, interest has shifted to the generation of more natural and expressive speech. A major issue of existing approaches is that they usually rely on a manual annotation in expressive styles, which tends to be rather subjective. A typical related issue is that the annotation is strongly influenced ― and possibly biased ― by the semantic content of the text (e.g. a shot or a fault may incite the annotator to tag that sequence as expressing a high degree of excitation, independently of its acoustic realization). This paper investigates the assumption that human annotation of basketball commentaries in excitation levels can be automatically improved on the basis of acoustic features. It presents two techniques for label correction exploiting a Gaussian mixture and a proportional-odds logistic regression. The automatically re-annotated corpus is then used to train HMM-based expressive speech synthesizers, the performance of which is assessed through subjective evaluations. The results indicate that the automatic correction of the annotation with Gaussian mixture helps to synthesize more contrasted excitation levels, while preserving naturalness.
The semantics of x86-CC multiprocessor machine code

Multiprocessors are now dominant, but real multiprocessors do not provide the sequentially consistent memory that is assumed by most work on semantics and verification. Instead, they have subtle relaxed (or weak) memory models, usually described only in ambiguous prose, leading to widespread confusion. We develop a rigorous and accurate semantics for x86 multiprocessor programs, from instruction decoding to relaxed memory model, mechanised in HOL. We test the semantics against actual processors and the vendor litmus-test examples, and give an equivalent abstract-machine characterisation of our axiomatic memory model. For programs that are (in some precise sense) data-race free, we prove in HOL that their behaviour is sequentially consistent. We also contrast the x86 model with some aspects of Power and ARM behaviour. This provides a solid intuition for low-level programming, and a sound foundation for future work on verification, static analysis, and compilation of low-level concurrent code.