Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chern-Simons gauge theory: Ten years after

A brief review on the progress made in the study of Chern-Simons gauge theory since its relation to knot theory was discovered ten years ago is presented. Emphasis is made on the analysis of the perturbative study of the theory and its connection to the theory of Vassiliev invariants. It is described how the study of the quantum field theory for three different gauge fixings leads to three different representations for Vassiliev invariants. Two of these gauge fixings lead to well known representations: the covariant Landau gauge corresponds to the configuration space integrals while the non-covariant light-cone gauge to the Kontsevich integral. The progress made in the analysis of the third gauge fixing, the non-covariant temporal gauge, is described in detail. In this case one obtains combinatorial expressions, instead of integral ones, for Vassiliev invariants. The approach based on this last gauge fixing seems very promising to obtain a full combinatorial formula. We collect the combinatorial expressions for all the Vassiliev invariants up to order four which have been obtained in this approach.
Effect of Growth Hormone Treatment on Quality of Life in Japanese Children with Growth Hormone Deficiency: An Analysis from a Prospective Observational Study

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess changes in quality of life (QoL) in Japanese children with GH deficiency (GHD) after 12 mo of GH treatment or with idiopathic short stature (ISS) after 12 mo without treatment. Children with GHD were treated with GH after enrollment. Outcome measures included the parent-rated Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), the Youth Self-Report Form (YSR), and height standard deviation scores (SDS). Total CBCL scores significantly decreased in children with GHD (n = 152, mean change (standard deviation [SD]) = –3.42 [11.21]) and ISS (n = 129, mean change = –4.82 [10.09]) after 12 mo (p < 0.001). Total YSR scores (mean change = –9.21 [14.07]) and height SDS (mean change = 0.35 [0.38]) significantly decreased in children with GHD (p < 0.001), but were unchanged in children with ISS. The change in total YSR score was significantly correlated with the change in height SDS in children with GHD (r = –0.516, p = 0.003). Our findings demonstrate that GH treatment can improve QoL in Japanese children with GHD. The correlation between the changes in total YSR score and height SDS demonstrated that increased height resulted in improved QoL.
The snoRNA MBII-52 Regulates Cocaine-Induced Conditioned Place Preference and Locomotion in Mice

Cocaine dependence involves in the brain's reward circuit as well as nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key region of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway. Many studies have documented altered expression of genes and identified transcription factor networks and epigenetic processes that are fundamental to cocaine addiction. However, all these investigations have focused on mRNA and/or miRNA, which may not reflect the involvement of small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), which has been implied in a broad range of biological processes and complex diseases including brain development and neuropathologocal process. To further address the role of snoRNA in cocaine addiction, we show that repeated exposure and conditioned place preference (CPP) training to cocaine negatively regulates the expression of MBII-52 mRNA level, which is a brain-specific C/D box snoRNA, but not influences the serotonin receptor 2C (5HT2CR) mRNA level in NAc. Furthemore, we show, developing lentiviral vector (LV)-expressing MBII-52 and LV-5HT2CR for stable and regulatable MBII-52 and LV-5HT2CR expression. LV-MBII-52 and LV-5HT2CR expression in NAc attenuate cocaine induced CPP and locomotor activity. Taken together, these findings show that MBII-52 and 5HT2CR exert an inhibitory influence on the behavioral responses to cocaine exposure.
Anatomical Changes and Audiological Profile in Branchio-oto-renal Syndrome: A Literature Review

Abstract Introduction Branchio-oto-renal (BOR) syndrome is an autosomal-dominant genetic condition with high penetrance and variable expressivity, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 40,000. Approximately 40% of the patients with the syndrome have mutations in the gene EYA1, located at chromosomal region 8q13.3, and 5% have mutations in the gene SIX5 in chromosome region 19q13. The phenotype of this syndrome is characterized by preauricular fistulas; structural malformations of the external, middle, and inner ears; branchial fistulas; renal disorders; cleft palate; and variable type and degree of hearing loss. Aim Hearing loss is part of BOR syndrome phenotype. The aim of this study was to present a literature review on the anatomical aspects and audiological profile of BOR syndrome. Data Synthesis Thirty-four studies were selected for analysis. Some aspects when specifying the phenotype of BOR syndrome are controversial, especially those issues related to the audiological profile in which there was variability on auditory standard, hearing loss progression, and type and degree of the hearing loss. Mixed loss was the most common type of hearing loss among the studies; however, there was no consensus among studies regarding the degree of the hearing loss.
Optimal Power Allocation for Average Detection Probability Criterion Over Flat Fading Channels

In this paper, the problem of optimal power allocation over flat fading additive white Gaussian noise channels is considered for maximizing the average detection probability of a signal emitted from a power constrained transmitter in the Neyman–Pearson framework. It is assumed that the transmitter can perform power adaptation under peak and average power constraints based on the channel state information fed back by the receiver. Using results from measure theory and convex analysis, it is shown that this optimization problem, which is in general nonconvex, has an equivalent Lagrangian dual that admits no duality gap and can be solved using dual decomposition. Efficient numerical algorithms are proposed to determine the optimal power allocation scheme under peak and average power constraints. Furthermore, the continuity and monotonicity properties of the corresponding optimal power allocation scheme are characterized with respect to the signal-to-noise ratio for any given value of the false alarm probability. Simulation examples are presented to corroborate the theoretical results and illustrate the performance improvements due to the proposed optimal power allocation strategy.
A Resource-Based Model of IT Usage in Shanghai Higher Education Institutions

On the basis of resource-based view, this paper analyzes the impacts of IT resource on different levels of IT usage in Shanghai higher education institutions. By analyzing the survey data from 40 Shanghai institutions, the study contributes several insights to China-context IT usage research and practice in higher education system. First of all, this study sheds lights on the impacts of IT resource on deep IT usage in Shanghai higher education system. Second, the findings suggest that organizational support has significant positive impact on higher education institutions’ managerial IT usage. The study is the first few attempts to explore the process model of IT usage in China higher education institutions.
The effectiveness of universal design for learning: a meta-analysis of literature between 2013 and 2016

ABSTRACT Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is often promoted as an inclusive teaching methodology for supporting all students within diverse contemporary classrooms. This is achieved by proactively planning to the edges of a classroom by thinking of all the potential needs of students. To examine its effectiveness, a meta-analysis was conducted on empirical research, containing pre- and post-testing, published in peer-reviewed journals between 2013 and 2016 (N = 18). Results from this analysis suggest that UDL is an effective teaching methodology for improving the learning process for all students. The impact on educational outcomes has not been demonstrated. The implications of this study will be discussed.
Critical thinking as a correlate of stress management among rural adolescent girls

Critical thinking is the ability to apply intelligent problem-solving techniques to a particular situation. It means asking the right questions of the right people, listening to the responses and developing an approach to resolution that makes sense. The study investigates the effect of critical thinking on the management of stress. For the study 132 rural adolescent girls were selected from the Ludhiana district of Punjab. Self structured tests on critical thinking and Stress Management have been used. The findings revealed that correlation was significant in the post test scores of critical thinking and Stress Management. Thus, the study implies that educators and parents should enhance the critical thinking of adolescent so that they manage their stress successfully.
Isoforms of Spectrin and Ankyrin Reflect the Functional Topography of the Mouse Kidney

The kidney displays specialized regions devoted to filtration, selective reabsorption, and electrolyte and metabolite trafficking. The polarized membrane pumps, channels, and transporters responsible for these functions have been exhaustively studied. Less examined are the contributions of spectrin and its adapter ankyrin to this exquisite functional topography, despite their established contributions in other tissues to cellular organization. We have examined in the rodent kidney the expression and distribution of all spectrins and ankyrins by qPCR, Western blotting, immunofluorescent and immuno electron microscopy. Four of the seven spectrins (αΙΙ, βΙ, βΙΙ, and βΙΙΙ) are expressed in the kidney, as are two of the three ankyrins (G and B). The levels and distribution of these proteins vary widely over the nephron. αΙΙ/βΙΙ is the most abundant spectrin, found in glomerular endothelial cells; on the basolateral membrane and cytoplasmic vesicles in proximal tubule cells and in the thick ascending loop of Henle; and less so in the distal nephron. βΙΙΙ spectrin largely replaces βΙΙ spectrin in podocytes, Bowman’s capsule, and throughout the distal tubule and collecting ducts. βΙ spectrin is only marginally expressed; its low abundance hinders a reliable determination of its distribution. Ankyrin G is the most abundant ankyrin, found in capillary endothelial cells and all tubular segments. Ankyrin B populates Bowman’s capsule, podocytes, the ascending thick loop of Henle, and the distal convoluted tubule. Comparison to the distribution of renal protein 4.1 isoforms and various membrane proteins indicates a complex relationship between the spectrin scaffold, its adapters, and various membrane proteins. While some proteins (e.g. ankyrin B, βΙΙΙ spectrin, and aquaporin 2) tend to share a similar distribution, there is no simple mapping of different spectrins or ankyrins to most membrane proteins. The implications of this data are discussed.
Estimation of Equivalent Thermal Parameters of Impregnated Electrical Windings

It is common practice to represent a composite electrical winding as an equivalent lumped anisotropic material as this greatly simplifies a thermal model and reduces computation times. Existing techniques for estimating the bulk thermal properties of such composite materials use either analytical, numerical, or experimental approaches; however, these methods exhibit a number of drawbacks and limitations regarding their applicability. In this paper, a numerical thermal conductivity and analytical specific heat capacity estimation technique is proposed. The method is validated experimentally against three winding samples with differing configuration. A procedure is presented which enables bulk thermal properties to be estimated with a minimal need for experimental measurement, thereby accelerating the thermal modeling process. The proposed procedure is illustrated by the modeling of three coil exemplars with differing windings. Experimental thermal transients obtained by dc test of the coils show close agreement with a lumped-parameter thermal model utilizing estimated material data.
Participatory communication for tuberculosis control in prisons in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Paraguay.

OBJECTIVES To assess the challenges in reducing tuberculosis (TB) in prisons in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Paraguay and propose ways to address them through communication interventions. METHODS Challenges to two central goals of TB control--early diagnosis of positive cases and successful application of the directly observed treatment, short course (DOTS) strategy--were examined. Data were gathered (through in-depth, structured interviews) and focus groups were conducted in the prisons that housed the largest number of male inmates in each country. Interviewees and focus group participants included program directors, administrative personnel, correctional health and security staff, and incarcerated people who were or had been under treatment for TB and had participated as 'peers' in health services. RESULTS The findings showed a range of entrenched obstacles for adequate TB control. Stigmatizing attitudes and low knowledge about TB among inmates and key prison personnel discouraged people living in prisons from seeking diagnosis and treatment. Systemic problems in prison health services, along with squalid living conditions, lack of coordination between national TB programs and prison health systems, and insufficient allocation of resources to health prevented the provision of adequate TB prevention and care. CONCLUSION In addressing the barriers to effective TB control in prison systems in Bolivia, Ecuador, and Paraguay, a participatory approach to communication is necessary.
Treating Anemia in Older Adults With Heart Failure With a Preserved Ejection Fraction With Epoetin Alfa: Single-blind Randomized Clinical Trial of Safety and Efficacy

Background—Anemia is a common comorbidity in older adults with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction and is associated with worse outcomes. We hypothesized that treating anemia with subcutaneous epoetin alfa would be associated with reverse ventricular remodeling and improved exercise capacity and health status compared with placebo. Methods and Results—Prospective, randomized, single-blind, 24-week study with blinded end point assessment among anemic (average hemoglobin of 10.4±1 g/dL) older adult patients (n=56; 77±11 years; 68% women) with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction (ejection fraction=63±15%; B-type natriuretic peptide=431±366 pg/mL) was conducted. Treatment with epoetin alfa resulted in significant increases in hemoglobin (P<0.0001). Changes in end-diastolic volume (−6±14 versus −4±16 mL; P=0.67) at 6 months did not differ between epoetin alfa and placebo, but declines in stroke volume (−5±8 versus 2±10 mL; P=0.09) without significant changes in left ventricular mass were observed. Changes in 6-minute walk distance (16±11 versus 5±12 m; P=0.52) did not differ. Although quality of life improved by the Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire and the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire in both cohorts, there were no significant differences between groups. Conclusions—Administration of epoetin alfa to older adult patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction compared with placebo did not change left ventricular end-diastolic volume and left ventricular mass nor did it improve submaximal exercise capacity or quality of life. Clinical Trial Registration—URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00286182.
Involving a Citizens’ Jury in Decisions on Individual Screening for Prostate Cancer

Aims Most public health agencies and learned societies agree that the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test in asymptomatic men should not be recommended, on account of its potential for harm. Yet PSA is still widely used as a screening test and is not being abandoned. This remains a significant public health issue, and citizens’ engagement is needed. This study was designed to produce a deliberation on the PSA screening test by a citizens’ jury. Methods Fifteen citizens were selected and balanced for sex, age, and education. They received an information booklet and participated in a two-day meeting with experts to reach a deliberation on the question “Should the National Health Service discourage or recommend PSA as an individual screening test for prostate cancer in men 55–69 years old? ”. A facilitator ran the jurors’ discussion. Results All except three of the jurors decided that the National Health Service should discourage the use of PSA as an individual screening test for prostate cancer in 55–69 year-old men. The jury was particularly convinced by the uncertainty of the test outcomes, the utility of the test, and its cost/benefit ratio. Before the meeting 60% of jurors would have recommended the test to a relative, and all the male jurors would have done so. After the meeting these percentages fell to 15% and 12%. Conclusions This experience confirms the feasibility and effectiveness of delegating to a group of citizens the responsibility to decide on public health issues on behalf of the community. Public health authorities should invest in information campaigns aimed at the public and in educational initiatives for physicians. This also provided an opportunity to disseminate information on screening, over-diagnosis, and over-treatment.
Design of a novel 3 degree of freedom robotic joint

Spherical joints have evolved into a critical component of many robotic systems, often used to provide dexterity at the wrist of a manipulator. In this work, a novel 3 degree of freedom spherical joint is proposed, actuated by tendons that run along the surface of the sphere. The joint is mechanically simple and avoids mechanical singularities. The kinematics and mechanics of the joint are modeled and used to develop both open and closed loop control systems. Simulated and experimental assessment of the joint performance demonstrates that it can be successfully controlled in 3 degrees of freedom. It is expected that the joint will be a useful option in the development of emerging robotic applications, particularly those requiring miniaturization.
Bayesian modelling of clusters of galaxies from multifrequency‐pointed Sunyaev–Zel'dovich observations

We present a Bayesian approach to modelling galaxy clusters using multi-frequency pointed observations from telescopes that exploit the Sunyaev‐Zel’dovich effect. We use the recently developed MULTINEST technique (Feroz & Hobson 2008; Feroz, Hobson & Bridges 2008) to explore the high-dimensional parameter spaces and also to calculate the Bayesian evidence. This permits robust parameter estimation as well as model comparison. Tests on simulated Arcminute Microkelvin Imager observations of a cluster, in the presence of primary CMB signal, radio point sources (detected as well as an unresolv ed background) and receiver noise, show that our algorithm is able to analyse jointly the data fr om six frequency channels, sample the posterior space of the model and calculate the Bayesian evidence very efficiently on a single processor. We also illustrate the robustness of our d etection process by applying it to a field with radio sources and primordial CMB but no cluster, an d show that indeed no cluster is identified. The extension of our methodology to the detect ion and modelling of multiple clusters in multi-frequency SZ survey data will be described in a future work.
New tsunami damage functions developed in the framework of SCHEMA project: application to European-Mediterranean coasts

Abstract. In the framework of the European SCenarios for tsunami Hazard-induced Emergencies MAnagement (SCHEMA) project ( www.schemaproject.org ), we empirically developed new tsunami damage functions to be used for quantifying the potential tsunami damage to buildings along European-Mediterranean coasts. Since no sufficient post-tsunami observations exist in the Mediterranean areas, we based our work on data collected by several authors in Banda Aceh (Indonesia) after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami. Obviously, special attention has been paid in focusing on Indonesian buildings which present similarities (in structure, construction material, number of storeys) with the building typologies typical of the European-Mediterranean areas. An important part of the work consisted in analyzing, merging, and interpolating the post-disaster observations published by three independent teams in order to obtain the spatial distribution of flow depths necessary to link the flow-depth hazard parameter to the damage level observed on buildings. Then we developed fragility curves (showing the cumulative probability to have, for each flow depth, a damage level equal-to or greater-than a given threshold) and damage curves (giving the expected damage level) for different classes of buildings. It appears that damage curves based on the weighted mean damage level and the maximum flow depth are the most appropriate for producing, under GIS, expected damage maps for different tsunami scenarios.
Reducing the Write Traffic for a Hybrid Cache Protocol

Coherence misses limit the performance of write-invalidate cache protocols in large-scale shared-memory multi-processors. By contrast, hybrid protocols mix updates with invalidations and can reduce the coherence miss rate. The gains of the fewer coherence misses, however, can sometimes be outweighed by contention due to the extra traffic making techniques to cut the write traffic important. We study in this paper how write traffic for hybrid protocols can be reduced by incorporating a write cache in each node. Detailed architectural simulations reveal that write caches are effective in exploiting locality in write accesses under relaxed memory consistency models. Hybrid protocols augmented with write caches with only a few entries are shown to outperform a write-invalidate protocol for all five benchmark applications under study.
Lightning Discharges on Land and on Sea in Indonesia

To investigate lightning on land and on sea in Indonesia, an observation using a lightning detection network has been carried out on the Java Island (Indonesia), employing a lightning detection network with four MDF stations. Analysis on the collected data revealed high lightning flash density around the Java Island, especially during the rainy season. The highest annual flash density on the Java Island was 16 flashes per km2 per year. Lightning discharges around Java exhibits a diurnal variation, where the activity mostly takes place on the island in the afternoon. A smaller peak of activity, especially in the rainy season, takes place in the early morning offshore. The median of the lightning current amplitudes in this area is around 26 kA, close to the result of direct measurement. The analysis also shows that discharges on the sea bring larger currents than those on the land. Storms on the land tend to deliver more number of strokes with higher maximum flash rates in smaller coverage areas than those occur on the sea
Similarities and Geometrical Effects on Rotating Cavitation In Two Scalted Centrifugal Pumps

Two scaled centrifugal pumps with vaneless radial diffuser running at identical Reynolds-Numbers are in the focus of experiments at Technical University of Braunschweig and Darmstadt University of Technology in the frame of a cooperation hosted by the DFG (Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft). Both pumps can hold different runner geometries as well as different leading edge geometries within the same runner. This paper describes experimental investigations of different configurations in both pumps. All configurations show the occurrence of a periodic cavitation state called "rotating cavitation" in a wide range of part load conditions, which onset can be characterized by an almost constant value of the dimensionless parameter o/2a. Comparison of the main characteristics of both pumps as well as optical investigations to determine the dynamic properties in cavitating conditions have been carried out.