Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A sensitivity analysis of RLC transformer winding model parameters used for a PD localization

Partial discharge (PD) measurement is a well known method for the condition assessment of a power transformer insulation system, thereby finding the location of PD allows a comprehensive risk analysis of this key component. Electrical measurements of PD are a common approach, but the preciseness of this method for a PD localization can be still improved. The various advantages of this method over the other ones, like UHF and acoustic, is gained a lot of attraction to be investigated in spite of special challenges. Most important part of this method is finding the needed sectional winding transfer functions (SWTF). One way to obtain the SWTFs is finding the RLC model of the winding. In this paper, a sensitivity analysis of the PD location to the RLC model parameters has been done.
Speech Emotion Recognition Using Semi-supervised Learning with Ladder Networks

As a major branch of speech processing, speech emotion recognition has drawn much attention of researchers. Prior works have proposed a variety of models and feature sets for training a system. In this paper, we propose to use semi-supervised learning with ladder networks to generate robust feature representation for speech emotion recognition. In our method, the input of ladder network is the normalized static acoustic features and is mapped to high level hidden representations. The model is trained to simultaneously minimize the sum of supervised and unsupervised cost functions by back-propagation. The extracted hidden representations are used as emotional features in SVM model for speech emotion recognition. The experimental results, performed on IEMOCAP database, show 2.6% higher performance than denoising auto-encoder, and 5.3% than the static acoustic features.
Adaptation and Implementation of the STarT Back Risk Stratification Strategy in a US Health Care Organization: A Process Evaluation.

Objective To support implementation of effective treatments for back pain that can be delivered to a range of people, we summarize learnings from our process evaluation of the MATCH trial's implementation of an adaptation of the STarT Back risk-stratified care model. Design Our logic model-driven evaluation focused primarily on qualitative data sources. Setting This study took place in a US-based health care delivery system that had adapted and implemented the STarT Back stratified care approach. This was the first formal test of the strategy in a US setting. Methods Data collection included observation of implementation activities, staff/provider interviews, and post-training evaluation questionnaires. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis of qualitative data and descriptive statistics for questionnaire data. Results We found that both primary care teams and physical therapists at intervention clinics gave the training high scores on evaluation questionnaires and reported in the interviews that they found the training engaging and useful. However, there was significant variation in the extent to which the risk stratification strategy was incorporated into care. Some primary care providers reported that the intervention changed their conversations with patients and increased their confidence in working with patients with back pain. Providers using the STarT Back tool did not change referral rates for recommended matched treatments. Conclusions These insights provide guidance for future efforts to adapt and implement the STarT Back strategy and other complex practice change interventions. They emphasize the need for primary care-based interventions to minimize complexity and the need for ongoing monitoring and feedback.
Quadriceps Strength Deficits After a Femoral Nerve Block Versus Adductor Canal Block for Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized Trial

Background: Peripheral nerve blocks, particularly femoral nerve blocks (FNBs), are commonly performed for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. However, associated quadriceps muscle weakness after FNBs is well described and may occur for up to 6 months postoperatively. The adductor canal block (ACB) has emerged as a viable alternative to the FNB, theoretically causing less quadriceps weakness during the immediate postoperative period, as it bypasses the majority of the motor fibers of the femoral nerve that branch off proximal to the adductor canal. Purpose/Hypothesis: This study sought to identify if a difference in quadriceps strength exists after an ACB or FNB for ACL reconstruction beyond the immediate postoperative period. Beyond the immediate postoperative period, we anticipated no difference in quadriceps strength between patients who received ACBs or FNBs for ACL reconstruction. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 102 patients undergoing primary ACL reconstruction using a variety of graft types were enrolled between November 2015 and April 2016. All patients were randomized to receive an ACB or FNB before surgery, and the surgeon was blinded to the block type. All patients underwent aggressive rehabilitation without functional bracing postoperatively. The time to the first straight-leg raise was reported by the patient. Isokinetic strength testing was performed at 3 and 6 months postoperatively. Results: Data for 73 patients were analyzed. There was no significant difference in patient demographics of age, body mass index, sex, or tourniquet time between the FNB (n = 35) and ACB (n = 38) groups. The mean time to the first straight-leg raise was similar, at 13.1 ± 1.0 hours for the FNB group and 15.5 ± 1.2 hours for the ACB group (P = .134). The mean extension torque at 60 deg/s increased significantly for both the ACB (53.7% ± 3.4% to 68.3% ± 2.9%; P = .008) and the FNB (53.3% ± 3.3% to 68.5% ± 4.1%; P = .006) groups from 3 to 6 months postoperatively. There was also no significant difference in mean extension torque at 60 deg/s or 180 deg/s between the FNB and ACB groups at 3 and 6 months. There were no significant differences in postoperative complications (infection, arthrofibrosis, retear) between groups. Conclusion: Although prior studies have shown immediate postoperative benefits of ACBs compared with FNBs, with a faster return of quadriceps strength, in the current study there was no statistically or clinically significant difference in quadriceps strength at 3 and 6 months postoperatively in patients who received ACBs or FNBs for ACL reconstruction.
Team Management of Skin Rash Associated with Use of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a rash team management intervention designed by certified nurses, medical physicians, and certified pharmacists. The quality of life (QOL) of patients administered epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) was assessed using the dermatology life quality index (DLQI) and Skindex-29 QOL questionnaires. Methods: A total of 51 patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer who were treated using EGFR-TKIs were examined between November 1, 2014, and October 31, 2015, at the Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation in Kobe city, Japan. All the patients were treated daily with erlotinib, gefitinib, or afatinib. The common terminology criteria for adverse events (version 4.0) system were used to grade treatment-induced toxicity events. The multimodality rash management team included nurses, pharmacists, and physicians. The team intervened before the initiation of treatment with EGFR-TKIs and at every visit. Patient QOL characteristics were evaluated using the DLQI and Skindex-29 assessment tools. Results: The number of patients with high-grade toxicity decreased when the multimodal approach was used. No grade 3 skin toxicities were recorded in the postintervention cohort. QOL scores for symptoms and feelings (emotions) were impaired in patients who were treated with EGFR-TKIs. Conclusions: The rash team management approach may be useful for patients treated with EGFR-TKIs. Specific QOL evaluation tools for the assessment of the effects of a team approach for rash management should be developed.
Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms in Relatives of Intensive Care Unit Patients and the Perceived Need for Support

ABSTRACT Background: Admission of a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the recovery process may be stressful for family members. Objectives: This study aimed to explore the families’ psychological symptoms and their evolution over the 1st week of patients’ ICU stay. Additional objectives were the estimation of the families’ need for support and the estimation of satisfaction regarding the information provided by ICU physicians. Methods: A total of 108 individuals were participated in the study. Participants were interviewed with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale and filled the Beck Depression Scale II on days 1 and 7 of patients’ ICU admission. They also filled a self-reported questionnaire which was created by the investigators, involving decision-making procedures; the satisfaction of the families of the patients’ care; and the support of the families by medical and nursing staff. Results: Anxiety levels were not significantly different among 2-time points, whereas rates of depressive symptoms raised significantly from 38% (day 1) to 58.3% (day 7). In cases of anxiety changes, age, education, closeness of relationship, and APACHE II score were the factors been associated. Changes in depressive symptoms were not associated with any of those factors. Over a week, there were significant differences in relatives’ views on participating in the decision-making procedure, and on expressing their opinion and concerns regarding the treatment process. Their attitudes about receiving support by the ICU personnel and even by mental health specialists, such as psychologists also changed. Conclusions: Over the 1st week of ICU admission, depressive symptoms in patients’ relatives were gradually evolving, while anxiety symptoms fluctuated and they were affected by the severity of the patients’ condition. Attitudes toward treatment procedures and the perceived need for support also changed. These findings should be taken into account by the ICU personnel.
Estrogen inhibits osteoclasts formation and bone resorption via microRNA‐27a targeting PPARγ and APC

Inhibition of osteoclasts formation and bone resorption by estrogen is very important in the etiology of postmenopausal osteoporosis. The mechanisms of this process are still not fully understood. Recent studies implicated an important role of microRNAs in estrogen‐mediated responses in various cellular processes, including cell differentiation and proliferation. Thus, we hypothesized that these regulatory molecules might be implicated in the process of estrogen‐decreased osteoclasts formation and bone resorption. Western blot, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining, pit formation assay and luciferase assay were used to investigate the role of microRNAs in estrogen‐inhibited osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. We found that estrogen could directly suppress receptor activator of nuclear factor B ligand/macrophage colony‐stimulating factor‐induced differentiation of bone marrow‐derived macrophages into osteoclasts in the absence of stromal cell. MicroRNA‐27a was significantly increased during the process of estrogen‐decreased osteoclast differentiation. Overexpressing of microRNA‐27a remarkably enhanced the inhibitory effect of estrogen on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption, whereas which were alleviated by microRNA‐27a depletion. Mechanistic studies showed that microRNA‐27a inhibited peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) expression in osteoclasts through a microRNA‐27a binding site within the 3′‐untranslational region of PPARγ and APC. PPARγ and APC respectively contributed to microRNA‐27a‐decreased osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. Taken together, these results showed that microRNA‐27a may play a significant role in the process of estrogen‐inhibited osteoclast differentiation and function.
Psychometric Properties of the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) in 15–16 Years Old Norwegian Adolescents

A better understanding about prerequisites of health and well-being in adolescents is important to prevent chronicity and comorbidities of stress and to improve health promotion in this group. For this purpose, useful instruments are required. The Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ) is developed for research, with an emphasis on predictive validity. The PSQ comprises different components of stress, and the instrument might be useful in studying prerequisites and predictors of health and well-being in adolescents. However, the instrument has not been evaluated in Norwegian psychosomatic populations and in adolescents. Moreover, the factor structure of the PSQ seems to vary between populations, and invariance across gender and concurrent validity regarding mindfulness are not previously tested. The objective of this study were to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version of the PSQ in adolescents, including evaluate the fit of previously proposed PSQ-models in females and males and test measurement invariance across gender. Concurrent validity with respect to mindfulness (Mindful Attention Awareness Scale- Adolescent [MAAS-A]) was preliminary evaluated. Confirmatory factor analysis for each previously proposed model was conducted, separately for females and males. Multi-group factor analyses were performed to test measurement invariance of the different PSQ-models across gender. The associations between the PSQ and the MAAS-A and inter-scale correlations were preliminary evaluated. Preceding the data collection and main analyses, the instruments were translated to Norwegian following standardized procedures. The participants in study were Norwegian adolescents aged 15–16 years (N = 524). The overall PSQ performance seemed to correspond to previous findings, and internal consistency was supported across gender. A four-factor model of the PSQ showed best fit to the data in both females and males and configural and metric invariance seemed supported. Full scalar invariance was not supported for the four-factor model, implying that cross-group comparisons (between females and males) on latent means may be uncertain and must be interpreted with caution. Concurrent validity with respect to mindfulness (MAAS-A) was preliminary supported. Further studies might be needed to confirm the findings from this study.
The prospective association between objectively measured sedentary time, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity and cardiometabolic risk factors in youth: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

Sedentary time and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) may be uniquely related to cardiometabolic health. Excessive sedentary time is suggested as an independent cardiometabolic risk factor, while MVPA is favourably associated with cardiometabolic health. This systematic review and meta‐analysis summarizes the evidence on a prospective relationship between objectively measured sedentary time, MVPA and cardiometabolic health indicators in youth.
Pain Reconceptualisation after Pain Neurophysiology Education in Adults with Chronic Low Back Pain: A Qualitative Study

Pain neurophysiology education (PNE) is an educational intervention for patients with chronic pain. PNE purports to assist patients to reconceptualise their pain away from the biomedical model towards a more biopsychosocial understanding by explaining pain biology. This study aimed to explore the extent, and nature, of patients' reconceptualisation of their chronic low back pain (CLBP) following PNE. Eleven adults with CLBP underwent semistructured interviews before and three weeks after receiving PNE. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed in a framework approach using four a priori themes identified from our previous research: (1) degrees of reconceptualisation, (2) personal relevance, (3) importance of prior beliefs, and (4) perceived benefit of PNE. We observed varying degrees of reconceptualisation from zero to almost complete, with most participants showing partial reconceptualisation. Personal relevance of the information to participants and their prior beliefs were associated with the degree of benefit they perceived from PNE. Where benefits were found, they manifested as improved understanding, coping, and function. Findings map closely to our previous studies in more disparate chronic pain groups. The phenomenon of reconceptualisation is applicable to CLBP and the sufficiency of the themes from our previous studies increases confidence in the certainty of the findings.
Age-related Deficits in Recognition Memory are Protocol-Dependent

The perirhinal cortex (PRh) is a critical mediator of recognition memory, and a wealth of evidence points to impairment in PRh function with age. Despite this evidence, age-related deficits in recognition memory are not consistently observed. This may be partially due to the fact that older animals also have well-established deficits in hippocampal function, and many protocols that assess perirhinal function are also sensitive to hippocampal damage. When using one of these protocols, spontaneous object recognition in an open field, we are able to replicate published age-related deficits using pairs of complex objects. However, when using zero-delay object recognition, a task that is more resistant to the influence of changes in hippocampal function, we find no significant age-related differences in recognition memory in the same animals. These data highlight the importance of the protocol used for testing recognition memory, and may place constraints on the role of the PRh in age-related recognition memory impairment as it is typically tested in much of the literature.
Artifact Detection Maps Learned using Shallow Convolutional Networks

Automatically identifying the locations and severities of video artifacts is a difficult problem. We have developed a general method for detecting local artifacts by learning differences between distorted and pristine video frames. Our model, which we call the Video Impairment Mapper (VID-MAP), produces a full resolution map of artifact detection probabilities based on comparisons of exitatory and inhibatory convolutional responses. Validation on a large database shows that our method outperforms the previous state-of-the-art. A software release of VID-MAP that was trained to produce upscaling and combing detection probability maps is available online: http://live.ece. utexas.edu/research/quality/VIDMAP release.zip for public use and evaluation.
Controlling Expressivity using Input Codes in Neural Network based TTS

This paper presents a study on the use of input codes in the neural network acoustic modeling for expressive TTS. Specifically, we use different kinds of input codes, augmented with the linguistic features, as the input of a BLSTM-based acoustic model, to control the expressivity of the synthesized speech. The input codes, in one-hot representation, include dialogue code, sentiment code and sentence position code. The dialogue code indicates whether the text is a dialogue or narration in an audiobook story. The sentiment code is obtained from a sentiment analysis tool, which labels each sentence as positive, negative and neutral. The sentence position code indicates the position of the sentence in the paragraph. We believe these codes are highly related to the expressiveness of the audiobook speech. Experiments on the data from the Blizzard Challenge 2017 demonstrate the effectiveness of the use of input codes in the neural network approach for expressive TTS.
Monitoring speech production and comprehension: Where is the second-language delay?

Research on error monitoring suggests that bilingual Dutch–English speakers are slower to correct some speech errors in their second language (L2) as opposed to their first language (L1). But which component of self-monitoring is slowed down in L2, error detection or interruption and repair of the error? This study charted the time course of monitoring in monolingual English speakers and bilingual Dutch–English speakers in language production and language comprehension, with the aim of pinpointing the component(s) of monitoring that cause an L2 disadvantage. First, we asked whether phonological errors are interrupted more slowly in L2. An analysis of data from three speech error elicitation experiments indeed showed that Dutch–English bilinguals were slower to stop speaking after an error had been detected in their L2 (English) than in their L1 (Dutch), at least for interrupted errors. A similar L2 disadvantage was found when comparing the L2 of Dutch–English bilinguals to the L1 of English monolinguals. Second, monolingual English speakers and bilingual Dutch–English speakers performed a picture naming task, a production monitoring task, and a comprehension monitoring task. Bilingual English speakers were slower in naming pictures in their L2 than monolingual English speakers. However, the production monitoring task and comprehension monitoring task yielded comparable response latencies between monolinguals in their L1 and bilinguals in their L2, indicating that monitoring processes in L2 are not generally slower. We suggest that interruption and repair are planned concurrently and that the difficulty of repairing in L2 triggers a slow-down in L2 interruption.
Patent Foramen Ovale Closure Versus Medical Therapy in Cryptogenic Strokes and Transient Ischemic Attacks: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials

Cryptogenic strokes account for about 25% to 40% of total ischemic strokes, and 1 of the 3 of these have a patent foramen ovale (PFO). A meta-analysis concerning the effectiveness and safety of PFO closure in cryptogenic strokes or transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) was performed. We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library through April 2018. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials. Primary and secondary end points were, respectively, stroke or TIA and stroke recurrences. We calculated risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all end points using fixed- and random-effects meta-analyses. Data were included from 6 trials involving 3560 patients. In the pooled analysis, PFO closure was superior to medical treatment for both primary (RR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.18-0.82; P < .02) and secondary end points (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.44-0.76; P < .001). Transcatheter closure significantly increased the risk of new-onset atrial fibrillation (AF; RR: 5.74; P < .001). Percutaneous closure is superior to medical treatment in reducing stroke and TIA recurrence, even if with a significant risk increasing for new-onset AF. These findings suggest that transcatheter closure is indicated in patients with cryptogenic strokes and large PFO.
Natural products for the management of the hepatitis C virus: a biochemical review

Abstract Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant public health problem, with a worldwide prevalence of approximately 170 million. Current therapy for HCV infection includes the prolonged administration of a combination of ribavirin and PEGylated interferon-α, for over a decade. This regimen is expensive and often associated with a poor antiviral response and unwanted side effects. A highly effective combination treatment is likely required for the future management of HCV infections and entry inhibitors could play an important role. Currently, no entry inhibitor has been licensed for the prophylactic treatment of hepatitis C. Therefore, additional agents that combat HCV infection are urgently needed and must be developed. Many phytochemical constituents have been identified that display considerable inhibition of HCV at some stage of the life cycle. This review will summarise the current state of knowledge on natural products and their possible activities in the context of HCV infection.