Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MNL-FDTD/SPICE Method for Fast Analysis of Short-Gap ESD in Complex Systems

This paper presents a magnetically mixed Newmark-Leapfrog finite-difference time-domain (MNL-FDTD) method for efficient three-dimensional electromagnetic simulations of transient interactions between a spark channel of air-discharge electrostatic discharge (ESD) occurred at a short gap and its surrounding environment. The formulation is based on introducing the implicit Newmark-Beta method into the explicit leapfrog scheme of Yee's FDTD method directionally and magnetically. The stability condition of the algorithm does not include the mesh step in the channel direction, and therefore, is more relaxed than the Courant-Friedrichs-Lewy condition of the Yee scheme. For combined full-wave/circuit systems involving air-discharge ESD, both the sequential and simultaneous solutions are discussed in the context of MNL-FDTD. A stable direct linking of MNL-FDTD with SPICE is presented to include a discharge current characterized by arbitrary spark resistance. The relaxed stability is maintained in the combined systems. The presented method is verified with three spark resistance formulae. The accuracy, stability, and computational efficiency of the method are demonstrated in comparison with the conventional approaches in several numerical examples.
In vivo modeling of the pharmacodynamic interaction between benzodiazepines which differ in intrinsic efficacy.

The pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions between the benzodiazepine agonist midazolam, on one hand, and the partial agonist bretazenil and inverse agonist Ro 19-4603, on the other, were characterized in vivo in rats using effect parameters derived from quantitative EEG analysis. Male Wistar-derived rats received an i.v. infusion of 3 mg/kg bretazenil or 3 mg/kg Ro 19-4603 in 5 min during a steady-state infusion of midazolam at a rate of 2.8 mg/kg/hr. EEG signals were continuously measured and quantified by aperiodic EEG analysis and the change in amplitudes in the 11.5 to 30 Hz (beta) frequency band was used as measure of drug effect on the central nervous system. Frequent arterial blood samples were taken to determine the pharmacokinetics of the drugs. Both bretazenil and Ro 19-4603 did not influence the steady-state plasma concentrations of midazolam, but markedly antagonized the midazolam-induced increase in EEG effect measure to the extent of their own intrinsic maximal effects. The changes in EEG effect as a function of drug concentrations were described by a competitive interaction model, allowing the estimation of the pharmacodynamic parameters (means +/- S.E.) of the partial agonist, Emax = 15 +/- 5 microV/sec and EC50 = 19 +/- 5 ng/ml, and inverse agonist, Emax = -5.8 +/- 1.6 microV/sec and EC50 = 7.8 +/- 2.5 ng/ml. Similar values of the pharmacodynamic parameters were obtained after a single i.v. administration of these drugs, which provides evidence for the validity of the proposed interaction model. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Towards in situ sequencing for life detection

Due to meteoritic transfer between Earth and Mars, if life on Mars exists, it may be related to life on Earth and utilize nucleic acids as informational polymers. Thus, a Search for Extra-Terrestrial Genomes (SETG) could detect and sequence (deoxy)ribonucleic acids (DNA/RNA) utilized by any extant or recently dead life on Mars. The abiotic synthesis of common organic building blocks, such as nucleobases, sugars, and amino acids, in the solar nebula and potentially in diverse habitable environments could also bias a second genesis of life towards utilizing informational polymers similar to life as we know it. Here we build on prior work and describe the advancement of a SETG instrument to technology readiness level 4 through sample-to-sequence processing with limited manual handling. Another advance includes validation of nucleic acid extraction from Mars analogs at cell counts down to 104 per 50 mg sample, equivalent to a limit of detection of approximately 1 part per billion. In addition, we demonstrate that biological nanopore-based single molecule sequencing can be used to detect non-standard bases. Finally, we link sequence data to a statistical test to distinguish between any forward contamination and putative life beyond Earth. Nanopore-based sensing may ultimately enable characterization of non-standard polymers and other molecules, highlighting the potential for nanopore-based life detection and sequencing on Mars or other words such as the icy moons Enceladus or Europa.
Conceptual Models of Treatment in Depressed Hispanic Patients

PURPOSE Though patient variables are likely to play an important role in the undertreatment of depression, little is known of patients’ perceptions of standard depression treatments. In an effort to understand their perspective, we investigated depressed Hispanic patients’ perceptions of primary care treatments and the specific benefits associated with them. METHODS We undertook semistructured interviews with 121 depressed Hispanic medical patients waiting for their appointments. We developed and implemented a coding scheme using standard iterative procedures. RESULTS More than one half of the patients viewed physician consultation and medication as helpful. Almost all patients considered psychotherapy to be helpful. Supportive talk was the most commonly mentioned specific benefit of physician consultation. The most common benefit of medication was its anxiolytic, sedative effect; energizing effects were less common. The most common benefits associated with psychotherapy included support, advice, and catharsis. Patients currently taking medication for depression had a more favorable view of pharmacological treatment; differences by language of interview were noted. CONCLUSIONS Patients’ perceptions of the specific efficacies of depression treatment did not match priorities implicit in current treatment guidelines. Such perceptions may play a key role in shaping patients’ decisions to initiate and maintain treatment.
A segregated assessment of total carbon stocks by the mode of origin and ecological functions of forests: implication on restoration potential

In depth understanding of variation of biomass and carbon pools in different forest ecosystems is crucial for monitoring, reporting and verification of forest carbon stocks in the context of forest landscape restoration (FLR). The study compares carbon stocks from five carbon pools by the mode of origin (natural vs planted forests) and ecological functions (Special use, Protection and Production forests) of the forests. An intensive forest carbon inventory was conducted in six communes of Dinh Hoa district, Vietnam. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was found to be the largest carbon pool. Mean SOC densities were not significantly different between natural forests and planted forests, but were significantly different among different forest types classified based on ecological functions. When considering the total of all carbon pools, mean carbon densities were neither significantly different between natural and planted forests, nor among Special use, Protection and Production forests. Our study provides evidence that different FLR interventions may provide equivalent potentials for increasing forest carbon stocks. We link FLR with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) initiative Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation in developing countries (REDD+) to highlight synergies between processes of regaining ecological functionality, enhancement of human well-being across deforested or degraded forest landscapes, and contribution to the enhancement of forest carbon stocks.
Navigating Scholarly Development Through a CoP: #generational-lenses

CoPs provide opportunity for professional identity exploration. Extant research neglects how multiple identities, including generational memberships, influence development. This study explores professional identity development of scholars within a multigenerational CoP. Introduction Wenger (1998) states a Community of Practice (CoP) is formed by individuals who share a mutual passion for a concern or topics. He further posits that learning emerges through interactions and shared experiences people have as they negotiate meaning through unique contexts. For PhD students, a CoP may provide space to explore and develop their professional identities and find their scholarly voices (Coffman, Putnam, Adkisson, Kriner, and Monaghan, 2016). However, little is understood about how CoP members’ multiple identities, including their generational memberships, may influence their professional identity development. Therefore, the purpose of this research study is to explore professional identity development of scholars within a multigenerational CoP in a public urban university. Our research questions are: How does membership in a multigenerational CoP foster professional identity development in its members? How does one’s generational lens impact learning and identity development in a CoP?
Human toxocariasis: diagnosis, worldwide seroprevalences and clinical expression of the systemic and ocular forms

Abstract Although human toxocariasis ranks among the most common zoonotic infections worldwide, it remains relatively unknown to the public. The causal agents are the nematode parasites Toxocara canis and T. cati, whose definitive hosts are dogs and cats, respectively. When embryonated eggs are accidentally ingested by humans, larvae hatch in the small intestine, penetrate the intestinal wall and migrate, via the bloodstream, to the liver, lungs, muscles, eye and central nervous system. Although most human infections are asymptomatic, two well-defined clinical syndromes are classically recognised: visceral larva migrans (a systemic disease caused by larval migration through major organs) and ocular larva migrans (a disease limited to the eyes and optic nerves). Two less-severe syndromes have recently been described, one mainly in children (covert toxocariasis) and the other mainly in adults (common toxocariasis). Here, the current laboratory diagnosis, epidemiology and main clinical features of both the systemic and ocular forms of human toxocariasis are reviewed. New developments in serological diagnosis are described, the available seroprevalence data are analysed, and the results of relevant clinical studies that have been published over the last decade are explored, to provide an updated overview of this neglected but highly prevalent human infection.
Is there a relationship between personality type and preferred conflict-handling styles? An exploratory study of registered nurses in southern Mississippi.

AIM(S) The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between different personality factors of female registered nurses and their method of dealing with conflict. BACKGROUND Conflict is both necessary and absolute and factors that influence development and resolution of conflict include personality traits. METHODS Ninety-seven female registered nurses working in three health care facilities in south Mississippi participated in this quantitative study. INSTRUMENTS The instruments used were the Myers Briggs Type Indicator and the Thomas Kilmann Mode Instrument, which are forced choice questionnaires resulting in numerical data. RESULTS There was not a statistically significant correlation between female registered nurses' personality factors and methods of dealing with conflict. CONCLUSIONS The literature reveals that interpersonal conflict among nurses is a significant issue for the nursing profession. However, according to this study, there is no relationship between registered nurses' personality factors and methods used to deal with conflict. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT The United States is faced with a serious nursing shortage, in part due to job dissatisfaction related to conflict in the workplace. Understanding conflict management styles can increase registered nurses' positive conflict outcomes and lead to improved relationships, increased job satisfaction, and increased retention of registered nurses.
Time Domain Neural Audio Style Transfer

A recently published method for audio style transfer has shown how to extend the process of image style transfer to audio. This method synthesizes audio "content" and "style" independently using the magnitudes of a short time Fourier transform, shallow convolutional networks with randomly initialized filters, and iterative phase reconstruction with Griffin-Lim. In this work, we explore whether it is possible to directly optimize a time domain audio signal, removing the process of phase reconstruction and opening up possibilities for real-time applications and higher quality syntheses. We explore a variety of style transfer processes on neural networks that operate directly on time domain audio signals and demonstrate one such network capable of audio stylization.
Transcriptional regulation of the human HFE gene indicates high liver expression and erythropoiesis coregulation

The human HFE gene is clearly involved in hereditary hemochromatosis, a common autosomal recessive genetic disorder of iron homeostasis. However, the precise role of the HFE protein is still undefined. Here, to obtain new insight, we analyzed the transcriptional regulation of HFE gene and defined the functional organization of the HFE promoter. Both in vitro transcription and reporter gene assay in transient transfection evidenced a high liver expression of the HFE mRNA. The 5′ end analysis of mRNA showed two major initiation sites localized at –265 and – 195 directed by TATA‐like sequences and a window of initiation within the –120 to –10 GC‐rich region upstream of the first coding nucleotide. Positive cis‐regulating elements were characterized within the –1057/–8 region, and a negative one extending upstream (–1485/–1057) was identified. DNase I footprinting analysis and gel shift assay revealed several protein binding sites, and subsequent functional analysis evidenced transactivation of HFE by liver‐enriched C/EBPα, erythropoietic‐specific GATA‐1, and ubiquitous Sp1 transcription factors. These data bring some evidence of a role of HFE in the liver and a coregulation with erythropoiesis as other genes involved in iron homeostasis.
Laboratory Safety Needs of Kentucky School-Based Agricultural Mechanics Teachers.

The frequency and severity of accidents that occur in the agricultural mechanics laboratory can be reduced when these facilities are managed by educators who are competent in the area of laboratory safety and facility management (McKim & Saucier, 2011). To ensure teachers are technically competent and prepared to manage an agricultural mechanics laboratory, teacher educators and state supervisory staff must provide a comprehensive preservice education and professional development opportunities in the area of agricultural mechanics that improve teacher retention, program continuity, and ensure a future supply of fully qualified and highly motivated teachers (Osborne, 2007; Saucier, Terry, & Schumacher, 2009). In this study, data were collected with a web-based questionnaire designed to determine Kentucky agriculture teachers’ perceptions of the importance of 14 agricultural mechanics laboratory safety competencies and their self-assessed ability to perform those competencies. The Borich (1980) Needs Assessment Model was used to assess these teachers’ needs. Researchers found subjects were in need of continuing education in the area of laboratory safety. To improve teachers competence, educators should receive professional development through technical workshops, winter and summer conferences, and via webinars (Barrick, Ladewig, & Hedges, 1983; Birkenholz & Harbstreit, 1987; McKim & Saucier, 2011; Saucier, et al., 2009).
The Effect of Ethical Leadership on Organizational Learning: Evidence from a Petroleum Company

The purpose of the study was to explore the effect of two aspects - accountability and fairness - of ethical leadership on organizational learning, understood in broader sense as constructive and destructive learning. Case study was used as research methodology and data was collected using 35 semi-structured interviews from the employees and managers of the case study company. Data was analyzed using open, axial and selective coding. The findings suggest that accountability discourages employees from learning destructive practices. Moreover, accountability enhances constructive learning. The findings also show that the lack of fairness and accountability amongst organizational leadership creates a culture that facilitates the penetration and propagation of destructive practices in organizations. The literature has highlighted but not explored the influence of ethical leadership on organizational learning. The study is the first to empirically explore the links between these two important constructs. This study suggests that organizational leaders can enhance constructive learning and deter destructive learning by demonstrating fairness and accountability through their behaviors and actions.
Camera-based color calibration method for multiple flat-panel display system

Multiple flat-panel displays may often seem different in color, even though they are of the same brand and model. As a result, users experience visual fatigue as well as degraded quality while watching displayed contents. In this paper, we propose a method of calibrating multiple displays simultaneously with the use of ordinary cameras, such as a smartphone camera. In the proposed method, brightness synchronization and white point matching are performed for multiple display calibration. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves a truly unnoticeable color difference between the adjacent displays in terms of ΔE*94, the standard color distance metric.
African-American Alcoholics

Abstract It is estimated that two million African-Americans suffer directly and indirectly from alcoholism and its related problems. Yet, because of their cultural background, African-American alcoholics do not readily accept that alcoholism is a disease. This study explores how African-American alcoholics modify the steps and traditions of AA to affiliate with the organization. Data was collected from intensive and semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Procedures and analysis generic to grounded theory were used in the context of an interpretive/constructivist paradigm.
Pain mediation by prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene B4 in the human masseter muscle

The pathophysiology behind chronic pain from masticatory muscles is unclear. Our hypothesis was that this pain is of inflammatory origin and associated with release of inflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the presence of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and leukotriene B4 (LTB4) in the masseter muscle and plasma and their relation to myalgia. Nineteen patients with fibromyalgia, 19 with local myalgia of the masseter muscle, and 11 healthy individuals were examined with regard to local muscular pain intensity at rest and pressure pain threshold. Inclusion criteria were masseter muscle pain for at least 3 months and masseter muscle tenderness on digital palpation. Samples were obtained from the masseter muscle by microdialysis, and the dialysates and venous blood samples were analyzed with regard to PGE2 and LTB4 concentration. Intramuscular levels were found in all groups, with significantly higher levels of LTB4 in the patients with fibromyalgia, in whom PGE2 was positively correlated to muscular pain. In the healthy individuals PGE2 was negatively correlated to pressure pain threshold. In both patient groups but not in the healthy individuals LTB4 increased during the consecutive samplings. PGE2 and LTB4 were detectable in the plasma of all groups. In conclusion, both PGE2 and LTB4 were found in the human masseter muscle. LTB4 levels are increased on needle trauma in patients with myalgia. PGE2 levels are related to muscular pain in patients with fibromyalgia. Masseter muscle pain therefore seems to be partly of peripheral inflammatory origin in fibromyalgia.
Achieving impact: impact evaluations and narrative simplification

ABSTRACT This study is concerned with how impact from research and innovation (R&I) programmes is accounted for in impact evaluation reports. Establishing causal links between a research funding instrument and different effects, poses well known methodological difficulties. In the light of such challenges, textual accounts about causal links ought to be carefully written. Nevertheless, impact evaluation reports have a tendency towards unwarranted simplification as far as impact inferences are concerned. In this study, we illustrate how such simplifications – versions of the narrative device ellipsis – are accomplished. Using examples from three Swedish impact evaluation reports, we focus on the constituent components of longer impact accounts, that of the impact argument, to analyze the various ways that impact is narratively achieved through simplification. We believe this analysis can contribute to the methodology of impact evaluation, as well as spread light on some the difficulties in the historiography of innovation in general.
An 8T SRAM cell with column-based dynamic supply voltage for bit-interleaving

Lowering power consumption and increasing noise margin have become two central topics in every state of the art SRAM design. Several 8T and 10T cell designs have been reported, improving the cell stability of the conventional 6T. In this paper, we use a fully differential 8T SRAM that removes the half-accessed issue to allow an efficient bit-interleaving implementation. It also consumes less power when compared to the conventional 6T design. A column-based dynamic supply voltage scheme is utilized to improve both the read noise margin and the write-ability. A 128×64-bit of the proposed SRAM has been implemented in a standard 65 nm/ 1V CMOS process. Simulation results reaffirmed that the proposed design has 2x higher noise margin and consumes 46% less power when compared to the conventional 6T design at 1 V supply voltage.