Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Children peripheral facial palsy treated with three therapies of strong stimulation: a randomized controlled trial].

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of the three therapies of strong stimulation for children peripheral facial palsy so as to deal with the problem on the inactive acceptance of acupuncture in children. METHODS Eighty cases of children peripheral facial palsy were randomized into a moxa stick group (group A) and a group with three therapies of strong stimulation (group B). Baihui (GV 20), Sibai (ST 2), Dicang (ST 4), Jiache (ST 6) and the other acupoints were selected in the two groups and stimulated with half-needling technique. In the group A, 3 moxa sticks were bunched together for surrounding moxibustion over one of Dazhui (GV 14), Yangbai (GB 14), Xiaguan (ST 7) and Jiache (ST 6) in each treatment. In the group B, the strong pricking therapy, strong cupping therapy and strong moxibustion were adopted at the same acupoints as the group A. The treatment was given twice every day in the first 5 days. Afterwards, the clinical efficacy was analyzed statistically. The treatment was kept on for the effective case. Those with failed effect were transferred to the other group. Since the 6th day, the treatment was given once every day. In 15 days, the clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups and House-Brackmann (H-B) facial nerve function grade was compared before and after treatment. RESULTS In 5 days of treatment, the total effective rate was 94.7% (36/38) in the group B, which was better than 52.4% (22/42) in the group A, (P < 0.001). In 15 days of treatment, the cured rate and the total effective rate in the group B were 67.3% (35/52) and 96.2% (50/52), which were better than 9.5% (2/21) and 85.7% (18/21) in the group A, respectively (P < 0. 001, P < 0.05). Additionally, the result of H-B facial nerve function grade in the group B was superior to the group A (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The half-needling technique and the three therapies of strong stimulation in combination achieve the superior efficacy on children peripheral facial palsy as compared with the half-needling technique combined with moxa stick therapy. And the obvious adverse reaction has not been found.
PHONETIC INFLUENCES ON ENGLISH AND FRENCH LISTENERS’ ASSIMILATION OF MANDARIN TONES TO NATIVE PROSODIC CATEGORIES

This study examined how native speakers of Australian English and French, nontone languages with different lexical stress properties, perceived Mandarin tones in a sentence environment according to their native sentence intonation categories (i-Categories) in connected speech. Results showed that both English and French speakers categorized Mandarin tones primarily on the phonetic similarities of the pitch contours between the Mandarin tones and their native i-Categories. Moreover, French but not English speakers were able to detect the fine-detailed phonetic differences between Tone 3 (T3) and Tone 4 (T4; i.e., low or low-falling tone vs. high-falling tone), which suggests that the stress differences between these languages may affect nonnative tone perception: English uses lexical stress, whereas French does not. In the discrimination task, the French listeners’ performance was better than that of the English listeners. For each group, discrimination of the Tone 1 (T1)–T4 and Tone 2 (T2)–T3 pairs was consistently and significantly lower than that of the other tone pairs, and the difference between T1-T4 and T2-T3 was significant. Discrimination of the Mandarin tone pairs was not fully predicted by pairwise categorizations to native i-Categories, however. Some discrimination differences were observed among tone pairs showing the same assimilation patterns. Phonetic overlaps in native i-Category choices for the Mandarin tones, strength of categorization (So, 2012), and tonal coarticulation effects (Xu, 1994, 1997) may offer possible accounts of these discrepancies between categorization and discrimination performance. These findings support the perceptual assimilation model for suprasegmentals (So & Best, 2008, 2010a, 2010b, 2011, 2013), extended to categorization of nonnative tone words within sentence contexts to native i-Categories.
Lung-derived innate cytokines: new epigenetic targets of allergen-specific sublingual immunotherapy

Objective(s): Sublingual allergen-specific immunotherapy is a safe and effective method for treatment of IgE-mediated respiratory allergies; however, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. This study was planned to test whether sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) can exert epigenetic mechanisms through which the airway allergic responses can be extinguished. Materials and Methods: BALB/c mice were sensitized intraperitoneally and challenged intranasally. Then, they received sublingual treatment with recombinant Che a 2 (rChe a 2), a major allergen of Chenopodium album. After SLIT, allergen-specific antibodies in sera, cytokine profiles of spleen cell cultures, mRNA and protein expression of lung-derived IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP (thymic stromal lymphopoietin), and histone modifications of these three genes were assessed. Results: Following Immunotherapy, systemic immune responses shifted from Th2 to Th1 profile as demonstrated by significant decrease in IgE and IL-4 and substantial increase in IgG2a and IFN-γ. At local site, mRNA and protein levels of lung-derived pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-33 and TSLP were markedly down-regulated following SLIT that was associated with marked enrichment of trimethylated lysine 27 of histone H3 at promoter regions of these two cytokines. Conclusion: In our study, sublingual immunotherapy with recombinant allergen effectively attenuated allergic immune responses, at least partly, by induction of distinct histone modifications at specific loci. Additionally, the lung-derived pro-allergic cytokines IL-33 and TSLP could be promising mucosal candidates for either monitoring allergic conditions or therapeutic approaches.
Conserved Transcriptional Responses to Nutrient Stress in Bloom-Forming Algae

The concentration and composition of bioavailable nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the upper ocean shape eukaryotic phytoplankton communities and influence their physiological responses. Phytoplankton are known to exhibit similar physiological responses to limiting N and P conditions such as decreased growth rates, chlorosis, and increased assimilation of N and P. Are these responses similar at the molecular level across multiple species? To interrogate this question, five species from biogeochemically important, bloom-forming taxa (Bacillariophyta, Dinophyta, and Haptophyta) were grown under similar low N, low P, and replete nutrient conditions to identify transcriptional patterns and associated changes in biochemical pools related to N and P stress. Metabolic profiles, revealed through the transcriptomes of these taxa, clustered together based on species rather than nutrient stressor, suggesting that the global metabolic response to nutrient stresses was largely, but not exclusively, species-specific. Nutrient stress led to few transcriptional changes in the two dinoflagellates, consistent with other research. An orthologous group analysis examined functionally conserved (i.e., similarly changed) responses to nutrient stress and therefore focused on the diatom and haptophytes. Most conserved ortholog changes were specific to a single nutrient treatment, but a small number of orthologs were similarly changed under both N and P stress in 2 or more species. Many of these orthologs were related to photosynthesis and may represent generalized stress responses. A greater number of orthologs were conserved across more than one species under low P compared to low N. Screening the conserved orthologs for functions related to N and P metabolism revealed increased relative abundance of orthologs for nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, and amino acid transporters under N stress, and increased relative abundance of orthologs related to acquisition of inorganic and organic P substrates under P stress. Although the global transcriptional responses were dominated by species-specific changes, the analysis of conserved responses revealed functional similarities in resource acquisition pathways among different phytoplankton taxa. This overlap in nutrient stress responses observed among species may be useful for tracking the physiological ecology of phytoplankton field populations.
Pupils' and teachers' perceptions of a culminating festival within a sport education season in Irish primary schools

Background: While there is considerable literature on Sport Education, little attention has been afforded to an investigation into the use of a specific festival as a culmination to a season. Aims: The purpose of this paper is to examine primary school pupils' and teachers' perceptions of an inter-school festival. Methods: Pupils from eight classes in four Irish primary schools participated in a 3-month season employing the Sport Education Curriculum Model. A modified invasion game provided the activity focus. Interview data were collected from pupils and teachers prior to, during and after the festival. Results: Results indicated that prior to the festival, pupils were, while excited and looking forward to the festival, not certain about what the day would entail. During the festival pupils reported how their team was performing and discussed elements of the festival they enjoyed most. Post-festival, pupils focused on their team's performance and spoke positively about their memories of the day. Teachers reported the success of the festival in maintaining pupils' interest with pupils keen to prepare their teams to play against other schools. Conclusions: This study might offer some direction and possibilities to those working in youth and community sport settings who may wish to transfer sport experiences along the lines of the Sport Education approach from a school context into these specific sport cultures.
Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Jatropha curcas L . Using AFLP and ISSR Markers

Jatropha curcas L. (family Euphobiaceae) is widely distributed in the tropics as a potential biofuel crop. Two DNA marker techniques, AFLP and ISSR, were used to assess the genetic diversity of J. curcas germplasm collected throughout Thailand, introduced accessions from six countries and other four Jatropha species. The AFLP and ISSR fingerprint data were combined and used to evaluate genetic relationships among all samples. Pairwise similarity estimated between J. curcas ranged from 0.8428 to 1.00 with an average of 0.9955. The UPGMA cluster analysis result showed that almost all J. curcas samples were grouped into cluster 1, while a sample from USA formed separate cluster 2. The germplasms from other countries, preferably from the center of origin of this species, should be introduced to broaden genetic diversity of J. curcas in Thailand. The genetic relationship among J. curcas, J. integerrima, J. gossypifolia, J. multifida and J. podagrica was also observed. The result showed that J. integerrima was genetically more close to J. curcas than the others, while the highest value of genetic distance was found between J. curcas and J. gossypifolia. This genetic information will be useful for germplasm management in Jatropha breeding program.
Interstanding the industrial district: contrasting conceptual images as a road to insight

In this paper we offer an approach to learning about the unique features of industrial districts as a socio-economic phenomenon that is based on differences. Instead of searching for one generic theory that may explain the unique construction of an industrial district or one universal way of getting under the skin of its subjects we propose ‘interstanding’ as a road to insight. The title alludes to different relationships: between theoretical frameworks and empirical approaches, between writing and reflecting on the one hand, creating conversations, talking and listening on the other, between teacher and student, between the academic and business communities. In the paper this ‘interstanding’ perspective of knowledging is demonstrated in the context of an annual international doctoral course on SMEs in economic and regional development. The participating doctoral students are organized into research teams, each furnished with a specific theoretical perspective on localized economic development, and subsequently jointly brought to the industrial district of Gnosjö in Sweden in order to meet with owner-managers and further local stakeholders. The student groups report on their field experiences, thereby creating maps as diverse as the different theoretical frameworks being used. These contrasting images of the district's generic features and sustainability are used as an input to a conclusive polylogue seminar that offers an ‘interstanding’ that, on the one hand, reminds the participants that any, including scientifically investigated, reality is socially constructed, and, on the other, communicates that tensions between alternative conceptual constructs, especially if substantiated in empirical research, offer an inspiring road to knowledge.
Genotype-Independent Transmission of Transgenic Fluorophore Protein by Boar Spermatozoa

Recently, we generated transposon-transgenic boars (Sus scrofa), which carry three monomeric copies of a fluorophore marker gene. Amazingly, a ubiquitous fluorophore expression in somatic, as well as in germ cells was found. Here, we characterized the prominent fluorophore load in mature spermatozoa of these animals. Sperm samples were analyzed for general fertility parameters, sorted according to X and Y chromosome-bearing sperm fractions, assessed for potential detrimental effects of the reporter, and used for inseminations into estrous sows. Independent of their genotype, all spermatozoa were uniformly fluorescent with a subcellular compartmentalization of the fluorophore protein in postacrosomal sheath, mid piece and tail. Transmission of the fluorophore protein to fertilized oocytes was shown by confocal microscopic analysis of zygotes. The monomeric copies of the transgene segregated during meiosis, rendering a certain fraction of the spermatozoa non-transgenic (about 10% based on analysis of 74 F1 offspring). The genotype-independent transmission of the fluorophore protein by spermatozoa to oocytes represents a non-genetic contribution to the mammalian embryo.
User Boresighting for AR Calibration: A Preliminary Analysis

The precision with which users can maintain boresight alignment between visual targets at different depths is recorded for 24 subjects using two different boresight targets. Subjects' normal head stability is established using their Romberg coefficients. Weibull distributions are used to describe the probabilities of the magnitude of head positional errors and the three dimensional cloud of errors is displayed by orthogonal two dimensional density plots. These data will lead to an understanding of the limits of user introduced calibration error in augmented reality systems.
BING++: A Fast High Quality Object Proposal Generator at 100fps

We are motivated by the need for an object proposal generation algorithm that achieves a good balance between proposal localization quality, object recall and computational efficiency. We propose a novel object proposal algorithm {\em BING++} which inherits the good computational efficiency of BING \cite{BingObj2014} but significantly improves its proposal localization quality. Central to our success is based on the observation that good bounding boxes are those that tightly cover objects. Edge features, which can be computed efficiently, play a critical role in this context. We propose a new algorithm that recursively improves BING's proposals by exploiting the fact that edges in images are typically associated with object boundaries. BING++ improves proposals recursively by incorporating nearest edge points (to proposal boundary pixels) to obtain a tighter bounding box. This operation has linear computational complexity in number of pixels and can be done efficiently using distance transform. Superpixel merging techniques are then employed as post-processing to further improve the proposal quality. Empirically on the VOC2007 dataset, using $10^3$ proposals and IoU threshold 0.5, our method achieves 95.3\% object detection recall (DR), 79.2\% mean average best overlap (MABO), and 68.7\% mean average precision (mAP) on object detection over 20 object classes within an average time of {\bf 0.009} seconds per image.
Factorial and Cross-Cultural Validity of a Farsi Version of the Anger Rumination Scale

This study aimed to examine factorial and cross-cultural validity of a Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale. 933 undergraduate students (388 men, 545 women) from the University of Tehran participated. The Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale, the Tehran Multidimensional Anger Scale, and the Mental Health Inventory were completed by all participants. Results supported the four-factor structure, convergent and discriminant validity, internal consistency, and test-retest reliability of the Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale. The factors found in the Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale are similar to the factors found in previous studies and were accordingly labeled as Angry After-thoughts, Thoughts of Revenge, Angry Memories, and Understanding Causes. The results also provided evidence for applicability of the Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale and its cross-cultural validity.
Who’s Teaching Math to Our Most Needy Students? A Descriptive Study

The No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) mandates that every classroom be staffed with a “highly qualified teacher. ” Research supports that teachers’ content knowledge affects student achievement. However, the special education population continues to be taught by teachers who do not have the content area background they teach. In addition, accountability reports indicate that the special education population did not meet the adequate yearly progress in reading and mathematics as required under NCLB. The purpose of this study is to determine the mathematical background, beliefs, and perceptions of future intervention specialists. Results of this study indicate a disconnect between the participants’ beliefs and perceptions of their ability to provide math instruction and their limited mathematical background as measured by mathematical courses completed at the undergraduate level and by the Ohio Achievement Test—Practice Eighth Grade Mathematics.
A Cloud-Based Framework to Enhance Augmented Reality

We propose a cloud-based framework for AR applications. The framework is combined of state-of-the-art Virtualization Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) of Personal Cloud Computer (PC2) and parallel computing technique of MapReduce. We design a sophisticated client-server architecture to enhance performance of multi-user Augmented Reality (AR) application. Computing load balance is the design concern between client devices and application servers. A multi-user AR game is used as case study running on parallel Virtual Machines (Vs.). We also explore the concurrent AR mechanism on cooperation VMs. Finally, we conclude our proposed work and point future work.
Constrained target motion modeling — Part II: Circular track

Turning is one of the most fundamental target motions. Its modeling has been well studied for unconstrained targets, e.g., air targets. However, existing turning models can not be directly used for constrained target motion on circular tracks, which has wide application, e.g., in ground target tracking. This paper models the constrained target motion on a circular track. First, it explicitly sets up the constraints imposed by the circular track. Then it obtaines two forms of the target motion models along the circular track. The first form is obtained based on direct elimination with the classical constant turn model as the desired model class. The second form is obtained based on along-track motion projection, which is advantageous in two aspects: clear physical meaning and computational considerations (weaker nonlinear and less potential numerical problem). Extension to target motion modeling along elliptic track is also discussed.
Second Generation Research on the Effectiveness of Early Intervention

This commentary discusses the program of research carried out by the Utah State Early Intervention Research Institute (EIRI) in the context of the characteristics associated with second generation research in early intervention. Specifically, the series of EIRI research studies focused on the three program features of age of start, intensity of intervention, and parent participation. This commentary provides an evaluation of these program features in terms of scientific quality, specificity of the research, and consistency with contemporary developmental/ecological approaches. Directions for future research are noted, and these include: greater emphasis on establishing expectations for outcomes derived from developmental models, multisite studies to permit more effective specificity analyses, and emphasis on identifying the characteristics of children and families who are at greatest risk of not responding to prevailing early intervention services and supports.
Application of the Precautionary Principle by Senior Policy Officials: Results of a Canadian Survey

Though use of the controversial precautionary principle in risk management has increasingly been recommended as a guide for the construction of public policy in Canada and elsewhere, there are few data available characterizing its use in risk management by senior public policymakers. Using established survey methodology we sought to investigate the perceptions and terms of application of the precautionary principle in this important subset of individuals. A total of 240 surveys were sent out to seven departments or agencies in the Canadian government. The overall survey response rate was 26.6%, and our findings need to be interpreted in the context of possible responder bias. Of respondents, the overwhelming majority perceived the precautionary principle and the management of risk as complementary, and endorsed a role for the precautionary principle as a general guideline for all risk management decisions. However, 25% of respondents responded that the lack of clarity of the definition of the principle was a limitation to its effective use. The majority of respondents viewed their own level of understanding of the precautionary principle as moderate. Risk managers appeared to favor an interpretation of the precautionary principle that was based on the seriousness and irreversibility of the threat of damage, and did not endorse as strongly the need for cost effectiveness in the measures taken as a precaution against such threats. In contrast with its perceived role as a general guideline, the application of the precautionary principle by respondents was highly variable, with >60% of respondents reporting using the precautionary principle in one‐quarter or less of all risk management decisions. Several factors influenced whether the precautionary principle was applied with the perceived seriousness of the threat being considered the most influential factor. The overwhelming majority of risk managers felt that “preponderance of evidence” was the level of evidence required for precautionary action to be instituted against a serious negative event. Overall, the majority of respondents viewed the precautionary principle as having a significant and positive impact on risk management decisions. Importantly, respondents endorsed a net result of more good than harm to society when the precautionary principle was applied to the management of risk.