Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Individual With Hearing Preservation and Bimodal Hearing Using a Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aids Has Perturbed Sound Localization but Preserved Speech Perception

This study describes sound localization and speech-recognition-in-noise abilities of a cochlear-implant user with electro-acoustic stimulation (EAS) in one ear, and a hearing aid in the contralateral ear. This listener had low-frequency, up to 250 Hz, residual hearing within the normal range in both ears. The objective was to determine how hearing devices affect spatial hearing for an individual with substantial unaided low-frequency residual hearing. Sound-localization performance was assessed for three sounds with different bandpass characteristics: low center frequency (100–400 Hz), mid center frequency (500–1,500 Hz) and high frequency broad-band (500–20,000 Hz) noise. Speech recognition was assessed with the Dutch Matrix sentence test presented in noise. Tests were performed while the listener used several on-off combinations of the devices. The listener localized low-center frequency sounds well in all hearing conditions, but mid-center frequency and high frequency broadband sounds were localized well almost exclusively in the completely unaided condition (mid-center frequency sounds were also localized well with the EAS device alone). Speech recognition was best in the fully aided condition with speech presented in the front and noise presented at either side. Furthermore, there was no significant improvement in speech recognition with all devices on, compared to when the listener used her cochlear implant only. Hearing aids and cochlear implant impair high frequency spatial hearing due to improper weighing of interaural time and level difference cues. The results reinforce the notion that hearing symmetry is important for sound localization. The symmetry is perturbed by the hearing devices for higher frequencies. Speech recognition depends mainly on hearing through the cochlear implant and is not significantly improved with the added information from hearing aids. A contralateral hearing aid provides benefit when the noise is spatially separated from the speech. However, this benefit is explained by the head shadow in that ear, rather than by an ability to spatially segregate noise from speech, as sound localization was perturbed with all devices in use.
Arabidopsis NSE4 Proteins Act in Somatic Nuclei and Meiosis to Ensure Plant Viability and Fertility

The SMC 5/6 complex together with cohesin and condensin is a member of the structural maintenance of chromosome (SMC) protein family. In non-plant organisms SMC5/6 is engaged in DNA repair, meiotic synapsis, genome organization and stability. In plants, the function of SMC5/6 is still enigmatic. Therefore, we analyzed the crucial δ-kleisin component NSE4 of the SMC5/6 complex in the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Two functional conserved Nse4 paralogs (Nse4A and Nse4B) are present in A. thaliana, which may have evolved via gene subfunctionalization. Due to its high expression level, Nse4A seems to be the more essential gene, whereas Nse4B appears to be involved mainly in seed development. The morphological characterization of A. thaliana T-DNA mutants suggests that the NSE4 proteins are essential for plant growth and fertility. Detailed investigations in wild-type and the mutants based on live cell imaging of transgenic GFP lines, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), immunolabeling and super-resolution microscopy suggest that NSE4A acts in several processes during plant development, such as mitosis, meiosis and chromatin organization of differentiated nuclei, and that NSE4A operates in a cell cycle-dependent manner. Differential response of NSE4A and NSE4B mutants after induced DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) suggests their involvement in DNA repair processes.
Wavelet domain communication system: bit error sensitivity characterization for geographically separated transceivers (U)

(U) The wavelet domain communication system (WDCS) uses a packet-based transform to estimate the electromagnetic spectrum. Adaptive thresholding and 'notching' is applied to remove sub-bands containing interference, effectively excising the interference. A unique communication basis function is generated from the notched spectral estimate and ideally contains no information bearing energy at notched locations. The basis function is data modulated prior to transmission. For this work, WDCS performance is evaluated for various scenarios using a MATLAB/spl reg/ model and simulation results. Bit error rate (P/sub B/) provides the key metric for analysis and performance evaluation. Bit error "sensitivity" is examined for geographically separated transceivers "observing" dissimilar electromagnetic environments. Previous WDCS research constrained transceivers to a localized geographical region such that nearly identical basis functions were created for communicating. Given sufficient transceiver separation, dissimilar basis functions are more likely to occur and P/sub B/ performance degrades. WDCS P/sub B/ robustness is addressed for scenarios including effects of: (1) Doppler variation between transceivers; and (2) operation over a fading channel. For binary, 4-Ary, and 8-Ary CSK data modulations, P/sub B/ sensitivity analyses indicate the WDCS communicates effectively under nonideal 'real-world' conditions while exhibiting average P/sub b/ improvements of 5.4, 5.1, and 5.8 dB, respectively, relative to systems having no interference suppression.
The study on size dependent dipole–dipole interaction in the self-assembly of twisting nanoribbons with circular polarization activation

The mechanism of self-assembling process of inorganic nanoparticle (NPs) is still an open question due to the various and non-additive interactions between NPs. Kotov et al reported that the semiconductor NPs can be self-assembled by external activation such as irradiation. In this paper, the twisted CdTe nanoribbons were successfully assembled with circular polar light activation based on the chiral selective resonance absorption. The effect of NP size on the morphology of assemblies under circular polar light irradiation is discussed by introducing a new mechanism of photooxidation induced dipole moment which decreases with increasing sizes of the NPs because of the change of band offsets at the CdS/CdTe interface. Moreover, we find that the competition between the dipole–dipole interaction and electrostatic repulsion can be modulated by the size of the NPs and the concentration of dispersion, which are the key points to produce the chiral twisted nanoribbons.
Cscl : Theory and Practice of An Emerging Paradigm

Contents: Preface. T. Koschmann, Paradigm Shifts and Instructional Technology: An Introduction. P.J. Feltovich, R.J. Spiro, R.L. Coulson, J. Feltovich, Collaboration Within and Among Minds: Mastering Complexity, Individually and in Groups. S.V. Goldman, Mediating Microworlds: Collaboration on High School Science Activities. T. Koschmann, A.C. Kelson, P.J. Feltovich, H.S. Barrows, Computer-Supported Problem-Based Learning: A Principled Approach to the Use of Computers in Collaborative Learning. D. Morrison, B. Goldberg, New Actors, New Connections: The Role of Local Information Infrastructures in School Reform. C.M. Neuwirth, P.G. Wojahn, Learning to Write: Computer Support for a Cooperative Process. R.D. Pea, Seeing What We Build Together: Distributed Multimedia Learning Environments for Transformative Communications. M. Riel, Cross-Classroom Collaboration: Communication and Education. J. Roschelle, Learning by Collaborating: Convergent Conceptual Change. M. Scardamalia, C. Bereiter, Computer Support for Knowledge-Building Communities. E. Soloway, J.S. Krajcik, P. Blumenfeld, R. Marx, Technological Support for Teachers Transitioning to Project-Based Science Practices. J. Kolodner, M. Guzdial, Effects with and of CSCL: Tracking Learning in a New Paradigm.
Females and Minority Racial/Ethnic Groups Remain Underrepresented in Emergency Medical Services: A Ten-Year Assessment, 2008–2017

Abstract Background: Workforce diversity can reduce communication barriers and inequalities in healthcare delivery, especially in settings where time pressure and incomplete information may exacerbate the effects of implicit biases. Emergency medical services (EMS) professionals represent a critical entry point into the healthcare system for diverse populations, yet little is known regarding changes in the demographic composition of this workforce. Our primary objective was to describe the gender and racial/ethnic composition of emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics who earned initial National EMS Certification from 2008 to 2017. Secondarily, we compared demographic characteristics of the 2017 EMT and paramedic cohorts to the U.S. population. Methods: As a proxy for recent graduates likely to enter the workforce, we conducted a serial cross-sectional analysis of all EMTs and paramedics earning initial National EMS Certification from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2017. Cuzick’s non-parametric test of trend was used to assess for changes in the gender and racial/ethnic composition of the EMS cohorts over time. For 2017, we calculated differences the gender and racial/ethnic composition of the EMT and paramedic cohorts to the U.S population, stratifying by Census region. Results: The study population included 588,337 EMTs and 105,356 paramedics. The proportion of females earning initial EMT certification rose from 28% in 2008 to 35% in 2017. Throughout the study period, less than one-fourth of newly certified paramedics were female (range: 20–23%). The proportion of EMS professionals identifying as black remained near 5% among EMTs and 3% among paramedics. The proportion of newly-certified Hispanic EMS professionals rose from 10% to 13% among EMTs and from 6% to 10% among paramedics. Compared to the U.S. population, females and racial/ethnic minorities were underrepresented among EMTs and paramedics earning initial certification and these representation differences varied across geographic regions. Conclusions: The underrepresentation of females and minority racial/ethnic groups observed during this 10-year investigation of EMTs and paramedics earning initial certification suggests that EMS workforce diversity is unlikely to undergo substantial change in the near future. The representation gaps were larger and more stable among paramedics compared to EMTs and suggest an area where concerted efforts are needed to encourage students of diverse backgrounds to pursue EMS.
Hopping with degressive spring stiffness in a full-leg exoskeleton lowers metabolic cost compared to progressive spring stiffness and hopping without assistance.

When humans hop using a passive-elastic exoskeleton with springs in parallel with both legs, net metabolic power (Pmet) decreases compared to normal hopping (NH). Further, humans retain near-constant total vertical stiffness (ktot) when hopping with such an exoskeleton. To determine how spring stiffness profile affects Pmet and biomechanics, 10 subjects hopped on both legs normally and with three full-leg exoskeletons that each used different spring stiffness profiles at 2.4, 2.6, 2.8, and 3.0 Hz. Each subject hopped with an exoskeleton that had a degressive spring stiffness (DGexo) where stiffness, the slope of force versus displacement, is initially high but decreases with greater displacement, linear spring stiffness (LNexo) where stiffness is constant, or progressive spring stiffness (PGexo) where stiffness is initially low but increases with greater displacement. Compared to NH, use of the DGexo, LNexo, and PGexo numerically resulted in 13-24% lower, 4-12% lower, and 0-8% higher Pmet, respectively, at 2.4-3.0 Hz. Hopping with the DGexo reduced Pmet compared to NH at 2.4-2.6 Hz (p≤0.0457), and reduced Pmet compared to the PGexo at 2.4-2.8 Hz (p<0.001). ktot while hopping with each exoskeleton was not different compared to NH, suggesting humans adjust leg stiffness to maintain overall stiffness regardless of the spring stiffness profile in an exoskeleton. Further, the DGexo provided the greatest elastic energy return, followed by LNexo and PGexo (p≤0.001). Future full-leg, passive-elastic exoskeleton designs for hopping, and presumably running, should use a DGexo rather than an LNexo or PGexo to minimize metabolic demand.
De Novo Assembly and Annotation of the Larval Transcriptome of Two Spadefoot Toads Widely Divergent in Developmental Rate

Amphibians are highly vulnerable and diverse vertebrates for which we still have modest genomic resources. Amphibian larvae are key components of continental wetlands, where they have strong influences on energy fluxes, nutrient cycling, and community structure. Amphibian larvae are highly sensitive to environmental conditions and can often alter their physiology, behavior and even morphology in response to the local conditions experienced, although we still know relatively little about the transcriptomic changes that enable such plasticity. Here we contribute the larval transcriptomes of two spadefoot toad species with divergent developmental rates and degree of developmental plasticity in response to pond drying.
The prevalence and risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus in Turkey: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Objective To identify the prevalence and related risk factors of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) based on studies on the condition conducted in Turkey. Methods The study is a systematic review and meta-analysis and was conducted over the period November–December 2017 by performing a search of the Turkish and English literature. The international databases were accessed using the keywords “gestational diabetes” and “Turkey” and the national databases were scanned using the word groups, “gestational diabetes”, “diabetes in pregnancy”, “pregnancy and diabetes,” and “pregnancy diabetes”. Forty-one complete articles on research carried out in Turkey over the period 2004–2016 and published in 2006–2018 on the prevalence of GDM and/or a reported risk factor were included in the study. Combined percentage calculations were employed to determine GDM prevalence. Results It was found in this systematic review and meta-analysis of the studies examined that out of the total of 50,767 pregnant women included in the studies, 3891 had GDM. Based on these data, combined GDM prevalence was calculated as 7.7% (range: 1.9–27.9%). It was observed that the highest combined GDM prevalence was 17.6% in the black Sea Region and the lowest was 5.1% in the Central Anatolian Region. Fourteen risk factors had been reported as statistically significant in the studies included in the systematic review. The most commonly reported of these was advanced maternal age, being overweight prior to pregnancy, gaining weight in pregnancy, diabetes in the family, a history of GDM or giving birth to a large baby. Conclusions It was observed in this meta-analysis that the prevalence of GDM in Turkey is notably high and risk factors are similar to what has been reported in current international literature. The continuation of routine screening tests to detect GDM may contribute to controlling the condition while ensuring that risk groups take special preventive measures and mother-child health is protected. Implications for practice Results of this study might be used in the organization of prenatal care, especially high-risk pregnant women for GDM. Nursing researchers and health care managers should consider this situation in the implementing of prenatal care serving.
An improved approach for importance sampling simulation in multilevel digital transmission systems

The authors extend the formulation for both classical Monte Carlo (MC) and importance sampling (IS) techniques to include the bit error rate (BER) and symbol error rate (SER) of multilevel systems based on symbol by symbol observation. A new IS technique and analysis of BER and SER based on the extended formulation are presented. The authors briefly summarize the previous work on BER of binary systems. The extended formulation is then presented. The conventional IS technique for BER of binary systems is shown to be applicable in simulating BER and SER of M-ary systems, and a new improved IS technique is presented. Numerical results for all the methods are provided. <<ETX>>
Challenges in Implementing a Context-Aware System

unique aspect of this third issue of IEEE Pervasive Computing is that it is a joint special issue with IEEE Wireless Communications. The two magazines used a single call for papers, a single submission process, and a combined reviewing process. Authors submitted material to the joint issue rather than to a specific magazine, and only in the final stage of the reviewing process did we assign articles to one magazine or the other. I would like to thank Mahmoud Naghshineh, editor in chief of Wireless Communications, for his support and cooperation in creating this issue. Lancaster University put together this collection of articles on context-aware computing. Context awareness refers to the properties of a system that make it aware of its user's state and surroundings and help it adapt its behavior accordingly. This topic is central to pervasive computing because a system that strives to be minimally intrusive must be context-aware. A user's context can be quite rich, consisting of attributes such as physical location, physiological state (for example, body temperature and heart rate), emotional state, personal history, daily behavioral patterns, and so on. If a human assistant were given such context, he or she would make decisions in a proactive fashion, anticipating user needs. In making these decisions, the assistant would typically not disturb the user at inopportune moments except for an emergency. Can a pervasive computing system emulate such a human assistant? A key challenge is obtaining the information needed to function in a context-aware manner. In some cases, the desired information might already be part of a user's personal computing space. For example, that space might include schedules , personal calendars, address books, contact lists, and to-do lists. Systems must sense more dynamic information in real time from the user's environ-ment—such as position, orientation, people's identities, locally observable objects and actions, and emotional and physiological states. Implementing a context-aware system requires addressing many issues: • How does the system represent context internally? How do we combine this information with the system and application state? Where should the system store context—locally, on the network, or both? What are the relevant data structures and algorithms? • How frequently does the system need to consult contextual information? What is the overhead of considering context? What techniques can we use to keep this overhead low? • What are the minimal services that an environment must provide to make context awareness feasible? …
Consumption of ultra-processed foods decreases the quality of the overall diet of middle-aged Japanese adults

Abstract Objective: To estimate the consumption of ultra-processed foods and determine its association with dietary quality among middle-aged Japanese adults. Design: Cross-sectional study using data from the Saitama Prefecture Health and Nutrition Survey 2011. Dietary intake was assessed using one- or two-day dietary records. Sociodemographic and lifestyle factors were obtained via self-administered questionnaire. Food items were classified according to the NOVA system into four groups: unprocessed or minimally processed foods; processed culinary ingredients; processed foods; and ultra-processed foods. The dietary share of each NOVA food group and their subgroups was calculated in relation to total energy intake, and the average dietary content of key nutrients was determined across tertiles of the dietary energy share of ultra-processed foods (low, middle and high intake). Setting: Saitama Prefecture in Japan. Participants: Community-dwelling adults aged 30–59 years (256 men, 361 women). Results: Consumption of unprocessed or minimally processed foods, processed culinary ingredients, processed foods and ultra-processed foods contributed 44·9 (se 0·8) %, 5·5 (se 0·2) %, 11·3 (se 0·4) % and 38·2 (se 0·9) % of total daily energy intake, respectively. A positive and statistically significant linear trend was found between the dietary share of ultra-processed foods (tertiles) and the dietary content of total and saturated fat, while an inverse relationship was observed for protein, vitamin K, vitamin B6, dietary fibre, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Conclusions: Our findings show that higher consumption of ultra-processed foods was associated with decreased dietary quality among Japanese adults.
DP - Command Set.

Abstract : DP is a highly interactive circuit drawing program that runs on a PERQ computer. It allows a designer to create the description of an electronic circuit in a graphical form that corresponds to the way circuits are normally represented in logic diagrams. DP is part of a circuit design system that was built to reduce the turnaround time between the conception and the implementation of prototype electronic circuits. DP is a purely graphic editor: it does not try to understand what the user is drawing. All the semantic interpretation is performed by post-processors that are able to extract electrical information out of the drawings. This makes the program itself reasonably simple, giving the designer greater freedom. It also introduces a clear separation between the tool used to create a drawing and the meaning of the drawing itself, with the result of a much wider range of possible applications. Although primarily intended as a tool for drawing electronic circuits, DP may be used as a general illustrating program, able to draw arbitrarily complex pictures.
Mesenchymal stem cells: Cell therapy and regeneration potential

Rapid advances in the isolation of multipotent progenitor cells, routinely called mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs), from various human tissues and organs have provided impetus to the field of cell therapy and regenerative medicine. The most widely studied sources of MSCs include bone marrow, adipose, muscle, peripheral blood, umbilical cord, placenta, fetal tissue, and amniotic fluid. According to the standard definition of MSCs, these clonal cells adhere to plastic, express cluster of differentiation (CD) markers such as CD73, CD90, and CD105 markers, and can differentiate into adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic lineages in vitro. However, isolated MSCs have been reported to vary in their potency and self‐renewal potential. As a result, the MSCs used for clinical applications often lead to variable or even conflicting results. The lack of uniform characterization methods both in vitro and in vivo also contributes to this confusion. Therefore, the name “MSCs” itself has been increasingly questioned lately. As the use of MSCs is expanding rapidly, there is an increasing need to understand the potential sources and specific potencies of MSCs. This review discusses and compares the characteristics of MSCs and suggests that the variations in their distinctive features are dependent on the source and method of isolation as well as epigenetic changes during maintenance and growth. We also discuss the potential opportunities and challenges of MSC research with the hope to stimulate their use for therapeutic and regenerative medicine.