Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Model of a Nucleus 24 Cochlear Implant Fitting Protocol Based on the Electrically Evoked Whole Nerve Action Potential

Objective The goal of this study was to model a cochlear implant fitting protocol based on the electrically evoked whole nerve action potential (EAP) measured using the Neural Response Telemetry capabilities of the Nucleus CI24M cochlear implant. The model and data were based on the significant correlations found between the EAP threshold and growth function slope and psychophysical threshold and dynamic range, respectively, in 12 subjects (Franck, Reference Note 3; Franck & Norton, 2001). Design Using a retrospective split-half study design, these correlations found between psychophysical mapping levels and EAP data from six of the subjects were used in a model to predict psychophysical mapping levels from EAP data of the other six subjects. Results Predicted psychophysical mapping levels from the model of the EAP-based fitting protocol closely approximated measured cochlear implant fitting psychophysics. Conclusions The close approximation of the measured data to the model data indicates the feasibility of the clinical use of an EAP-based cochlear implant fitting protocol. The realization of this model would only require two loudness judgments from the patient, whereas traditional fitting requires 44, and would be fit in a live-voice mode, accounting for across-electrode loudness summation.
Complex dynamics underlie the evolution of imperfect wing pattern convergence in butterflies

Adaptive radiation is characterized by rapid diversification that is strongly associated with ecological specialization. However, understanding the evolutionary mechanisms fueling adaptive diversification requires a detailed knowledge of how natural selection acts at multiple life‐history stages. Butterflies within the genus Adelpha represent one of the largest and most diverse butterfly lineages in the Neotropics. Although Adelpha species feed on an extraordinary diversity of larval hosts, convergent evolution is widespread in this group, suggesting that selection for mimicry may contribute to adaptive divergence among species. To investigate this hypothesis, we conducted predation studies in Costa Rica using artificial butterfly facsimiles. Specifically, we predicted that nontoxic, palatable Adelpha species that do not feed on host plants in the family Rubiaceae would benefit from sharing a locally convergent wing pattern with the presumably toxic Rubiaceae‐feeding species via reduced predation. Contrary to expectations, we found that the presumed mimic was attacked significantly more than its locally convergent model at a frequency paralleling attack rates on both novel and palatable prey. Although these data reveal the first evidence for protection from avian predators by the supposed toxic, Rubiaceae‐feeding Adelpha species, we conclude that imprecise mimetic patterns have high costs for Batesian mimics in the tropics.
Segregation of RNA and separate packaging of DNA and RNA in apoptotic bodies during apoptosis.

Apoptosis is characterized by a complex and remarkably ordered choreography of events consisting of the preparatory and execution steps that all culminate in disposal of the cell remnants. The disposal occurs in a manner that is the least destructive to the tissue: the remains of nuclear chromatin and cytoplasm are packaged in apoptotic bodies which are then phagocytized by neighboring live cells without invoking inflammatory or autoimmune response. In the present study we describe that in the course of apoptosis cellular RNA becomes sequestered and packaged into granules and then into apoptotic bodies, separately from DNA. This separation, which appears to be initiated by the nucleolar segregation, was observed in HL-60 cells that were undergoing spontaneous apoptosis in cultures or were treated with the DNA-damaging drug, DNA topoisomerase I inhibitor camptothecin (CPT), or with the cell death ligand, tumor necrosis factor-alpha. RNA separation was also observed in apoptotic MCF-7 cells following treatment with CPT. RNA and DNA in apoptotic cells were identified histochemically, by their differential stainability with pyronin Y and Hoechst 33342 fluorochromes, respectively, and immunocytochemically, by labeling the RNA with BrU for various periods of time and detection of the incorporated precursor with fluoresceinated anti-BrU mAb; DNA was counterstained with 7-aminoactinomycin D. Over 90% of apoptotic bodies that contained RNA had no detectable DNA and vice versa, the apoptotic bodies containing DNA had no detectable RNA. Packaging RNA and DNA into separate apoptotic bodies suggests that the phagosomes of the cells that ingest these particles are specialized: some of them are responsible for DNA degradation, others for degradation of RNA. Such specialization may facilitate heterophagic degradation of nucleic acids during apoptosis.
Examining the Purdue Pegboard Test for Occupational Therapy Practice

Background: Occupational therapy ethics require that therapists use current assessment tools that provide useful comparison data. When an assessment only has normative data that is more than 40 years old, it cannot be considered current. The purpose of this study was to examine the past and current use of the Purdue Pegboard Test by occupational therapists and other professionals and to determine if it is beneficial to conduct a large normative study on the Purdue Pegboard Assembly Task (PPAT) in order to bring the test up to date. Method: This was a psychometric study of inter-rater reliability and a small normative study of the PPAT with 150 healthy working adults from MI. Descriptive statistics were used for normative means, standard deviations, and standard errors of measurement. Results: Inter-rater reliability was measured using the intra-class correlation coefficient for the mean of all student-rating teams of seven occupational therapy students. The result of the psychometric study determined the ICC was above . 99. During the normative study, 150 participants performed the PPAT for three trials. Norms for gender and ages 18-49 and 50-62 are presented. Conclusion: The result of the inter-rater reliability test determined that OT students can be reliable raters for the PPAT. The normative study collected current norms for healthy working adults in MI, but validity testing and a larger normative study is needed to bring the psychometrics of the PPAT up to date to be generalized for current use by occupational therapists.
Change in physical activity after a diabetes diagnosis: opportunity for intervention.

INTRODUCTION Moderate-intensity physical activity is recommended for individuals with diabetes to control glucose and prevent diabetes-related complications. The extent to which a diabetes diagnosis motivates patients to increase physical activity is unclear. This study used data from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (baseline data collected from 1993 to 1998) to examine change in physical activity and sedentary behavior in women who reported a diabetes diagnosis compared with women who did not report diabetes during 7 yr of follow-up (up to 2005). METHODS Participants (n = 84,300) were postmenopausal women who did not report diabetes at baseline (mean ± SD; age = 63.49 ± 7.34 yr; body mass index = 26.98 ± 5.67 kg·m). Linear mixed-model analyses were conducted adjusting for study year, age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, education, family history of diabetes, physical functioning, pain, energy/fatigue, social functioning, depression, number of chronic diseases, and vigorous exercise at age 18 yr. Analyses were completed in August 2012. RESULTS Participants who reported a diabetes diagnosis during follow-up were more likely to report increasing their total physical activity (P = 0.002), walking (P < 0.001), and number of physical activity episodes (P < 0.001) compared with participants who did not report a diabetes diagnosis. On average, participants reporting a diabetes diagnosis reported increasing their total physical activity by 0.49 MET·h·wk, their walking by 0.033 MET·h·wk, and their number of physical activity episodes by 0.19 MET·h·wk. No differences in reported sedentary behavior change were observed (P = 0.48). CONCLUSIONS A diabetes diagnosis may prompt patients to increase physical activity. Healthcare professionals should consider how best to capitalize on this opportunity to encourage increased physical activity and maintenance.
Optimal fuzzy control of exponential synchronisation via genetic algorithm

ABSTRACT In this study, a novel approach via GA-based fuzzy control is proposed to realize the exponential optimal H∞ synchronisation of MTDC systems. A robustness design of model-based fuzzy control is first presented to overcome the effect of modelling errors between the MTDC systems and T-S fuzzy models. Next, a delay-dependent exponential stability criterion is derived in terms of Lyapunov's direct method to guarantee that the trajectories of the slave system can approach those of the master system. Subsequently, the stability conditions of this criterion are reformulated into LMIs. According to the LMIs, a fuzzy controller is then synthesised to exponentially stabilise the error systems. Moreover, the capability of GA in random search for near-optimal solutions, the lower and upper bounds of the search space based on the feedback gains via LMI approach can be set so that the GA will seek better feedback gains of fuzzy controllers to speed up the synchronisation. Additionally, an IGA was proposed to overcome both the shortcomings of premature convergence of GA and local search. According to the IGA, a fuzzy controller is synthesised not only to realise the exponential synchronisation but also to achieve the optimal H∞ performance by minimising the disturbance attenuation level.
Profiling Meta‐Analysis Reveals Primarily Gene Coexpression Concordance between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract: Consensus gene expression profiling by meta‐analysis of 4,500 cDNA sequence microarray data obtained from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was assembled and systematically analyzed. The normalized data were statistically analyzed by the significance analysis of microarray (SAM) program (false discovery rate ≤ 0.01). Patient data input was realized together, in the Cluster and Tree‐View program, using the unsupervised function. Individual expression signatures permitted a hierarchical clustering of samples, separately identifying SLE and RA patients and the transcriptome profiling featured modules of the specifically induced or repressed and the comodulated genes. Gene expression profiling meta‐analysis showed that patients with SLE or RA share gene modulation but also present genes whose expression patterns are exclusive (induced or repressed) in corroboration with their clinical features. Among the genes that were differentially expressed, we found those that could play specific roles in these two diseases. This approach permits a clearer understanding of the molecular basis of SLE and RA concordance/divergence.
Numerical study of 60 strains of Serratia.

SUMMARY: A numerical study of 60 strains of Serratia showed three phena. Phenon A included 51 strains corresponding to the usual description of Serratia marcescens. Phenon B included five strains characterized by their fermentation pattern, positive malonate test and halotolerance. Phenon C included three aerogenic, cold-tolerant strains resembling pattern 2 of Fulton, Forney & Leifson (1959). One strain did not fall into any of these phena. All strains of human origin fell into phenon A. This phenon could be subdivided into two smaller phena, one composed of haemolytic and multi-resistant nosocomial strains. A hypothetical median organism for phenon A is described.
Pressure-related effects of hyperbaric oxygen exposure on oxidation products and antioxidant enzymes in the rat lung -

Objective: The aim of this study is to provide comprehensive information on the relationship between clinically used hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) protocols and its oxidative effects. In order to enlighten this issue, we investigated the effects of various HBO pressure modalities on oxidant and antioxidant parameters in the rat lung. Methods: Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 was used as control. Groups 2 to 6 were subjected to 100% oxygen at a pressure of 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 ATA (atmosphere absolute) respectively for 2 hours. The lungs were taken immediately after exposure. Oxidation products of lipids (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) and proteins (carbonyl formation, PCO), and antioxidant enzyme levels (superoxide dismutase, SOD; catalase, CAT, glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px) were determined. Results: TBARS, PCO, SOD and CAT levels increased concordantly with pressure. Significant change of TBARS levels started from 100% oxygen exposure at 1 ATA (normobaric), but PCO and CAT levels were affected first after 1.5, and SOD activity after 2 ATA. A significant correlation exists between exposure pressure and oxidative parameters. GSH-Px activity was not affected significantly. Conclusion: The oxidative effect of HBO in rat lung presents a positive correlation with increasing exposure pressure.
A Framework on the Effects of Inter-Firm Technology Transfer Characteristics on Degree of Technology Transfer in International Joint Ventures

The inter-firm technology transfers (TT) in collaborative joint ventures (JVs) often involve tradeoffs between the willingness of technology supplier to transfer a considerable amount of technologies to technology recipient and degree of protection of the proprietary technology, knowledge and competencies as the source of the supplier’s competitive advantage. Thus, technology transfers through JVs, although have been acknowledged in many studies as the most efficient mechanism in internalizing the partner’s technology, knowledge and skill, have frequently involved various facilitators, actors and complicated relationship between partners that have direct impact on the degree or amount of technology transferred in JVs. Building on the integrated knowledge-based view and organizational learning perspectives, and previous TT models, this study proposes a holistic TT model in providing explanations on the relative and simultaneous effects of technology transfer characteristics (TTCHARS) on degree of technology transfer (TTDEG). Subsequently, the holistic TT model also conceptualizes the effect of TTDEG on local firms’ performance dimensions namely corporate and human resource performance, and the moderating effects of MNCs’ firm size, age of JV, MNCs’ country of origin, and types of industries in the TTCHARS-TTDEG relationship.
Low-phase-noise frequency synthesizer based on optoelectronic oscillator

We design and investigate a frequency synthesizer for generating a serial of low-phase-noise frequencies from 5.9GHz to 12.9GHz using an optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) as the reference. The 10 GHz free-running OEO has an ultra-low phase noise of −136dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset. The phase noise of the constructed frequency synthesizer at 10 kHz offset is from −135dBc/Hz to −125dBc/Hz. The spurious suppression ratio is more than 55dBc and the frequency hopping time is shorter than 1.5us for a 20-MHz frequency transition. The results verify that, OEO is a good candidate for the reference of a frequency synthesizer to achieve low phase noise frequencies.
The omega subunit of Escherichia coli K-12 RNA polymerase is not required for stringent RNA control in vivo

Igarashi et al. (K. Igarashi, N. Fujita, and A. Ishihama, Nucleic Acids Res. 17:8755-8765, 1989) reported that the omega (omega) subunit of Escherichia coli RNA polymerase was required for stringent control as judged by in vitro transcription assays in the presence and absence of guanosine 3',5'-bispyrophosphate (ppGpp). This conclusion predicts that a deletion of the omega gene (designated rpoZ or spoS) should show a relaxed RNA control phenotype in vivo. However, we find that wild-type stringent control of stable RNA accumulation is unaffected by a spoS null allele that abolishes cellular production of the omega protein. We conclude that omega protein is not necessary for the operation of the stringent RNA control response.
A novel Supervised Instance Selection algorithm

Instance selection is often used in case of lazy classifiers. This paper addresses the need of instance selection in case of neural network and decision tree classifiers and presents a novel Supervised Instance Selection (SIS) algorithm. Initially, a neural network classifier is constructed using all training instances. The algorithm then selects a few instances using the certainty values of the wrapped neural network to construct a compact classifier. Empirical study made with standard datasets shows that SIS save on 70% of storage space without degrading the accuracy. It is independent of nature of the dataset and the tool used.
Using mobile phones to measure adolescent diabetes adherence.

OBJECTIVES 1) describe and determine the feasibility of using cell-phone-based ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to measure blood glucose monitoring and insulin administration in adolescent Type 1 diabetes, 2) relate EMA to traditional self-report and glycemic control, and 3) identify patterns of adherence by time of day and over time using EMA. METHOD Adolescents with Type 1 diabetes (n = 96) completed baseline measures of cell phone use and adherence. Glycemic control (measured by levels of HbA1c) was obtained from medical records. A subgroup of adolescents (n = 50) completed 10 days of EMA to assess blood glucose monitoring frequency, timing of glucose monitoring, insulin administration, and insulin dosing. One third of adolescents were not allowed to use their cell phones for diabetes at school. Parental restrictions on cell phone use at home were not prevalent. RESULTS The EMA response rate (59%) remained stable over the 10-day calling period. Morning time was associated with worse monitoring and insulin administration, accounting for 59-74% of missed self-care tasks. EMA-reported missed glucose checks and missed insulin doses were correlated to traditional self-report data, but not to HbA1c levels. Trajectory analyses identified two subgroups: one with consistently adequate adherence, and one with more variable, and worse, adherence. The latter adherence style showed worse glycemic control. CONCLUSION Mobile phones provide a feasible method to measure glucose monitoring and insulin administration in adolescents, given a limited assessment duration. The method provided novel insights regarding patterns of adherence and should be explored in clinical settings for targeting or tailoring interventions.
INTER-INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES IN MORNINGNESS- EVENINGNESS ORIENTATION: INFLUENCE OF GENDER AND SOCIAL HABITS

INTRODUCTION The human circadian timing system generates multiple circadian rhythms. One of the characteristics of a rhythm is the phase. The circadian phase could be defined as the time at which the circadian rhythm of a variable reaches a particular state (Van Dongen, 1998). Substantial inter-individual differences in the circadian phase of several variables have been observed (Foret, 1982; Kerkhof & Van Dongen, 1996; Duffy et al., 1999; Baehr et al., 2000; Mongrain et al., 2004). Individuals with a relatively early circadian phase are
Vertical take off and landing with fixed rotor

This article shows development of a fixed wing Unmanned Aerial Vechicle (UAV) prototype with multi rotor control system. This model pretends increase flight time of multi rotor system using aerodynamic characteristics. The lift force generated by a wing reduce the required power of the motors to raise up the structure during horizontal forward flight. For airfoil selection and sizing of the wing, we consider the necessary weight to lift, the Lift coefficient (CL) characteristic of its geometry and the attack angle. The wing study is done on a FX63-120 airfoil using theorical equations and simulated in FoilSim III to obtain the lift and drag forces. The control is realized on a Pixhawk Mini autopilot. The lift produced by the wing is considered an external perturbation which causes altitude changes, modifying the autopilot behavior, reducing the PWM signal frequency sent to the ESC of each motor. The UAV is controlled through radio control or mission plan. The mathematical model contain a numerical approximation considering multiple Single Input Single Output (SISO) systems. The signal analysis shows unpredictable behavior during manual controlled flight, but an acceptable stable group of data in controlled mission.
Effect of dissolved organic matter source on acute copper toxicity to Daphnia magna

The protective effect of dissolved organic matter (DOM) on metal toxicity to aquatic organisms has been reported by numerous authors. Bioavailability models such as the biotic ligand model (BLM) thus account for this factor to predict metal toxicity to aquatic organisms. Until now, however, few attempts have been made to assess the effect of the DOM source on metal speciation and toxicity and, accordingly, on BLM predictions. The aims of this study were to investigate to what extent DOMs differ in their ability to decrease acute copper toxicity to the cladoceran Daphnia magna and to evaluate if ultraviolet (UV) absorbance measurements may be a simple and effective method to incorporate DOM variability into the acute Cu‐BLM for D. magna. Acute toxicity tests were carried out in artificial test water enriched with DOMs isolated from six locations in Europe and North America and in seven natural European surface waters. The acute Cu‐BLM for D. magna was then used to estimate the copper complexing capacity of each DOM (expressed as % active fulvic acid, %AFA). A factor of 6 difference was observed between the lowest and the highest copper complexing capacity. A significant linear relationship was observed between the UV‐absorbance coefficient at 350 nm (ε350) and the %AFA. Linking this relationship to the acute Cu‐BLM resulted in a significant improvement of the predictive capacity of this BLM. Without accounting for this relationship, 90% of the predicted 48‐h 50% effective concentrations (EC50) were within a factor of 2 of the observed EC50s; taking this relationship into account, 90% of the EC50s were predicted with an error of less than factor 1.3. The present study and other studies seem to indicate that UV absorbance may be a good measure of biologically and toxicologically relevant differences in copper binding behavior of DOM.
Tolerances and Receiver Sensitivity Penalties of Multibit Delay Differential-Phase Shift-Keying Demodulation

Multibit delay demodulation of differential-phase shift-keying (DPSK) is finding applications in polarization interleaved modulation, optical time-domain multiplexing (OTDM), and multisymbol DPSK demodulation. Little attention has been paid to the degradation in tolerance and power penalty associated with multibit delay demodulation. We assess experimentally, numerically, and analytically the power penalties and tolerances associated with multibit delay DPSK demodulation. Numerical and analytical results show that the power penalty scales by a small factor of 0.2-0.35 dB per integer bit delay due to laser linewidth (LW) while experimental back-to-back results show a significant 1.2 dB per integer bit delay due to frequency offset penalty of longer bit delays. Frequency offset tolerance scales as 1/bit-delay and the delay-mismatch tolerance decreases by 20% for delays longer than 1 bit. A simple analytic model accounts for the combined effect of LW, frequency offset, and amplified spontaneous emission.