Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reducing Artifacts in Intracochlear Pressure Measurements to Study Sound Transmission by Bone Conduction Stimulation in Humans.

HYPOTHESIS Intracochlear pressure (ICP) measurements during bone conduction (BC) stimulation may be affected by motion of the pressure sensor relative to the cochlear promontory bone, demonstrating the need to cement the sensor firmly to the cochlear bone. BACKGROUND ICP is a promising measurement tool for investigating the cochlear drive in BC transmission, but its use is not yet standardized. Previous ICP studies have reported artificially increased pressure due to motion of the sensor relative to the temporal bone. The artifact can be reduced by firmly cementing the sensor to the bone, but this is destructive for the sensor. Previous studies used a custom-made sensor; the use of commercially available sensors, however, is more generic, but also more challenging to combine with the cement. Therefore, the goals of the current study are: firstly, to evaluate a non-destructive cementing method suitable for a commercially available sensor, and secondly, to investigate ICP measurements during BC stimulation in more detail. METHODS To study the effect of sensor cementing, three fixation conditions were investigated on six fresh-frozen temporal bones: 1) alginate, 2) alginate and dental composite, 3) alginate and dental composite, released from micromanipulators. Pressures in scala tympani and vestibuli were measured simultaneously, while velocity measurements were performed on the cochlear promontory and sensor. The ratio between sensor and promontory bone velocity was computed to quantify the relative motion. RESULTS For air conduction stimulation, results were in line with those from previous ICP studies, indicating that baseline measurements were valid and could be used to interpret the results obtained with BC stimulation. Results showed that cementing the sensors and releasing them from the micromanipulators is crucial for valid ICP measurements. When the sensors were only sealed with alginate, the pressure was overestimated, especially at low and mid-frequencies. When the sensors were cemented and held in the micromanipulators, the pressure was underestimated. Compared with the scala tympani measurements, ICP measurements showed a lower scala vestibuli pressure below 1 kHz, and a higher pressure above 1 kHz. CONCLUSION Dental composite is effective as a cement to attach commercially available sensors to the cochlear promontory bone. When sensors are firmly attached, valid ICP measurements can be obtained with BC stimulation.
The East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS): 55 Years Later

Abstract The East Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (EFPTS) is a registry of multiple births in the province of East Flanders, Belgium. Since its start in 1964, over 10,000 twin-pairs have been registered. EFPTS has several unique features: it is population-based and prospective, with the possibility of long-term follow-up; the twins (and higher order multiple births) are recruited at birth; basic perinatal data are recorded; chorion type and zygosity are established; since 1969, placental biopsies have been taken and frozen at –20°C for future research. Since its origin, the EFPTS has included placental data and allows differentiation of three subtypes of monozygotic twins based on the time of the initial zygotic division: the dichorionic–diamniotic pairs (early, with splitting before the fourth day after fertilization), the monochorionic–diamniotic pairs (intermediate, splitting between the fourth- and the seventh-day postfertilization) and the monochorionic–monoamniotic pairs (late, splitting after the eighth day postfertilization). Studies can be initiated taking into account primary biases, those originating ‘in utero’. Such studies could throw new light on the consequences of early embryological events and the gene–environment interactions as far as periconceptional and intrauterine environment are concerned.
Integrating Haptic Feedback to Pedestrian Navigation Applications

The development of a haptic-feedback enabled mobile application for pedestrian routing is described. One of the challenges presented to users of pedestrian navigation applications on mobile devices is the requirement that the user continuously interacts with the visual interface on the mobile device. Haptic feedback or haptics, is a technology that uses forced feedback, vibrations and/or motions to the user which are interpreted using our sense of touch. The haptic user interface, in our application, on a mobile device provides unobtrusive feedback in the form of vibration alarms to assist the user in navigating from one point to the other. The user can hold the mobile device discretely in their hand without the need to view the screen. For spatial data the OpenStreetMap (OSM) database is used while the Cloudmade routing API is used as the routing engine.
Dynamic Energy Budget ( DEB ) theory

In this paper, we apply the Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory to bivalve species (1) to provide basic body-size scaling relationships that can be used to predict species characteristics when basic information is lacking, and (2) to analyse the discrepancy between DEB predictions based on energetic constraints and field observations to identify potentially important factors in life history strategy of bivalves. Body-size scaling relationships were identified for size at first reproduction, Von Bertalanffy growth rate, and egg and larval development time in relation to egg and larval volume and temperature conditions. Due to their small egg volume, bivalve species are characterised by a relatively short pelagic larval stage. The main discrepancy between field observations and DEB predictions was in the relationship between egg and larval volume and adult body volume. In bivalves, the characteristics of the early life stages are not related to body size of the species. Since the minimum size of settling larvae is always larger than 125 μm, it is suggested that successful settlement might be the key factor. Settlement size or volume of the fragile larvae must be in balance with the sediment composition, i.e. similar to or larger than that of the sediment grain size.
Radiolysis of H2O:CO2 ices by heavy energetic cosmic ray analogs

An experimental study of the interaction of heavy, highly charged, and energetic ions (52 MeV 58Ni13+) with pure H2O, pure CO2 and mixed H2O:CO2 astrophysical ice analogs is presented. This analysis aims to simulate the chemical and the physicochemical interactions induced by heavy cosmic rays inside dense and cold astrophysical environments, such as molecular clouds or protostellar clouds. The measurements were performed at the heavy ion accelerator GANIL (Grand Accelerateur National d'Ions Lourds in Caen, France). The gas samples were deposited onto a CsI substrate at 13 K. In-situ analysis was performed by a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer at different fluences. Radiolysis yields of the produced species were quantified. The dissociation cross sections of pure H2O and CO2 ices are 1.1 and 1.9 ×10−13 cm2, respectively. For mixed H2O:CO2 (10:1), the dissociation cross sections of both species are about 1 × 10−13 cm2. The measured sputtering yield of pure CO2 ice is 2.2 × 104 molec ion−1. After a fluence of 2−3 × 1012 ions cm−2, the CO2/CO ratio becomes roughly constant (∼0.1), independent of the initial CO2/H2O ratio. A similar behavior is observed for the H2O2/H2O ratio, which stabilizes at 0.01, independent of the initial H2O column density or relative abundance.
GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND CARCASS COMPOSITION OF RABBITS FED ON DIETS OF GRADUAL LEVELS OF BARLEY GRAIN

Forty-eight male New Zealand White rabbits of 6 weeks age (BW 875 ± 28.3 g) were randomly allocated among six groups in different levels of barley grains (BG); 0 (B0), 5 (B5), 10 (B10), 15 (B15), 20 (B20), 25% (B25) of the total diet on growth performance and carcass composition of rabbits . The highest live BW value (P < 0.05) was obtained in B20 rabbits, whereas the highest feed intake (P < 0.05) value was obtained in B25 rabbits followed by those fed on the other diets. The better-feed conversion ratio (FCR) was obtained in B20 rabbits followed by those of B15 and B25. Animals of B20 had better FCR than those of the other experimental diets. The relative contribution of soft feces to dry matter or crude protein intake differed (P < 0.05) among the experimental diets. The caecal turnover rate was increased (P < 0.05) in B15 and B20 rabbits than those other diets. The per-slaughter weight, hot and cold carcass weight and dressing percentage were differed (P < 0.05) among the experimental groups and highest values were recorded in B20 rabbits. Data suggested that a partial replacement of corn grains (CG) by 20% BG in rabbit diets was increased live body weight, feed intake and feed conversion ratio.
实体肿瘤病史对弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤患者的疗效和生存的影响

目的 观察合并实体肿瘤病史是否会影响弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤（DLBCL）患者的治疗效果以及生存情况。 方法 回顾性收集2013–2018年在上海交通大学医学院附属瑞金医院血液科治疗的DLBCL患者836例，其中34例有实体肿瘤病史的DLBCL患者归为双癌组，从802例无实体肿瘤病史的DLBCL患者中，应用倾向评分匹配方法，根据性别、年龄、分期、IPI评分等因素进行1∶2匹配，筛选出68例作为对照组。 通过门诊、住院资料及电话随访，比较两组患者的治疗缓解率、3年总生存（OS）及无进展生存（PFS）期的差异。 结果 双癌组和对照组RCHOP（利妥昔单抗+环磷酰胺+长春新碱+阿霉素50 mg/m2或表阿霉素或脂质体阿霉素+泼尼松）治疗完全缓解率分别为79. 4%及67. 6%，差异无统计学意义（P=0.210）；3年OS率分别为（74.7±9.5）%及（63.5±6.1）%（χ2=2.791，P=0.095），差异无统计学意义；3年PFS率分别为（72.1±8.8）%及（54.3±6.4）%（χ2=1.400，P=0.237），差异亦无统计学意义。 结论 DLBCL合并实体瘤病史不影响患者近期生存及RCHOP方案疗效。
THE GOALS OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION: A RATIONALE FOR A UNIVERSAL DOCUMENT BASED ON THE CDIO SYLLABUS AND THE TAXONOMY OF ENGINEERING COMPETENCIES

s Among statements about educational goals found in the engineering literature, two - the CDIO Syllabus and the Taxonomy of Engineering Competencies - stand out in regard to range and level of detail. The two statements have been formulated independently and each presents a different perspective on the goals of engineering education. This paper takes advantage of the unique opportunity afforded by having two well-worked but different perspectives on the goals of engineering education. A comparison of the two statements reveals their respective strengths and weaknesses, provides mutual endorsement of their comprehensiveness and quality, and gives deeper insight into the dynamics and difficulties associated with the formulation of statements about the goals of engineering education. In addition, it develops a rationale for the formulation of a universal document on the goals of engineering education, discusses the merits and limitations of such a document and makes some recommendations about how it might be compiled.
Synchronous shedding of multiple bat paramyxoviruses coincides with peak periods of Hendra virus spillover

ABSTRACT Within host-parasite communities, viral co-circulation and co-infections of hosts are the norm, yet studies of significant emerging zoonoses tend to focus on a single parasite species within the host. Using a multiplexed paramyxovirus bead-based PCR on urine samples from Australian flying foxes, we show that multi-viral shedding from flying fox populations is common. We detected up to nine bat paramyxoviruses shed synchronously. Multi-viral shedding infrequently coalesced into an extreme, brief and spatially restricted shedding pulse, coinciding with peak spillover of Hendra virus, an emerging fatal zoonotic pathogen of high interest. Such extreme pulses of multi-viral shedding could easily be missed during routine surveillance yet have potentially serious consequences for spillover of novel pathogens to humans and domestic animal hosts. We also detected co-occurrence patterns suggestive of the presence of interactions among viruses, such as facilitation and cross-immunity. We propose that multiple viruses may be interacting, influencing the shedding and spillover of zoonotic pathogens. Understanding these interactions in the context of broader scale drivers, such as habitat loss, may help predict shedding pulses of Hendra virus and other fatal zoonoses.
K± → π± π0 e+ e− decay width calculation in the lepton center-of-mass system

We consider the rare decay K ± → π ± π 0 e + e − currently under analysis by the NA62 Collaboration. A new theoretical approach for the differential decay width has been performed. We compared the dependencies of the differential decay rate with respect to dilepton and dipion system masses in different theoretical descriptions.
Identification and evaluation of glutathione conjugate gamma-l-glutamyl-l-cysteine for improved drug delivery to the brain

Abstract Glutathione (GU), an endogenous antioxidant tripeptide, is frequently transferred in the human brain through N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), profusely expressed at the blood–brain barrier (BBB) junction. GU, also modifies the characteristics of tight junction proteins (occludin and claudin) at the site of BBB by depolarizing the enzyme, protein tyrosine phosphatase that manifests its usefulness for passive delivery of nanocarriers to the brain. GU, thus, represents itself as an ideal ligand for the surface decoration of nanocarriers to successfully administer them across the brain via receptor-mediated drug delivery pathway. Hence, we have employed here, in-silico approaches to identify the potential GU-like molecules, as appropriate ligand(s) for surface engineering of nanoconstruct with the purpose of attaining targeted drug delivery to the brain. Structure-based virtual screening methods was used to filter PubChem database for the identification of bioactive compounds with >95% structure similarity with GU. We have further screened the compounds against NMDAR using molecular docking approach. Top hits were selected based on their high binding affinities and selectivity towards NMDAR, and their binding pattern was analysed in detail. Finally, all atom molecular dynamics simulation for 100 ns was carried out on free NMDAR and in-presence of the selected GU-like compound, gamma-l-glutamyl-l-cysteine to evaluate complex stability and structural dynamics. In conclusion, gamma-l-glutamyl-l-cysteine may act as potential binding partner of NMDAR which can further be evaluated in drug delivery system to brain across the BBB. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Relationship between scrotal circumference, in situ testicular measurements and sperm reserves in the West African dwarf bucks

Fifteen WAD bucks aged 10 - 12 months and weighing between 14.0 and 16.5 kg were used to determine the relationship between scrotal circumference (SC), in situ testicular measurements and sperm reserves. The in situ testicular measurements were testis length (TL) and testis width (TW) and these were compared with ex situ measurements (in excised testes). The results showed no significant (P>0.05) differences between in situ and ex situ measurements of TL and TW. SC had highly significant (P<0.01) correlation with testis (0.86) and whole epididymal (0.78) sperm reserves. SC was also significantly correlated with TL (0.72) and TW (0.65), while TL and TW (in situ) were correlated respectively with testis sperm (0.70 and 0.55) and epididymal sperm (0.74 and 0.50) reserves. It was concluded that measurements of SC, TL or TW would provide a reliable guide to sperm production capacity of testis in WAD bucks and that these measurements can be applied by farmers in selecting bucks for breeding purposes.
Processing Conditions of Parboiled Rice and It's Qualities

比較的大型実験装置を用い,生もみを供試材料としてパーボイルドライスの合理的な調製条件を見い出すことを目的として実験を行なった。 その結果,浸漬時間,蒸煮温度(蒸煮中の材料温度),蒸煮時間および糊化積算温度などパーボイリング条件とパーボイリング処理後のもみの乾燥速度および玄米品質との間に相関関係があることを知った。 パーボイリング処理を行うことによってもみの乾燥速度は増加し,玄米物性も各種の変化を受けることを知った。 すなわち,(1) 粒厚,容積重,白度が減少する。 (2) 光度が増加し,胴割率が糊化積算温度400～1000(℃・min)の範囲内で増加する。 (3) 剛度,吸水率が増加する,(4) 脂肪酸度はその増加が抑制される。 良品質のパーボイルド米を少ないエネルギーで調製するためには原材料として高水分生もみを使用することが望ましい。
Decision Making in the Evaluation, Selection and Implementation of ERP Systems

The evaluation, selection and implementation (ESI) of ERP systems involve making multiple decisions during the lifecycle of the ERP project. This study tries to map six models of decision-making to the ERP project lifecycle, which is conceptualized using case study data for a health service provider organization in New Zealand. ERP projects are deemed strategic projects for which success or failure has a great impact on the organization. Gaining an understanding of the decision-making process during the life of the project helps in better preparations and planning before and during each phase. Findings suggest that some decision-making models apply to the stages of evaluation, selection and implementation while others are missing. The three models that apply are the administrative, adaptive and political models. This study aids practitioners in better planning and implementation of ERP projects through better understanding the decision-making process. A benefit to academics is in providing new insights for ERP systems implementation, an area where little research is conducted.
Effect of Cyclic Long-Term Temperature Exposure on The Bending Strength of Lumber

This research evaluated the historical assumption that repeated exposure to elevated temperatures has a cumulative effect on wood properties. This recommendation was given in a paper by J. D. MacLean in 1951 and is a critical assumption when estimating the permanent effect of temperature on wood properties. No experimental results to support the recommendation were presented by MacLean. Approximately 670 southern pine and Douglas-fir solid-sawn 2x4's of two mechanical grades and one visual grade were subjected to cyclic and continuous exposure at 82°C and 30% RH for periods up to 30 mo. They were then tested after equilibration to room temperature and 20% RH. The cyclic exposure specimens alternated between 1 mo at 82°C and 1 mo at room temperature. The results show that there is no significant difference between the residual modulus of rupture (MOR) of the cyclic and continuously-exposed specimens for equivalent exposure periods. Trends in residual arabinose also supported this conclusion. Plotting the residual MOR of the cyclic specimens as the summation of the time they were exposed to the higher temperature provided a conservative estimate of the permanent effect of temperature. The results discussed in this paper are a small subset of a larger study and are not intended for use in general engineering design.
Lojalnost korisnika i moderatorska uloga pola na zadovoljstvo uslugom e-posrednika za kupovinu smeštaja

Rezime: Poslovanje preko interneta postaje sve značanije, i sve veći broj klijenata rezerviše smeštaj preko interneta. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je da utvrdi vezu između zadovoljstva korisnika iz Srbije kvalitetom usluge koju pružaju eposrednici za rezervaciju smeštaja i njihove lojalnosti tim sistemima. Takođe, cilj istraživanja bio je i da se utvrdi da li među polovima postoje razlike u percepciji kvaliteta usluge e-posrednika. Pearson matrica i višestruka regresivna analiza korišćeni su da bi utvrdili uticaj šest dimenzija kvaliteta e-usluge na zadovoljstvo i uticaj zadovoljstva na lojalnost korisnika. Upitnici su bili distribuirani na srpskom jeziku putem e-maila, društvenih mreža, i u štampanom izdanju. Ukupno je prikupljeno 148 validnih upitnika. Studija je pokazala da postoje razlike u percipiranju kvaliteta e-usluge među ženama i muškarcima. Tri dimenzije kvaliteta (Kvalitet informacija, Personalizacija i Pouzdanost) čine 80,7% zadovoljstva kod žena, dok je kod muškaraca jedino dimenzija kvalitet informacija pokazala značajan uticaj na zadovoljstvo sa indeksom determinacije od 49,6%. Ovo istraživanje takođe je pokazalo i da zadovoljstvo korisnika uslugom e-posrednika za kupovinu smeštaja ne utiče na bihejvioralne namere korisnika iz Srbije.
Sorption of Uranium(VI) and Thorium(IV) by Jordanian Bentonite

Purification of raw bentonite was done to remove quartz. This includes mixing the raw bentonite with water and then centrifuge it at 750 rpm; this process is repeated until white purified bentonite is obtained. XRD, XRF, FTIR, and SEM techniques will be used for the characterization of purified bentonite. The sorption behavior of purified Jordanian bentonite towards <path id="x55" d="M716 650v-28q-46 -3 -65 -15.5t-22 -43.5q-6 -54 -6 -162v-82q0 -184 -75 -264q-68 -69 -180 -69q-98 0 -160 48q-88 67 -88 238v249q0 66 -13.5 81t-73.5 20v28h258v-28q-59 -4 -72.5 -19t-13.5 -82v-227q0 -122 48 -188t140 -66q189 0 189 286v75q0 111 -7 165 q-4 29 -24 40.5t-73 15.5v28h238z"/> and Th 4+ metal ions in aqueous solutions was studied by batch experiment as a function of pH, contact time, temperature, and column techniques at 25.0 ∘C and <path id="x70" d="M169 380l92 53q26 16 49 16q80 0 128.5 -56t48.5 -133q0 -108 -72.5 -180.5t-176.5 -91.5q-38 1 -69 18v-131q0 -57 13 -70t71 -18v-27h-236v27q49 5 61 17t12 61v452q0 48 -9.5 58.5t-56.5 16.5v24q66 11 145 43v-79zM169 346v-270q37 -39 94 -39q63 0 101.5 50 t38.5 134q0 78 -38.5 123t-95.5 45q-45 0 -100 -43z"/> <path id="x48" d="M729 650v-28q-62 -5 -76 -19.5t-14 -75.5v-404q0 -62 13.5 -76t75.5 -19v-28h-268v28q65 5 79.5 19t14.5 76v199h-341v-199q0 -62 14 -76t76 -19v-28h-263v28q61 5 74.5 19t13.5 76v404q0 62 -14 76t-76 19v28h259v-28q-58 -5 -71 -19t-13 -76v-162h341v162 q0 61 -13.5 75.5t-72.5 19.5v28h261z"/> <path id="x33" d="M285 378v-2q65 -13 102 -54.5t37 -97.5q0 -57 -30.5 -104.5t-74 -75t-85.5 -42t-72 -14.5q-31 0 -59.5 11t-40.5 23q-19 18 -16 36q1 16 23 33q13 10 24 0q58 -51 124 -51q55 0 88 40t33 112q0 64 -39 96.5t-88 32.5q-29 0 -64 -11l-6 29q77 25 118 57.5t41 84.5 q0 45 -26.5 69.5t-68.5 24.5q-67 0 -120 -79l-20 20l43 63q51 56 127 56h1q66 0 107 -37t41 -95q0 -42 -31 -71q-22 -23 -68 -54z"/> . The highest rate of metal ions uptake was observed after 18 h of shaking, and the uptake has increased with increasing pH and reached a maximum at . Bentonite has shown high metal ion uptake capacity toward uranium(VI) than thorium(IV). Sorption data were evaluated according to the pseudo- second-order reaction kinetic. Sorption isotherms were studied at temperatures 25.0 ∘C, 35.0 ∘C, and 45.0 ∘C. The Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) sorption models equations were applied and the proper constants were derived. It was found that the sorption process is enthalpy driven for uranium(VI) and thorium(IV). Recovery of uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) ions after sorption was carried out by treatment of the loaded bentonite with different concentrations of HNO 3 1.0 M, 0.5 M, 0.1 M, and 0.01 M. The best percent recovery for uranium(VI) and thorium(IV) was obtained when 1.0 M HNO 3 was used.
Family Aggregation of Substance Use Disorders: Substance Specific, Nonspecific, and Intrafamilial Sources of Risk.

OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this investigation was to evaluate substance-specific and nonspecific associations between parental and sibling histories of alcohol, cannabis, amphetamine, and hallucinogen use disorders with proband risk for these conditions. A second aim was to evaluate whether the specificity of substance use disorder (SUD) risk to probands varied by family member (i.e., father, mother, and any sibling). METHOD Lifetime SUD diagnostic data for this family-based investigation were derived from semistructured interviews of community residents. Participants were an age-based cohort (probands), selected at random during adolescence and followed longitudinally until age 30, and their first-degree family members (n = 803 probands and families). RESULTS Findings generally supported substance-specific and nonspecific forms of familial risk related to a particular type of SUD in probands. Family-based alcohol use disorder (AUD) demonstrated the greatest degree of risk specificity of any substance category, in that no other family SUD category predicted proband AUD. Family-based AUD, however, was also the most consistent nonspecific predictor of nonalcohol forms of SUD among probands. Among family members, the most consistent unique effects associated with a substance-specific risk to probands were observed for siblings. CONCLUSIONS Findings support both the generality and specificity of risk associated with the abuse of or dependence on specific substances within families and highlight the impact of siblings on SUD risk to other siblings. Study findings underscore the need for a better understanding of malleable family-based factors that promote and reduce SUD risk among members.