LLukas22/scidocs huggingface dataset:
Tone production in Mandarin-speaking children with cochlear implants: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE
More than a quarter of the world's population speak tone languages, such as Mandarin Chinese. In those languages, the pitch or tone pattern of a monosyllabic word conveys lexical meaning. The purpose of this study was to investigate tone production in Mandarin-speaking children with cochlear implants (CIs).


MATERIAL AND METHODS
Speech samples were recorded from seven normal-hearing and four CI children aged 4-9 years. All subjects were native Mandarin speakers. The speech samples were used for acoustic analysis of the tone patterns, i.e. the fundamental frequency contours. In addition, a tone intelligibility test was carried out in which four normal-hearing native Mandarin-speaking adults listened to the speech materials and judged the intelligibility of the children's tone production.


RESULTS
The tone production for the seven normal-hearing children was considered to be perfect in the intelligibility test. Acoustic analysis of the speech materials of the normal-hearing children produced the four typical tone patterns of Mandarin Chinese: (i) high and flat; (ii) rising; (iii) low and dipping; and (iv) falling. The tone patterns produced by the children with CIs tended to be flat, with some other patterns being irregular. The results of the tone intelligibility tests also showed degraded intelligibility of tone patterns.


CONCLUSION
A potential speech development deficit was documented in prelingually deafened children with CIs whose native language is a tone language. The imperfect tone production of the implant children, which can be attributed to the paucity of pitch information delivered via the current CI stimulation, may have significant implications for communication using tone languages. Further research is warranted to determine factors that may affect tone development in children with CIs.
Comparative Prognostic Utility of Indexes of Microvascular Function Alone or in Combination in Patients With an Acute ST-Segment–Elevation Myocardial Infarction

BACKGROUND
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention is frequently successful at restoring coronary artery blood flow in patients with acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction; however, failed myocardial reperfusion commonly passes undetected in up to half of these patients. The index of microvascular resistance (IMR) is a novel invasive measure of coronary microvascular function. We aimed to investigate the pathological and prognostic significance of an IMR>40, alone or in combination with a coronary flow reserve (CFR≤2.0), in the culprit artery after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction.


METHODS
Patients with acute ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction were prospectively enrolled during emergency percutaneous coronary intervention and categorized according to IMR (≤40 or >40) and CFR (≤2.0 or >2.0). Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was acquired 2 days and 6 months after myocardial infarction. All-cause death or first heart failure hospitalization was a prespecified outcome (median follow-up, 845 days).


RESULTS
IMR and CFR were measured in the culprit artery at the end of percutaneous coronary intervention in 283 patients with ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (mean±SD age, 60±12 years; 73% male). The median IMR and CFR were 25 (interquartile range, 15-48) and 1.6 (interquartile range, 1.1-2.1), respectively. An IMR>40 was a multivariable associate of myocardial hemorrhage (odds ratio, 2.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.03-4.27; P=0.042). An IMR>40 was closely associated with microvascular obstruction. Symptom-to-reperfusion time, TIMI (Thrombolysis in Myocardial Infarction) blush grade, and no (≤30%) ST-segment resolution were not associated with these pathologies. An IMR>40 was a multivariable associate of the changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (coefficient, -2.12; 95% confidence interval, -4.02 to -0.23; P=0.028) and left ventricular end-diastolic volume (coefficient, 7.85; 95% confidence interval, 0.41-15.29; P=0.039) at 6 months independently of infarct size. An IMR>40 (odds ratio, 4.36; 95% confidence interval, 2.10-9.06; P<0.001) was a multivariable associate of all-cause death or heart failure. Compared with an IMR>40, the combination of IMR>40 and CFR≤2.0 did not have incremental prognostic value.


CONCLUSIONS
An IMR>40 is a multivariable associate of left ventricular and clinical outcomes after ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction independently of the infarction size. Compared with standard clinical measures of the efficacy of myocardial reperfusion, including the ischemic time, ST-segment elevation, angiographic blush grade, and CFR, IMR has superior clinical value for risk stratification and may be considered a reference test for failed myocardial reperfusion.


CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION
URL: https//www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02072850.
Family income and survival in Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicenter Study Patients (BRAZPD): time to revisit a myth?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES
Although low socioeconomic status has been considered a contraindication to peritoneal dialysis (PD), no published data clearly link it to poor outcomes. The goal of this study was assessing the effect of income on survival in the Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicenter STUDY.


DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS
Incident PD patients enrolled in this prospective cohort from December 2004 to October 2007 were divided according to monthly family income. The median age was 59 years, 54% were women, 60% Caucasians, 41% diabetics, and 24% had cardiovascular disease. Most of them were in continuous ambulatory PD, had not received predialysis care, had <4 school years, and had a family income of <5 minimum wage (80%). Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazards model adjusting the results for age, gender, educational status, predialysis care, first therapy, PD modality, calendar year, and comorbidities.


RESULTS
There were no differences in technique (log rank test χ² = 4.36) and patient (log rank test χ² = 2.92) survival between the groups. In the multivariate analysis, low family income remained not associated either to worse technique survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.91 to 1.84) or to patient survival (HR = 1.40; 95% CI = 0.99 to 1.99).


CONCLUSIONS
According to these results, economic status is not independently associated with outcomes in this large cohort and should not be considered a barrier for PD indication.
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm to improve brain MR Image Segmentation

Abstract Image segmentation is a primary step in image analysis used to separate the input image into meaningful regions. MRI is an advanced medical imaging technique widely used in detecting brain tumors. Segmentation of Brain MR image is a complex task. Among the many approaches developed for the segmentation of MR images, a popular method is fuzzy C-mean (FCM). In the proposed method, Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm is used to improve the efficiency of FCM on abnormal brain images.
Aligning supply chain strategies with product uncertainties

This publication contains reprint articles for which IEEE does not hold copyright. Full text is not available on IEEE Xplore for these articles.
Taking a Look (Literally!) at the Raven’s Intelligence Test: Two Visual Solution Strategies

The Raven’s Progressive Matrices intelligence test is widely used as a measure of Spearman’s general intelligence factor g. Although Raven’s problems resemble geometric analogies, prior computational accounts of solving the test have been propositional. Studies of both typical and atypical human behavior suggest the possible existence of visual strategies; for example, neuroimaging data indicates that individuals with autism may preferentially recruit visual processing brain regions when solving the test. We present two different algorithms that use visual representations to solve Raven’s problems. These algorithms yield performances on the Standard Progressive Matrices test at levels equivalent to typically developing 9.5and 10.5year-olds. We find that these algorithms perform most strongly on problems identified from factor-analytic human studies as requiring gestalt or visuospatial operations, and less so on problems requiring verbal reasoning. We discuss implications of this work for understanding the computational nature of Raven’s and visual analogy in problem solving.
Object-Extent Pooling for Weakly Supervised Single-Shot Localization

In the face of scarcity in detailed training annotations, the ability to perform object localization tasks in real-time with weak-supervision is very valuable. However, the computational cost of generating and evaluating region proposals is heavy. We adapt the concept of Class Activation Maps (CAM) [28] into the very first weakly-supervised ‘single-shot’ detector that does not require the use of region proposals. To facilitate this, we propose a novel global pooling technique called Spatial Pyramid Averaged Max (SPAM) pooling for training this CAM-based network for object extent localisation with only weak image-level supervision. We show this global pooling layer possesses a near ideal flow of gradients for extent localization, that offers a good trade-off between the extremes of max and average pooling. Our approach only requires a single network pass and uses a fast-backprojection technique, completely omitting any region proposal steps. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first approach to do so. Due to this, we are able to perform inference in real-time at 35fps, which is an order of magnitude faster than all previous weakly supervised object localization frameworks.
DESIGN OF RF ENERGY HARVESTING SYSTEM FOR ENERGIZING LOW POWER DEVICES

Electromagnetic energy harvesting holds a promising future for energizing low power electronic devices in wireless communication circuits. This article presents an RF energy harvesting system that can harvest energy from the ambient surroundings at the downlink radio frequency range of GSM-900 band. The harvesting system is aimed to provide an alternative source of energy for energizing low power devices. The system design consists of three modules: a single wideband 377 Ω E-shaped patch antenna, a pi matching network and a 7-stage voltage doubler circuit. These three modules were fabricated on a single printed circuit board. The antenna and Pi matching network have been optimized through electromagnetic simulation software, Agilent ADS 2009 environment. The uniqueness of the system lies in the partial ground plane and the alignment of induced electric field for maximum current flow in the antenna that maximizes the captured RF energy. The design and simulation of the voltage doubler circuit were performed using Multisim software. All the three modules were integrated and fabricated on a double sided FR 4 printed circuit board. The DC voltage obtained from the harvester system in the field test at an approximate distance of 50m from GSM cell tower was 2.9V. This voltage was enough to power the STLM20 temperature sensor. Received 20 July 2012, Accepted 13 September 2012, Scheduled 21 September 2012 * Corresponding author: Kavuri Kasi Annapurna Devi (kavurik.adevi@newinti.edu.my).
Cultural Relevance in MOOCs: Asking About Socioeconomic Context

Existing datasets tell us only a partial story about the contextual factors that impact learners in Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs). Information about race/ethnicity, education, and income helps us understand socioeconomic status, but such data is notoriously difficult to collect in an international context. Extant MOOC studies have not paid due attention to socioeconomic variables; they have either taken a U.S.-centric approach, ignored important country-specific dimensions of variables, or failed to ask about certain variables altogether, such as race/ethnicity. During a qualitative study of 24 self-regulated learners from population groups underrepresented in MOOCs, we piloted a short U.S.-centric demographic questionnaire. Preliminary results suggest that a large-scale survey designed for both cross-national and country-specific analyses would provide valuable information to MOOC researchers.
Coadministration of ritonavir strongly enhances the apparent oral bioavailability of docetaxel in patients with solid tumors.

PURPOSE
To enhance the systemic exposure to oral docetaxel by coadministration of ritonavir, an efficacious inhibitor of CYP 3A4 with minor P-glycoprotein inhibiting effects, in patients with cancer.


EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN
A proof-of-concept study was carried out in 12 patients with solid tumors. The first cohort of patients (n = 4) received 10 mg and the subsequent cohort (n = 8) 100 mg of oral docetaxel, coadministered with 100 mg oral ritonavir randomized simultaneously or ritonavir given 60 minutes before docetaxel on days 1 and 8. On day 15 or 22, patients received 100 mg i.v. docetaxel.


RESULTS
The area under the plasma concentration-time curve in patients who received 10 mg oral docetaxel in combination with ritonavir was low, and the dose could safely be increased to 100 mg. The area under the plasma concentration-time curve in patients who received 100 mg oral docetaxel combined with ritonavir simultaneously or ritonavir given 60 minutes before docetaxel was 2.4 +/- 1.5 and 2.8 +/- 1.4 mg/h/L, respectively, compared with 1.9 +/- 0.4 mg/h/L after i.v. docetaxel. The apparent oral bioavailability of docetaxel combined with ritonavir simultaneously or ritonavir given 60 minutes before docetaxel was 131% +/- 90% and 161% +/- 91%, respectively. The oral combination of docetaxel and ritonavir was well tolerated.


CONCLUSION
Coadministration of ritonavir significantly enhanced the apparent oral bioavailability of docetaxel. These data are promising and form the basis for further development of a clinically applicable oral formulation of docetaxel combined with ritonavir.
Chrysopogon zizanioides aqueous extract mediated synthesis, characterization of crystalline silver and gold nanoparticles for biomedical applications

The exploitation of various plant materials for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles is considered a green technology as it does not involve any harmful chemicals. The aim of this study was to develop a simple biological method for the synthesis of silver and gold nanoparticles using Chrysopogon zizanioides. To exploit various plant materials for the biosynthesis of nanoparticles was considered a green technology. An aqueous leaf extract of C. zizanioides was used to synthesize silver and gold nanoparticles by the bioreduction of silver nitrate (AgNO3) and chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) respectively. Water-soluble organics present in the plant materials were mainly responsible for reducing silver or gold ions to nanosized Ag or Au particles. The synthesized silver and gold nanoparticles were characterized by ultraviolet (UV)-visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The kinetics decline reactions of aqueous silver/gold ion with the C. zizanioides crude extract were determined by UV-visible spectroscopy. SEM analysis showed that aqueous gold ions, when exposed to the extract were reduced and resulted in the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles in the size range 20-50 nm. This eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of nanoparticles is simple, can be scaled up for large-scale production with powerful bioactivity as demonstrated by the synthesized silver nanoparticles. The synthesized nanoparticles can have clinical use as antibacterial, antioxidant, as well as cytotoxic agents and can be used for biomedical applications.
Elevation at work: The effects of leaders’ moral excellence

This article may be used for research, teaching and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution , reselling , loan or sub-licensing, systematic supply or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. The publisher does not give any warranty express or implied or make any representation that the contents will be complete or accurate or up to date. The accuracy of any instructions, formulae and drug doses should be independently verified with primary sources. The publisher shall not be liable for any loss, actions, claims, proceedings, demand or costs or damages whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with or arising out of the use of this material. Leaders influence followers in many ways; one way is by eliciting positive emotions. In three studies we demonstrate that the nearly unstudied moral emotion of 'elevation' (a reaction to moral excellence) mediates the relations between leaders' and their followers' ethical behavior. Study 1 used scenarios manipulated experimentally; study 2 examined employees' emotional responses to their leaders in a natural work setting; study 3 compared the effects of elevation to those of happiness, serenity, and positive affect. We found that leaders' interpersonal fairness and self-sacrifice are powerful elicitors of elevation, and that this emotion fully mediates leaders' influence on followers' organizational citizenship behavior and affective organizational commitment. In the first study, we also observed a moderation effect of interpersonal fairness on self-sacrifice. Results underline the importance of positive moral emotions in organizations and shed light on the emotional process by which ethical leaders can foster positive organizational outcomes. Introduction Ethical issues are perennially important in leadership studies. Several high-profile ethical scandals (such as Enron), as well as the role of ethically suspect practices in bringing about the worldwide collapse of financial institutions in 2008, have made the relationship between ethics and leadership an even more pressing area for research. Many hypotheses have been brought forward in order to understand how leaders can foster moral behaviors among employees and organizations. When he originally introduced transformational leadership, Burns (1978) explicitly relied on Kohlberg's (1969) theory of cognitive moral development, arguing that transformational leaders move followers to higher stages of moral reasoning. Later on, the morality of transformational leadership was seriously questioned. Each of the four components of the construct of transformational leadership – idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and – has an ethical dimension but, as Bass …
Infrared Sensitive Physics in QCD and in Electroweak Theory

I recall the main ideas about the treatment of QCD infrared physics, as developed in the late seventies, and I outline some novel applications of those ideas to Electroweak Theory.
Oxidative stress: A cause and therapeutic target of diabetic complications

Oxidative stress is defined as excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the presence of diminished anti-oxidant substances. Increased oxidative stress could be one of the common pathogenic factors of diabetic complications. However, the mechanisms by which hyperglycemia increases oxidative stress are not fully understood. In this review, we focus on the impact of mitochondrial derived ROS (mtROS) on diabetic complications and suggest potential therapeutic approaches to suppress mtROS. It has been shown that hyperglycemia increases ROS production from mitochondrial electron transport chain and normalizing mitochondrial ROS ameliorates major pathways of hyperglycemic damage, such as activation of polyol pathway, activation of PKC and accumulation of advanced glycation end-products (AGE). Additionally, in subjects with type 2 diabetes, we found a positive correlation between HbA1c and urinary excretion of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), which reflects mitochondrial oxidative damage, and further reported that 8-OHdG was elevated in subjects with diabetic micro- and macro- vascular complications. We recently created vascular endothelial cell-specific manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) transgenic mice, and clarified that overexpression of MnSOD in endothelium could prevent diabetic retinopathy in vivo. Furthermore, we found that metformin and pioglitazone, both of which have the ability to reduce diabetic vascular complications, could ameliorate hyperglycemia-induced mtROS production by the induction of PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) and MnSOD and/or activation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). We also found that metformin and pioglitazone promote mitochondrial biogenesis through the same AMPK-PGC-1α pathway. Taking these results, mtROS could be the key initiator of and a therapeutic target for diabetic vascular complications. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040-1124.2010.00013.x, 2010).
Shaping Strategy in a World of Constant Disruption

A list of related materials, with annotations to guide further exploration of the article's ideas and applications 11 Further Reading A company's bid to rally an industry ecosystem around a new competitive view is an uncertain gambit. But the right strategic approaches and the availability of modern digital infrastructures improve the odds for success.
High and dry? Comparing active dry EEG electrodes to active and passive wet electrodes.

Dry electrodes are becoming popular for both lab-based and consumer-level electrophysiological-recording technologies because they better afford the ability to move traditional lab-based research into the real world. It is unclear, however, how dry electrodes compare in data quality to traditional electrodes. The current study compared three EEG electrode types: (a) passive-wet electrodes with no onboard amplification, (b) actively amplified, wet electrodes with moderate impedance levels, and low impedance levels, and (c) active-dry electrodes with very high impedance. Participants completed a classic P3 auditory oddball task to elicit characteristic EEG signatures and event-related potentials (ERPs). Across the three electrode types, we compared single-trial noise, average ERPs, scalp topographies, ERP noise, and ERP statistical power as a function of number of trials. We extended past work showing active electrodes' insensitivity to moderate levels of interelectrode impedance when compared to passive electrodes in the same amplifier. Importantly, the new dry electrode system could reliably measure EEG spectra and ERP components comparable to traditional electrode types. As expected, however, dry active electrodes with very high interelectrode impedance exhibited marked increases in single-trial and average noise levels, which decreased statistical power, requiring more trials to detect significant effects. This power decrease must be considered as a trade-off with the ease of application and long-term use. The current results help set constraints on experimental design with novel dry electrodes, and provide important evidence needed to measure brain activity in novel settings and situations.
Completing pseudojump operators

Abstract We investigate operators which take a set X to a set relatively computably enumerable in and above X by studying which such sets X can be so mapped into the Turing degree of K . We introduce notions of nontriviality for such operators, and use these to study which additional properties can be required of sets which can be completed to the jump by given operators of this kind.