Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dynamic language model adaptation using latent topical information and automatic transcripts

This paper considers dynamic language model adaptation for Mandarin broadcast news recognition. Both contemporary newswire texts and in-domain automatic transcripts were exploited in language model adaptation. A topical mixture model was presented to dynamically explore the long-span latent topical information for language model adaptation. The underlying characteristics and different kinds of model structures were extensively investigated, while their performance was analyzed and verified by comparison with the conventional MAP-based adaptation approaches, which are devoted to extracting the short-span n-gram information. The fusion of global topical and local contextual information was investigated as well. The speech recognition experiments were conducted on the broadcast news collected in Taiwan. Very promising results in perplexity as well as character error rate reductions were initially obtained.
Mating Intelligence, Machiavellianism, and Self-Monitoring as Predictors of the

Miller (2000) and Buss (2004) suggest that the human mind has evolved its complex qualities to make beneficial mating decisions for the individual and, more generally, to attract and retain mates. According to Miller (2000), mental fitness indicators are the outward displays of the complexity of a person’s brain. Mental fitness indicators are expressed in the form of artistic, musical, communication, and altruistic behaviors. The present study examined mating intelligence, which is the ability of people to make adaptive mating choices (Geher, Murphy & Miller, 2007), Machiavellianism, and selfmonitoring as possible predictors of an individual’s ability to recognize potential fitness indicators that are valued by potential mates and his or her participation in behaviors associated with mental fitness indicators. It was hypothesized that mating intelligence, Machiavellianism and self-monitoring would be positively related to an individual’s recognition and engagement in behaviors associated with mental fitness indicators. The results suggest that mating intelligence is related to an individual’s ability to recognize the artistic, musical, communication, and altruistic behaviors that are desired by potential mates. Future studies should be conducted to examine the complex relationships between mental fitness indicators and personality constructs.
Well-posed Boussinesq paradigm with purely spatial higher-order derivatives.

The derivation of Boussinesq's type of equations is reexamined for the shallow fluid layers and nonlinear atomic chains. It is shown that the linearly stable equation with purely spatial derivatives representing dispersion must be of sixth order. The corresponding conservation and balance laws are derived. The shapes of solitary stationary waves are calculated numerically for different signs of the fourth-order dispersion. The head-on collisions among different solitary waves are investigated by means of a conservative difference scheme and their solitonic properties are established, although the inelasticity of collisions is always present. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
A Configurational Approach to Contingent Consistency in the Attitude-Behavior Relationship

Using 202 subjects, this study develops and tests a configurational approach to the contingent consistency concept of the attitude-behavior relationship. Its theoretical position is that neither attitude, nor social situational variables adequately predict behavior when treated separately. When combined in a linear model based on interaction between variables, behavioral predictions are improved considerably. Attitude toward the legalization of marijuana was measured along with perception of the position of peers and family. At a later date subjects were observed in an experimental situation where they were asked to vote to legalize marijuana. A multiple regression solution showed that the independent effects of the three variables did not clearly predict behavior, their additive effects did somewhat better, and the interactions (configurations) led to the clearest predictions. These results supported a theoretical orientation similar to field theory. It should be noted that only one attitude object was used and only two situational variables were considered along with attitude. Nonetheless, the results strongly suggest that a configurational approach promises to unravel the attitude-behavior inconsistency problem generated in recent years. Therefore, the approach deserves further development and testing as a specific model of the contingent consistency relationship between attitudes and action.
Tangent cones and regularity of real hypersurfaces

We characterize embedded $\C^1$ hypersurfaces of $\R^n$ as the only locally closed sets with continuously varying flat tangent cones whose measure-theoretic-multiplicity is at most $m<3/2$. It follows then that any (topological) hypersurface which has flat tangent cones and is supported everywhere by balls of uniform radius is $\C^1$. In the real analytic case the same conclusion holds under the weakened hypothesis that each tangent cone be a hypersurface. In particular, any convex real analytic hypersurface $X\subset\R^n$ is $\C^1$. Furthermore, if $X$ is real algebraic, strictly convex, and unbounded then its projective closure is a $\C^1$ hypersurface as well, which shows that $X$ is the graph of a function defined over an entire hyperplane.
Consistencies Between New Teachers’ Beliefs and Practices and Those Grounding Their Initial Teacher Education Program

This paper discusses the experiences of beginning teachers as they navigated their first seven years in the profession. Drawing on data from a research study that charted these teachers’ experiences during and after their initial teacher education program, I reveal that although the participants’ teaching contexts varied considerably, patterns emerged in the ways in which they articulated their roles, practices, commitments, and identities as teachers, and these were consistent with the grounding philosophy and principles of the participants’ initial teacher education program. The findings suggest that some new teachers can and do resist the discursive pressures of the field (e.g., those promoting traditional, behaviourist approaches) and that connections can be made between these teachers’ resistance and their initial teacher education program. Dans cet article, je discute d’expériences d’enseignants débutants qui tentent de s’y retrouver dans leur profession pendant leurs sept premières années d’enseignement. Puisant dans des données d’une étude qui a suivi les expériences de ses enseignants pendant et après leur programme d’études en pédagogie, je démontre que, malgré des milieux d’enseignement sensiblement variés, il en découle des modèles similaires. Ces tendances touchent les façons dont les enseignants définissent leurs rôles, leurs pratiques, leurs engagements et leurs identités professionnelles, et elles sont cohérentes avec la philosophie et les principes de base du programme d’études en pédagogie qu’a suivi chaque participant. Les résultats laissent supposer que certains nouveaux enseignants sont non seulement en mesure de résister aux pressions découlant des discours du domaine (p. ex., ceux qui promeuvent les approches traditionnelles et comportementalistes) mais qu’ils le font en réalité. De plus, les résultats donnent à penser qu’il existe des liens entre la résistance de ces enseignants et leur programme d’études en pédagogie.
Young Women’s Experiences of Self-harm

Though self-harm is a significant problem among young people, the extant literature is somewhat unclear as to the meanings and functions of different forms. Nonetheless, it appears that young women engage in self-harm in general more frequently than any other group. This research explored the narratives of 22 young women who had engaged in both non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) and suicidal behaviour, to examine the meanings of self-harm. The behaviours are distinct insofar as they take different forms and serve different purposes. However, a key contribution of this research is that, in contrast to constructions of self-harming behaviours as occurring on a continuum from the less to more severe with overlapping or confused motivations and intentions, the data suggest a cyclical pattern of behaviour, in which the protagonist moves between NSSI and suicidal behaviour, and NSSI is clearly counter-suicidal.
A System for the Automated Evaluation of Invoices

This paper presents a system for the automated evaluation of invoices. The purpose of the system is to detect and recognize price entries of item tables in invoices. Due to the lack of a layout model of all possible invoices the system is composed of several processing stages. These stages are: text stripe extraction and skew detection by a combination of mathematical morphology and heuristic search; orientation detection by a new approach called \row-delta-histogram"; the optical character recognition of text stripes using a multilayer backpropagation network as a classi er and fractal based Peano features; table extraction which uses a genetic algorithm to adapt a suitable table row template; price entry extraction by using the context of optical character recognition. Also, the system comprises further functionalities, to name a few: reprocessing of all processing stages with di erent parameter settings, font typeface estimation and evaluation of divider information. The system runs as a C++ class library under the OS/2 operating system and shows encouraging recognition results.
Physics teachers' perspectives on factors that affect urban physics participation and accessibility

Center for Science And Mathematics Education, Stony Brook University, 092 Life Sciences, Stony Brook, New York 11794-5233, USA(Received 1 February 2013; published 19 June 2013)The accessibility of secondary physics in U.S. urban school districts is a complex issue. Many schoolsdonotofferaphysicsoption,andforthosethatdo,access isoftenrestrictedbyvarious schoolpolicies andpriorities that do not promote physics participation for all. To analyze this problem in greater depth, Iadopted a qualitative phenomenological methodology to explore urban physics teachers’views on school-and district-based conditions that may marginalize traditionally underrepresented students. Teachers fromthree large urban districts shared concerns and suggestions regarding administrative commitment, studentpreparedness for physics, reform initiatives and testing mandates, promoting physics enrollments, andimplementing high quality instruction. Data from interviews and focus groups provided contextualinsights into ways in which physics study may be improved and encouraged for urban youth. Teachersbelieved expanding access could be facilitated with differentiated levels of physics, incorporatingmathematical applications with multiple representations, educating students and counselors on theramiﬁcations of choosing or not choosing elective sciences, well-designed grant-funded initiatives, andﬂexibility with prerequisites and science course sequencing. Teachers experienced frustration withstandardized testing,lackofcurricular autonomy,shiftingadministrativedirectives,andtop-downreformsthat did not incorporate their feedback in the decision-making processes. Data from this study revealedthat physics teacher networks, often housed at local universities, have been a key resource for establishingsupportive professional communities to share best practices that may inﬂuence school-based reforms thatpromote physics participation in urban schools.
Development of Phenotypic and Transcriptional Biomarkers to Evaluate Relative Activity of Potentially Estrogenic Chemicals in Ovariectomized Mice

Background: Concerns regarding potential endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have led to a need for methods to evaluate candidate estrogenic chemicals. Our previous evaluations of two such EDCs revealed a response similar to that of estradiol (E2) at 2 hr, but a less robust response at 24 hr, similar to the short-acting estrogen estriol (E3). Objectives: Microarray analysis using tools to recognize patterns of response have been utilized in the cancer field to develop biomarker panels of transcripts for diagnosis and selection of treatments most likely to be effective. Biological effects elicited by long- versus short-acting estrogens greatly affect the risks associated with exposures; therefore, we sought to develop tools to predict the ability of chemicals to maintain estrogenic responses. Methods: We used biological end points in uterine tissue and a signature pattern–recognizing tool that identified coexpressed transcripts to develop and test a panel of transcripts in order to classify potentially estrogenic compounds using an in vivo system. The end points used are relevant to uterine tissue, but the resulting classification of the compounds is important for other sensitive tissues and species. Results: We evaluated biological and transcriptional end points with proven short- and long-acting estrogens and verified the use of our approach using a phytoestrogen. With our model, we were able to classify the diarylheptanoid D3 as a short-acting estrogen. Conclusions: We have developed a panel of transcripts as biomarkers which, together with biological end points, might be used to screen and evaluate potentially estrogenic chemicals and infer mode of activity. Citation: Hewitt SC, Winuthayanon W, Pockette B, Kerns RT, Foley JF, Flagler N, Ney E, Suksamrarn A, Piyachaturawat P, Bushel PR, Korach KS. 2015. Development of phenotypic and transcriptional biomarkers to evaluate relative activity of potentially estrogenic chemicals in ovariectomized mice. Environ Health Perspect 123:344–352; http://dx.doi. org/10.1289/ehp.1307935
Rheopheresis in Patients with Ischemic Diabetic Foot Syndrome: Results of an Open Label Prospective Pilot Trial

Abstract: Rheopheresis is a specific application of membrane differential filtration, synonymous with double filtration plasmapheresis, for extracorporeal hemorheotherapy. Safety and efficacy of Rheopheresis for wound healing and skin oxygenation were investigated in patients with ischemic diabetic foot syndrome. Eight patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and non‐healing foot ulcers caused by severe ischemic diabetic foot syndrome were treated by a series of seven Rheopheresis sessions in a time span of 11 weeks. Wound healing had not been detectable under conditions of standardized wound care during at least 2 months. Wound status was classified by its morphology, severity and location, according to the criteria of Wagner. Transcutaneous oxygen pressure (tcPO2), laser Doppler flowmetry and vital capillary microscopy were repeatedly performed to monitor the effects of the Rheopheresis treatment series on microcirculation and skin blood flow. Laboratory parameters of blood rheology, endothelial function and inflammatory state were measured in addition to safety parameters. In four patients (baseline Wagner stage 2), Rheopheresis accelerated wound healing of foot ulcers and was associated with an improvement of Wagner stage and a pronounced increase in tcPO2. In two patients (baseline Wagner stage 2), wound healing was unchanged but mean tcPO2 increased, allowing successful minor amputation. Values of tcPO2 remained stable and enhanced for the 3 months follow‐up period. In two patients (baseline Wagner stage 4 or 5), no improvements in foot lesions were observed within the treatment period. As an adjunct therapeutic option, Rheopheresis may preserve a functional lower extremity, delay amputation or reduce the extent of amputation.
Traumatic Memories of Relatives Regarding Brain Death, Request for Organ Donation and Interactions with Professionals in the ICU

Little is known about the memories of relatives after they have been confronted with the brain death of a loved one and the request for organ donation. We conducted this study, guided by Grounded Theory, to explore relatives' experiences, their interactions with health care providers and what influenced their memories. We interviewed 40 relatives (31 consenting to and 9 refusing organ donation) of 33 brain‐dead individuals. Relatives described their experiences as a difficult process composed of several stages spanning from the initial encounter to the final decision about donation. Long‐term memories of bereaved relatives were influenced by the characteristics of their decision‐making style (clear vs. ambivalent) and the perceived quality of the interaction with professionals on the intensive care unit. Organ‐focused behavior of professionals and an ambivalent decision‐making style of relatives appear to be risk factors for traumatic memories.
Alpine Glaciology: An Historical Collaboration between Volunteers and Scientists and the Challenge Presented by an Integrated Approach

European Alpine glaciology has a long tradition of studies and activities, in which researchers have often relied on the field work of some specialized volunteer operators. Despite the remarkable results of this cooperation, some problems in field data harmonization and in covering the whole range of monitored glaciers are still present. Moreover, dynamics of reduction, fragmentation and decline, which in recent decades characterize Alpine glaciers, make more urgent the need to improve spatial and temporal monitoring, still maintaining adequate quality standards. Scientific field monitoring activities on Alpine glaciers run parallel to a number of initiatives by individuals and amateur associations, keepers of alternative, experiential and para-scientific knowledge of the glacial environment. Problems of harmonization, coordination, recruitment and updating can be addressed with the help of a collaborative approach—citizen science-like—in which the scientific coordination guarantees information quality and web 2.0 tools operate as mediators between expert glaciologists and non-expert contributors. This paper gives an overview of glaciological information currently produced in the European Alpine region, representing it in an organized structure, functional to the discussion. An empowering solution is then proposed, both methodological and technological, for the integration of multisource data. Its characteristics, potentials and problems are discussed.
An efficient adaptive offset mechanism to reduce burst losses in OBS networks

Optical burst switching (OBS) is a new optical switching paradigm where traffic can be switched and groomed at a lower level compared to optical circuit switching (OCS). Although research in OBS networks has evolved from theoretical investigations to proof-of-concept demonstrations, several key issues need to be investigated further before OBS prototypes can clearly outperformed OCS networks. While the burst loss rate is often used as the main performance parameter in OBS networks, burst losses come from two sources, contention and insufficient offset time (IOT) due to deflection routing. In this paper, we investigate further the assignment of the offsets and propose an adaptive offset determination that depends on both the bandwidth utilization of the links and nodes traversed by the bursts and some measurement of the burst losses due to insufficient offset time. Numerical results demonstrate that our approach is effective in reducing the network burst drop rate through a reduction of the burst losses due to insufficient offset time. Moreover, it proves to lead to a highly stable IOT burst drop even for dynamic traffic and can be easily controlled, so as to find the equilibrium between the IOT and contention burst drops leading to the minimum burst drop rate
Smooth simultaneous confidence bands for cumulative distribution functions

A plug-in kernel estimator is proposed for Hölder continuous cumulative distribution function (cdf) based on a random sample. Uniform closeness between the proposed estimator and the empirical cdf estimator is established, while the proposed estimator is smooth instead of a step function. A smooth simultaneous confidence band is constructed based on the smooth distribution estimator and the Kolmogorov distribution. Extensive simulation study using two different automatic bandwidths confirms the theoretical findings.
Contribution of IL-33–activated type II innate lymphoid cells to pulmonary eosinophilia in intestinal nematode-infected mice

When animals are infected with helminthic parasites, resistant hosts show type II helper T immune responses to expel worms. Recently, natural helper (NH) cells or nuocytes, newly identified type II innate lymphoid cells, are shown to express ST2 (IL-33 receptor) and produce IL-5 and IL-13 when stimulated with IL-33. Here we show the relevant roles of endogenous IL-33 for Strongyloides venezuelensis infection-induced lung eosinophilic inflammation by using Il33−/− mice. Alveolar epithelial type II cells (ATII) express IL-33 in their nucleus. Infection with S. venezuelensis or intranasal administration of chitin increases in the number of ATII cells and the level of IL-33. S. venezuelensis infection induces pulmonary accumulation of NH cells, which, after being stimulated with IL-33, proliferate and produce IL-5 and IL-13. Furthermore, S. venezuelensis infected Rag2−/− mice increase the number of ATII cells, NH cells, and eosinophils and the expression of IL-33 in their lungs. Finally, IL-33–stimulated NH cells induce lung eosinophilic inflammation and might aid to expel infected worms in the lungs.
Sliding Dictionary Based Sparse Representation For Action Recognition

The task of action recognition has been in the forefront of research, given its applications in gaming, surveillance and health care. In this work, we propose a simple, yet very effective approach which works seamlessly for both offline and online action recognition using the skeletal joints. We construct a sliding dictionary which has the training data along with their time stamps. This is used to compute the sparse coefficients of the input action sequence which is divided into overlapping windows and each window gives a probability score for each action class. In addition, we compute another simple feature, which calibrates each of the action sequences to the training sequences, and models the deviation of the action from the each of the training data. Finally, a score level fusion of the two heterogeneous but complementary features for each window is obtained and the scores for the available windows are successively combined to give the confidence scores of each action class. This way of combining the scores makes the approach suitable for scenarios where only part of the sequence is available. Extensive experimental evaluation on three publicly available datasets shows the effectiveness of the proposed approach for both offline and online action recognition tasks.
Predicting Penetration Across the Blood-Brain Barrier from Simple Descriptors and Fragmentation Schemes

The ability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), sometimes expressed as BBB+ and BBB-, is a very important property in drug design. Several computational methods have been employed for the prediction of BBB-penetrating (BBB+) and nonpenetrating (BBB-) compounds with overall accuracies from 75 to 97%. However, most of these models use a large number of descriptors (67-199), and it is not easy to implement the models in order to predict values of BBB+/-. In this work, 19 simple molecular descriptors calculated from Algorithm Builder and fragmentation schemes were used for the analysis of 1593 BBB+/- data. The results show that hydrogen-bonding properties of compounds play a very important role in modeling BBB penetration. Several BBB models based on hydrogen-bonding properties, such as Abraham descriptors, polar surface area (PSA), and number of hydrogen bonding donors and acceptors, have been built using binomial-PLS analysis. The results show that the overall classification accuracy for a training set is over 90%, and overall prediction accuracy for a test set is over 95%.