Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gender-Driven Emotion Recognition Through Speech Signals For Ambient Intelligence Applications

This paper proposes a system that allows recognizing a person's emotional state starting from audio signal registrations. The provided solution is aimed at improving the interaction among humans and computers, thus allowing effective human-computer intelligent interaction. The system is able to recognize six emotions(anger, boredom, disgust, fear, happiness, and sadness) and the neutral state. This set of emotional states is widely used for emotion recognition purposes. It also distinguishes a single emotion versus all the other possible ones, as proven in the proposed numerical results. The system is composed of two subsystems: 1) gender recognition(GR) and 2) emotion recognition(ER). The experimental analysis shows the performance in terms of accuracy of the proposed ER system. The results highlight that the a priori knowledge of the speaker's gender allows a performance increase. The obtained results show also that the features selection adoption assures a satisfying recognition rate and allows reducing the employed features. Future developments of the proposed solution may include the implementation of this system over mobile devices such as smartphones.
TCR-Mediated Signal Transduction Adhesion Molecule-1 (CD31): Inhibition of A New Role for Platelet-Endothelial Cell

Platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (PECAM-1) is a 130-kDa transmembrane glycoprotein expressed by endothelial cells, platelets, monocytes, neutrophils, and certain T cell subsets. The PECAM-1 extracellular domain has six Ig-homology domains that share sequence similarity with cellular adhesion molecules. The PECAM-1 cytoplasmic domain contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) that, when appropriately engaged, becomes phosphorylated on tyrosine residues, creating docking sites for nontransmembrane, Src homology 2 domain-bearing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP)-1 and SHP-2. The purpose of the present study was to determine whether PECAM-1 inhibits protein tyrosine kinase (PTK)-dependent signal transduction mediated by the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif-containing TCR. Jurkat cells, which coexpress PECAM-1 and the TCR/CD3 complex, were INDO-1AM-labeled and then incubated with anti-CD3 e mAbs, anti-PECAM-1 mAbs, or both, and goat anti-mouse IgG was used to cross-link surface-bound mAbs. Calcium mobilization induced by CD3 cross-linking was found to be attenuated by coligation of PECAM-1 in a dose-dependent manner. PECAM-1-mediated inhibition of TCR signaling was attributable, at least in part, to inhibition of release of calcium from intracellular stores. These data provide evidence that PECAM-1 can dampen signals transduced by ITAM-containing receptors and support inclusion of PECAM-1 within the family of ITIM-containing inhibitors of PTK-dependent signal transduction. The Journal of Immunology, 1999, 163: 682–688. spec-troﬂuorometer (SLM-AMINCO, Urbana, IL). To cross-link surface-bound Abs, GAM was added to achieve a ﬁnal concentration of 20 m g/ml, which was determined in preliminary experiments to induce maximal stimulation. Fluorescence of stirring cell suspensions was excited at 350 nm and emis-sion of ﬂuorescence at wavelengths of 405 and 490 nm was recorded every 3 s over a period ranging from 3 to 10 min in length. Results are presented as plots of the ratio of ﬂuorescence detected at 405, relative to 490, nm as a function of time.
Perception of Gibberellin and Abscisic Acid at the External Face of the Plasma Membrane of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Aleurone Protoplasts

The response of protoplasts isolated from aleurone layers of barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Himalaya) to internally and externally applied hormone was analyzed to localize the site of perception of the hormonal signal. Protoplasts responded to externally applied gibberellic acid (GA3) with increased synthesis and secretion of [alpha]-amylase, transient expression of the glucuronidase reporter gene fused to the hormone-responsive elements of the [alpha]-amylase promoter, and the vacuolation typical of GA3-treated aleurone cells. When up to 250 [mu]M GA3 was microinjected into the protoplast cytoplasm, none of these responses were observed. This did not reflect damage to the protoplasts during the microinjection procedure, since microinjected protoplasts remained responsive to externally applied hormone. Nor did it reflect loss of microinjected GA3 from the protoplast, since 50% of microinjected [3H]GA20 was retained by protoplasts for at least 24 h. Externally applied abscisic acid (ABA) could reverse the stimulation of [alpha]-amylase synthesis and secretion, whereas microinjecting up to 250 [mu]M ABA was ineffective at antagonizing the stimulatory effect of GA3. These results suggest that the site of perception of GA3 and ABA in the barley aleurone protoplast is on the external face of the plasma membrane.
Cognitive Skills Explain Economic Preferences, Strategic Behavior, and Job Attachment

Economic analysis has said little about how an individual’s cognitive skills (CS's) are related to the individual’s preferences in different choice domains, such as risk-taking or saving, and how preferences in different domains are related to each other. Using a sample of 1,000 trainee truckers we report three findings. First, we show a strong and significant relationship between an individual’s cognitive skills and preferences, and between the preferences in different choice domains. The latter relationship may be counterintuitive: a patient individual, more inclined to save, is also more willing to take calculated risks. A second finding is that measures of cognitive skill predict social awareness and choices in a sequential Prisoner's Dilemma game. Subjects with higher CS's more accurately forecast others' behavior, and differentiate their behavior depending on the first mover’s choice, returning higher amount for a higher transfer, and lower for a lower one. After controlling for investment motives, subjects with higher CS’s also cooperate more as first movers. A third finding concerns on-the-job choices. Our subjects incur a significant financial debt for their training that is forgiven only after twelve months of service. Yet over half leave within the first year, and cognitive skills are also strong predictors of who exits too early, stronger than any other social, economic and personality measure in our data. These results suggest that cognitive skills affect the economic lives of individuals, by systematically changing preferences and choices in a way that favors the economic success of individuals with higher cognitive skills.
Elucidation of the function of lipoprotein-sorting signals that determine membrane localization

Escherichia coli lipoproteins are anchored to the inner or outer membrane depending on the residue at position 2. Aspartate at this position makes lipoproteins specific to the inner membrane, whereas other residues cause the release of lipoproteins from the inner membrane in a manner dependent on both ATP binding cassette (ABC) transporter LolCDE and molecular chaperone LolA, followed by LolB-dependent localization in the outer membrane. The function of lipoprotein-sorting signals was examined in proteoliposomes reconstituted from LolCDE and lipoproteins. The release of outer membrane-specific lipoproteins was inhibited on reconstitution with other outer membrane-specific, but not inner membrane-specific, lipoproteins. Outer membrane-specific lipoproteins stimulated ATP hydrolysis by LolCDE whereas inner membrane-specific ones did not. LolA was not required for the stimulation of ATP hydrolysis. These results revealed a previously undocumented function of aspartate at position 2, i.e., lipoproteins having this signal avoid being recognized by LolCDE, thereby remaining in the inner membrane.
RANAVIRUS CAUSES MASS DIE-OFFS OF ALPINE AMPHIBIANS IN THE SOUTHWESTERN ALPS, FRANCE

Abstract Pathogenic fungi and viruses cause mortality outbreaks in wild amphibians worldwide. In the summer of 2012, dead tadpoles and adults of the European common frog Rana temporaria were reported in alpine lakes in the southwestern Alps (Mercantour National Park, France). A preliminary investigation using molecular diagnostic techniques identified a Ranavirus as the potential pathogenic agent. Three mortality events were recorded in the park, and samples were collected. The amphibian chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis was not detected in any of the dead adult and juvenile frogs sampled (n=16) whereas all specimens were positive for a Ranavirus. The genome sequence of this Ranavirus was identical to previously published sequences of the common midwife toad virus (CMTV), a Ranavirus that has been associated with amphibian mortalities throughout Europe. We cultured virus from the organs of the dead common frogs and infecting adult male common frogs collected in another alpine region where no frog mortality had been observed. The experimentally infected frogs suffered 100% mortality (n=10). The alpine die-off is the first CMTV outbreak associated with mass mortality in wild amphibians in France. We describe the lesions observed and summarize amphibian populations affected by Ranaviruses in Europe. In addition, we discuss the ecologic specificities of mountain amphibians that may contribute to increasing their risk of exposure to and transmission of Ranaviruses.
I am roller derby: the serious leisure and leisure identity of roller derby participants

Roller derby is an international phenomenon, a form of serious leisure and an activity helping female participants define who they are. Thus, the purpose of this research study was: (a) to examine the phenomenon of roller derby on a larger scale to better understand the identity characteristics of roller derby participants in the USA and (b) to investigate the perceptions of serious leisure experience on leisure identity development. Through online distribution, a total of 582 Women's Flat Track Derby Association members across the USA completed the survey. The results of independent t-tests and ANOVA indicated that the level of seriousness and leisure identity did not vary with female participants’ age, race and education level. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that female participants’ level of systematic pursuit of roller derby could be predicted by their leisure identity. This is specifically true when considering self-identity and positive affectivity related to their experience in roller derby, while social identity was the last significant identity factor for participants.
Kidney triglyceride accumulation in the fasted mouse is dependent upon serum free fatty acids[S]

Lipid accumulation is a pathological feature of every type of kidney injury. Despite this striking histological feature, physiological accumulation of lipids in the kidney is poorly understood. We studied whether the accumulation of lipids in the fasted kidney are derived from lipoproteins or NEFAs. With overnight fasting, kidneys accumulated triglyceride, but had reduced levels of ceramide and glycosphingolipid species. Fasting led to a nearly 5-fold increase in kidney uptake of plasma [14C]oleic acid. Increasing circulating NEFAs using a β adrenergic receptor agonist caused a 15-fold greater accumulation of lipid in the kidney, while mice with reduced NEFAs due to adipose tissue deficiency of adipose triglyceride lipase had reduced triglycerides. Cluster of differentiation (Cd)36 mRNA increased 2-fold, and angiopoietin-like 4 (Angptl4), an LPL inhibitor, increased 10-fold. Fasting-induced kidney lipid accumulation was not affected by inhibition of LPL with poloxamer 407 or by use of mice with induced genetic LPL deletion. Despite the increase in CD36 expression with fasting, genetic loss of CD36 did not alter fatty acid uptake or triglyceride accumulation. Our data demonstrate that fasting-induced triglyceride accumulation in the kidney correlates with the plasma concentrations of NEFAs, but is not due to uptake of lipoprotein lipids and does not involve the fatty acid transporter, CD36.
Local habitat conditions explain the variation in the strength of self-thinning in a stream salmonid

Self-thinning patterns are frequently used to describe density dependence in populations on timescales shorter than the organism's life span and have been used to infer carrying capacity of the environment. Among mobile animals, this concept has been used to document density dependence in stream salmonids, which compete over access to food and space. The carrying capacity, growth conditions, and initial cohort sizes often vary between streams and stream sections, which would influence the onset and strength of the density dependence. Despite much effort in describing habitat relationships in stream fishes, few studies have explicitly tested how the physical environment affects the slope of the thinning curves. Here, we investigate the prevalence and strength of self-thinning in juvenile stages of a steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) population in Idaho, USA. Further, we investigate the roles of local physical habitat and metabolic constraints in explaining the variation in thinning curves among study sites in the watershed. Only yearling steelhead exhibited an overall significant thinning trend, but the slope of the mass–density relationship (−0.53) was shallower than predicted by theory and reported from empirical studies. There was no detectable relationship in subyearling steelhead. Certain abiotic factors explained a relatively large portion of the variation in the strength of the self-thinning among the study reaches. For subyearling steelhead, the slopes were negatively associated with the average water depth and flow velocity in the study sites, whereas slopes in yearlings were steeper in sites that incurred a higher metabolic cost. Our results show that the prevalence and strength of density dependence in natural fish populations can vary across heterogeneous watersheds and can be more pronounced during certain stages of a species' life history, and that environmental factors can mediate the extent to which density dependence is manifested in predictable ways.
Improving Clinical Competence and Confidence of Senior Nursing Students through Clinical Preceptorship

Clinical preceptorship provides an essential aspect of nursing education for senior nursing students. This descriptive study identified perceptions of senior nursing students about their clinical preceptorship experiences, evaluated their perceived levels of competency and confidence in providing nursing care; and examined their perceived confidence level in relation to the perceived competency level of nursing skills. Researchers approached 134 culturally diverse senior nursing students enrolled in Preceptorship courses at one of the state-funded California universities and collected anonymous data from 95 students in academic years 2010-2012, using three instruments; Senior Preceptorship Experience Questionnaire, Graduate Nurse Survey, and Quality and Safety Education for Nurses tools. Results indicated that the clinical preceptorship improved students’ perceived competency skills and confidence in providing nursing care. Outcomes demonstrated that the level of students’ perceived competency was positively associated with the level of their interaction with preceptor. There was a significant correlation between the overall perceived competency level and confidence level of students; however there was no relationship between the amount of preceptor interaction and the degree of perceived confidence. This information is useful to nursing education as educators continue striving to reconcile the lack of preparedness for new staff roles that employers see in new graduates.
Topography of ganglion cells and photoreceptors in the retina of a New World monkey: The marmoset Callithrix jacchus

Abstract We studied the anatomical substrates of spatial vision in a New World monkey, the marmoset Callithrix jacchus. This species has good visual acuity and a foveal specialization which is qualitatively similar to that of humans and other Old World primates.We measured the spatial density of retinal ganglion cells and photoreceptors, and calculated the relative numbers of these cell populations. We find that ganglion cells outnumber photoreceptors by between 2.4:1 and 4.2:1 in the fovea. The peak sampling density of ganglion cells is close to 550,000 cells/mm2. This value falls by almost 1000-fold between the fovea and peripheral retina; a value which approaches recent estimates of the centroperipheral ganglion cell gradient for human and macaque monkey retina and primary visual cortex. The marmoset shows a sex-linked polymorphism of color vision: all male and some female marmosets are dichromats. Six of the retinas used in the present study came from animals whose chromatic phenotype was identified in electrophysiological experiments and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of cone opsin encoding genes. One animal was a trichromat and the others were dichromats. Antibodies against short wavelength-sensitive (SWS) cones labeled close to 8% of all cones near the fovea of onedichromat animal, consistent with electrophysiological evidence that the SWS system is present inall marmosets. The topography and spatial density of cone photoreceptors and ganglion cells was similar to that reported for macaque retina, and we found no obvious difference between dichromatic and trichromatic marmoset retinas. These results reinforce the view that the main determinate of primate foveal topography is the requirement for maximal spatial resolution.
A Structural Analysis of Network Delay

Network delay is a crucial metric for evaluating the state of the network. We present in this paper a structural analysis of network delay, based on delay measurements of aback bone network. This delay analysis is performed using a subspace method called Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The analysis reveals that the delay time series can be decomposed into two constituents: a smooth periodic trend and a set of sparse bursts. We call the former the "normal" component and the latter the "abnormal" component. While this structural decomposition is appealing and may be used to further infer other delay information of interest, we find that using PCA in delay analysis has the same challenges as used in traffic analysis. Particularly, it experiences performance degradation due to the so called "perturbation phenomenon".
Yield of active screening for tuberculosis among asylum seekers in Germany: a systematic review and meta-analysis

All asylum seekers in Germany undergo upon-entry screening for tuberculosis TB, but comprehensive evidence on the yield is lacking. We compared the national estimates with the international literature in a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies reporting the yield of TB, defined as the fraction of active TB cases detected among asylum seekers screened in Germany upon entry. We searched 11 national and international databases for empirical studies and the internet for grey literature published in English or German without restrictions on publication time. Among 1,253 screened articles, we identified six articles reporting the yield of active TB based on German data, ranging from 0.72 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.45–1.10) to 6.41 (95% CI: 4.19–9.37) per 1,000 asylum seekers. The pooled estimate across all studies was 3.47 (95% CI: 1.78–5.73; I2 = 94.9%; p < 0.0001) per 1,000 asylum seekers. This estimate was in line with international evidence (I2 = 0%; p for heterogeneity 0.55). The meta-analysis of available international estimates resulted in a pooled yield of 3.04 (95% CI: 2.24–3.96) per 1,000. This study provides an estimate across several German federal states for the yield of TB screening in asylum seekers. Further research is needed to develop more targeted screening programmes.
Statistical Data Analysis

Preface Notation 1. Fundamental Concepts 2. Examples of Probability Functions 3. The Monte Carlo Method 4. Statistical Tests 5. General Concepts of Parameter Estimation 6. The Method of Maximum Likelihood 7. The Method of Least Squares 8. The Method of Moments 9. Statistical Errors, Confidence Intervals and Limits 10. Characteristic Functions and Related Examples 11. Unfolding Bibliography Index
Isolation and Identification of Mycobacteria from Soils at an Illegal Dumping Site and Landfills in Japan

In order to study the diversity and community of genus Mycobacterium in polluted soils, we tried to isolate mycobacteria from 11 soil samples collected from an illegal dumping site and 3 landfills in Japan. Using culture methods with or without Acanthamoeba culbertsoni, a total of 19 isolates of mycobacteria were obtained from 5 soil samples and 3 of them were isolated only by the co‐culture method with the amoeba. Conventional biochemical tests and sequencing of the hsp65, rpoB, and 16S rRNA genes were performed for species identification of 17 of the 19 isolates. Among the 17 isolates, there was one isolate each of Mycobacterium vanbaalenii, Mycobacterium mageritense, Mycobacterium frederiksbergense, M. vanbaalenii or Mycobacterium austroafricanum, and Mycobacterium chubuense or Mycobacterium chlorophenolicum. The remaining 12 isolates could not be precisely identified at the species level. A phylogenic tree based on the hsp65 sequences indicated that 2 of the 12 isolates were novel species. In addition, 4 isolates were phylogenically close to species that degrade polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which induce some cancers in humans. These results demonstrated that there were many hitherto‐unreported mycobacteria in the polluted soils, and suggested that some mycobacteria might play roles in the natural attenuation and engineered bioremediation of contaminated sites with other microorganisms.
The effect of an Annona muricata leaf extract on nutritional status and cytotoxicity in colorectal cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Annona muricata leaf infusion has traditionally been consumed to maintain health, but is now considered for use in treating cancer patients. The objective of this study was to elucidate the effects of A. muricata leaf extract in humans and human cell lines. METHODS AND STUDY DESIGN Thirty outpatients with colorectal cancer who had undergone primary tumor resection were enrolled in a randomized double-blind placebo- controlled pre-post-trial. They were divided into two groups: those who ingested A. muricata leaf extract (n=14) and those who ingested a placebo (n=14) daily for 8 weeks. Twenty-eight subjects completed the trial; they were equally distributed between the two groups. Serum from patients of both groups was compared for cytotoxicity against colorectal cancer cell lines. The nutritional status of patients was monitored throughout the study. RESULTS Ex vivo and clinical studies showed higher cytotoxicity in the supplemented group compared with the placebo group. Further research is required to investigate the long-term effect of A.muricata leaf extract, particularly on parameters directly related to cytotoxic activity toward colorectal cancer cells and nutrition status.