Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cosine Similarity Scoring without Score Normalization Techniques

In recent work [1], a simplified and highly effective approach to speaker recognition based on the cosine similarity between lowdimensional vectors, termed ivectors, defined in a total variability space was introduced. The total variability space representation is motivated by the popular Joint Factor Analysis (JFA) approach, but does not require the complication of estimating separate speaker and channel spaces and has been shown to be less dependent on score normalization procedures, such as znorm and t-norm. In this paper, we introduce a modification to the cosine similarity that does not require explicit score normalization, relying instead on simple mean and covariance statistics from a collection of impostor speaker ivectors. By avoiding the complication of zand t-norm, the new approach further allows for application of a new unsupervised speaker adaptation technique to models defined in the ivector space. Experiments are conducted on the core condition of the NIST 2008 corpora, where, with adaptation, the new approach produces an equal error rate (EER) of 4.8% and min decision cost function (MinDCF) of 2.3% on all female speaker trials.
Modularity meets inheritance

Several roles of classes in existing languages are unbundled by providing a suite of operators independently controlling such effects as combination, modification, encapsulation, name resolution, and sharing, all on the single notion of a module. It is pointed out that all module operators are forms of inheritance: thus, inheritance not only is not in conflict with modularity in the present system, but is its foundation. This allows a previously unobtainable spectrum of features to be combined in a cohesive manner, including multiple inheritance, mixings, encapsulation, and strong typing. The proposed approach is demonstrated in a language called Jigsaw. The language is modular in two senses: it manipulates modules and it is highly modular in its own conception, permitting various module combinators to be included, omitted, or newly constructed in various realizations. <<ETX>>
Dynamic similarity promotes interpersonal coordination in joint action

Human movement has been studied for decades, and dynamic laws of motion that are common to all humans have been derived. Yet, every individual moves differently from everyone else (faster/slower, harder/smoother, etc.). We propose here an index of such variability, namely an individual motor signature (IMS) able to capture the subtle differences in the way each of us moves. We show that the IMS of a person is time-invariant and that it significantly differs from those of other individuals. This allows us to quantify the dynamic similarity, a measure of rapport between dynamics of different individuals' movements, and demonstrate that it facilitates coordination during interaction. We use our measure to confirm a key prediction of the theory of similarity that coordination between two individuals performing a joint-action task is higher if their motions share similar dynamic features. Furthermore, we use a virtual avatar driven by an interactive cognitive architecture based on feedback control theory to explore the effects of different kinematic features of the avatar motion on coordination with human players.
Adaptive token bucket algorithm for fair bandwidth allocation in DiffServ networks

We propose an adaptive token bucket algorithm for achieving proportional sharing of bandwidth among aggregate flows in differentiated service (DiffServ) networks. By observing the simulation results obtained in a study of the throughput of TCP flows in a DiffServ network, we note that the aggregate flow with a lower target rate occupies more bandwidth than its fair share, while the aggregate flow with a higher target rate gets less than its fair share. The proposed algorithm solves this unfairness problem by adjusting the target rate according to the edge-to-edge feedback information. This algorithm does not require any additional signaling protocol or measurement of pen-flow states, since it can be implemented in a distributed manner using only two-bit feedback information carried in the TCP acknowledgement. Using ns-2 simulations, we show that the proposed algorithm provides fair bandwidth sharing under various network conditions.
Risks for individuals with schizophrenia who are living in the community.

OBJECTIVE This study examined the incidence and predictors of police contact, criminal charges, and victimization among noninstitutionalized individuals with schizophrenia living in the community. METHODS A total of 172 individuals with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder were recruited from community-based programs in urban Los Angeles between 1989 and 1991 and were monitored for three years. At baseline, all participants were housed and did not have co-occurring substance use disorders. Face-to-face interviews were conducted every six months. RESULTS Eighty-three individuals (48 percent) had contact with the police during the study period. A small percentage of the contacts involved aggressive behavior against property or persons. Being younger, having had more address changes at baseline, and having a history of arrest and assault were significant predictors of police contact. Thirty-seven individuals (22 percent) reported that charges had been filed against them. Poorer social functioning, more address changes, fewer days of taking medication at baseline, and a history of arrest and assault were significant predictors of criminal charges. Sixty-five participants (38 percent of the sample) reported having been the victim of a crime during the three years, 91 percent of which was violent. Having more severe clinical symptoms and more substance use at baseline were significant predictors of victimization. CONCLUSIONS Individuals in this sample were at least 14 times more likely to be victims of a violent crime than to be arrested for one. In general, the risk associated with being in the community was higher than the risk these individuals posed to the community
Prediction of Ease of Laryngoscopy and Intubation-Role of Upper Lip Bite Test, Modified Mallampati Classification, and Thyromental Distance in Various Combination

Background: The incidence of difficult intubation in patients undergoing general anaesthesia is estimated to be approximately 1-18% whereas that of failure to intubate is 0.05-0.35%. 1,2,3 Various methods have been used for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy. Although, upper lip bite has been shown to be a promising test in its introductory article, repeated validation in various populations is required for any test to be accepted as a routine test. We have compared upper lip bite test (ULBT), modified Mallampati test (MMC) and thyromental distance (TMD) individually and in various combinations to verify which of these predictor tests are significantly associated with difficult glottic exposure. Methods: After obtaining institutional ethics committee approval, 402 ASA I and II adult patients undergoing elective surgical procedures requiring endotracheal intubation were included. All the three test were performed in all the patients preoperatively and their glottic exposure was recorded by Cormack-Lehane classification during intubation. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were used for comparison. Results: In our study, the incidence of difficult laryngoscopy was 11.4% and failure to intubate 0.49%. None of the three are a suitable predictive test when used alone. Combination of tests added incremental diagnostic value. Conclusion: We conclude that all three screening tests for difficult intubation have only poor to moderate discriminative power when used alone. Combinations of individual tests add some incremental diagnostic value.
Subduction Zones Interaction Around the Adria Microplate and the Origin of the Apenninic Arc

The study of slab‐slab interactions has come to the front of geodynamics researches to explain geological and geophysical observations from tectonically complex areas. Here we aim to better understand the geodynamics of the Central Mediterranean, where the Adria plate subducts on its two opposite sides. Additionally, the slab below the Central South Apennines has been progressively breaking off during the last 3 Myr. The role of a slab window in a single slab or in an outward dipping double‐sided subduction system is addressed by analog models at the scale of the upper mantle, realized using glucose syrup and silicone putty, to model the interaction between the Earth's mantle and the lithosphere. Our results show that the presence of a slab window modifies the pattern of mantle circulation, as well as the trench geometry and kinematics. In particular, the opening of the slab window induces the formation of two arcs flanking the window, while the mantle flows through it and turns toward the arcs, creating a small‐scale toroidal flow. The effect of a slab window is more pronounced on double subduction systems, as the outflow through the window is amplified, while internal deformation is induced in the plate by the opposite slab pull force. These experimental results suggest that the origin of the Apenninic and the Calabrian arcs is the result of the formation of a slab window, providing a new interpretation of the surface deformation and the SKS shear wave splitting pattern of the Adria microplate.
C‐reactive protein contributes to the hypercoagulable state in coronary artery disease

Summary. Objectives: Elevated plasma C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels predict coronary events, but it is unclear whether CRP plays a role in thrombosis associated with these events. We investigated tissue factor (TF) induction by CRP on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients with coronary disease. Patients and Methods: PBMC from 35 patients with stable angina (SA) in study 1, 10 male patients with SA, 10 with unstable angina (UA) and 10 matched controls in study 2, and 25 patients with inflammatory disorders (ID) and 24 normal controls in study 3 were stimulated with CRP, interferon‐γ (IFN) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS), or their combination. PBMC from additional normal donors were also stimulated with CRP in adherent and non‐adherent conditions, and TF activity, antigen and mRNA expression detected. Results: CRP (5–25 μg mL−1) dose dependently induced more TF on PBMC from SA patients than 42 contemporary controls (P = 0.001, study 1). Compared with controls, patients with SA or UA had higher basal, and much higher CRP‐ or CRP/LPS‐induced monocyte TF activity although serum CRP levels were similar (study 2). IFN induced monocyte TF activity in patients with angina, but not in controls. Basal or CRP‐induced TF levels did not differ between controls and ID, even though ID patients had much higher serum CRP levels (study 3). CRP‐induced monocyte TF activity correlated with serum CRP levels in controls (P = 0.005) and ID (P = 0.007) in study 3, but not in patients with angina (P =0.84) in study 2. CRP induced more TF activity, protein and mRNA under adherent than non‐adherent conditions implying that it may mainly target macrophages in lymphocyte‐rich lesions. Conclusions: Our results indicate that monocytes from patients with angina are preactivated and express TF but CRP is unlikely to be a major priming factor in vivo. IFN and CRP further increase TF levels that may contribute to the hypercoagulable state in coronary disease.
Risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C

Purpose To evaluate the risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy with mitomycin C (MMC). Materials and methods We retrospectively evaluated 420 patients (420 eyes) with glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy with MMC between June 1, 2005 and December 31, 2010 at Kumamoto University Hospital, Japan. Choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy was defined as a solid-appearing elevation of the retina and choroid. Logistic multivariable analysis was applied to determine the risk factors for choroidal detachment. The following factors were assessed: gender, age, subtypes of glaucoma, eye laterality, history of previous cataract surgery, preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP; mean of three Goldmann applanation readings recorded on different days), postoperative IOP (mean of seven Goldmann applanation readings recorded on 7 consecutive days after trabeculectomy), and postoperative laser suture lysis. Results Of the 420 patients, 79 (18.8%) revealed choroidal detachments. The mean period between trabeculectomy and choroidal detachment was 6.1 ± 3.6 days. The mean IOP at the time of the choroidal detachment was 5.5 ± 3.6 mmHg. Age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.028/year, P = 0.0068) and postoperative IOP (OR = 0.887/mmHg, P < 0.0001) were risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy. The subgroup analysis for eyes with open angle glaucoma (201 patients) revealed that age (OR = 1.060/year, P = 0.0040) and postoperative IOP (OR = 0.898/mmHg, P = 0.0110) were significant risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy with MMC. Conclusion Among glaucoma patients, older age and lower postoperative IOP are risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy with MMC. In eyes with open angle glaucoma, older age and lower postoperative IOP are risk factors for choroidal detachment after trabeculectomy with MMC.
Student Stress : A Predictor of Eating Disoder Precursor Behaviors

Eating disorders are compulsive behaviors that can consume a person’s life to the point of becoming life threatening. Previous research found stress associated with eating disorders. College can be a stressful time. If stress predicted precursor behaviors to eating disorders, then counselors would have a better chance to help students sooner. This study focused on stress and three precursors of eating disorders, Drive for Thinness, Body Dissatisfaction, and Bulimia symptoms. Regression analysis of 362 college students’ responses to a 96 item compiled, electronic survey found that age, gender, and stress did predict the precursor variables. Implications for college counselors are discussed. An eating disorder (ED) is a compulsive behavior that consumes all aspects of a person’s life (Johnstone & Rickard, 2006). According to the American Psychological Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV), eating disorders are separated into three categories: anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and a binge eating disorder (BED). The National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA, 2006) describes anorexia as a self starvation technique to lose weight due to an individual’s distorted perception of his/her body image. Individuals with anorexia have an obsessive desire to be severely thin, regardless of their current image (Halvorsen & Heyerdahl, 2006). Bulimia involves consuming large amounts of foods in a short amount of time, then getting rid of the calories by purging or using laxatives (NEDA, 2006). Individuals with bulimia struggle to maintain their weight and fail to control their eating habits, allowing food to overpower their own self-control (Zalta & Keel, 2006). Binge eating is characterized as secretive cycles of overeating without purging (Stein et al., 2007). All eating disorders are serious and can be considered in the extremes as life threatening diseases that are more common in society than most people realize (NEDA, 2006). In the following sections, prevalence rates, associated health problems and predictors that may contribute to the development of an ED are discussed.
Recovery from Cardiac Bypass and Elective Cardiac Arrest: The Metabolic Consequences of Various Cardioplegic Procedures in the Isolated Rat Heart

Isolated perfused working rat hearts were subjected to elective cardiac arrest for 20 or 30 minutes. Various methods of arrest, either singly or in combination and with or without coronary perfusion, were studied. The functional recovery of the heart following the termination of arrest was related to the concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate in the myocardium at the end of the period of arrest. In turn, these concentrations depended on the method used to induce arrest. Normothermic ischemic arrest or electrical fibrillation led to a marked reduction in high-energy phosphates and a poor functional recovery. In contrast, coronary perfusion with hypothermic solutions or solutions containing high concentrations of potassium induced arrest without depleting ATP or creatine phosphate. These procedures conferred considerable protection on the myocardium and thus permitted good recovery. The energy status and the recovery associated with ischemic arrest were improved by combining the ischemia with potassium-induced arrest, intermittent coronary perfusion, or hypothermia. In the latter instance, a time- and temperature-dependent relationship was demonstrated. The results stress the importance of maintaining ATP and creatine phosphate levels during arrest; such maintenance requires the provision of a continuous supply of oxygen and nutrient, which may perhaps be best achieved by ensuring continuous and adequate coronary perfusion.
Household energy choices and fuelwood consumption: an econometric approach to the french data

This study proposes an econometric analysis of household fuelwood demand in France. The choice concerning the energy used for heating is modeled, stressing the combination between one type of energy used as a main source and another one used as a back-up. This endogenous decision has an impact on fuelwood consumption and is taken into account to avoid biased estimates of price and income elasticities. The results show that the choice of energy mix is determined by the income and the socio-economic characteristics of households, and that fuelwood consumption is price-sensitive in the case where wood is the main source of energy.
Paricalcitol Enhances the Chemopreventive Efficacy of 5-Fluorouracil on an Intermediate-Term Model of Azoxymethane-Induced Colorectal Tumors in Rats

Colorectal cancer is a common cancer with high mortality rate. Despite being the standard anti–colorectal cancer drug, 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) exhibits only limited therapeutic benefits. Herein, we investigated whether paricalcitol, a synthetic vitamin D analogue with potential antitumor properties, would enhance the chemopreventive efficacy of 5-FU on an intermediate-term (15 weeks) model of colorectal tumors induced by azoxymethane (AOM) in rats. After AOM injection, 5-FU was administered during the 9th and 10th weeks (12 mg/kg/day for 4 days, then 6 mg/kg every other day for another 4 doses), whereas paricalcitol (2.5 μg/kg/day; 3 days/week) was given from the 7th to the 15th week. At week 15, the animals were euthanized and their resected colons were examined macroscopically and microscopically. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure the transcription activities of Wnt, β-catenin, DKK-1, CDNK-1A, NF-κB, and COX-2 genes, and ELISA was used to quantify the protein levels of β-catenin, COX-2, HSP90, and VEGF. IHC was additionally used to measure β-catenin, HSP90, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Compared with their individual therapy, combination of 5-FU and paricalcitol showed more significant reducing effect on numbers of grown tumors and large aberrant crypts foci. Mechanistically, paricalcitol and 5-FU had cooperated together to repress the expression of procancerous Wnt, β-catenin, NF-κB, COX-2, iNOS, VEGF, and HSP-90 more, and to upregulate the expression of antitumorigenesis DKK-1 and CDNK-1A, compared with their monotherapies. Our findings suggest that combined use of paricalcitol with 5-FU exhibits an augmenting chemopreventive effect against colorectal tumors, and might potentially be useful for chemoprevention in colorectal cancer patients. Cancer Prev Res; 9(6); 491–501. ©2016 AACR.
Mechanisms of the Hepatic Acute-Phase Response during Bacterial Pneumonia

ABSTRACT The acute-phase response is characterized by increased circulating levels of acute-phase proteins (APPs) generated by the liver. During bacterial pneumonia, APPs correlate with the severity of disease, serve as biomarkers, and are functionally significant. The kinetics and regulatory mechanisms of APP induction in the liver during lung infection have yet to be defined. Here we show that APP mRNA transcription is induced in the livers of mice whose lungs are infected with either Escherichia coli or Streptococcus pneumoniae, and that in both cases this induction occurs in tandem with activation in the liver of the transcription factors signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and NF-κB RelA. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) deficiency inhibited the activation of STAT3 and the induction of select APPs in the livers of pneumonic mice. Furthermore, liver RelA activation and APP induction were reduced for mice lacking all signaling receptors for tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-1. In a murine hepatocyte cell line, knockdown of either STAT3 or RelA by small interfering RNA inhibited cytokine induction of the APP serum amyloid A-1, demonstrating that both transcription factors were independently essential for the expression of this gene. These data suggest that during pneumonia caused by gram-negative or gram-positive bacteria, the expression of APPs in the liver depends on STAT3 activation by IL-6 and on RelA activation by early-response cytokines. These signaling axes may be critical for integrating systemic responses to local infection, balancing antibacterial host defenses and inflammatory injury during acute bacterial pneumonia.
CeNDR, the Caenorhabditis elegans natural diversity resource

Studies in model organisms have yielded considerable insights into the etiology of disease and our understanding of evolutionary processes. Caenorhabditis elegans is among the most powerful model organisms used to understand biology. However, C. elegans is not used as extensively as other model organisms to investigate how natural variation shapes traits, especially through the use of genome-wide association (GWA) analyses. Here, we introduce a new platform, the C. elegans Natural Diversity Resource (CeNDR) to enable statistical genetics and genomics studies of C. elegans and to connect the results to human disease. CeNDR provides the research community with wild strains, genome-wide sequence and variant data for every strain, and a GWA mapping portal for studying natural variation in C. elegans. Additionally, researchers outside of the C. elegans community can benefit from public mappings and integrated tools for comparative analyses. CeNDR uses several databases that are continually updated through the addition of new strains, sequencing data, and association mapping results. The CeNDR data are accessible through a freely available web portal located at http://www.elegansvariation. org or through an application programming interface.
Online multicamera tracking with a switching state-space model

The paper presents a novel method for online tracking of multiple objects with non-overlapping cameras. The method is based on a generative model defining probabilistic dependencies between observations, the underlying color properties of objects and their dynamics. It allows for a full Bayesian inference of trajectories. We developed an online algorithm for efficient, approximate inference and we demonstrate it to be accurate in an office environment.