Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Segmentation and disfluency removal for conversational speech translation

In this paper we focus on the effect of on-line speech segmentation and disfluency removal methods on conversational speech translation. In a real-time conversational speech to speech translation system, on-line segmentation of speech is required to avoid latency beyond few seconds. While sentential unit segmentation and disfluency removal have been heavily studied mainly for off-line speech processing, to the best of our knowledge, the combined effect of these tasks on conversational speech translation has not been investigated. Furthermore, optimization of performance given maximum allowable system latency to enable a conversation is a newer problem for these tasks. We show that the conventional assumption of doing segmentation followed by disfluency removal is not the best practice. We propose a new approach to do simple-disfluency removal followed by segmentation and then by complex-disfluency removal. The proposed approach shows a significant gain on translation performance of up to 3 Bleu points with only 6 second latency to look ahead, using state-ofthe art machine translation and speech recognition systems. Index Terms: speech translation, disfluency removal, segmentation, sentence units, speech processing
Acts of Kindness Reduce Depression in Individuals Low on Agreeableness

Low Agreeableness is a personality dimension involving hostility, antagonistic behaviors, and the propensity for conflict. Within the repertoire of positive psychology interventions, the practice of compassion may be a particularly redemptive for these individuals given their deficits in this domain. Helping has previously been found to boosts momentary positive affect in nonaltruists (Conway, Rogelberg, & Pitts, 2009). Consequently, we hypothesized that individuals low on trait Agreeableness would report greater benefits from compassion interventions, including reductions in depression and increases in life satisfaction. Two compassion exercises were investigated: (a) a loving-kindness meditation (LKM) exercise, and (b) an acts of kindness exercise. These were compared with a control condition involving the journaling of interpersonal relationships. Participants were drawn from an international sample (N = 648) and were randomly assigned to one of the 3 conditions. All groups completed their exercise online every other day for 3 weeks. Trait Agreeableness was assessed at baseline with the Big Five Inventory (John & Srivastava, 1999). Measures of depression and life satisfaction were administered at baseline, at posttest, and 1 and 2 months later at follow-up assessments. Findings showed that participants in both experimental conditions (LKM and Acts of Kindness) reported significant reductions in depression at posttest compared with those in the control condition. Personality also interacted with exercise condition such that those low on Agreeableness doing acts of kindness reported the greatest reductions in depression, and increases in life satisfaction at 2 months, compared with those in the LKM and control conditions.
Capital Reallocation and Liquidity with Search Frictions

an environment where both investment and asset liquidity are determined endogenously. This provides a natural framework to analyze the interaction between capital reallocation and liquidity in response to aggregate shocks, which I assess quantitatively. The search model of capital reallocation exhibits strong internal propagation, and can generate substantial changes in factor utilization following aggregate shocks.
Noninvasive imaging of cell proliferation following mitogenic extracellular kinase inhibition by PD0325901

The mitogenic extracellular kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) inhibitor, PD0325901, has potent activity in a number of cancer cell types in vitro. In SKMEL-28 human melanoma cells (BRAF mutant), the drug rapidly decreased phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, cyclin D1, and thymidine kinase 1 protein levels. We investigated if 3′-deoxy-3′-[18F]fluorothymidine-positron emission tomography ([18F]FLT-PET) could be used to image changes in cell proliferation following MEK1/2 inhibition in vivo. Mice bearing SKMEL-28 and human colon cancer HCT116 (K-RAS mutant) xenografts were treated daily with PD0325901 at 25 mg/kg and imaged by dynamic [18F]FLT-PET after 1 and 10 days of initiating treatment. The drug decreased tumor [18F]FLT uptake after 1 and 10 days of treatment compared with control animals. The normalized (maximal) [18F]FLT uptake in SKMEL-28 xenografts (at 60 minutes; NUVmax) after 1 day of vehicle or PD0325901 therapy was 1.81 ± 0.18 versus 1.23 ± 0.10, respectively (P = 0.03). In this model, NUVmax after 10 days was 2.07 ± 0.40 versus 1.08 ± 0.14, respectively (P = 0.03). The corresponding values for HCT116 tumors were 2.30 ± 0.84 versus 1.88 ± 0.36 (P = 0.045) after 1 day, and 1.97 ± 0.13 versus 1.00 ± 0.03 (P = 0.03) after 10 days. Similar changes were found for other [18F]FLT retention variables. The drug decreased phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, cyclin D1, and thymidine kinase 1 protein. Tumor [18F]FLT-PET variables correlated with proliferation as measured by Ki67 labeling index (r ≥ 0.6; P ≥ 0.003). In summary, [18F]FLT-PET is a sensitive imaging biomarker for detecting the antiproliferative effect of MEK1/2 inhibition by PD0325901. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(9):3112–21]
Development of an isoform-specific gene suppression system: the study of the human Pax-5B transcriptional element

The transcription factor Pax-5, is vital during B lymphocyte differentiation and is known to contribute to the oncogenesis of certain cancers. The Pax-5 locus generates multiple yet structurally related mRNA transcripts through the specific activation of alternative promoter regions and/or alternative splicing events which poses challenges in the study of specific isoform function. In this study, we investigated the function of a major Pax-5 transcript, Pax-5B using an enhanced version of the Hepatitis Delta Virus ribozyme (HDV Rz) suppression system that is specifically designed to recognize and cleave the human Pax-5B mRNA. The activity of these ribozymes resulted in the specific suppression of the Pax-5B transcripts without altering the transcript levels of other closely related Pax-5 isoforms mRNAs both in vitro and in an intracellular setting. Following stable transfection of the ribozymes into a model B cell line (REH), we showed that Pax-5B suppression led to an increase of CD19 mRNA and cell surface protein expression. In response to this Pax-5B specific deregulation, a marked increase in apoptotic activity compared to control cell lines was observed. These results suggest that Pax-5B has distinct roles in physiological processes in cell fate events during lymphocyte development.
A content-adaptive image enlargement scheme based on iterative back-projection

In this paper, we propose an adaptive image enlargement scheme based on iterative back-projection. Initial estimates of each enlarged image can be individually created from the spatial and temporal domains by using sub-pixel interpolation and sub-pixel motion estimation. Then, based on the initial estimates and image content, reconstructed images are derived by using a modified iterative back-projection technique and fused into an enlarged image. Finally, a low-pass filter as a post-processing is applied to reduce the blocking artifacts in the reconstructed high-resolution images. Our experiment results demonstrate that, in terms of PSNR and NQM, the proposed scheme is superior to existing methods.
Pharmacogenetic Influence of LOC387715/HTRA1 on the Efficacy of Bevacizumab Treatment for Age-Related Macular Degeneration in a Korean Population

Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the pharmacogenetic effects of complement factor H (CFH) Y402H, LOC387715 and high-temperature requirement factor A1 (HTRA1) genotypes on the treatment of exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) by intravitreal bevacizumab injection in a Korean population. Methods Seventy-five patients diagnosed with exudative AMD were treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (2.5 mg) monotherapy. All patients received three initial intravitreal bevacizumab injections every four weeks and were then treated "as needed" based on clinical findings, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography during the 12 month follow-up period after the third injection. Results The difference in visual acuity improvement among the three genotypes of LOC387715 were statistically significant at six months post-treatment (logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution; TT, 0.346; GT, 0.264; GG, 0.188; p = 0.037). Among the LOC387715 genotypes, the number of additional injections was lower in patients who had the risk T allele (GG, 2.143; GT, 2.000; TT, 1.575; p = 0.064). There was no significant difference between visual acuity and central macular thickness change in the CFH Y402H polymorphism group during the 12 month follow-up period. However, the TC group of CFH Y402H required more additional bevacizumab injections than the TT group (TT, 1.517; TC, 3.363; p = 0.020). Conclusions This study demonstrated that different LOC387715/HTRA1 genotypes resulted in different bevacizumab treatment responses on exudative AMD. Patients with the risk allele had an improved treatment response and less need for additional injections. However, patients with the CFH Y402H risk allele needed more additional injections of bevacizumab in order to improve visual acuity. This study illustrates how pharmacogenetic factors may help determine treatment modality and dosing. This could ultimately provide basic data for 'personalized medicine' in AMD.
Development, validation, and application of thermal modeling for a MCM power package

This paper addresses the differences in thermal characterization and modeling for a multi-chip package with respect to a single-chip package. Since no thermal measurement system is commercially available to power more than one device during the test, the thermal model can be validated only with a single-heat source. Wires, which are used to connect the package under the test to the measurement system, should be included in the thermal model to account for the heat sinking effect. The modeling results from the validated thermal model showed that the thermal behavior of a multi-chip package with a single heat-source does not truly represent the behavior in the operating mode. The thermal resistance difference between the measured one from heating a single device and that with three powered simultaneously might be as large as 100%. It is pointed out that the commonly adopted linear superposition method, which can be applied to thermal resistance characterization and measurement of components with multiple, independent heat sources within a package, might result in significant errors in a natural convection condition. A modified superposition method was developed in this paper, and has proved to be accurate in estimating the junction temperatures for a multi-chip module (MCM).
Overexpression of the Pdx-1 Homeodomain Transcription Factor Impairs Glucose Metabolism in Cultured Rat Hepatocytes

The Pdx-1 transcription factor plays crucial functions both during pancreas development and in the adult β cells. Previous studies have indicated that ectopic Pdx-1 expression in liver or intestinal primary and immortalized cells is sufficient to promote activation of insulin gene expression. This work is focused on the molecular and physiological consequences of Pdx-1 overexpression in liver cells. We present evidence that Pdx-1 affects the level of expression of one of the four mammalian hexokinase isozymes. These are glucose phosphorylating enzymes involved in essential cellular functions such as glucose sensing, metabolic energy production and apoptosis. Specifically, our data show that over-expression of Pdx-1 in cultured hepatocytes is able to repress the expression of hexokinase 2 (Hxk 2) and the phenomenon is mediated via binding of Pdx-1 to a specific sequence on the Hxk 2 gene promoter. As a consequence, liver cells over-expressing Pdx-1 present interesting alterations concerning glucose metabolism.
Early decrease of serum Clara cell protein in silica-exposed workers.

Clara cell protein (CC16) is a 16 kDa protein secreted by nonciliated cells of the tracheobronchial tree; it has recently been proposed as a peripheral marker of respiratory epithelial injury. The concentration of CC16 was measured in the serum and, when available, in the sputum of 86 miners exposed to silica and of 86 control subjects matched for age, body mass index and smoking status (26 lifelong nonsmokers and 60 current smokers in both groups). Workers were exposed to silica-rich dust in a quarry for 15.2 months on average. No difference between exposed and control workers could be detected with regard to respiratory symptoms, chest radiographs or lung function tests. By contrast, the concentration of CC16 in serum was decreased in silica-exposed workers (geometric mean 12.3 micrograms.l-1) compared to controls (16.3 micrograms.l-1). The decrease was found both in lifelong nonsmokers (14.7 vs 21.9) and current smokers (11.3 vs 14.5). In the latter, tobacco smoking caused a decrease of serum CC16 that was additional to that associated with silica exposure. The determination of CC16 in sputum samples, judged to be reliable on the basis of the CC16/alpha-amylase concentration ratio (mostly from smokers), also revealed a reduction of CC16 following silica exposure (46.2 vs 106 mg.l-1). We conclude that alterations in the serum concentrations of CC16 probably reflect very early toxic effects of silica particles on the respiratory epithelium. This reinforces the view that serum CC16 is a sensitive marker, which might improve our ability to detect exposure to chemicals potentially harmful to the respiratory tract.
Left atrial function and remodelling in aortic stenosis.

AIMS The present study sought to determine the relationship between left atrial (LA) volume (structural changes) and LA function as assessed by strain rate imaging in patients with aortic stenosis (AS). METHODS AND RESULTS The study consisted of a total of 64 consecutive patients with severe AS (<1 cm²) and 20 healthy control subjects. The phasic LA volumes and function (tissue Doppler-derived strain) were assessed in all patients. As compared with healthy controls, all strain-derived parameters of LA function were reduced in patients with AS. Conversely, only indexed LA passive volume (increased) (7.6 ± 3.8 vs. 10.5 ± 5.1 ml/m², P= 0.02) and LA active fraction (decreased) (43 ± 6.7 vs. 31 ± 13.3%, P< 0.001) (volume-based parameters) were significantly different between AS and controls. In AS, LA volume-derived function parameters were poorly correlated with LA strain parameters. In fact, by multivariable analysis, no LA phasic strain parameters emerged as independently associated with LA phasic volume parameters. CONCLUSIONS In AS, changes in LA function did not parallel changes in LA size. Furthermore, the increase in LA volume does not necessarily reflect the presence of intrinsic LA dysfunction.
An Empirical Study on the Decoupling Movements between Corporate Bond and CDS Spreads

Applied to the European markets, this paper analyzes the price of credit risk on the Credit Default Swap (CDS) and corporate bond markets by comparing the sensitivity of the credit spreads on each market to systematic, idiosyncratic risk factors and liquidity. Our analysis confirms the existence of a long-run relationship between the two markets, and the tendency for CDS markets to lead corporate bond markets in terms of price discovery. We find that the outbreak of the financial turmoil in the summer of 2007 induced a substantial increase in risk aversion and a shift in the pricing of credit risk, with CDS markets becoming more sensitive to systematic risk while cash bond markets priced in more information about liquidity and idiosyncratic risk. Moreover, the financial turbulence also brought about a systematic disconnection between the two markets caused by the significant change in the lead-lag relationship, with CDS markets always leading the cash bond markets. JEL Classification: G12, G14, G15
Astrometric Methods and Instrumentation to Identify and Characterize Extrasolar Planets: A Review

I present a review of astrometric techniques and instrumentation used to search for, detect, and characterize extrasolar planets. First, I briefly summarize the properties of the current sample of extrasolar planets, in connection with predictions from theoretical models of planet formation and evolution. Next, the generic approach to planet detection with astrometry is described, with significant discussion of a variety of technical, statistical, and astrophysical issues to be faced by future ground‐based and space‐borne efforts in order to achieve the required degree of measurement precision. After a brief summary of past and present efforts to detect planets via milliarcsecond astrometry, I then discuss the planet‐finding capabilities of future astrometric observatories aiming at microarcsecond precision. Finally, I outline a number of experiments that can be conducted by means of high‐precision astrometry during the next decade, to illustrate its potential for important contributions to planetary science, compared to other indirect and direct methods for the detection and characterization of planetary systems.
Evolution of pre-service teachers’ attitudes towards learning science during an introductory science unit

ABSTRACT Primary teachers, despite their critical role in fostering student interest in science, lack confidence and have negative attitudes towards teaching science, with this trend starting during initial teacher education. Though research on attitudes towards teaching science is well established, less is known about attitudes towards learning science. In order to advance our understanding in this area, this study mapped the entry and evolution of attitudinal profiles towards learning science of 108 primary education pre-service teachers undertaking a first-year science unit. Participants completed an online survey tapping on self-determination, grade motivation, self-efficacy, difficulty, interest, anxiety and enjoyment in science before the commencement of the unit (T1) and at the end of it (T2). Clustering methods were used to group participants into homogenous attitudinal profiles at both points in time. Subsequently, daughter profile analysis was used to examine qualitative changes in final profiles respective to entry. Four distinct attitudinal profiles were identified with 47% of the participants exhibiting the least favourable profiles at the start of the science unit. Migration (T1 to T2) was more prevalent from the least to the most favourable profiles, however, it did occur in the opposite direction. Findings revealed that, though pre-service teachers increased their confidence in their ability to learn science, their self-determination decreased in all but one of the eight resulting daughter profiles.
Separating the Brain Regions Involved in Recollection and Familiarity in Recognition Memory

The neural substrates of recognition memory retrieval were examined in a functional magnetic resonance imaging study designed to separate activity related to recollection from that related to continuous variations in familiarity. Across a variety of brain regions, the neural signature of recollection was found to be distinct from familiarity, demonstrating that recollection cannot be attributed to familiarity strength. In the prefrontal cortex, an anterior medial region was related to recollection, but lateral regions, including the anterior and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, were related to familiarity. Along the lateral parietal cortex, two functionally distinct regions were also observed: a lateral parietal/temporal region related to recollection and a more superior parietal region involved in familiarity. Similarly, in medial parietal regions, the posterior cingulate was related to recollection, whereas the precuneus was related to familiarity. The hippocampus was related to recollection, but also exhibited an inverse relationship to familiarity-driven recognition confidence. The results indicate that recollection and familiarity rely on different networks of brain regions and provide insights into the functional roles of different regions involved in episodic recognition memory.
Algorithms for quantum computation: discrete logarithms and factoring

A computer is generally considered to be a universal computational device; i.e., it is believed able to simulate any physical computational device with a cost in computation time of at most a polynomial factor: It is not clear whether this is still true when quantum mechanics is taken into consideration. Several researchers, starting with David Deutsch, have developed models for quantum mechanical computers and have investigated their computational properties. This paper gives Las Vegas algorithms for finding discrete logarithms and factoring integers on a quantum computer that take a number of steps which is polynomial in the input size, e.g., the number of digits of the integer to be factored. These two problems are generally considered hard on a classical computer and have been used as the basis of several proposed cryptosystems. We thus give the first examples of quantum cryptanalysis. <<ETX>>
The antimicrobial activities of Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts to acne-developing organisms.

This study aims to present the in vitro inhibitory effect of Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts on the main developer of acne lesions, Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes), and other organisms that are isolated from acne lesions. Thirty-eight subjects (males and females) who had various types of acne were enrolled in the study. The contents of the acne lesions were cultured and the frequency of P. acnes (alone and with Staphylococci spp.) was 47%, whereas the frequencies for Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis were 13% and 24%, respectively. The antimicrobial activities of Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts, determined by disk diffusion method (zone of inhibition), were compared to tea tree oil (TTO), doxycycline and clindamycin antibiotics. The zones of inhibition due to the Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts ranged from 15.8-17.6 mm against P. acnes, 11.3-15.7 mm against S. aureus and 12.9-15.5 mm against S. epidermidis, respectively. These zones of inhibition were significantly higher than those of TTO and equivalent in case of Staphylococci spp. , but less in case of P. acnes, to those obtained from doxycycline or clindamycin. It can be concluded that Psidium guajava and Juglans regia leaf extracts may be beneficial in treating acne especially when they are known to have anti-inflammatory activities.