Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prosodic Variation in Southern British English

A neglected aspect of intonation research has been the nature and extent of variability in the use of prosodic features within a speech community.Crossspeaker variability in intonation was investigated through analysis of data collected from 90 adult speakers of English from London, England, using a new prosodic test battery (PEPS). PEPS is designed to elicit information about how speakers use prosodic features to realize different types of linguistic and communicative function in their own speech, and also how they perceive and interpret these features. Although there were no significant effects of gender or age in isolation on prosodic performance, there was a small effect of educational level among younger adults. Despite this group homogeneity,qualitative analysis of data from two of the production tasks showed considerable variation across participants in their use of prosodic features,suggesting that speakers'realization of communicative functions through prosody is more variable than has hither to been assumed.
Immune Control of Legionella Infection: An in vivo Perspective

Legionella pneumophila is an intracellular pathogen that replicates within alveolar macrophages. Through its ability to activate multiple host innate immune components, L. pneumophila has emerged as a useful tool to dissect inflammatory signaling pathways in macrophages. However the resolution of L. pneumophila infection in the lung requires multiple cell types and abundant cross talk between immune cells. Few studies have examined the coordination of events that lead to effective immune control of the pathogen. Here we discuss L. pneumophila interactions with macrophages and dendritic cell subsets and highlight the paucity of knowledge around how these interactions recruit and activate other immune effector cells in the lung.
Exponential improvement in precision for simulating sparse Hamiltonians

We provide a quantum algorithm for simulating the dynamics of sparse Hamiltonians with complexity sublogarithmic in the inverse error, an exponential improvement over previous methods. Specifically, we show that a d-sparse Hamiltonian H on n qubits can be simulated for time t with precision ε using O(τlog(τ/ε)/log log(τ/ε)) queries and O(τnlog2(τ/ε)/log log(τ/ε)) additional 2-qubit gates, where τ=d2||H||maxt. Unlike previous approaches based on product formulas, the query complexity is independent of the number of qubits acted on, and for time-varying Hamiltonians, the gate complexity is logarithmic in the norm of the derivative of the Hamiltonian. Our algorithm is based on a significantly improved simulation of the continuous- and fractional-query models using discrete quantum queries, showing that the former models are not much more powerful than the discrete model even for very small error. We also significantly simplify the analysis of this conversion, avoiding the need for a complex fault correction procedure. Our simplification relies on a new form of "oblivious amplitude amplification" that can be applied even though the reflection about the input state is unavailable. Finally, we prove new lower bounds showing that our algorithms are optimal as a function of the error.
Egg Yolk Carotenoids in Relation to Habitat and Reproductive Investment in the Great Tit Parus major

Maternal allocation of antioxidants to egg yolk has been shown to affect early embryonic development and nestling survival. In environments with high levels of anthropogenic pollution, antioxidants (such as carotenoids) are important to protect the body from elevated oxidative stress. Thus, female allocation of antioxidants to yolk may be traded off against self‐maintenance. Here we investigate maternal reproductive investment with respect to yolk carotenoid content and composition in relation to subsequent female condition and carotenoid status in urban and rural great tits Parus major. We found no differences between the urban and rural populations in total yolk carotenoids, egg mass, clutch size, hatching success, or female carotenoid status. Interestingly, however, rural eggs contained more zeaxanthin, a more potent antioxidant than lutein, which suggests that rural embryos have better antioxidant protection than urban embryos. Whether rural females actively transfer more zeaxanthin to the yolk or whether it passively reflects differences in dietary access or uptake needs to be further investigated. This highlights the importance of carotenoid identity and composition in future studies of carotenoid physiology, ecology, and signaling.
Model Predictive Direct Power Control for grid-connected converters

This paper presents a Model Predictive Direct Power Control (MPDPC) scheme for the control of three-phase grid-connected Voltage Source Converters (VSCs). MPDPC builds on the well-known Direct Power Control (DPC) scheme by utilising a state-space model of the system to predict the future behaviour of the system. MPDPC achieves optimal performance by minimising the switching losses or switching frequency of the converter while regulating the output real and reactive powers. The scheme presented here utilises the Virtual Flux (VF) estimation technique which enables accurate estimation of the output real and reactive power without the use of line-voltage sensors. Through simulation, it is shown that at a fixed level of current distortion, MPDPC is capable of outperforming Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) in terms of switching losses.
Plasma pentraxin 3 in patients with chronic kidney disease: associations with renal function, protein-energy wasting, cardiovascular disease, and mortality.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Plasma protein pentraxin 3 concentrations are elevated in a wide range of diseased states. However, no study has evaluated protein pentraxin 3 in patients with chronic kidney disease. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Plasma protein pentraxin 3 concentrations were analyzed in relation to GFR, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and protein-energy wasting in 71 patients with stages 3 to 4 chronic kidney disease, 276 patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease, and 61 control subjects. Survival (5 yr) in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease was analyzed in relation to protein pentraxin 3 levels. RESULTS Both patient groups with chronic kidney disease had higher protein pentraxin 3 concentrations than control subjects, with the highest concentration in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease. In all patients with chronic kidney disease, protein pentraxin 3 correlated negatively with GFR and positively with inflammatory markers. Patients with protein-energy wasting, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease had higher concentrations of protein pentraxin 3 than their counterparts. Patients with high protein pentraxin 3 levels had higher all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. After adjustment for age, gender, C-reactive protein, and cardiovascular disease, all-cause mortality was still significantly higher in patients with high protein pentraxin 3. Finally, protein pentraxin 3 showed a predictive value of mortality similar to that of IL-6 and better than C-reactive protein. CONCLUSION Plasma protein pentraxin 3 increases as GFR declines and is associated with the presence of cardiovascular disease and protein-energy wasting. Furthermore, in patients with chronic kidney disease, elevated protein pentraxin 3 predicted all-cause mortality.
Update on the use of deferasirox in the management of iron overload

Regular blood transfusions as supportive care for patients with chronic anemia inevitably lead to iron overload as humans cannot actively remove excess iron. The cumulative effects of iron overload cause significant morbidity and mortality if not effectively treated with chelation therapy. Based on a comprehensive clinical development program, the once-daily, oral iron chelator deferasirox (Exjade®) is approved for the treatment of transfusional iron overload in adult and pediatric patients with various transfusion-dependent anemias, including β-thalassemia and the myelodysplastic syndromes. Deferasirox dose should be titrated for each individual patient based on transfusional iron intake, current iron burden and whether the goal is to decrease or maintain body iron levels. Doses of >30 mg/kg/day have been shown to be effective with a safety profile consistent with that observed at doses <30 mg/kg/day. Recent data have highlighted the ability of deferasirox to decrease cardiac iron levels and to prevent the accumulation of iron in the heart. The long-term efficacy and safety of deferasirox for up to 5 years of treatment have now been established. The availability of this effective and generally well tolerated oral therapy represents a significant advance in the management of transfusional iron overload.
High-performance IPv6 forwarding algorithm for multi-core and multithreaded network processor

IP forwarding is one of the main bottlenecks in Internet backbone routers, as it requires performing the longest-prefix match at 10Gbps speed or higher. IPv6 forwarding further exacerbates the situation because its search space is quadrupled. We propose a high-performance IPv6 forwarding algorithm TrieC, and implement it efficiently on the Intel IXP2800 network processor (NPU). Programming the multi-core and multithreaded NPU is a daunting task. We study the interaction between the parallel algorithm design and the architecture mapping to facilitate efficient algorithm implementation. We experiment with an architecture-aware design principle to guarantee the high performance of the resulting algorithm.This paper investigates the main software design issues that have dramatic performance impacts on any NPU based implementation: memory space reduction, instruction selection, data allocation, task partitioning, latency hiding, and thread synchronization. In the paper, we provide insight on how to design an NPU-aware algorithm for high-performance networking applications. Based on the detailed performance analysis of the TrieC algorithm, we provide guidance on developing high-performance networking applications for the multi-core and multithreaded architecture.
AUTOMATIC TESTS for SUPER EXOGENEITY

We develop a new automatically-computable test for super exogeneity, using a variant of general-to-specific modelling. Based on the recent developments in impulse saturation applied to marginal models under the null that no impulses matter, we select the significant impulses for testing in the conditional. The approximate analytical non-centrality of the test is derived for a failure of invariance and for a failure of weak exogeneity when there is a shift in the marginal model. Monte Carlo simulations confirm the nominal significance levels under the null, and power against the two alternatives.
Efficient Proximity Queries for Continuum Robots on Parallel Computing Hardware

Surgical manipulators are increasingly capable of approaching deep-seated pathologies through convoluted pathways due to the advances in the field of continuum robotics. This class of robots can be, in most cases, accurately modeled as a chain of cylindrical shapes. In order to safely and seamlessly telemanipulate these robots, which have complex nonintuitive kinematics, haptic guidance schemes have been developed that rely on accurate proximity queries (PQ) to calculate the distance between the continuum robot and the anatomy. This letter introduces an approach to accurately model the continuum robots using cylindrical-shaped segments with spherical or flat caps and then efficiently calculate the shortest distance to a triangle mesh. Implementations of efficient, analytical narrow phase PQ calculations for simple and complex geometrical primitives suitable for parallel computing hardware are presented together with an experimental validation which show improved performance suitable for real-time robotic applications. An in silico experiment comparing various root-finding algorithms, which are commonly used in PQ calculation or other optimization tasks are compared to assess their suitability when executed on different hardware. The implications of these experimental results are discussed, in particular with regards to the selection of a suitable proximity query algorithm depending on the available parallel computing hardware. Finally, an outlook of future improvements for dense dynamic anatomies is presented.
Grain size‐dependent strength of phyllosilicate‐rich gouges in the shallow crust: Insights from the SAFOD site

The San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) drilling project directly sampled a transitional (between creeping and locked) segment of the San Andreas Fault at 2.7 km depth. At the site, changes in strain rate occur between periods of coseismic slip (>10−7 s−1) and interseismic creep (10−10 s−1) over decadal scales (~30 years). Microstructural observations of core retrieved from the SAFOD site show throughgoing fractures and gouge‐rich cores within the fractures, evidence of predominantly brittle deformation mechanisms. Within the gouge‐rich cores, strong phases show evidence of deformation by pressure solution once the grain size is reduced to a critical effective grain size. Models of pressure solution‐accommodated creep for quartz‐phyllosilicate mixtures indicate that viscous weakening of quartz occurs during the interseismic period once a critical effective grain size of 1 μm is achieved, consistent with microstructural observations. This causes pronounced weakening, as the strength of the mixture is then controlled by the frictional properties of the phyllosilicate phases. These results have pronounced implications for the internal deformation of fault zones in the shallow crust, where at low strain rates, deformation is accommodated by both viscous and brittle deformation mechanisms. As strain rates increase, the critical effective grain size for weakening decreases, localizing deformation into the finest‐grained gouges until deformation can no longer be accommodated by viscous processes and purely brittle failure occurs.
Response Surface Modeling of the Interaction between Propofol and Sevoflurane

Background:Propofol and sevoflurane display additivity for γ-aminobutyric acid receptor activation, loss of consciousness, and tolerance of skin incision. Information about their interaction regarding electroencephalographic suppression is unavailable. This study examined this interaction as well as the interaction on the probability of tolerance of shake and shout and three noxious stimulations by using a response surface methodology. Methods:Sixty patients preoperatively received different combined concentrations of propofol (0–12 &mgr;g/ml) and sevoflurane (0–3.5 vol.%) according to a crisscross design (274 concentration pairs, 3 to 6 per patient). After having reached pseudo-steady state, the authors recorded bispectral index, state and response entropy and the response to shake and shout, tetanic stimulation, laryngeal mask airway insertion, and laryngoscopy. For the analysis of the probability of tolerance by logistic regression, a Greco interaction model was used. For the separate analysis of bispectral index, state and response entropy suppression, a fractional Emax Greco model was used. All calculations were performed with NONMEM V (GloboMax LLC, Hanover, MD). Results:Additivity was found for all endpoints, the Ce50, PROP/Ce50, SEVO for bispectral index suppression was 3.68 &mgr;g · ml−1/ 1.53 vol.%, for tolerance of shake and shout 2.34 &mgr;g · ml−1/ 1.03 vol.%, tetanic stimulation 5.34 &mgr;g · ml−1 / 2.11 vol.%, laryngeal mask airway insertion 5.92 &mgr;g · ml−1 / 2.55 vol.%, and laryngoscopy 6.55 &mgr;g · ml−1/2.83 vol.%. Conclusion:For both electroencephalographic suppression and tolerance to stimulation, the interaction of propofol and sevoflurane was identified as additive. The response surface data can be used for more rational dose finding in case of sequential and coadministration of propofol and sevoflurane.
Improving results of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in first complete remission: an analysis from the Acute Leukemia Working Party of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation

Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation is widely used to treat adults with high-risk acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The aim of this study was to analyze whether the results changed over time and to identify prognostic factors. Adult patients treated between 1993 and 2012 with myeloablative allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation from HLA matched sibling (n=2681) or unrelated (n=2178) donors in first complete remission were included. For transplantations from sibling donors performed between 2008 and 2012, 2-year probabilities of overall survival were: 76% (18–25 years old), 69% (26–35 and 36–45 years old) and 60% (46–55 years old). Among recipients of transplantations from unrelated donors, the respective survival rates were 66%, 70%, 61%, and 62%. In comparison with the 1993–2007 period, significant improvements were observed for all age groups except for the 26–35-year old patients. In a multivariate model, transplantations performed between 2008 and 2012, when compared to 1993–2007, were associated with significantly reduced risks of non-relapse mortality (Hazard Ratio 0.77, P=0.00006), relapse (Hazard Ratio 0.85, P=0.007), treatment failure (Hazard Ratio 0.81, P<0.00001), and overall mortality (Hazard Ratio 0.79, P<0.00001). In the analysis restricted to transplantations performed between 2008 and 2012, the use of total body irradiation-based conditioning was associated with reduced risk of relapse (Hazard Ratio 0.48, P=0.004) and treatment failure (Hazard Ratio 0.63, P=0.02). We conclude that results of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia improved significantly over time. Total body irradiation should be considered as the preferable type of myeloablative conditioning.
L-Type Calcium Channels Mediate Calcium Oscillations in Early Postnatal Purkinje Neurons

Ca2+ signaling is important in many fundamental neuronal processes including neurotransmission, synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, and gene expression. In cerebellar Purkinje neurons, Ca2+ signaling has been studied primarily in the dendritic region where increases in local Ca2+ have been shown to occur with both synaptic events and spontaneous electrical activity involving P-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCCs), the predominant VGCC expressed by Purkinje neurons. Here we show that Ca2+ signaling is also a prominent feature of immature Purkinje neurons at developmental stages that precede expression of dendritic structure and involves L-type rather than P-type VGCCs. Immature Purkinje neurons acutely dissociated from postnatal day 4–7 rat pups exhibit spontaneous cytoplasmic Ca2+ oscillations. The Ca2+oscillations require entry of extracellular Ca2+, are blocked by tetrodotoxin, are communicated to the nucleus, and correlate closely with patterns of endogenously generated spontaneous and evoked electrical activity recorded in the neurons. Immunocytochemistry showed that L-, N-, and P/Q-types of VGCCs are present on the somata of the Purkinje neurons at this age. However, only the L-type VGCC antagonist nimodipine effectively antagonized the Ca2+ oscillations; inhibitors of P/Q and N-type VGCCs were relatively ineffective. Release of Ca2+from intracellular Ca2+ stores significantly amplified the Ca2+ signals of external origin. These results show that a somatic signaling pathway that generates intracellular Ca2+ oscillations and involves L-type VGCCs and intracellular Ca2+ stores plays a prominent role in the Ca2+ dynamics of early developing Purkinje neurons and may play an important role in communicating developmental cues to the nucleus.
Transection of the oesophagus for bleeding oesophageal varices

Emergency ligation of bleeding oesophageal varices using the Milnes Walker technique was performed in 38 patients. Haemorrhage continued or recurred in hospital in 11 patients, all of whom subsequently died. A further 10 patients died in hospital following operation from hepatic failure and a variety of other causes. Five patients were finally considered suitable for elective shunt surgery, but of 12 patients who were discharged without a further operation, only 2 have re‐bled. Although the overall 6‐month survival was 32 per cent, in patients with good preoperative liver function this rose to 71 per cent, and the simple scoring system for grading the severity of disturbance of liver function was found to be of value in predicting the outcome of surgery.
The importance of self-efficacy in cardiovascular risk factor change

Subjects and design: The study was based on the total patient sample (n=110) of a randomized controlled trial comparing two intervention methods advising cardiovascular high-risk men of lifestyle changes in general practice. Behaviour and risk factor changes during the one-year intervention study were analysed using multiple regression and logistic regression analyses with the above-mentioned independent variables. Setting: Twenty-two general practice centres in the county of Hordaland, western Norway. Results: Self-efficacy of increased physical exercise was the only variable significantly related to exercise change. Age and self-efficacy were statistical significant predictors of smoking cessation success. None of the independent variables was statistically significantly related to blood pressure or cholesterol change. Educational level related negatively, although statistically insignificantly, with total risk change. Conclusion: The study confirms the importance of self-efficacy in both human behaviour and motivation for behaviour change. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to explore the impact of possible predictors for cardiovascular risk behaviour change; predictors such as education, age, self-efficacy, doctors' interpersonal skills, and number of appointments.
Achieving accuracy and scalability simultaneously in detecting application clones on Android markets

Besides traditional problems such as potential bugs, (smartphone) application clones on Android markets bring new threats. That is, attackers clone the code from legitimate Android applications, assemble it with malicious code or advertisements, and publish these ``purpose-added" app clones on the same or other markets for benefits. Three inherent and unique characteristics make app clones difficult to detect by existing techniques: a billion opcode problem caused by cross-market publishing, gap between code clones and app clones, and prevalent Type 2 and Type 3 clones. Existing techniques achieve either accuracy or scalability, but not both. To achieve both goals, we use a geometry characteristic, called centroid, of dependency graphs to measure the similarity between methods (code fragments) in two apps. Then we synthesize the method-level similarities and draw a Y/N conclusion on app (core functionality) cloning. The observed ``centroid effect" and the inherent ``monotonicity" property enable our approach to achieve both high accuracy and scalability. We implemented the app clone detection system and evaluated it on five whole Android markets (including 150,145 apps, 203 million methods and 26 billion opcodes). It takes less than one hour to perform cross-market app clone detection on the five markets after generating centroids only once.