Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Explorer End-to-end neural segmental models for speech recognition

Segmental models are an alternative to frame-based models for sequence prediction, where hypothesized path weights are based on entire segment scores rather than a single frame at a time. Neural segmental models are segmental models that use neural network-based weight functions. Neural segmental models have achieved competitive results for speech recognition, and their end-to-end training has been explored in several studies. In this work, we review neural segmental models, which can be viewed as consisting of a neural network-based acoustic encoder and a finite-state transducer decoder. We study end-toend segmental models with different weight functions, including ones based on frame-level neural classifiers and on segmental recurrent neural networks. We study how reducing the search space size impacts performance under different weight functions. We also compare several loss functions for end-to-end training. Finally, we explore training approaches, including multi-stage vs. end-to-end training and multitask training that combines segmental and frame-level losses.
The acute phase response of adult rats is altered by in utero exposure to maternal low protein diets.

The immune system has been previously demonstrated to be under the influence of maternal nutrition in pregnancy. Assessment was made of the effects of low protein diets (12, 9 and 6 g casein/100 g diet) fed before conception and during pregnancy on the immune system of the resulting offspring in early adulthood. Control animals were fed a diet containing 18 g casein/100 g. At the end of pregnancy all dams were fed a nonpurified diet containing 18.3 g protein/100 g. Male pups were weaned onto this diet, which they consumed until the age of 7 wk. Rats exposed to 18 g casein/100 g diet in utero mounted a typical acute phase response following E. coli endotoxin challenge at age 7 wk. Food intake was 75% lower, hepatic zinc concentrations 25% greater, and serum albumin 15% lower than in saline-injected controls. Pulmonary glutathione levels were 35% greater in endotoxin-treated rats than in saline-treated controls. In rats exposed to low protein diets in utero the trend was for the acute phase response to be blunted. This was most noticeable with respect to the anorectic response, hepatic zinc uptake and pulmonary glutathione uptake. In rats not challenged with endotoxin, maternal diet had pronounced effects on tissue zinc status at the age of 7 wk. Liver zinc concentrations were 21% and 16% lower in the groups exposed to 9 and 6 g casein/100 g diets relative to the control group exposed to 18 g casein/100 g diet. Glutathione status was altered in all groups exposed to low dietary protein in utero. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Online formative assessments: exploring their educational value

Introduction: Online formative assessments (OFA’s) have been increasingly recognised in medical education as resources that promote self-directed learning. Formative assessments are used to support the self-directed learning of students. Online formative assessments have been identified to be less time consuming with automated feedback. This pilot study aimed to determine whether participation and performance in online formative assessments (OFA’s) had measurable effects on learning and evaluate the students’ experience of using the OFA’s in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted among fourth year medical students (n=92) during their seven week postings in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Five sets of online formative assessments in the format of one best answers (OBA), Objective structured practical examination (OSPE) and Short answer question (SAQ) with feedback were delivered over five weeks through the online portal. The mean scores of the end of posting summative exam (EOP) of those who participated in the assessments (OFA users) and of those who did not (non-OFA users) were compared, using Students t test. The frequency of tool usage was analysed and satisfaction surveys were utilized at the end of the course by survey questionnaire using the five point Likert scale. Results: The mean scores of the students in end of posting summative examination marks for students who had participated in the online formative assessment (OFA users) and for those who had not (non OFA users) showed no significant difference in all the three components OBA, SAQ and OSPE (p=0.902, 0.633, 0.248). Majority of the students perceived that OFAs fulfilled the stated aims and objectives and so they would persuade their peers to participate in the OFAs. Conclusions: Online formative assessments are perceived as tools that promote self-directed learning, improved knowledge and tailor learning for individual learning needs and style.
Cultural adaptation and validation of an instrument on barriers for the use of research results 1

ABSTRACT Objective: to culturally adapt The Barriers to Research Utilization Scale and to analyze the metric validity and reliability properties of its Brazilian Portuguese version. Method: methodological research conducted by means of the cultural adaptation process (translation and back-translation), face and content validity, construct validity (dimensionality and known groups) and reliability analysis (internal consistency and test-retest). The sample consisted of 335 nurses, of whom 43 participated in the retest phase. Results: the validity of the adapted version of the instrument was confirmed. The scale investigates the barriers for the use of the research results in clinical practice. Confirmatory factorial analysis demonstrated that the Brazilian Portuguese version of the instrument is adequately adjusted to the dimensional structure the scale authors originally proposed. Statistically significant differences were observed among the nurses holding a Master's or Doctoral degree, with characteristics favorable to Evidence-Based Practice, and working at an institution with an organizational cultural that targets this approach. The reliability showed a strong correlation (r ranging between 0.77 and 0.84, p<0.001) and the internal consistency was adequate (Cronbach's alpha ranging between 0.77 and 0.82). Conclusion: the Brazilian Portuguese version of The Barriers Scale was valid and reliable in the group studied.
Significant correlations of plasma homocysteine and serum methylmalonic acid with movement and cognitive performance in elderly subjects but no improvement from short-term vitamin therapy: a placebo-controlled randomized study.

BACKGROUND Deficiencies of vitamin B-12, folic acid, and vitamin B-6-as defined by laboratory measures-occur in 10-20% of elderly subjects. The clinical significance remains unresolved. OBJECTIVE The objective was to explore any association between vitamin status and vitamin treatment and movement and cognitive performance in elderly subjects. DESIGN Community-dwelling subjects (n = 209) with a median age of 76 y were randomly assigned to daily oral treatment with 0.5 mg cyanocobalamin, 0.8 mg folic acid, and 3 mg vitamin B-6 or placebo (double blind) for 4 mo. Movement and cognitive performance tests were performed before and after treatment. RESULTS A high plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) concentration (> or =16 micromol/L) was found in 64% of men and in 45% of women, and a high serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentration (> or =0.34 micromol/L) was found in 11% of both sexes. Movement time, digit symbol, and block design (adjusted for age, sex, smoking, and creatinine) correlated independently with plasma tHcy (P < 0.01, < 0.05, and < 0.01, respectively); the simultaneity index and block design correlated with serum MMA (P < 0.05 for both). Vitamin therapy significantly decreased plasma tHcy (32%) and serum MMA (14%). No improvements were found in the movement or cognitive tests compared with placebo. Neither vitamin therapy nor changes in plasma tHcy, serum MMA, serum vitamin B-12, plasma folate, or whole-blood folate correlated with changes in movement or cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS High plasma tHcy and serum MMA were prevalent and correlated inversely with movement and cognitive performance. Oral B vitamin treatment normalized plasma tHcy and serum MMA concentrations but did not affect movement or cognitive performance. This might have been due to irreversible or vitamin-independent neurocognitive decline or to an insufficient dose or duration of vitamins.
Bio-physiological effects of LD50 of crude venom of Black Pakistani Cobra (Naja naja karachiensis) in mice.

The present study evaluated the acute bio-physiological effects of Lethal dose 50 (LD 50) of crude venom of Black Pakistani Cobra, Naja naja karachiensis, collected from Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Adult mice (n=20) were injected intramuscularly with normal saline (n/s) or LD50 of crude venom (1.2mg/kg). Blood was collected by cardiac puncture after anesthesia at intervals 0 (n/s), and 1, 1.5, 2 (LD50 venom) hours. Complete blood count, glucose, serum Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), albumin, total proteins and urea were measured to assess the physiology. One way ANOVA was used to analyze the data (P<0.05). A significant increase in erythrocyte count, its indices and thrombocytosis was observed during the study. Leukocyotsis was observed after a transient leucopenia at 1 hour post envenomation. No significant difference was observed for lymphocytes and monocytes. Serum concentrations of urea, total proteins, albumin and ALT were also increased significantly with all time intervals. Hypoglycemia was observed initially followed by hyperglycemia at 1.5 and 2 hours. The changes indicate that venom has severe hemotoxic potential and disrupts physiological processes by affecting vital organs like kidneys and liver in mice.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REFRACTIVE ERRORS AND OCULAR BIOMETRY COMPONENTS IN CARPET WEAVERS

Purpose: To determine the relationship between refractive errors and ocular components values in carpet weavers Methods: Refractive errors and ocular components values were investigated in carpet weavers at Mashhad city in Iran. After selection of samples, the individuals who had ophthalmic and systemic disease effective on the refractive errors were excluded from the study. Refractive errors and ocular components were measured by autorefractometry, A-Scan ultrasonography and, keratometery, respectively. Results: 269 carpet weavers including 191 male (71.9%) and 78 female cases (28.1%) with the mean age of 41.30±6.5 years and range of 21 to 60 years were investigated in this study. The average of spherical equivalent (SE) refraction of the subjects was -1.7±1.8 diopters (D). SE has a significant relation to axial length (AL) (r=-0.564), anterior chamber depth (ACD) (r=-0.301), vitreous chamber depth (VCD) (r=-0.557), lens thickness (LT) (r=0.170), and corneal curvature radius (CR) (r=0.170). AL and VCD had the most relationship to myopia. The average values of the AL, ACD, VCD, and LT of the subjects were 23.6, 3.2, 16.6 and 3.9 mm respectively. The average of CR was 7.6 mm. Except LT, other optical components were significantly different in both genders. ACD, VCD, and CR had an inverse relation to age and LT had a direct relation to age. Conclusion: SE refraction in carpet weavers had a significant relation to the ocular components and variation in SE refraction may be due to the changes of these elements.
Recurrent Fusion Genes in Leukemia: An Attractive Target for Diagnosis and Treatment

Introduction: Since the first fusion gene was discovered decades ago, a considerable number of fusion genes have been detected in leukemia. The majority of them are generated through chromosomal rearrangement or abnormal transcription. With the development of techniques, high-throughput sequencing method makes it possible to detect fusion genes systematically in multiple human cancers. Owing to their biological significance and tumor-specific expression, some of the fusion genes are attractive diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) targeting BCR-ABL1 fusions have been widely used to treat CML. The combination of ATRA and ATO targeting PML-RARA fusions has proven to be effective in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). Moreover, therapy with high dose cytarabine (HDAC) has significantly improved the prognosis of core binding factor (CBF) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. Therefore, studies on fusion genes may benefit patients with leukemia by providing more diagnostic markers and therapies in the future. Conclusion: The presented review focuses on the history of fusion genes, mechanisms of formation, and treatments against specific fusion genes in leukemia.
Type 2 diabetes and its correlates among adults in Bangladesh : a population based stud

Background: Type 2 diabetes is one of the most prevalent non-communicable diseases in Bangladesh. However, the correlates of type 2 diabetes among adults in Bangladesh remain unknown. We aimed to investigate the correlates of type 2 diabetes among the adults in Bangladesh. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from the nationally representative 2011 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey. A random sample of 7,543 (3,823 women and 3,720 men) adults of age 35 years and older from both urban and rural areas, who participated in the survey was included. Diabetes was defined as having a fasting plasma blood glucose level of ≥ 7 mm/L or taking diabetes medication during the survey. Hypothesized factors, e.g., age, sex, education, place of residence, social status, body mass index, and hypertension were considered in the analyses. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify the important correlates of type 2 diabetes. Results: Among the respondents, the overall prevalence of diabetes was 11 %, and the prevalence was slightly higher in women (11.2 %) than men (10.6 %). Respondents with the age group of 55–59 years had higher odds of having diabetes (odds ratios (OR) = 2.37, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.76–3.21) than the age group of 35–39 years. Moreover, respondents who had higher educational attainment (OR = 1.67, 95 % CI: 1.18–2.36) and higher social status (OR = 2.01, 95 % CI: 1.50–2.70) had higher odds of having diabetes than the respondents with no education and lower social status, respectively. We also found socioeconomic status, place of residence (rural or urban), regions of residence (different divisions), overweight and obesity, and hypertension as significant correlates of type 2 diabetes in Bangladesh. Conclusions: Our study shows that older age, higher socioeconomic status, higher educational attainment, hypertension, and obesity were found to be significant correlates of type 2 diabetes. Need-based policy program strategies including early diagnosis, awareness via mass media, and health education programs for changing lifestyles should be initiated for older age, wealthy, and/or higher educated individuals in Bangladesh. Moreover, area-specific longitudinal research is necessary to find out the underlying causes of regional variations.
Lovesick: immunological costs of mating to male sagebrush crickets

A growing body of evidence suggests that resources invested in reproduction often come at the expense of the ability to mount an immune response. During mating, female sagebrush crickets, Cyphoderris strepitans, consume the ends of the male’s hind wings and ingest his haemolymph. Previous research has shown that this behaviour impairs the ability of males to secure additional matings. One hypothesis to account for this effect is that wing wounding triggers an energetically costly immune response, such that nonvirgin males are unable to sustain the costly acoustical signalling needed to attract additional females. To test this hypothesis, we injected virgin males with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to provoke an immune response, and monitored their mating success in the field. LPS‐injected virgin males took significantly longer to mate than sham‐injected virgin males, and spent significantly less time calling. We also compared virgin, nonvirgin and experimentally wing‐wounded virgin males with respect to: (1) their ability to encapsulate a foreign invader via the accumulation of haemocytes and deposition of melanin and (2) baseline levels of phenoloxidase (PO), a key enzyme in the biochemical cascade leading to the production of melanin. Although encapsulation ability did not differ with reproductive experience, virgin males had significantly higher levels of PO than either nonvirgin or experimentally wing‐wounded virgin males. These results suggest that wing‐wounding alone is sufficient to impair male immunity, and that males trade‐off investment in reproduction and immunity.
Incidence of Shoulder Dislocations and the Rate of Recurrent Instability in Soldiers.

PURPOSE Shoulder dislocations present a potentially debilitating injury for soldiers and other groups of physically active adults. The purpose of this study was to determine the 10-yr incidence rate of shoulder dislocations in soldiers, the percentage with recurrent instability, and risk factors for these injuries. METHODS This retrospective cohort study used medical encounter data from U.S. Army soldiers to calculate the 10-yr incidence rate for shoulder dislocations and the percentage of chronic or recurrent injuries >3 months and ≤2 yr after the initial diagnosis. A Cox proportional hazards model was constructed using demographic variables (age, race, education level, marital status, and sex) to determine incidence rate ratios for risk factors related to shoulder dislocation. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio for risk factors for recurrent injury, including concurrent diagnoses (brachial plexus or peripheral nerve injuries and fractures of the scapula or proximal humerus). RESULTS There were 15,426 incident shoulder dislocations, with a 10-yr incidence rate of 3.13 per 1000 person-year. Soldiers ≤40 yr old showed greater risk for injury compared with those older than 40 yr. The incidence rate ratio for males compared with females was 1.64, 95% confidence interval = 1.55-1.74. Recurrent injury occurred in 28.7% of cases. Concurrent axillary nerve injury (odds ratio = 3.64, 95% confidence interval = 1.56-8.46) and age ≤35 yr were associated with greater risk of recurrence. CONCLUSION Within the active duty U.S. Army, men and younger individuals showed greater risk for shoulder dislocations. Over one-quarter of incident cases became recurrent. Axillary nerve injuries and younger age increased the odds of recurrent injury.
Aspergillus Lymphadenitis Mimicking Cervical Lymph Node Recurrence in a Breast Cancer Patient

Invasive aspergillosis mostly occurs in severely immune compromised patient and infrequently in an immunecompetent host. The usual site of infection is the pulmonary system. Extra pulmonary sites such as isolated lymphadenopathy without systemic symptoms are rare. We present a case of aspergillosis in the cervical lymph node of breast cancer patient six years after completing chemotherapy. Diagnosis was excision biopsy of an enlarged cervical lymph node and the patient was successfully treated with oral Itraconazole for three months without disease recurrence 3 years following completion of medication.
Finite Morse Index Implies Finite Ends

We prove that finite Morse index solutions to the Allen‐Cahn equation in ℝ2 have finitely many ends and linear energy growth. The main tool is a curvature decay estimate on level sets of these finite Morse index solutions, which in turn is reduced to a problem on the uniform second‐order regularity of clustering interfaces for the singularly perturbed Allen‐Cahn equation. Using an indirect blowup technique, in the spirit of the classical Colding‐Minicozzi theory in minimal surfaces, we show that the obstruction to the uniform second‐order regularity of clustering interfaces in ℝn is associated to the existence of nontrivial entire solutions to a (finite or infinite) Toda system in ℝn–1. For finite Morse index solutions in ℝ2, we show that this obstruction does not exist by using information on stable solutions of the Toda system. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Protein pulse feeding improves protein retention in elderly women.

BACKGROUND Adequate protein nutrition could be used to limit gradual body protein loss and improve protein anabolism in the elderly. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that an uneven protein feeding pattern was more efficient in improving protein anabolism than was an even pattern. DESIGN After a controlled period, 15 elderly women (mean age: 68 y) were fed for 14 d either a pulse diet (n = 7), providing 80% of the daily protein intake at 1200, or a spread diet (n = 8), in which the same daily protein intake was spread over 4 meals. Both diets provided 1.7 g protein x kg fat-free mass (FFM)(-1) x d(-1). Protein accretion and daily protein turnover were determined by using the nitrogen balance method and the end product method (ammonia and urea) after an oral dose of [15N]glycine. RESULTS Nitrogen balance was more positive with the pulse than with the spread diet (54 +/- 7 compared with 27 +/- 6 mg N x kg FFM(-1) x d(-1); P < 0.05). Protein turnover rates were also higher with the pulse than with the spread diet (5.58 +/- 0.22 compared with 4.98 +/- 0.17 g protein x kg FFM(-1) x d(-1); P < 0.05), mainly because of higher protein synthesis in the pulse group (4.48 +/- 0.19 g protein x kg FFM(-1) x d(-1)) than in the spread group (3.75 +/- 0.19 g protein x kg FFM(-1) x d(-1)) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION A protein pulse-feeding pattern was more efficient than was a protein spread-feeding pattern in improving, after 14 d, whole-body protein retention in elderly women.
Gendered Race Modification of the Association Between Chronic Stress and Depression Among Black and White U.S. Adults

Chronic stress stemming from social inequity has long been recognized as a risk factor for poor physical and psychological health, yet challenges remain in uncovering the mechanisms through which such exposures affect health outcomes and lead to racial and gender health disparities. Examination of sociocultural influences on group identity, coping, and the expression of stress may yield relevant insight into potential pathways of inequity’s effect on risk for chronic disease. The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between chronic stress as measured by allostatic load (AL) and depression by gendered race group. Using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2010 data, we included Black and White U.S. adults aged 18–64 years (n = 6,431). AL was calculated using 9 biomarkers; scores ≥4 indicated high risk. Depression was assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9; scores ≥10 indicated likely clinical depression. Logistic models estimated odds of depression as a function of AL for each gendered race group adjusting for age and family poverty-to-income ratio. Effect modification was assessed by analysis of variance and relative excess risk due to the interaction. We observed modification on the multiplicative scale. High AL was more strongly associated with depression among White women and Black men than among Black women or White men. In conclusion, a potential manifestation of high chronic stress burden, depression, differs across gendered race groups. These disparities may be due to group-specific coping strategies that are shaped by unequal social contexts.