Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Linear Prediction Models for Audio Signals

While linear prediction (LP) has become immensely popular in speech modeling, it does not seem to provide a good approach for modeling audio signals. This is somewhat surprising, since a tonal signal consisting of a number of sinusoids can be perfectly predicted based on an (all-pole) LP model with a model order that is twice the number of sinusoids. We provide an explanation why this result cannot simply be extrapolated to LP of audio signals. If noise is taken into account in the tonal signal model, a low-order all-pole model appears to be only appropriate when the tonal components are uniformly distributed in the Nyquist interval. Based on this observation, different alternatives to the conventional LP model can be suggested. Either the model should be changed to a pole-zero, a high-order all-pole, or a pitch prediction model, or the conventional LP model should be preceded by an appropriate frequency transform, such as a frequency warping or downsampling. By comparing these alternative LP models to the conventional LP model in terms of frequency estimation accuracy, residual spectral flatness, and perceptual frequency resolution, we obtain several new and promising approaches to LP-based audio modeling.
Epistatic and Functional Interactions of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) and AKT1 on Neuregulin1-ErbB Signaling in Cell Models

Background Neuregulin1 (NRG1)-ErbB signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cancer and schizophrenia. We have previously reported that NRG1-stimulated migration of B lymphoblasts is PI3K-AKT1dependent and impaired in patients with schizophrenia and significantly linked to the catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) Val108/158Met functional polymorphism. Methodology/Principal Findings We have now examined AKT1 activation in NRG1-stimulated B lymphoblasts and other cell models and explored a functional relationship between COMT and AKT1. NRG1-induced AKT1 phosphorylation was significantly diminished in Val carriers compared to Met carriers in both normal subjects and in patients. Further, there was a significant epistatic interaction between a putatively functional coding SNP in AKT1 (rs1130233) and COMT Val108/158Met genotype on AKT1 phosphorylation. NRG1 induced translocation of AKT1 to the plasma membrane also was impaired in Val carriers, while PIP3 levels were not decreased. Interestingly, the level of COMT enzyme activity was inversely correlated with the cells' ability to synthesize phosphatidylserine (PS), a factor that attracts the pleckstrin homology domain (PHD) of AKT1 to the cell membrane. Transfection of SH-SY5Y cells with a COMT Val construct increased COMT activity and significantly decreased PS levels as well as NRG1-induced AKT1 phosphorylation and migration. Administration of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) rescued all of these deficits. These data suggest that AKT1 function is influenced by COMT enzyme activity through competition with PS synthesis for SAM, which in turn dictates AKT1-dependent cellular responses to NRG1-mediated signaling. Conclusion/Significance Our findings implicate genetic and functional interactions between COMT and AKT1 and may provide novel insights into pathogenesis of schizophrenia and other ErbB-associated human diseases such as cancer.
Shock waves for radiative hyperbolic-elliptic systems

The present paper deals with the following hyperbolicelliptic coupled system, modelling dynamics of a gas in presence of radiation, u t + f(u) x + Lq x = 0, { x ∈ R, t > 0, -q xx + Rq + G · u x = 0, where u ∈ R n , q ∈ R and R > 0, G, L ∈ R n . The flux function f: R n → R n is smooth and such that Vf has n distinct real eigenvalues for any u. The problem of existence of admissible radiative shock wave is considered, i.e., existence of a solution of the form (u,q)(x,t):= (U,Q)(x - st), such that (U,Q)(±∞) = (u±, 0), and u ± ∈ R n , s ∈ R define a shock wave for the reduced hyperbolic system, obtained by formally putting L = 0. It is proved that, if u_ is such that ∇λ k (u_)·r k (u_) ≠ 0 (where λ k denotes the k-th eigenvalue of ∇ f and r k a corresponding right eigenvector), and (l k (u_) ·L) (G ·r k (u_)) > 0, then there exists a neighborhood U of u_ such that for any u + ∈ U, s ∈ R such that the triple (u_, u + ; s) defines a shock wave for the reduced hyperbolic system, there exists a (unique up to shift) admissible radiative shock wave for the complete hyperbolic-elliptic system. The proof is based on reducing the system case to the scalar case, hence the problem of existence for the scalar case with general strictly convex fluxes is considered, generalizing existing results for the Burgers' flux f(u) = u 2 /2. Additionally, we are able to prove that the profile (U, Q) gains smoothness when the size of the shock |u + - u_ | is small enough, as previously proved for the Burgers' flux case. Finally, the general case of nonconvex fluxes is also treated, showing similar results of existence and regularity for the profiles.
A framework for the identification of reusable processes

A significant challenge that faces IT management is that of aligning the IT infrastructure of an enterprise with its business goals and practices, also called business-IT alignment. A particular business-IT alignment approach, the foundation for execution approach, was well-accepted by practitioners due to a novel construct, called the operating model (OM). The OM supports business-IT alignment by directing the coherent and consistent design of business and IT components. Even though the OM is a popular construct, our previous research detected the need to enhance the OM, since the OM does not specify methods to identify opportunities for data sharing and process reuse in an enterprise. In this article, we address one of the identified deficiencies in the OM. We present a process reuse identification framework (PRIF) that could be used to enhance the OM in identifying process reuse opportunities in an enterprise. We applied design research to develop PRIF as an artefact, where the development process of PRIF was facilitated by means of the business-IT alignment model (BIAM). We demonstrate the use of the PRIF as well as report on the results of evaluating PRIF in terms of its usefulness and ease-of-use, using experimentation and a questionnaire.
The Bioactive Lipid 4-Hydroxyphenyl Retinamide Inhibits Flavivirus Replication

ABSTRACT Dengue virus (DENV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a mosquito-borne pathogen and the cause of dengue fever. The increasing prevalence of DENV worldwide heightens the need for an effective vaccine and specific antivirals. Due to the dependence of DENV upon the lipid biosynthetic machinery of the host cell, lipid signaling and metabolism present unique opportunities for inhibiting viral replication. We screened a library of bioactive lipids and modulators of lipid metabolism and identified 4-hydroxyphenyl retinamide (4-HPR) (fenretinide) as an inhibitor of DENV in cell culture. 4-HPR inhibits the steady-state accumulation of viral genomic RNA and reduces viremia when orally administered in a murine model of DENV infection. The molecular target responsible for this antiviral activity is distinct from other known inhibitors of DENV but appears to affect other members of the Flaviviridae, including the West Nile, Modoc, and hepatitis C viruses. Although long-chain ceramides have been implicated in DENV replication, we demonstrate that DENV is insensitive to the perturbation of long-chain ceramides in mammalian cell culture and that the effect of 4-HPR on dihydroceramide homeostasis is separable from its antiviral activity. Likewise, the induction of reactive oxygen species by 4-HPR is not required for the inhibition of DENV. The inhibition of DENV in vivo by 4-HPR, combined with its well-established safety and tolerability in humans, suggests that it may be repurposed as a pan-Flaviviridae antiviral agent. This work also illustrates the utility of bioactive lipid screens for identifying critical interactions of DENV and other viral pathogens with host lipid biosynthesis, metabolism, and signal transduction.
Survival analysis in advanced non small cell lung cancer treated with platinum based chemotherapy in combination with paclitaxel, gemcitabine and etoposide.

BACKGROUND The wide spectrum of clinical features in advanced stages of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) probably contributes to disparities in outcomes because of different prognostic variables significant for stage IIIB/IV patients. Hence the aim of this study was to check for favorable response of patients to various chemotherapeutic combinations with respect to patient survival in stage IIIB and stage IV NSCLC disease. We selected those patients for our study who were receiving treatment with paclitaxel, gemcitabine or etoposide in combination with platinum based drugs. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-two patients who visited the hospital from June 2009 to November 2012 with confirmed diagnosis of lung cancer were included, and data were collected for follow up and classified according to treatment received with respect to patients' regimen and response, and overall survival. This study analyzed tumor variables that were associated with clinical outcome in advanced NSCLC patients who were undergoing first-line chemotherapy for stage IIIB/IV NSCLC. RESULTS Comparative data on various parameters like age, gender, stage, histology, site of disease, metastatic site and chemo-regimens was analyzed; these parameters predicted variable significant improvement for overall survival (p≥0.05). One and two year survival rates were 20.8% and 15.3% . CONCLUSIONS In this study we found slight improvement in survival rates in NSCLC and clinical outcomes with one combination (carboplatin+paclitaxel). Overall there were only marginal differences in survival rates for other chemo-regimens evaluated in this study.
Evaluation of emergency medical services systems: a classification to assist in determination of indicators

Emergency medical services (EMS) systems, and prehospital care are difficult to evaluate. Accordingly, the true efficacy and value of such systems are difficult to determine. The multitude of variations and combinations of involved factors makes standardisation and comparison difficult, and universal indicators are hard to develop. Various attempts have been made to determine valid indicators of effectiveness, but there has been little success. Prehospital care has been seen by some as a single entity. As a result, experience from well resourced first world trauma centres has been taken, by many, to be applicable to all prehospital situations. This article attempts to assist in the development of valid EMS indicators of performance and effectiveness by categorising prehospital scenarios into a classification reflecting the reality of their conditions of practice.
Influence of different anticoagulants on monocyte procoagulant functions and monocyte‐platelet aggregates formation

1 Levy JH, Szlam F, Tanaka KA, Sniecienski RM. Review article: fibrinogen and hemostasis: a primary hemostatic target for the management of acquired bleeding. Anesth Analg 2012; 114: 261–74. 2 Kozek-Langenecker S, Sorensen B, Hess JR, Spahn DR. Clinical effectiveness of fresh frozen plasma compared with fibrinogen concentrate: a systematic review. Crit Care 2011; 15: R239. 3 Fenger-Eriksen C, Jensen TM, Kristensen BS, Jensen KM, Tonnesen E, Ingerslev J, Sorensen B. Fibrinogen substitution improves whole blood clot firmness after dilution with hydroxyethyl starch in bleeding patients undergoing radical cystectomy: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Thromb Haemost 2009; 7: 795–802. 4 Rahe-Meyer N, Solomon C, Winterhalter M, Piepenbrock S, Tanaka K, Haverich A, Pichlmaier M. Thromboelastometry-guided administration of fibrinogen concentrate for the treatment of excessive intraoperative bleeding in thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm surgery. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2009; 138: 694–702. 5 Karlsson M, Ternstrom L, Hyllner M, Baghaei F, Flinck A, Skrtic S, Jeppsson A. Prophylactic fibrinogen infusion reduces bleeding after coronary artery bypass surgery. A prospective randomised pilot study. Thromb Haemost 2009; 102: 137–44. 6 Lang T, Bauters A, Braun SL, Potzsch B, von Pape KW, Kolde HJ, LaknerM.Multi-centre investigation on reference ranges for ROTEM thromboelastometry. Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 2005; 16: 301–10. 7 Dickneite G, Pragst I, Joch C, Bergman GE. Animal model and clinical evidence indicating low thrombogenic potential of fibrinogen concentrate (Haemocomplettan P). Blood Coagul Fibrinolysis 2009; 20: 535–40. 8 Manco-Johnson MJ, Dimichele D, Castaman G, Fremann S, Knaub S, Kalina U, Peyvandi F, Piseddu G, Mannucci P; for the Fibrinogen Concentrate Study Group. Pharmacokinetics and safety of fibrinogen concentrate. J Thromb Haemost 2009; 7: 2064–9. 9 SolomonC, Cadamuro J, Ziegler B, Schöchl H, VarvenneM, Sørensen B, Hochleitner G, Rahe-Meyer N. A comparison of fibrinogen measurement methods with fibrin clot elasticity assessed by thromboelastometry, before and after administration of fibrinogen concentrate in cardiac surgery patients. Transfusion 2011; 51: 1695–706.
Grip strength and the metabolic syndrome: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION Sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength with age, is significantly associated with type 2 diabetes in older people. AIM To determine whether there is a relationship between grip strength and features of the metabolic syndrome. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. METHODS Data were collected on grip strength, fasting glucose, triglycerides and HDL cholesterol, blood pressure, waist circumference and 2 h glucose after an oral glucose tolerance test, in a population-based sample of 2677 men and women aged 59-73 years. RESULTS In men and women combined, a standard deviation (SD) decrease in grip strength was significantly associated with higher: fasting triglycerides (0.05 SD unit increase, 95%CI 0.02-0.09, p = 0.006); blood pressure (OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.04-1.24, p = 0.004); waist circumference (0.08 SD unit increase, 95%CI 0.06-0.10, p < 0.001); 2 h glucose (0.07 SD unit increase, 95%CI 0.03-0.11, p = 0.001) and HOMA resistance (0.05 SD unit increase, 95%CI 0.01-0.09, p = 0.008), after adjustment for gender, weight, age, walking speed, social class, smoking habit and alcohol intake. Lower grip strength was also significantly associated with increased odds of having the metabolic syndrome according to both the ATPIII (OR 1.18, 95%CI 1.07-1.30, p < 0.001) and IDF definitions (OR 1.11, 95%CI 1.01-1.22, p = 0.03). DISCUSSION Our findings suggest that impaired grip strength is associated with the individual features, as well as with the overall summary definitions, of the metabolic syndrome. The potential for grip strength to be used in the clinical setting needs to be explored.
Regulation of endogenous neural stem/progenitor cells for neural repair—factors that promote neurogenesis and gliogenesis in the normal and damaged brain

Neural stem/precursor cells in the adult brain reside in the subventricular zone (SVZ) of the lateral ventricles and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus. These cells primarily generate neuroblasts that normally migrate to the olfactory bulb (OB) and the dentate granule cell layer respectively. Following brain damage, such as traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke or in degenerative disease models, neural precursor cells from the SVZ in particular, can migrate from their normal route along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to the site of neural damage. This neural precursor cell response to neural damage is mediated by release of endogenous factors, including cytokines and chemokines produced by the inflammatory response at the injury site, and by the production of growth and neurotrophic factors. Endogenous hippocampal neurogenesis is frequently also directly or indirectly affected by neural damage. Administration of a variety of factors that regulate different aspects of neural stem/precursor biology often leads to improved functional motor and/or behavioral outcomes. Such factors can target neural stem/precursor proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation into appropriate neuronal or glial lineages. Newborn cells also need to subsequently survive and functionally integrate into extant neural circuitry, which may be the major bottleneck to the current therapeutic potential of neural stem/precursor cells. This review will cover the effects of a range of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that regulate neural stem/precursor cell functions. In particular it focuses on factors that may be harnessed to enhance the endogenous neural stem/precursor cell response to neural damage, highlighting those that have already shown evidence of preclinical effectiveness and discussing others that warrant further preclinical investigation.
Thermal Stereo Odometry for UAVs

In the last decade, visual odometry (VO) has attracted significant research attention within the computer vision community. Most of the works have been carried out using standard visible-band cameras. These sensors offer numerous advantages but also suffer from some drawbacks such as illumination variations and limited operational time (i.e., daytime only). In this paper, we explore techniques that allow us to extend the concepts beyond the visible spectrum. We introduce a localization solution based on a pair of thermal cameras. We focus on VO and demonstrate the accuracy of the proposed solution in daytime as well as night-time. The first challenge with thermal cameras is their geometric calibration. Here, we propose a solution to overcome this issue and enable stereopsis. VO requires a good set of feature correspondences. We use a combination of Fast-Hessian detector with for Fast Retina Keypoint descriptor for that purpose. A range of optimization techniques can be used to compute the incremental motion. Here, we propose the double dogleg algorithm and show that it presents an interesting alternative to the commonly used Levenberg-Marquadt approach. In addition, we explore thermal 3-D reconstruction and show that similar performance to the visible-band can be achieved. In order to validate the proposed solution, we build an innovative experimental setup to capture various data sets, where different weather and time conditions are considered.
Crowd Counting by Adapting Convolutional Neural Networks with Side Information

Computer vision tasks often have side information available that is helpful to solve the task. For example, for crowd counting, the camera perspective (e.g., camera angle and height) gives a clue about the appearance and scale of people in the scene. While side information has been shown to be useful for counting systems using traditional hand-crafted features, it has not been fully utilized in counting systems based on deep learning. In order to incorporate the available side information, we propose an adaptive convolutional neural network (ACNN), where the convolutional filter weights adapt to the current scene context via the side information. In particular, we model the filter weights as a low-dimensional manifold, parametrized by the side information, within the high-dimensional space of filter weights. With the help of side information and adaptive weights, the ACNN can disentangle the variations related to the side information, and extract discriminative features related to the current context. Since existing crowd counting datasets do not contain ground-truth side information, we collect a new dataset with the ground-truth camera angle and height as the side information. On experiments in crowd counting, the ACNN improves counting accuracy compared to a plain CNN with a similar number of parameters. We also apply ACNN to image deconvolution to show its potential effectiveness on other computer vision applications.
Cerebellar Atrophy in Childhood Arterial Ischemic Stroke: Acute Diffusion MRI Biomarkers

Background and Purpose— Crossed cerebellar atrophy is uncommon in childhood arterial ischemic stroke. Acute corticospinal tract diffusion–weighted imaging (CST-DWI) changes occur in stroke of all ages. Contralateral CST-DWI is unexplained but approximates corticopontocerebellar pathways. We hypothesized that cerebellar atrophy can be quantified on clinical neuroimaging in childhood arterial ischemic stroke and is predicted by contralesional CST-DWI. Methods— Consecutive children (>28 days–18 years) were included with the following features: (1) acute, unilateral, middle cerebral artery arterial ischemic stroke, (2) DWI <14 days from stroke onset, (3) anatomic T1 MRI >6 months, and (4) Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure >12 months. Blinded scorers measured cerebellar volumes (left/right/hemisphere/vermis/total) using Osirix software. Cerebellar volumes ratios (nonstroke/stroke) were expressed as asymmetry indices (AI), with chronic/acute ratio <1.0 suggesting crossed atrophy. Acute brain stem and cerebellum (peduncle, hemisphere) DWI ratios were scored. Software measures were compared with visual inspection. Associations between AI, motor outcome (good/poor), and contralesional CST-DWI were sought. Rater reliabilities were assessed. Results— Twenty-three children were studied (median age, 6.3±4.4 years; 62% male). Baseline cerebellar volumes were comparable (right=56.9 cm3, left=57.1 cm3). Cerebellar atrophy was suggested across the sample with overall AI <1.0 (0.973±0.05; P=0.009). Visual atrophy detection was specific (≈100%) but insensitive (54%). Children with poor motor outcome did not have lower AI (0.983±0.027 versus 0.965±0.068; P=0.40); however, children with acute contralesional CST-DWI did (0.928±0.078 versus 986±0.040; P=0.03). Acute cerebellar DWI did not predict atrophy. Rater reliabilities were excellent (>0.92). Conclusions— Cerebellar atrophy can be demonstrated on MRI in childhood arterial ischemic stroke. Association with acute contralesional pontine DWI signal suggests early degeneration of corticopontocerebellar connections. The clinical significance of cerebellar atrophy in childhood stroke remains to be determined.
University of Birmingham A self-determination theory approach to understanding the antecedents of teachers' motivational strategies in physical education

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