Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lexical Segmentation in Spoken Word Recognition

This thesis examines an important issue in spoken word recognition; how the perceptual system segments connected speech into lexical units or words. Research on this topic has investigated the role of different sources of information in dividing up the speech stream: acoustic cues in the speech signal, statistical regularities in the structure of the language or through the identification of individual lexical items. This research focuses on cases in which the location of word boundaries may be ambiguous by one or more of these segmentation mechanisms using words embedded at the onset of longer words (such as cap in captain). The ambiguities proposed for onsetembedded words have motivated accounts of segmentation based on competition between alternative parses of speech into words. In these accounts, the recognition of embedded words is delayed until after their offset when subsequent input rules out longer competitors. In this thesis it is demonstrated that training a simple recurrent network to activate a representation of all the words in a sequence allows a connectionist network to learn the appropriate delay to allow the identification of onset-embedded words without requiring directly implemented competition between words. Both lexical competition and recurrent network models assume ambiguity between onsetembedded words and equivalent syllables in longer competitors. Acoustic analysis carried out in this thesis confirms the presence of reliable acoustic differences between syllables in short and long words. A series of experiments using gating and cross-modal priming suggest that the perceptual system uses these acoustic differences to discriminate embedded words from the onset of longer competitors and that match or mismatch with longer competitors may be less important for the identification of onset-embedded words. These results are interpreted within a revised version of the recurrent network model, incorporating input representing the acoustic differences between syllables in short and
Information Literacy and Library Attitudes of Occupational Therapy Students

Abstract Information literacy, often described as a person's ability to effectively find and evaluate answers to questions using a variety of information resources, is of particular importance to health care workers. This paper presents the results of an information literacy survey presented to occupational therapy (OT) students at Thomas Jefferson University during a series of required class activities. Also described are the authors' activities with the faculty and courses at Jefferson. The survey was made available to first-, second-, third-, and fourth-year occupational therapy students along with nursing students and pharmacy students. The survey is designed to identify research habits, skills, and preferences. Results confirm some commonly held perceptions about searching skills of young adults and an interesting dichotomy in students' learning habits. The paper concludes with a discussion of recommendations to OT faculty and librarians on how to improve information literacy education. The survey can be obtained by contacting the authors.
Requirements for the association of adenovirus type 2 E3/19K wild-type and mutant proteins with HLA antigens

The E3/19K protein of human adenovirus type 2 is a resident of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Immediately after synthesis, it associates with major histocompatibility complex class I antigens and prevents their intracellular transport and cell surface expression. We have generated several C-terminal deletion mutants of the E3/19K protein that are preterminated at various positions on both sides of the membrane-spanning segment of the protein. One of these mutants is terminated at the luminal side of the membrane (M310), and two are terminated in the hydrophobic segment (M374 and M392), whereas mutant M621 is terminated on the cytoplasmic side of the ER membrane. The M310, M374, and M392 mutants are soluble proteins. They do not associate with HLA antigens in transfected 293 cells, and they are, to some extent, secreted into the medium. The M621 mutant protein is integrated in the ER membrane, associates immediately after its synthesis with HLA antigens, and exits from the ER. By using either an in vitro translation system supplemented with microsomes or overexpression in insect cells, we showed that M374 and E3/19K are able to associate with HLA antigens. These results indicate that the conformation of the luminal part of the E3/19K protein is not grossly altered by the mutations. Rapid transport of the M374 mutant out of the ER and partial degradation of this protein may prevent the interaction with HLA class I antigens in transfected 293 cells.
Glomerulosclerosis: intrinsic and extrinsic pathways.

The progression of chronic renal failure (CRF) and the underlying renal scarring process continue to baffle nephrologists and scientists alike. Progress made over the last quarter of a century has highlighted some mechanisms involved in the progression of glomerulosclerosis [1]. Further, it has become increasingly apparent that the progression of CRF is strongly influenced by the extent of renal tubulointerstitial changes and fibrosis [2]. The latter, rather than glomerulosclerosis, shows a close correlation with the rate of decline of renal function and predicts the renal functional outcome [2]. I would like to postulate that glomerulosclerosis can follow two pathways; an intrinsic pathway whereby glomerulosclerosis is the result of interactions between infiltrating and resident glomerular cells and an extrinsic pathway where tubulo-interstitial fibroblasts (myofibroblasts) infiltrate the glomeruli and contribute to their fibrosis.
The two faces of transforming growth factor β in carcinogenesis

Hero or villain? Trustworthy guardian of normal homeostasis or double agent? Over the past two decades, the perceived role of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in carcinogenesis has undergone more plot twists than an Agatha Christie mystery. The initial experiments leading to the discovery of TGF-β and its naming as a “transforming” growth factor were based on its ability to induce malignant behavior of normal fibroblasts, leading to the notion that TGF-β might be a key factor in uncoupling a cell from normal growth control in such a way that it could become tumorigenic (1). However, at the time, this presumed function of the protein was difficult to reconcile with its ubiquitous pattern of expression in normal tissues, including its prevalence in human platelets. The next twist in the story came several years later, when it emerged that TGF-β has profound growth-suppressive effects on many cells, including epithelial cells and lymphoid cells, which form the basis of the majority of human cancers. At this point TGF-β began to be given serious consideration as a candidate tumor suppressor gene (2). Indeed, data from both experimental model systems and studies of human cancers clearly show that not only the ligand itself but also its downstream elements, including its receptors, and its primary cytoplasmic signal transducers, the Smad proteins, are important for suppressing primary tumorigenesis in many organs (3, 4). While solid credentials were being established for the role of TGF-β as a good citizen in the battle to maintain cellular order, a darker side was emerging. It is now appreciated that metastasis of many different types of tumor cells actually requires TGF-β activity and that, in the context of advanced disease, it actually has prooncogenic effects (3, 5). To date, understanding of this complex, dual role of TGF-β in …
Processing from Fingertips in Touchscreen Phone Users

Anne-Dominique Gindrat,1,5 Magali Chytiris,1,2,5 Myriam Balerna,1,2,5 Eric M. Rouiller,1 and Arko Ghosh2,3,4,* 1Domain of Physiology, Fribourg Cognition Center, Department of Medicine, University of Fribourg, Chemin du Musée 5, Fribourg 1700, Switzerland 2Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland 3Neuroscience Center Zurich, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland 4Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, University College London, 17 Queen Square, London WC1N 3AR, UK
Quantitative Assessment of the Advantages of Laparoscopic Gastrectomy and the Impact of Volume-Related Hospital Characteristics on Resource Use and Outcomes of Gastrectomy Patients in Japan

Objective:In this community-based study, we assessed the advantages of laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) and the impact of volume-related hospital characteristics on gastrectomy care. Background:The quality of gastrectomy care and the potential effects of volume-related hospital characteristics on gastrectomy care have not been comprehensively evaluated to date. Methods:We used a Japanese administrative database of 17,761 patients across 258 hospitals delivering both open gastrectomy and LG during 6-month periods in 2006, 2007, and 2008. We examined patient demographics, principal diagnosis, comorbidities, and complications, hospital patient volume, proportion of LG procedures accomplished, teaching status and care processes, length of hospital stay, total charge, and operative time. Multivariate analyses were used to compare LG with open gastrectomy in terms of mortality, complications, operative or postoperative blood transfusion, resource use and operative time. Results:LG was performed in 3,914 (22%) patients and was associated with significantly shorter length of hospital stay, lower total charge, and longer operative time. Higher hospital volume was associated with less mortality, lower frequency of transfusion, shorter length of hospital stay, lower total charge, and shorter operative time. Higher procedures accomplished were associated with fewer complications, higher frequency of transfusion, greater resource use, and longer operative time. Conclusions:Laparoscopic gastrectomy offers significant economic advantages over open gastrectomy. However, LG was associated with increased operative time and required greater blood transfusion volume once indicated, which might drive gastrectomy care to use more prudent approaches in hospitals with higher procedures accomplished rates. Stakeholders should recognize the wide variation in hospital practices, skill training and efficient gastrectomy care, in addition to the volume–quality relationship.
Using Person–Organization Fit to Select Employees for High-Turnover Jobs

Using a concurrent validation strategy, we examine the incremental value of a measure of actual person–organization fit (P–O fit) as a selection tool beyond cognitive ability for predicting continued length of service and performance for call center agents, a job with historically high turnover. P–O fit was operationalized as the correlation between managers’ descriptions of the work culture with participants’ work preferences. P–O fit added significant incremental variance in predicting employee retention, but was not related to performance. We discuss the implications of the results and suggest that firms should consider using measures of P–O fit in their selection battery, in particular when turnover is a significant problem.
Susceptibility of IT network systems to interferences by HPEM

Intentional electromagnetic interferences (IEMI) have become a threat to various kinds of technical applications. Different high power electromagnetic (HPEM) sources may cause a disruption or destruction of complex electronic systems like communications systems. Even a temporary breakdown of the data transfer is very critical in some applications. In this contribution a COTS IT network system is investigated under HPEM conditions. The susceptibility of the system to interferences by ultra wideband (UWB), damped sinusoid (DS) and high power microwave (HPM) sources is tested and the interference signals on the critical coupling paths are measured. The performance of the system with additional COTS protection devices is also taken into account. The results are to allow first statements about the potential of protecting complex electronic systems against HPEM interferences.
Patient‐reported outcomes in bariatric surgery: a systematic review of standards of reporting

Bariatric surgery is increasingly being used to treat severe obesity, but little is known about its impact on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs). For PRO data to influence practice, well‐designed and reported studies are required. A systematic review identified prospective bariatric surgery studies that used validated PRO measures. Risk of bias in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was assessed, and papers were examined for reporting of (i) who completed PRO measures; (ii) missing PRO data and (iii) clinical interpretation of PRO data. Studies meeting all criteria were classified as robust. Eighty‐six studies were identified. Of the eight RCTs, risk of bias was high in one and unclear in seven. Sixty‐eight different PRO measures were identified, with the Short Form (SF)‐36 questionnaire most commonly used. Forty‐one (48%) studies explicitly stated measures were completed by patients, 63 (73%) documented missing PRO data and 50 (58%) interpreted PRO data clinically. Twenty‐six (30%) met all criteria. Although many bariatric surgery studies assess PROs, study design and reporting is often poor, limiting data interpretation and synthesis. Well‐designed studies that include agreed PRO measures are needed with reporting to include integration with clinical outcomes to inform practice.
NRIP/DCAF6 stabilizes the androgen receptor protein by displacing DDB2 from the CUL4A-DDB1 E3 ligase complex in prostate cancer

Both nuclear receptor interaction protein (NRIP) and DNA damage binding protein 2 (DDB2) belong to the Cullin 4 (CUL4)-DDB1 binding protein family and are androgen receptor (AR)-interacting proteins. Here, we investigated the expression patterns of the NRIP, DDB2 and AR proteins in human prostate cancer tissues and found that the expression levels of NRIP and AR were higher, but the DDB2 level was lower, in prostate cancer tissues than in non-neoplastic controls, suggesting NRIP as a candidate tumor promoter and DDB2 as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer. Furthermore, both NRIP and DDB2 shared the same AR binding domain; they were competitors for the AR, but not for DDB1 binding, in the AR-DDB2-DDB1-CUL4A complex. Conclusively, NRIP stabilizes the AR protein by displacing DDB2 from the AR-DDB2 complex. Consistent with our hypothesis, a specific expression pattern with high levels of NRIP and AR, together with a low level of DDB2, was found more frequently in the human prostate cancer tissues with a cribriform pattern than in non-cribriform tumors, suggesting that disruption of the balance between NRIP and DDB2 may change AR protein homeostasis and contribute to pathogenesis in certain aggressive types of prostate cancer.
Born just a few weeks early: does it matter?

Until recently, infants born at moderate preterm (32–33 weeks) and late preterm (34–36 weeks) gestations have gone largely unstudied. Since their outcomes were thought to be similar to those of infants born at 37 weeks and above, they have historically been managed in much the same way as infants born at term. However, accumulating data indicate that risks of morbidity and mortality are significantly greater in this group than previously believed. Since moderate and late preterm infants account for around 6% of all births, very large numbers of babies are potentially affected. Although their problems may be less obvious than those of extremely preterm infants, the population impact of long-term health and neurodevelopmental problems in this group will be substantial. This review summarises the current available literature, highlights gaps in knowledge and discusses the implications of late preterm birth for both clinical practice and research in the perinatal period and beyond.
The 'Wall Street Walk' and Shareholder Activism: Exit as a Form of Voice

We examine whether a large shareholder can alleviate conflicts of interest between managers and shareholders through the credible threat of exit on the basis of private information. In our model the threat of exit often reduces agency costs, but additional private information need not enhance the effectiveness of the mechanism. Moreover, the threat of exit can produce quite different effects depending on whether the agency problem involves desirable or undesirable actions from shareholders' perspective. Our results are consistent with empirical findings on the interaction between managers and minority large shareholders and have further empirical implications.
Design and Analysis of an Electron Beam in an Electron Gun for X-Ray Radiotherapy

Electron linear accelerators are used as x-ray generators for diagnosing the human body. In this paper conceptual design of electron beam for compact electron gun was calculated by using EGN2w and CST-Particle Studio codes. The structure of the electron gun was used for Pierce and diode type and the specification of electron beam was selected as 500 cGy/min. Specifications of designed electron gun were focused on current, beam size and normalized emittance. Optimized beam current, diameter and normalized emittance are 226.88 mA, 0.689 mm (Full width) and 1. 03π mm· mrad, respectively by using two simulation codes. Accuracy of simulation was verified by comparison of emitted beam current which has error of 0.74%.
HIV-1 Tropism Evolution after Short-Term Maraviroc Monotherapy in HIV-1-Infected Patients

ABSTRACT We analyzed the evolution of viral tropism after 8 days of maraviroc monotherapy, i.e., we used the maraviroc clinical test (MCT), in 21 patients with and 14 without virological response to the drug (MCT+ and MCT− patients, respectively). No increases in CXCR4 inferred viral loads (X4IVLs) were observed in MCT+ patients, while X4IVLs increased only in MCT− patients, with X4IVLs of >2 log10 HIV RNA copies/ml. These results shed light on the evolution of viral tropism under a CCR5 antagonist in vivo.
Where do moral decisions come from?

[Mark] Johnson asks us to take seriously theory as an imaginative construction that offers, not an objective account of the world, but a dynamic, intersubjective construal of it.A common feature [of the four books discussed] is the conviction that moral universals are somehow bound up with dynamic processes that have their origin in the human form, not with disembodied rules or rational arguments per se.
Prenatal and neonatal risk factors for childhood myeloid leukemia.

Information about the etiology of childhood myeloid leukemia is limited. A population-based nested case-control study of prenatal and neonatal risk factors for childhood myeloid leukemia was performed with the use of the Swedish National Cancer Register and the Swedish Birth Register. A total of 98 cases of myeloid leukemia were identified in successive birth cohorts from 1973 through 1989. From the Birth Register, five controls were matched to each case. Fourteen of the 98 cases with myeloid leukemia and none of the controls had Down syndrome [odds ratio (OR) = infinity; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 21.0-infinity]. The risk for myeloid leukemia also increased among children who had physiological jaundice (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.2-5.0; children who had been treated with phototherapy (OR = 7.5; 95% CI = 1.8-31.9); or who had been treated in an incubator (OR = 3.5; 95% CI = 1.2-10.2). Excluding cases with Down syndrome, however, decreased these risks, so that their 95% lower confidence interval included the no-effect value. Maternal age < 20 years old (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.1-6.0), hypertension (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.2-5.0), Cesarean section (OR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.3-4.9), maternal smoking (OR = 2.4; 95% CI = 0.9-6.5), and being one of a multiple birth (OR = 3.6; 95% CI = 1.1-11.3) increased the risk for myeloid leukemia among those without Down syndrome. When the analyses were repeated, by restricting the cases to those with acute myeloid leukemia, the risk associated with young maternal age declined and became nonsignificant. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Structure‐Photodynamic Activity Relationships of a Series of 4‐Substituted Zinc Phthalocyanines

Abstract— Radioiodinated zinc phthalocyanine including [125I]ZnPcI4 and differently sulfonated [65Zn]ZnPcS (ZnPcS4, ZnPcS3, ZnPcS2 and ZnPcS1.75, a mixture of adjacent di and 25% mono) were prepared in order to study cell uptake and release kinetics in EMT‐6 cells. The same compounds were evaluated for their in vitro phototoxicity and the biological parameters were compared to partition coefficients to arrive at quantitative structure‐activity relationships (QSAR). At 1 μM in 1% serum, at 37°C, all dyes showed rapid cell uptake during the first hour followed by a slow accumulation phase. After 24 h, the highest cellular concentration was observed with the lipophilic ZnPcI4, followed by the amphiphilic ZnPcS2 and ZnPcS1.75. The hydrophilic ZnPcS4 and ZnPcS3 showed lower uptake. Dye release from dyeloaded cells during incubation in dye‐free medium could reach up to 60% and was shown to depend mainly on the amount of drug incorporated rather than the type of compound. These results suggest that care should be taken in interpreting dye toxicity data, which involve in vitro cell manipulations in dye‐free medium, particularly during in vitro/in vivo protocols. The EMT‐6 cell survival after 1 h or 24 h incubation with 1 μM dye in 1% serum followed by exposure to red light was assessed by means of the colorimetric 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐diphenyl‐tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Photocytotoxicities correlated inversely with the tendencies of the dyes to aggregate. Increased dye uptake by the cells also correlated with their activities, except for the lipophilic ZnPcI4, which showed the highest cell uptake but little phototoxicity. The QSAR between phototoxicity and the log of the partition coefficients (phosphate‐buffered saline and n‐octanol) gave a parabola with optimal partition values corresponding to the adjacent sulfonated ZnPcS2.
Feature extraction of finger vein patterns based on iterative line tracking and its application to personal identification

The research group of which the authors are members has proposed a scheme based on finger vein patterns as a scheme of biometric identification utilizing biological information. Since the finger vein images taken to obtain finger vein patterns are obtained by irradiating the fingers with infrared rays, fluctuations in brightness due to variations in the light power or the thickness of the finger occur. This paper proposes a scheme for extracting global finger vein patterns by iteratively tracking local lines from various positions to robustly extract finger vein patterns from such unclear images. The proposed scheme is robust against brightness fluctuations as compared with the conventional feature extraction schemes and the results of evaluating the proposed scheme by applying it to a personal identification system showed an effective error rate of 0.145p. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 35(7): 61–71, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (). DOI 10.1002sscj. 10596