Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Cross-Linguistic Validation of the Test for Rating Emotions in Speech: Acoustic Analyses of Emotional Sentences in English, German, and Hebrew.

PURPOSE The Test for Rating Emotions in Speech (T-RES) has been developed in order to assess the processing of emotions in spoken language. In this tool, spoken sentences, which are composed of emotional content (anger, happiness, sadness, and neutral) in both semantics and prosody in different combinations, are rated by listeners. To date, English, German, and Hebrew versions have been developed, as well as online versions, iT-RES, to adapt to COVID-19 social restrictions. Since the perception of spoken emotions may be affected by linguistic (and cultural) variables, it is important to compare the acoustic characteristics of the stimuli within and between languages. The goal of the current report was to provide cross-linguistic acoustic validation of the T-RES. METHOD T-RES sentences in the aforementioned languages were acoustically analyzed in terms of mean F0, F0 range, and speech rate to obtain profiles of acoustic parameters for different emotions. RESULTS Significant within-language discriminability of prosodic emotions was found, for both mean F0 and speech rate. Similarly, these measures were associated with comparable patterns of prosodic emotions for each of the tested languages and emotional ratings. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrate the lack of dependence of prosody and semantics within the T-RES stimuli. These findings illustrate the listeners' ability to clearly distinguish between the different prosodic emotions in each language, providing a cross-linguistic validation of the T-RES and iT-RES.
The impact of the clip-tone training device and its smartphone application to pressurized metered-dose inhaler in adult asthmatics

Abstract Background Despite traditional inhaler technique counseling, many patients make clinically important mistakes when they use their inhalers. This study investigates the value of using a connected inhalation aid when adults with asthma use their metered-dose inhaler (pMDI). Methods Adult asthmatics (n = 221), using a pMDI, were randomly divided into a verbal training group (n = 110) and an enhanced training group (n = 111). 21 subjects were lost during the study, each group included 100 subjects at the end of the study. The study was divided into 3 visits. Traditional pMDI training was delivered at visit 1 to both groups which included an explanation of the steps with special stress on frequently mistaken steps e.g. exhalation before use and inhaling slowly and deeply. The enhanced training group was enhanced by using the Clip-Tone training aid linked to its dedicated smartphone app. enhanced training patients were encouraged to use this connected training aid during real-life use between the study visits. Baseline data were collected at the first visit. At all three visits (baseline, 1 month, and 2 months), subjects first completed all inhaler techniques, health outcome measures, received inhaler training, then took bronchodilators, and 30 min later repeated the lung function outcome measures. Results Both groups showed a significant decrease (p < 0.001) in the total mean number of pMDI inhalation techniques mistakes at visits 2 and 3, with a lower number of mistakes (p < 0.05) for slower inhalations for the enhanced training group compared to the verbal training group. Inhalation time (an indicator of a slow inhalation) significantly (p < 0.05) improved at each visit in the enhanced training group. In the enhanced training group, there was a gradual significant increase (p < 0.05) in lung functions while the improvements in the verbal training group were only significant (p < 0.05) at visit 3, and by visit 3, the enhanced training group had significantly higher scores than the verbal training group on both FEV1 and PEF% predicted. The asthma control test (ACT) score improved at each visit in both groups with a greater increase in the enhanced training group (p < 0.05) and more patients (44 and 21) improved their score by 3 or more in the second and third visit respectively. Conclusion The connected Clip-Tone training aid helped patients improve their pMDI inhaler technique and their asthma control compared to traditional methods. These results highlight the potential of connected inhalers in the future management of inhaled therapy.
An Energy Rating Methodology for Long Term Performance Evaluation of Renewable Energy Systems

This paper describes a simple methodology for determining the long term performance of renewable energy systems (solar, photovoltaics, wind turbines, etc) that is important for project evaluation. Overall efficiency of solar collector hot water plants, photovoltaics and wind turbines are examined by using a ratio of output of useful effects to energy input. Long-term efficiency of class A solar collectors is typically higher ≥ 50%in thermal energy whilst the silicon-based photovoltaics has only <10% efficiency in electricity: In these mentioned cases, the useful output differ in form, obscuring the comparison of one renewable system to the other.The thermal or electricity rating proposed here enable one to make a performance comparison across a host of renewable energy systems. Based on the long term performance rating, itwill assist engineers and managers topredict accurately the payback periods of renewable energy plants as well as the annual carbon emissions.
SUR1 as a New Therapeutic Target for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.

Mutations in ABCC8 have been identified in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). ABCC8 encodes SUR1, a regulatory subunit of the ATP-sensitive-potassium channel Kir6.2. However, the pathophysiological role of the SUR1/Kir6.2 channel in PAH is unknown. We hypothesized that activation of SUR1 could be a novel potential target for PAH. We analysed the expression of SUR1/Kir6.2 in the lungs and pulmonary artery (PA) in human PAH or experimental pulmonary hypertension (PH). The contribution of SUR1 in human or rat PA tone was evaluated, and we measured the consequences of in vivo activation of SUR1 in control and PH rats. SUR1 and Kir6.2 protein expression was not reduced in the lungs or human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells (hPAECs and hPASMCs) from PAH or experimentally induced PH. We showed that pharmacological activation of SUR1 by 3 different SUR1 activators (diazoxide, VU0071063, and NN414) leads to PA relaxation. Conversely, the inhibition of SUR1/Kir6.2 channels causes PA constriction. In vivo, long- and short-term activation of SUR1 with diazoxide reversed monocrotaline-induced PH in rats. Additionally, in vivo diazoxide application (short protocol) reduced the severity of PH in chronic-hypoxia rats. Moreover, 3 weeks of diazoxide exposure in control rats had no cardiovascular effects. Finally, in vivo, activation of SUR1 with NN414 reduced monocrotaline-induced PH in rats. In PAH and experimental PH, the expression of SUR1/Kir6.2 was still presented. In vivo pharmacological SUR1 activation by two different molecules alleviated experimental PH, providing proof-of-concept that SUR1 activation should be considered for PAH and evaluated more thoroughly.
Self-rated health as a predictor of cognition among middle-aged and older Latinos

ABSTRACT Self-rated health (SRH) has been used to predict cognitive decline in various populations; however, this relationship has not been examined in Latinos. This study examines the relationship between SRH and cognition among middle-aged and older Latinos. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted among Latinos (n = 425, Mage = 64.13 ± 7.65, 82% female). Participants rated their health as poor/fair, good, and excellent and completed cognitive performance tests. Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) examined differences in cognition between SRH categories. ANCOVAs showed significant differences in SRH categories for working memory (F [2, 357] = 3.63, p = .028) and global cognition (F [2, 348] = 3.074, p = .047), such that those who self-rated their health as good had better scores compared to participants in the poor/fair category. Findings show that SRH is associated with cognition among middle-aged and older Latinos. SRH may serve as an indicator of early signs of cognitive decline.
Reference equations for pulmonary diffusing capacity using segmented regression show similar predictive accuracy as GAMLSS models

Purpose To determine whether generalised additive models of location, scale and shape (GAMLSS) developed for pulmonary diffusing capacity are superior to segmented (piecewise) regression models, and to update reference equations for pulmonary diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and nitric oxide (DLNO), which may be affected by the equipment used for its measurement. Methods Data were pooled from five studies that developed reference equations for DLCO and DLNO (n=530 F/546 M; 5–95 years old, body mass index 12.4–39.0 kg/m2). Reference equations were created for DLCO and DLNO using both GAMLSS and segmented linear regression. Cross-validation was applied to compare the prediction accuracy of the two models as follows: 80% of the pooled data were used to create the equations, and the remaining 20% was used to examine the fit. This was repeated 100 times. Then, the root-mean-square error was compared between both models. Results In males, GAMLSS models were 7% worse to 3% better compared to segmented regression for DLCO and DLNO. In females, GAMLSS models were 2% worse to 5% better compared to segmented linear regression for DLCO and DLNO. The Hyp'Air Compact measured DLNO and alveolar volume (VA) that was approximately 16–20 mL/min/mm Hg and 0.2–0.4 L higher, respectively, compared to the Jaeger MasterScreen Pro. The measured DLCO was similar between devices after controlling for altitude. Conclusions For the development of pulmonary function reference equations, we propose that segmented linear regression can be used instead of GAMLSS due to its simplicity, especially when the predictive accuracy is similar between the two models, overall.
An evaluation of the electrical, material, and reliability characteristics and process viability of ZrO₂ and ZrOxNy for future generation MOS gate dielectric

iv Acknowledgements First, I would like to thank my husband Ryan and my family for providing me with the love and support I needed to earn this degree. Mom and Dad – thanks for instilling in me the appreciation for education and encouraging me in all my endeavors. Ryan – thanks for being my best friend, for keeping me so happy, and filling our home with love and laughter. To my brother Leon, thanks for showing me that anything can be accomplished with hard work and perseverance. To my in-laws, and especially Wen-Jie who set such a good example for the rest of us. I also enjoyed working with the past ferroelectrics group members: Razak, and Eric. I really appreciate all the helpful discussions and support of the past and current group members, and the teamwork it took for us all to get our New KJL processing done! To Dr. Lee, thanks for letting us have so much freedom in our work, but also guiding us when we needed help – it was the perfect balance. Thanks also to the wonderful MER support staff. Without the help of the clean room technicians – Bill, Jesse, and Steve – none of us would ever get any research done! I cannot describe how much I appreciated all their help, patience, and v efficiency at repairing all the equipment. To Brenda, thanks for keeping the clean room clean and for your friendship. As for the administrative staff, Carol and Kay were amazingly efficient at taking care of any problems or travel arrangements in a friendly manner. Thanks to James, William, and David for keeping the MER facilities running smoothly and safely. I would also like to express my gratitude to my committee members: Dr. Dr. Vidya Kaushik for their time and careful consideration of my work. As for assistance with material analysis, thanks go to the incredible TEM lab at Motorola Austin and SEMATECH, José for the XPS analysis, and Chang Seok for the XRD analysis. Also, I enjoyed my internship at Motorola and all the friendly people I met while working there – Bich-Yen, Vidya, Bruce, Michael, and Murali. For the fellowships that kept me funded for the past five years, I thank UT-Finally, thanks to all my friends who help to keep me sane when the going got rough – Susan and Sheryl – the best roommate/suitemate a girl could ask …
Positive Coping as a Mediator of Mobile Health Intervention Effects on Quality of Life Among People Living With HIV: Secondary Analysis of the Randomized Controlled Trial Run4Love

Background The effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on quality of life (QOL) among people living with HIV has been validated, including mobile health (mHealth) interventions. However, it is unclear which components of such interventions account for these effects. Objective This study aims to examine positive coping as a potential mediator of the effects of an mHealth intervention on QOL among people living with HIV. Methods For this secondary analysis, we used data from an mHealth-based randomized controlled trial, Run4Love, which was conducted to improve QOL and mental health outcomes of people living with HIV. A total of 300 participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group to receive the adapted cognitive-behavioral stress management courses and regular physical activity promotion or the waitlist control group in a 1:1 ratio. Our analysis focused on positive coping and QOL, which were repeatedly measured at baseline and at 3-, 6-, and 9-month follow-ups. Latent growth curve models were constructed to explore the mediating role of positive coping in the effects of the mHealth intervention on QOL. Results Positive coping served as a mediator in the effect of the mHealth intervention on QOL for up to 9 months. The mHealth intervention had a significant and positive indirect effect on the slope of QOL via the slope of positive coping (b=2.592×1.620=4.198, 95% CI 1.189-7.207, P=.006). The direct effect of the intervention was not significant (b=0.552, 95% CI −2.154 to 3.258, P=.69) when controlling for the mediator. Conclusions The longitudinal findings suggest that positive coping could be a crucial mediator of the mHealth intervention in enhancing QOL among people living with HIV. These findings underscore the importance of improving positive coping skills in mHealth interventions to improve QOL among people living with HIV.
Mechanical Thrombectomy vs Bridging Therapy for Anterior Circulation Large Vessel Occlusion Stroke

Background and Objectives Current guidelines recommend the use of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) plus IV thrombolysis (aka bridging therapy [BT]) for patients with anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke. However, clinical equipoise exists in relation to the use of BT vs MT alone. Our objective is to compare the efficacy and safety of BT and MT for anterior circulation LVO. Methods A systematic search of biomedical literature databases was performed from inception to October 29, 2021, to identify prospective and retrospective studies comparing the rates for functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score 0–2) and mortality at 90 days, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and successful recanalization rates for MT and BT. Effect size was represented by odds ratio (OR), and analysis was done with random-effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed by I2 and Cochrane Q statistics. Results Overall, 41 studies with 14,885 patients were included. Mean ± SD age was 69 ± 11 years for BT and 70 ± 11 years for MT. All studies used alteplase as the thrombolytic agent. The BT group had 29% higher odds for functional independence (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16–1.44, I2 = 42%), 25% higher odds of successful reperfusion (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.08–1.44, I2 = 42%), and 31% decrease in odds for mortality (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.60–0.80, I2 = 47%) compared with MT. sICH prevalence was similar between groups (OR 1.10, 95% CI 0.95–1.28, I2 = 0%). Six of the studies were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with intention-to-treat analysis done in patients presenting directly to MT-capable centers. When analysis was restricted to these 6 RCTs (n = 2,333), no differences were observed in functional independence (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.91–1.27, I2 = 0%), sICH (OR 1.37, 95% CI 0.95–1.97, I2 = 0%), or mortality (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.74–1.16, I2 = 0%) between groups. However, successful reperfusion favored the BT group (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.06–1.73, I2 = 0%). Discussion The odds for functional independence, successful reperfusion, and mortality for the entire dataset favored the use of BT over MT (medium heterogeneity and low quality of evidence). When analysis was restricted to RCTs, both treatments had similar functional and safety outcomes (no heterogeneity), but recanalization rates favored the BT group (no heterogeneity). Because these findings may differ in patients who present to non–MT-capable centers or with the use of other thrombolytic agents, further RCTs are needed.
Staff perspectives on the feeding practices used in holiday clubs to promote healthy eating in disadvantaged communities

Abstract An increasing number of holiday clubs provide free meals to alleviate children's hunger during the school holidays. Holiday clubs are well‐placed to promote healthy eating among children from disadvantaged communities who may be at risk of experiencing food insecurity, but currently little is known about the feeding practices used by staff and whether these are conducive to maximising opportunities to promote healthy eating. Unlike previous research which has predominantly studied feeding practices in parent‐child dyads and childcare settings, this qualitative study explored staff perspectives on the feeding practices they use to promote healthy eating within nine UK holiday clubs working with children from disadvantaged communities. Nine individual interviews and four focus groups were completed with 27 holiday club staff during the 2019 summer holidays. Thematic analysis revealed seven feeding practice themes, including teaching about nutrition; encouraging balance and variety; modelling; involvement; non‐food rewards; restriction; and reoffering foods. The results revealed that some staff implement various positive feeding practices which align with the existing evidence‐base of feeding practices in other contexts, which is a promising finding given the current lack of information and guidance from which to draw on. However, staff also sometimes reported using maladaptive feeding practices, including overt restriction and punishment. These results emphasise the need for guidance on effective ways to implement feeding practices with children in holiday clubs. Indeed, staff demonstrated their receptivity to engaging with training resources to maximise their opportunities to promote healthy eating behaviours among children.
Relationship Between White Matter Lesions and Gray Matter Atrophy in Multiple Sclerosis

Background and Objectives There is currently no consensus about the extent of gray matter (GM) atrophy that can be attributed to secondary changes after white matter (WM) lesions or the temporal and spatial relationships between the 2 phenomena. Elucidating this interplay will broaden the understanding of the combined inflammatory and neurodegenerative pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS), and separating atrophic changes due to primary and secondary neurodegenerative mechanisms will then be pivotal to properly evaluate treatment effects, especially if these treatments target the different processes individually. To untangle these complex pathologic mechanisms, this systematic review provides an essential first step: an objective and comprehensive overview of the existing in vivo knowledge of the relationship between brain WM lesions and GM atrophy in patients diagnosed with MS. The overall aim was to clarify the extent to which WM lesions are associated with both global and regional GM atrophy and how this may differ in the different disease subtypes. Methods We searched MEDLINE (through PubMed) and Embase for reports containing direct associations between brain GM and WM lesion measures obtained by conventional MRI sequences in patients with clinically isolated syndrome and MS. No restriction was applied for publication date. The quality and risk of bias in included studies were evaluated with the Quality Assessment Tool for observational cohort and cross-sectional studies (NIH, Bethesda, MA). Qualitative and descriptive analyses were performed. Results A total of 90 articles were included. WM lesion volumes were related mostly to global, cortical and deep GM volumes, and those significant associations were almost without exception negative, indicating that higher WM lesion volumes were associated with lower GM volumes or lower cortical thicknesses. The most consistent relationship between WM lesions and GM atrophy was seen in early (relapsing) disease and less so in progressive MS. Discussion The findings suggest that GM neurodegeneration is mostly secondary to damage in the WM during early disease stages while becoming more detached and dominated by other, possibly primary neurodegenerative disease mechanisms in progressive MS.
Novel boron‐containing compound, halogenated boroxine, induces selective cytotoxicity through apoptosis triggering in UT‐7 leukemia

Apoptosis induction is a promising approach in targeting tumor cells. As halogenated boroxine (HB) shows antitumor activity, but its mechanism of action in hematological tumors remains unclear, in this study, we aimed to analyze apoptosis triggering in normal and UT‐7 leukemia cells by HB. Methods for assessing cell viability and cytotoxicity, apoptosis detection, relative expression of 84 apoptosis‐associated genes and BCL‐2, and functional analysis were applied. Pronounced HB activities in inhibition of cell viability, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis induction with measurable differences between tumor and normal cells were found. HB modulated the expression of 21 genes, predominantly downregulated the antiapoptotic genes in leukemia. The functional association revealed HB's impact on inhibition of NF‐κB signaling pathway. BCL‐2 expression decreasing was found only in UT‐7 leukemia. This study identified HB as an apoptosis inducer affecting leukemia but not normal cells considering mechanisms of selective activity that may be a great advantage of HB applications.