Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adversarial Canonical Correlation Analysis

Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) is a statistical technique used to extract common information from multiple data sources or views. It has been used in various representation learning problems, such as dimensionality reduction, word embedding, and clustering. Recent work has given CCA probabilistic footing in a deep learning context and uses a variational lower bound for the data log likelihood to estimate model parameters. Alternatively, adversarial techniques have arisen in recent years as a powerful alternative to variational Bayesian methods in autoencoders. In this work, we explore straightforward adversarial alternatives to recent work in Deep Variational CCA (VCCA and VCCA-Private) we call ACCA and ACCA-Private and show how these approaches offer a stronger and more flexible way to match the approximate posteriors coming from encoders to much larger classes of priors than the VCCA and VCCA-Private models. This allows new priors for what constitutes a good representation, such as disentangling underlying factors of variation, to be more directly pursued. We offer further analysis on the multi-level disentangling properties of VCCA-Private and ACCA-Private through the use of a newly designed dataset we call Tangled MNIST. We also design a validation criteria for these models that is theoretically grounded, task-agnostic, and works well in practice. Lastly, we fill a minor research gap by deriving an additional variational lower bound for VCCA that allows the representation to use view-specific information from both input views.
Programmable and low power VLSI architectures for full search motion estimation in multimedia communications

In this paper a new VLSI architecture for the implementation of an enhanced full-search motion estimator for multimedia terminals is proposed: beyond the usual algorithm, advanced prediction and static priority options are supported to improve the SNR/bit-rate efficiency. The architecture is parametrizable in terms of block size (N) and maximum search area size (p/sub max/) (the latter being also programmable in the range [1, p/sub max/]) thus permitting the implementation of a family of ICs suitable for QCIF, CIF, 4CIF image format processing. Two ASICs were realized on a 0.25 /spl mu/m, 2.5 V, CMOS technology able to process 30 frames/s QCIF, CIF, 4CIF formats with a search area of -16/+15. The resulting CIF and 4CIF ASICs feature a high throughput vs. area efficiency for a small hardware complexity and power consumption. The former, characterized by a core area of 1.6 mm/sup 2/, is able to process either QCIF and CIF with a clock frequency of 18 and 72 MHz, respectively, and with an estimated power consumption of about 42 and 170 mW. By exploiting the p programmability, it also processes the QCIF with a clock frequency of about 6 MHz and a power consumption of 15 mW resulting of a great interest for wireless multimedia applications. The 4CIF-ASIC is characterized by a core area of 3.9 mm/sup 2/ with a clock frequency of 105 MHz.
Carbohydrate components recognized by the cone‐specific monoclonal antibody CSA‐1 and by peanut agglutinin are associated with red and green‐sensitive cone photoreceptors

Previous investigations have demonstrated that the monoclonal antibody CSA‐1 and peanut agglutinin label specifically cone photoreceptor cells. In the present study, we compared the binding of CSA‐1 and peanut agglutinin to that of the monoclonal antibodies COS‐1 and OS‐2, which have been shown to recognize the red/green‐ and blue‐sensitive cone visual pigments, respectively. Using lectin and immunocytochemistry on serial semithin sections of the pig retina, we have demonstrated in the present study that both CSA‐1 and peanut agglutinin label specifically the red‐, and green‐sensitive, but not the blue‐sensitive cone cell outer segments. Peanut agglutinin does bind, however, to the cone matrix sheaths associated with all three types of cones. These observations support the idea that red‐, and green‐sensitive cone cells share some common molecular epitopes and may represent a differentiation line of cones, considerably different from that of blue‐sensitive cones.
Canine filariasis on Okinawa, Ryukyu Islands.

A canine filariasis survey was made on Okinawa. Of 557 stray dogs examined 23% were found infected with Dipetalonema reconditum Grassi, 1 dog (0.17%) was infected with Dirofilaria immitis Leidy, and 1 dog was infected with both D. immitis and D. reconditum. Dog ectoparasites were examined and developing forms of D. reconditum were found in Heterodoxus spiniger Enderlein, Ctenocephalides canis Curtis, Ctenocephalides felis Bouche, Pulex irritans Linne, and Linognathus setosus Olfers. Other data relevant to the incidence of D. reconditum , recovery of adult worms, occurrence of dog ectoparasites, incidence of infection in ectoparasites and illustrations of developing filarial forms are given.
The Physics of Sound Scattering From, and Attenuation Through, Compliant Bubbly Mixtures

Abstract : The goal of this research is to acquire a quantitative understanding, leading to predictive models, of the broader aspects of linear and nonlinear sound scattering, transmission and coherency in oceanic bubbly mixtures pertinent to the shallow-water acoustics. This includes a conceptual understanding of the role played by damping and stabilization mechanisms in bubble dynamics and longevity. Of particular interest is the delineation of different regimes of behavior as a function of frequency, size distribution, flow and volume fraction.
Direct quantitation of MHC‐bound peptide epitopes by selected reaction monitoring

We describe a cell‐free approach that employs selected reaction monitoring (SRM) in tandem mass spectrometry to identify and quantitate T‐cell epitopes. This approach utilises multiple epitope‐specific SRM transitions to identify known T‐cell epitopes and an absolute quantitation (AQUA) peptide strategy to afford AQUA. The advantage of a mass spectrometry‐based approach over more traditional cell‐based assays resides in the robustness and transferability of an SRM approach between laboratories and the ability of this strategy to detect multiple peptides simultaneously without the requirement of epitope‐specific reagents such as T‐cell lines. Thus, the SRM strategy for epitope quantitation will find application in studies of antigen density, the link between epitope abundance and immunogenicity, the dynamic range of epitope presentation and the abundance of T‐cell epitopes in disease.
Ketamine, Propofol, and Ketofol Use for Pediatric Sedation

Abstract The use of a combination of ketamine and propofol (ketofol) for procedural sedation and analgesia in the emergency department setting shows promise as an agent that may minimize adverse effects of ketamine or propofol as single agents. This article provides a summary of current literature regarding ketofol. It also reviews the comparative pharmacokinetics, adverse effects, and dosing of ketamine, propofol, and ketofol as agents for procedural sedation and analgesia.
Multisource remote sensing data classification based on consensus and pruning

Multisource classification methods based on neural networks, statistical modeling, genetic algorithms, and fuzzy methods are considered. For most of these methods, the individual data sources are at first treated separately and classified by either statistical or neural methods. Then, several decision fusion schemes are applied to combine information from the individual data sources. These schemes include weighted consensus theory where the weights of the individual data sources control the influence of the sources in the combined classification. Using all the data sources individually in consensus-theoretic classification can lead to a redundancy in the classification process. Therefore, a special focus in this letter is on neural networks based on pruning and regularization for combination and classification. The considered methods are applied in classification of a multisource dataset.
Comments on Estimating Risks of Low Radiation Doses—A Critical Review of the BEIR VII Report and Its Use of the Linear No-Threshold (LNT) Hypothesis by Edward J. Calabrese and Michael K. O'Connor

Calabrese and O’Connor (1) (hereafter denoted as C&O) offer commentary on the origin of the linear no-threshold (LNT) model for low-dose radiation risk in the context of the National Academy of Sciences’ (NAS’) Biological Effects of Ionizing Radiation VII (BEIR VII) report (2). We write to correct several mischaracterizations and inaccuracies in their commentary. Our comments are organized according to the sections in C&O’s article.
DNA content as a prognostic marker in patients with oral leukoplakia.

BACKGROUND Oral leukoplakia may develop into squamous-cell carcinoma, which has a poor prognosis. Risk factors for oral carcinoma have been identified, but there are no reliable predictors of the outcome in individual patients with oral leukoplakia. METHODS We identified 150 patients with oral leukoplakia that was classified as epithelial dysplasia and measured the nuclear DNA content (ploidy) of the lesions to determine whether DNA ploidy could be used to predict the clinical outcome. Biopsy specimens obtained at annual follow-up visits were graded histologically and classified with respect to DNA content in a blinded fashion. Disease-free survival was assessed in relation to DNA ploidy and the histologic grade. The mean duration of follow-up was 103 months (range, 4 to 165). RESULTS Among 150 patients with verified epithelial dysplasia, a carcinoma developed in 36 (24 percent). Of the 150 patients, 105 (70 percent) had diploid (normal) lesions, 20 (13 percent) had tetraploid (intermediate) lesions, and 25 (17 percent) had aneuploid (abnormal) lesions at the time of the initial diagnosis. A carcinoma developed in 3 of the 105 patients with diploid lesions (3 percent), as compared with 21 of the 25 patients with aneuploid lesions (84 percent), yielding a negative predictive value of 97 percent with respect to the diploid lesions and a positive predictive value of 84 percent with respect to the aneuploid lesions. Carcinoma developed in 12 of 20 patients with tetraploid lesions (60 percent). The mean time from the initial assessment of the DNA content to the development of a carcinoma was 35 months (range, 4 to 57) in the group with aneuploid lesions and 49 months (range, 8 to 78) in the group with tetraploid lesions (P=0.02). The cumulative disease-free survival rate was 97 percent among the group with diploid lesions, 40 percent among the group with tetraploid lesions, and 16 percent among the group with aneuploid lesions (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The DNA content in cells of oral leukoplakia can be used to predict the risk of oral carcinoma.
Specificities of IncF plasmid conjugation genes.

The conjugation regions of IncF plasmids are closely related in that they share extensive DNA homology, and that they specify related pili. Variations between individual conjugation gene products of different IncF plasmids have, however, been noted. We have extended these observations by carrying out a systematic survey of twelve such plasmids, to examine the numbers and the groupings of the plasmid-specific alleles of several genes required for conjugation and its control. Using vector plasmids carrying cloned origins of transfer (oriT), four different specificities were recognized, and these were correlated with the specificities of the genes with products that may act at this site (traM, traY and traZ). The traY gene is the first gene of the major transfer operon, and is therefore located close to the site at which the traJ protein acts to induce expression of the operon: correspondingly, correlation was observed between the oriT/traMYZ and traJ specificities in most of the plasmids. In turn, traJ is negatively regulated by the finO and finP products acting in concert: the finO product was relatively non-specific, but six finP alleles were identified, again with , specificities correlated with those of traJ. Our explanation for this unexpectedly large number of finP alleles derives from the concept that the finP product is an RNA molecule rather than a protein. Although the conjugative pili encoded by IncF plasmids are closely related, they confer different efficiencies of plating of the various F-specific bacteriophages. We distinguished four groups on this basis, presumably resulting from differences in the primary amino-acid sequences of the pilin proteins. These groups could be related to the surface exclusion system specificities, consistent with the hypothesis that surface exclusion acts at least in part by preventing interaction between the pilus and the recipient cell surface.
The design of cytotoxic-agent-antibody conjugates.

The rationale for the use of antibodies as carriers of cancer chemotherapeutic agents is based upon: the presence on cells of tumor-associated cell surface antigens (TAA); the ability to obtain specific polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies against them; and the availability of methods for binding appropriate toxic agents or radionuclides with retention of activity of both antibody and agents. The general finding so far has been that both conventional polyclonal and hybridoma-derived monoclonal antibodies can deliver cytocidal amounts of toxic agents to target tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, various agents with different modes of antitumor activity (e.g., DNA intercalation or alkylation, enzyme inhibition, and cell surface modification) have all produced superior tumor inhibition in conjugate form compared to the individual or synergistic inhibition produced by agent and antibody. Recent studies are contributing to the understanding of the mechanism of action of drug-antibody conjugates and are thus establishing guidelines for this approach to cancer therapy.
Clinicians’ Expectations of Web 2.0 as a Mechanism for Knowledge Transfer of Stroke Best Practices

Background Health professionals are increasingly encouraged to adopt an evidence-based practice to ensure greater efficiency of their services. To promote this practice, several strategies exist: distribution of educational materials, local consensus processes, educational outreach visits, local opinion leaders, and reminders. Despite these strategies, gaps continue to be observed between practice and scientific evidence. Therefore, it is important to implement innovative knowledge transfer strategies that will change health professionals’ practices. Through its interactive capacities, Web 2.0 applications are worth exploring. As an example, virtual communities of practice have already begun to influence professional practice. Objective This study was initially developed to help design a Web 2.0 platform for health professionals working with stroke patients. The aim was to gain a better understanding of professionals’ perceptions of Web 2.0 before the development of the platform. Methods A qualitative study following a phenomenological approach was chosen. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with clinicians and managers. Interview transcripts were subjected to a content analysis. Results Twenty-four female clinicians and managers in Quebec, Canada, aged 28-66 participated. Most participants identified knowledge transfer as the most useful outcome of a Web 2.0 platform. Respondents also expressed their need for a user-friendly platform. Accessibility to a computer and the Internet, features of the Web 2.0 platform, user support, technology skills, and previous technological experience were found to influence perceived ease of use and usefulness. Our results show that the perceived lack of time of health professionals has an influence on perceived behavioral intention to use it despite favorable perception of the usefulness of the Web 2.0 platform. Conclusions In conclusion, female health professionals in Quebec believe that Web 2.0 may be a useful mechanism for knowledge transfer. However, lack of time and lack of technological skills may limit their use of a future Web 2.0 platform. Further studies are required with other populations and in other regions to confirm these findings.
Maternal BCAS 2 protects genomic integrity in mouse early embryonic development

Mammalian early embryos maintain accurate genome integrity for proper development within a programmed timeline despite constant assaults on their DNA by replication, DNA demethylation and genetic defects transmitted from germ cells. However, how genome integrity is safeguarded during mammalian early embryonic development remains unclear. BCAS2 (breast carcinoma amplified sequence 2), a core component of thePRP19complex involved in pre-mRNAsplicing, plays an important role in theDNA damage response through the RPA complex, a key regulator in the maintenance of genome integrity. Currently, the physiological role of BCAS2 in mammals is unknown. We now report that BCAS2 responds to endogenous and exogenous DNA damage in mouse zygotes. Maternal depletion of BCAS2 compromises the DNA damage response in early embryos, leading to developmental arrest at the twoto four-cell stage accompanied by the accumulation of damaged DNA and micronuclei. Furthermore, BCAS2mutants that are unable to bind RPA1 fail in DNA repair during the zygotic stage. In addition, phosphorylated RPA2 cannot localise to the DNA damage sites in mouse zygotes with disrupted maternal BCAS2. These data suggest that BCAS2 might function through the RPA complex during DNA repair in zygotes. Together, our results reveal that maternal BCAS2 maintains the genome integrity of early embryos and is essential for female mouse fertility.
Self-Reported Quality of Life and Depressive Symptoms in Children, Adolescents, and Adults with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy: A Cross-Sectional Survey Study

Abstract Aim We aimed to address the impact of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) on self-reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and depressive symptoms in different age groups of patients to discern a possible need for improved psychosocial support or counseling. Methods In a German clinic for pediatric neurology, we performed a cross-sectional questionnaire survey in a total of 50 patients with DMD (i.e., n = 15 children aged 8 to 12 years; n = 11 adolescents aged 13 to 16 years; n = 24 young adults aged 17 to 23 years). We assessed self-reported HRQOL and symptoms of depression using validated, age-appropriate instruments. Results In children with DMD, virtually all aspects of HRQOL were significantly impaired when compared with published normative data for boys with other chronic illnesses. On the contrary, adolescents and adults with DMD did not differ from published normative data in psychosocial areas of HRQOL, despite significant reductions in physical aspects of HRQOL. Clinically relevant depressive symptoms were not observed in either age group. Interpretation DMD may not always be associated with impaired psychosocial HRQOL and clinical depression, although progressive physical impairment leads to reduced physical aspects of HRQOL. Only children with DMD demonstrated marked impairments in psychosocial aspects of HRQOL calling for psychosocial interventions tailored to this age group.
Role of MAPK Kinase 6 in Arthritis: Distinct Mechanism of Action in Inflammation and Cytokine Expression1

Development of p38α inhibitors for rheumatoid arthritis has been hindered by toxicity and limited efficacy. Therefore, we evaluated whether MKK6, an upstream kinase that regulates multiple p38 isoforms, might be an alternative therapeutic target in inflammatory arthritis. Wild-type (WT), MKK6−/−, and MKK3−/− mice were administered K/B×N serum to induce arthritis. Articular expression of activated kinases and cytokines was determined by Western blot, qPCR, ELISA, and multiplex analysis. Immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy experiments were performed to determine the subcellular location of MKK6, P-p38, and MAPKAPK2 (MK2). Arthritis scores were significantly lower in MKK6−/− mice compared with WT mice. Joint destruction and osteoclast differentiation were lower in MKK6−/−, as were articular IL-6 and matrix metalloproteinase-3 expression. Phospho-p38 levels were modestly decreased in the joints of arthritic MKK6−/− mice compared with WT but were significantly higher than MKK3−/− mice. P-MK2 was low in MKK6−/− and MKK3−/− mice. Uncoupled p38 and MK2 activation was also observed in cultured, MKK6−/− FLS and confirmed using kinase assays. Immunoprecipitation assays and confocal microscopy showed that P-p38 and MK2 colocalized in activated WT but not MKK6−/− FLS. Distinct patterns of cytokine production were observed in MKK6−/− and MKK3−/− cells. MKK6 deficiency suppresses inflammatory arthritis and joint destruction, suggesting it might be a therapeutic target for inflammation. Although MKK3 and MKK6 activate the p38 pathway, they regulate distinct subsets of proinflammatory cytokines. MKK6 appears mainly to facilitate p38 and MK2 colocalization in the nucleus rather than to phosphorylate p38.
Pronunciation error detection techniques for children's speech

In this article we present a novel method for automatic pronunciation error detection of children’s speech. A phone graph is generated from the audio segment and augmented if necessary with alignments of phonetic transcriptions of the word to score. This graph is used for extracting phone-level features using conventional HMM/GMM acoustic scores and Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers acting as probabilistic estimators. Finally an SVM is used to combine the phone-level features extracted for each word to produce a word-based pronunciation score. Experimental results show that the proposed method and features can be effectively used for pronunciation scoring. In particular the detection of mispronunciations is increased more than 22% with respect to the baseline.
P Wave Dispersion: A Valuable Non-Invasive Marker of Vulnerability to Atrial Arrhythmias

The prolongation of intraatrial and interatrial conduction time and the non-homogeneous propagation of sinus impulses are well known electrophysiologic characteristics in patients with atrial arrhythmias and especially paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF). Previous studies have demonstrated that individuals with clinical history of paroxysmal AF show a significantly increased P wave duration in 12-lead surface electrocardiograms (ECG) and signal-averaged ECG recordings. The inhomogeneous and discontinuous atrial conduction in patients with atrial arrhythmias has been studied, during the last years, with a new ECG index, P wave dispersion. P wave dispersion is defined as the difference between the longest and the shortest P wave duration recorded from multiple different surface ECG leads. Extensive clinical evaluation of P wave dispersion has been performed in the assessment of the risk for AF in patients without apparent heart disease, in hypertensive patients, in patients with coronary artery disease, in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery, in patients with congenital heart diseases, as well as in other groups of patients suffering from various cardiac or non-cardiac diseases. P wave dispersion has proven to be a sensitive and specific ECG predictor of AF in the various clinical settings. However, the methodology used for the calculation of P wave dispersion has not been standardized so far and more efforts to improve the reliability and reproducibility of P wave dispersion measurements are needed. In conclusion, P wave dispersion constitutes a significant contribution to the field of non-invasive electrocardiology and seems to be quite promising in the field of AF prediction.