Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and Validation of the AzBio Sentence Lists

Objectives: The goal of this study was to create and validate a new set of sentence lists that could be used to evaluate the speech perception abilities of hearing-impaired listeners and cochlear implant (CI) users. Our intention was to generate a large number of sentence lists with an equivalent level of difficulty for the evaluation of performance over time and across conditions. Design: The AzBio sentence corpus includes 1000 sentences recorded from two female and two male talkers. The mean intelligibility of each sentence was estimated by processing each sentence through a five-channel CI simulation and calculating the mean percent correct score achieved by 15 normal-hearing listeners. Sentences from each talker were sorted by percent correct score, and 165 sentences were selected from each talker and were then sequentially assigned to 33 lists, each containing 20 sentences (5 sentences from each talker). List equivalency was validated by presenting all lists, in random order, to 15 CI users. Results: Using sentence scores from the CI simulation study produced 33 lists of sentences with a mean score of 85% correct. The results of the validation study with CI users revealed no significant differences in percent correct scores for 29 of the 33 sentence lists. However, individual listeners demonstrated considerable variability in performance on the 29 lists. The binomial distribution model was used to account for the inherent variability observed in the lists. This model was also used to generate 95% confidence intervals for one and two list comparisons. A retrospective analysis of 172 instances where research subjects had been tested on two lists within a single condition revealed that 94% of results were accurately contained within these confidence intervals. Conclusions: The use of a five-channel CI simulation to estimate the intelligibility of individual sentences allowed for the creation of a large number of sentence lists with an equivalent level of difficulty. The results of the validation procedure with CI users found that 29 of 33 lists allowed scores that were not statistically different. However, individual listeners demonstrated considerable variability in performance across lists. This variability was accurately described by the binomial distribution model and was used to estimate the magnitude of change required to achieve statistical significance when comparing scores from one and two lists per condition. Fifteen sentence lists have been included in the AzBio Sentence Test for use in the clinical evaluation of hearing-impaired listeners and CI users. An additional eight sentence lists have been included in the Minimum Speech Test Battery to be distributed by the CI manufacturers for the evaluation of CI candidates.
Plasma Kynurenic Acid/Tryptophan Ratio: A Sensitive and Reliable Biomarker for the Assessment of Renal Function

Background: Decreased tryptophan (TRP) and increased kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA) in blood have been reported in patients and experimental animals with renal diseases. We investigated if these compounds could be used as new biomarkers for the assessment of renal function. Methods: Eighty hospitalized hypertensive patients (20 with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and other 60 were considered as control) were enrolled for the investigation. Plasma TRP, KYN, and KYNA were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography. Change rate (CR) was employed to evaluate the sensitivity of the parameters of renal function. Results: CR of plasma KYNA/TRP ratio (+103%) was much higher than the CRs of blood urea nitrogen (+44%), serum creatinine (+56%) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (–35%). Plasma KYNA/TRP ratio was in close relationship with blood urea nitrogen (r = 0.622), serum creatinine (r = 0.797), urine micro-albumin/24-h (r = 0.518) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (r = –0.662), respectively, with all p-values <0.001. Conclusions: Plasma KYNA/TRP ratio was sensitive and reliable to indicate renal function and could be used as a new biomarker to assess the risk or presence of kidney disease.
Essays in International Economics: Exchange Rate Disconnect and the International Price System

The dynamics of import and export prices is crucial for the transmission of shocks across countries and the optimal monetary policy in an open economy. This dissertation consists of three essays studying these issues. In the rst chapter, which is coauthored with Oleg Itskhoki, we propose a dynamic general equilibrium model of exchange rate determination, which simultaneously accounts for all major puzzles associated with nominal and real exchange rates (MeeseRogo disconnect puzzle, the PPP puzzle, the terms-of-trade puzzle, the Backus-Smith puzzle, and the UIP puzzle). We propose a small but persistent shock to international asset demand as a driving force and prove it is the only type of shock that can generate the exchange rate disconnect properties. We then show that a model with this nancial shock alone is quantitatively consistent with the moments describing the dynamic comovement between exchange rates and macro variables. The currency in which international prices are set is a factor of fundamental importance in international economics: it determines the bene ts of oating versus pegged exchange rates and the spillover e ects of national monetary policy on other economies. However, the standard assumption in existing models — that all prices are set in a currency of either the producer or the consumer — is inconsistent with the dominant status of the dollar in global trade and the radical transformation of the price system over history. In the second chapter, I develop a general equilibrium multi-country framework with endogenous currency choice that is consistent with these stylized facts. The last chapter shows that despite small costs for exporters, the aggregate e ects
Measurement of stereo matching on images using dissimilarity estimation

This paper proposes the dissimilarity based adaptive prior modelling for stereo images and improve the performance on images. The fast likelihood function based on rank transform implemented in matching images that replaces the intensity of a pixel with its rank among all pixels within a certain neighbourhood. Rank transform reduce the radiometric gain, bias also reduce the discriminatory power in stereo matching, by giving matching result. Adaptive prior modelling is proposed, improves the smoothness of matching result and is defined as a pixel wise energy function by using adaptive interference between neighbouring disparities. The disparity is estimated by minimizing the joined energy function which combines the likelihood matching and prior modelling. The dissimilarity based adaptive prior modelling measures the dissimilarity between joint energy function and gradient (GRAD). The optimal weight ω is determined between join energy function and gradient (GRAD) by maximizing the number of reliable correspondences that are filtered using cross checking test. Finally we consider filters like wiener, median, order static filter to improve the smoothness of stereo images.
Examining Challenges, Opportunities and Best Practices for Addressing Rural Mobility and Economic Development under SAFETEA-LU’s Coordinated Planning and Human Services Framework

In response to changes in federal requirements for rural transit planning, the Texas State Legislature and the Texas Department of Transportation have recently developed coordinated transit and human services plans for the 24 planning regions in the state of Texas. This study evaluates both the processes that have been adopted throughout the state as well as the types of outcomes that have emerged. Having engaged in perhaps the most comprehensive approach to meeting the revised federal requirements in the United States, the Texas experience in developing coordinated transit and human service plans is particularly useful for identifying opportunities, barriers, and best practices for coordinated rural transit planning, and thus for filling a major gap in the available professional guidance.
Market based bandwidth brokering architecture in PLC networks

Management instance inside a PLC system is a bandwidth broker. It has complete overview of the network topology and actual reserved bandwidth on each link inside its domain and should ideally also have a real-time view of the same. It is an intermediate unit for call setups in a way that a call with ensured quality has to send a signaling packet to the broker. That signaling packet then manages each node taking part in this connection and reserves the bandwidth percentage and delay constraints necessary for the requested quality. In market based environment the key components are a bandwidth broker that puts the supply of available bandwidth on a virtual market, and utility functions for each media, which are used to calculate the relative gain they can offer the user by using this bandwidth.
Renin–angiotensin system expression in rat bone marrow haematopoietic and stromal cells

The existence of a bone marrow renin–angiotensin system (RAS) is evidenced by the association of renin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), and angiotensin (Ang) II and its AT1 and AT2 receptors with both normal and disturbed haematopoiesis. The expression of RAS components by rat unfractionated bone marrow cells (BMC), haematopoietic‐lineage BMC and cultured marrow stromal cells (MSC) was investigated to determine which specific cell types may contribute to a local bone marrow RAS. The mRNAs for angiotensinogen, renin, ACE, and AT1a and AT2 receptors were present in BMC and in cultured MSC; ACE2 mRNA was detected only in BMC. Two‐colour flow fluorocytometry analysis showed immunodetectable angiotensinogen, ACE, AT1 and AT2 receptors, and Ang II, as well as binding of Ang II to AT1 and AT2 receptors, in CD4+, CD11b/c+, CD45R+ and CD90+ BMC and cultured MSC; renin was found in all cell types with the exception of CD4+ BMC. Furthermore, Ang II was detected by radioimmunoassay in MSC homogenates as well as conditioned culture medium. The presence of Ang II receptors in both haematopoietic‐lineage BMC and MSC, and the de novo synthesis of Ang II by MSC suggest a potential autocrine–paracrine mechanism for local RAS‐mediated regulation of haematopoiesis.
Search pattern in a verbally reported visual scanning test in patients showing spatial neglect

The present study of right hemisphere stroke patients showed that presence of visuospatial neglect in conventional neglect tests at the postacute stage was strongly associated with an aberrant search pattern in a verbally reported visuo-perceptual scanning test. Compared with normal controls, patients with visuospatial neglect showed a greater proportion of repeated readings of the same target, shorter search sequences, more shifts between horizontal, vertical, and diagonal search, and lower proportion of horizontal search. The relation between spatial neglect and a deficient search pattern was strongly influenced by the asymmetric allocation of attention in the scanning test, with the exception for the proportion of repeated reading which was not influenced by this asymmetry. At follow-up, a significant recovery was noted in the neglect group for the proportion of repeated readings and for the asymmetry in the allocation of attention. However, a high number of omitted targets in the search test was still a common finding in the neglect group and it was suggested that a non-lateralized attentional deficit may have played an important role behind the ineffective search at this point of time. (JINS, 2002, 8, 382–394.)
Reversal of age-related learning deficits and brain oxidative stress in mice with superoxide dismutase/catalase mimetics

Oxidative stress has been implicated in cognitive impairment in both old experimental animals and aged humans. This implication has led to the notion that antioxidant defense mechanisms in the brain are not sufficient to prevent age-related increase in oxidative damage and that dietary intake of a variety of antioxidants might be beneficial for preserving brain function. Here we report a dramatic loss of learning and memory function from 8 to 11 months of age in mice, associated with marked increases in several markers of brain oxidative stress. Chronic systemic administration of two synthetic catalytic scavengers of reactive oxygen species, Eukarion experimental compounds EUK-189 and EUK-207, from 8 to 11 months almost completely reversed cognitive deficits and increase in oxidative stress taking place during this time period in brain. In particular, increase in protein oxidation was completely prevented, whereas increase in lipid peroxidation was decreased by ≈50%. In addition, we observed a significant negative correlation between contextual fear learning and levels of protein oxidation in brain. These results further support the role of reactive oxygen species in age-related learning impairment and suggest potential clinical applications for synthetic catalytic scavengers of reactive oxygen species.
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and county-level health outcomes

ABSTRACT A series of studies have supported the economic benefits from the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), however, there is little evidence to demonstrate its impact on local health. We test the direct and indirect (through county-level poverty and household income) effects of ARRA expenditures per-capita on five types of county-level health outcomes. Based on Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) regression models, a 10% increase in ARRA expenditures per-capita was negatively associated with fair to poor health (0.4 percentage point), number of physically (−0.08 days or 115 min during a 30-day period) or mentally (−0.05 days or 72 min during a 30-day period) unhealthy days in a month, premature death rate (158 deaths per 100,000 population) and adjusted mortality (7.6 deaths per 100,000 population decline). Overall, the direct and indirect association of economic stimulus with health outcomes through poverty and income are positive but effect sizes are small.
Selection of Transfected Mammalian Cells

To determine the function of a gene in vitro, expression in heterologous cells is often employed. This can be done by transient expression, but often requires a more permanent expression of the gene and the creation of a cell line. This process can involve decisions as to the nature of construct used for expression, and invariably uses some strategy to select the transfected cells. Typically, these strategies use one of a number of genes that confer resistance to an added drug that will kill untransfected cells but not the transfected cells (positive selection). Alternatively, sometimes the strategy uses a gene that will confer sensitivity to a compound and kills the transfected cells (negative selection). This chapter discusses some of the strategies and genes used in creating cell line for in vitro study of gene function. Curr. Protoc. Mol. Biol. 86:9.5. 1‐9.5. 13. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Affiliation policy rhetoric and reality in the Ghanaian higher education context

ABSTRACT The present affiliation policy regime of Ghana’s higher education system has existed for more than two decades. However, empirical studies to examine the policy rhetoric and reality with regard to building quality assurance capacity in mentored institutions appear non-existent. This paper is based on an illustrative qualitative case study undertaken to examine the achievements and challenges of implementing the policy to build internal quality assurance capacities in mentored institutions. The study was guided by Institutional Theory using 12 key informant in-depth interviews and document reviews as data collection sources. The findings indicate a minimal achievement of the policy intent on internal quality assurance capacity building due to key implementation challenges such as a tripartite relationship structure; increasing cost on mentored institutions and increasing workload on mentor institutions. The study concludes that the gap between the policy rhetoric and reality in the studied mentored institutions appears undesirable and requires stakeholders’ attention.
Perceptions of Diabetes Self-Care Management Among Older Singaporeans With Type 2 Diabetes: A Qualitative Study

Background: Given the global shift in aging populations and the associated increasing prevalence of diabetes, it is critical to explore new approaches in diabetic self-care management. In Singapore, what has been overlooked to date is an in-depth, contextually based examination of the needs, expectations, and barriers faced in self-care management by older adults with Type 2 diabetes. Purpose: This study aimed to explore the experiences of older Singaporeans with Type 2 diabetes in diabetes self-care management to understand their perceived needs, expectations, and barriers associated with their diabetes self-care management. Methods: A descriptive qualitative approach using focus group discussions was adopted. Purposive sampling was used to recruit older adults with Type 2 diabetes from Singapore’s three main ethnic groups, namely, Chinese, Malay, and Indian, through the diabetes centers of two hospitals. Four focus groups, including two groups of Chinese, one group of Malays, and one group of Indians, were conducted. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data set for emerging themes that relate to the experiences of participants with diabetes self-care management. Results: The four major themes related to the experiences of participants with diabetes self-care management that emerged were as follows: (a) “Diabetes is genetic, destined, and not serious; complication, let it come”; (b) “Diabetes self-care is difficult”; (c) “I don’t know diabetes”; and (d) “Doctor and nurses are important facilitators of self-care management. ” Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Findings have important implications in Singapore as well as in other Asian countries where populations are also aging and diabetes prevalence is increasing. The findings provide new culturally focused insights for clinical patient education within the Southeast Asian context to improve diabetes self-care management of older adults.
Sexual Behavior Among Adolescent Women at High Risk for Sexually Transmitted Infections

Background The temporal pattern of partners and sexual encounters may be key factors in the acquisition and transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Behavior among adolescent women is of particular interest because they frequently have the highest prevalence and incidence of infection. Goal To examine coital diary data collected during a 7-month longitudinal study of young women at high risk of STDs and to describe their sexual behaviors, with particular attention to issues of partner sequence and overlap. Study Design A 7-month longitudinal study of young women infected with or having a sexual contact infected with Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, or Trichomonas vaginalis attending the STD clinic or one of four neighborhood adolescent health clinics. Data were collected at enrollment and at 1, 3, 5, and 7-month follow-up visits. Coital diaries were kept between visits. Results The average frequency of coital events was 0.94 per week. The median number of sexual partners during the follow-up period was one, and overlapping of partnerships was an uncommon occurrence. The number of days between the last coital event of a current relationship and the first encounter of a new relationship differed for those choosing a new partner (mean, 20.6 days) and those who returned to a previous partner (mean, 7.9 days;P < 0.001). Conclusion Although at high risk for STDs, high-risk behavior was not common among the study population. Partner choice and the behavior of these partners may be more important elements than personal high-risk behavior in accounting for the high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections among inner-city adolescent women.
Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics, preclinical, and clinical efficacy of lenalidomide for the treatment of multiple myeloma

Introduction: Lenalidomide is an oral immunomodulatory drug, which was recently introduced for the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM). It has been used for the treatment of newly diagnosed and relapsed MM patients, as both maintenance and preventive therapy. Available data show a progression-free survival and overall survival improvement associated with this drug. Areas covered: Efficacy results of lenalidomide in Phase I, II, and III trials in MM are reported herein. The recent use of lenalidomide as maintenance and preventive therapy is described. An overview of the most important adverse events is also presented, such as myelosuppression, thromboembolic events, fatigue, dermatologic toxicity, infections, teratogenic potential, and second primary malignancies. The literature reviewed consists of clinical trials published from 2001 to 2012. Expert opinion: Lenalidomide is one of the most important therapeutic agents for MM treatment. Various trials have confirmed its remarkable anticancer activity, alone or combined with high- or low-dose dexamethasone, or other drugs. Lenalidomide-related adverse events can be controlled with dose reductions, supportive therapy, and appropriate prophylaxis.
Fish oil prevents sucrose‐induced fatty liver but exacerbates high‐safflower oil‐induced fatty liver in ddy mice

Diets high in sucrose/fructose or fat can result in hepatic steatosis (fatty liver). We analyzed the effects of dietary fish oil on fatty liver induced by sucrose, safflower oil, and butter in ddY mice. In experiment I, mice were fed a high‐starch diet [70 energy% (en%) starch] plus 20% (wt/wt) sucrose in the drinking water or fed a high‐safflower oil diet (60 en%) for 11 weeks. As a control, mice were fed a high‐starch diet with drinking water. Fish oil (10 en%) was either supplemented or not. Mice supplemented with sucrose or fed safflower oil showed a 1.7‐fold or 2.2‐fold increased liver triglyceride content, respectively, compared with that of control mice. Fish oil completely prevented sucrose‐induced fatty liver, whereas it exacerbated safflower oil‐induced fatty liver. Sucrose increased SREBP‐1c and target gene messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and fish oil completely inhibited these increases. In experiment II, mice were fed a high‐safflower oil or a high‐butter diet, with or without fish oil supplementation. Fish oil exacerbated safflower oil–induced fatty liver but did not affect butter‐induced fatty liver. Fish oil increased expression of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and target CD36 mRNA in safflower oil‐fed mice. These increases were not observed in sucrose‐supplemented or butter‐fed mice. Conclusion: The effects of dietary fish oil on fatty liver differ according to the cause of fatty liver; fish oil prevents sucrose‐induced fatty liver but exacerbates safflower oil‐induced fatty liver. The exacerbation of fatty liver may be due, at least in part, to increased expression of liver PPARγ. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)