Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Narrowband to wideband conversion of speech using GMM based transformation

Reconstruction of wideband speech from its narrowband version is an attractive issue, since it can enhance the speech quality without modifying the existing communication networks. This paper proposes a new recovery method of wideband speech from narrowband speech. In the proposed method, the narrowband spectral envelope of input speech is transformed to a wideband spectral envelope based on the Gaussian mixture model (GMM), whose parameters are calculated by a joint density estimation technique. Then the lowband and highband speech signal is reconstructed by the LPC synthesizer using the reconstructed spectral envelope. This paper also proposes a codeword-dependent power estimation method. Both the objective and subjective test results shows that the proposed algorithm outperforms the conventional codebook mapping method.
A Hypergraph Model for Incorporating Social Interactions in Collaborative Filtering

In this paper, a new collaborative filtering method for item recommendation incorporating information from social networks is proposed. Item ratings and friendship ties are combined to define similarity among users and detect communities. Friendships and items are encoded as hyperedges of a hypergraph of users from which communities are detected. The algorithm is tested on a real-world dataset from an online recommendation platform including social network features. It is shown to outperform state-of-the-art recommendation systems both when the ratings in the training set are densely or sparsely distributed (hence dealing with the cold start problem). It also tends to recommend a greater diversity of items than traditional collaborative filtering.
Computing frequent graph patterns from semistructured data

Whereas data mining in structured data focuses on frequent data values, in semistructured and graph data the emphasis is on frequent labels and common topologies. Here, the structure of the data is just as important as its content. We study the problem of discovering typical patterns of graph data. The discovered patterns can be useful for many applications, including: compact representation of source information and a road-map for browsing and querying information sources. Difficulties arise in the discovery task from the complexity of some of the required sub-tasks, such as sub-graph isomorphism. This paper proposes a new algorithm for mining graph data, based on a novel definition of support. Empirical evidence shows practical, as well as theoretical, advantages of our approach.
Progesterone Can Block the Preovulatory Gonadotropin‐Releasing Hormone/Luteinising Hormone Surge in the Ewe by a Direct Inhibitory Action on Oestradiol‐Responsive Cells within the Hypothalamus

Elevated oestradiol concentrations during the follicular phase stimulate a surge in gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and luteinising hormone (LH) concentrations, which leads to ovulation. Progesterone can block the oestradiol‐induced GnRH/LH surge, but the mechanism that is involved is unclear. We examined the effect of progesterone on oestradiol‐induced activation of cells within the ovine hypothalamus/preoptic area (POA) to determine: (i) in which regions progesterone acts to block the GnRH/LH surge and (ii) whether progesterone directly or indirectly prevents activation of oestradiol‐responsive cells. Cellular activation was assessed by measuring the number of cells that expressed Fos (an immediate early gene). Exposure to increased oestradiol concentrations in the absence of progesterone (which normally stimulates a LH surge) did not cause any region‐specific changes in hypothalamic Fos expression during the activation stage of the LH surge‐induction process (Experiment 1). The same treatment significantly increased cellular activation within the POA, lateral septum (LS), and arcuate nucleus at the time of surge onset (Experiment 2). Concurrent exposure to increased oestradiol and progesterone concentrations during the activation stage of the surge‐induction process (which normally blocks the LH surge) was associated with significantly reduced cellular activation within the ventromedial hypothalamus and anterior hypothalamic area, relative to the positive controls (oestradiol increment alone) and arcuate nucleus relative to the negative controls (no increment in oestradiol) during the activation stage (Experiment 1). At the time of surge onset (Experiment 2), exposure to progesterone during the activation period prevented the oestradiol‐induced increase in cellular activation that occurred in the POA, LS and arcuate nucleus of the positive controls. These results demonstrated that oestradiol and progesterone induced differential region‐ and time‐specific effects on cellular activation within the regions of the ovine brain that generate the preovulatory GnRH/LH surge. Moreover, the lack of cellular activation within the POA, LS and arcuate nucleus at the time of surge onset in animals exposed to progesterone during the activation stage is consistent with the hypothesis that progesterone can block the preovulatory surge by direct inhibition of oestradiol‐induced cellular activation in these areas.
Anticarcinogenic Impact of Interferon on Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Large-Scale Long-Term Study in a Single Center

Background: The anticarcinogenic capacity of interferon (IFN) was assessed in a cohort of Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C en masse. Patients and Methods: The rate of hepatocarcinogenesis was analyzed in 2,166 patients with chronic hepatitis C, of whom 1,654 had received IFN therapy while 512 had not. Results: Crude rates of hepatocarcinogenesis in treated and untreated patients were 2.6 and 4.6% at the end of the 5th year, 5.8 and 12.7% at the 10th year and 13.9 and 23.9% at the 15th year (after completion of IFN therapy for those treated) (p < 0.001). IFN decreased the hazard ratio of carcinogenesis to 0.42 (p < 0.001) in multivariate analysis with adjustments for significant covariates including fibrotic stage, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase level, gender, platelet count and age. Among the 1,654 patients treated with IFN, 606 (36.6%) achieved persistent loss of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and an additional 266 (16.1%) gained normal levels of alanine aminotransferase without loss of HCV RNA for 6 months or longer after the completion of IFN therpay. Cumulative rates of hepatocarcinogenesis in sustained virological responders and biochemical responders were 1.4 and 2.0% at the end of the 5th year, 1.9 and 3.6% at the 10th year and 1.9 and 7.5% at the 15th year, respectively. The hazard ratio of sustained virological response was 0.10 (p < 0.001), and that of biochemical response was 0.12 (p < 0.001). Normalization of aminotransferase levels after IFN therapy without loss of serum HCV RNA decreased hepatocarcinogenesis. Conclusion: IFN significantly decreased the rate of hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with chronic hepatitis C as a whole in Japan, even in those who fail to clear HCV RNA from serum.
Design considerations of all-optical A/D conversion: nonlinear fiber-optic Sagnac-loop interferometer-based optical quantizing and coding

The authors describe in detail the design considerations of our previously proposed novel optical quantizing and coding method for all-optical analog-to-digital (A/D) conversion using nonlinear optical switches based on the Sagnac interferometer. The multiperiod transfer function, which is the key to quantizing and coding, is achieved through a careful design of the Sagnac interferometer. In the experiments, the intensity of the pulse train input to our A/D converter is manually changed, and the corresponding digital signals are successfully mapped generated. Although the input-pulse trains are not the sampling of real analog signal, the principle of our proposed 3-bit A/D conversion at a 10 gigasample per second (Gsps) rate is demonstrated. The proposed optical quantizing and coding, combined with existing optical sampling techniques, will enable ultrafast photonic A/D conversion without electronics. The potential in the frequency regime of over a few hundred gigasamples per second was investigated by using an optical switch that utilizes the optical Kerr effect for fast operation. It was found out that the wavelength allocations and temporal widths of control and probe pulses have to be optimized with respect to the group-velocity dispersion of highly nonlinear fiber.
Zum Einfluss der Hochleistungssport-Karriere auf die Berufskarriere - Chancen und Risiken

Eine Karriere im Hochleistungssport ist mit hohen zeitlichen Belastungen verbunden. Da die Spitzensport-Karriere lebenszeitlich beschrankt ist und in der Regel in der vierten Lebensdekade beendet wird, stellt sich die Frage nach den Auswirkungen eines Engagements im Hochleistungssport auf die Berufskarriere. Hierzu wurden im Rahmen einer quantitativ orientierten Kohortenanalyse ehemalige Spitzensportler zu ihrem beruflichen Werdegang und moglichen Einflussfaktoren des Hochleistungssports retrospektiv befragt. Die Befunde der beiden Teiluntersuchungen zeigen, dass die hohen zeitlichen Anforderungen des Spitzensports den beruflichen Werdegang nur zum Teil beeintrachtigen. Dies gilt nicht nur fur sehr erfolgreiche Sportler, sondern auch fur Hochleistungssportler, die weniger erfolgreich sind, sowie fur Profisportler, die besonders intensiv in das System Hochleistungssport eingebunden sind. Dabei wirken sich Faktoren, wie institutionelle Unterstutzungsmasnahmen, Bekanntheit und soziale Kontakte sowie die Chance im Berufsfeld Spitzensport zu arbeiten, positiv auf die Berufskarriere aus. Allerdings haben sich aufgrund der Professionalisierung des Hochleistungssports die Risiken im kohortenspezifischen Vergleich vergrosert.
Preclinical Studies on the Mechanism of Action and the Anti-Lymphoma Activity of the Novel Anti-CD20 Antibody GA101

GA101 is a novel glycoengineered Type II CD20 monoclonal antibody. When compared with rituximab, it mediates less complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). As expected for a Type II antibody, GA101 appears not to act through CDC and is more potent than the Type I antibody rituximab in inducing cell death via nonclassical induction of apoptosis cytotoxicity, with more direct cytotoxicity and more antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. We evaluated the antitumor activity of GA101 against the human-transformed follicular lymphoma RL model in vivo in severe combined immunodeficient mice (SCID) mice. GA101 induced stronger inhibition of tumor growth than rituximab. Combination of GA101 with cyclophosphamide in vivo confirmed the superiority of GA101 over rituximab. Neutralizing the complement system with cobra venom factor partially impaired the antitumor activity of rituximab, but had no impact on the efficacy of GA101. In vitro GA101 more potently induced cell death of RL cells than rituximab. The expression of a limited number of genes was found to be induced by both antibodies after exposure in vitro. Among these, early growth response 1 and activation transcription factor 3 were confirmed to be increased at the protein level, suggesting a possible role of these proteins in the apoptotic signalling of anti-CD20 antibodies. These data imply that GA101 is superior to rituximab not only as a single agent, but also in combination with chemotherapy. These data suggest the presence of novel signalization pathways activated after exposure to anti-CD20 antibodies. Mol Cancer Ther; 10(1); 178–85. ©2011 AACR.
Human keratinocytes in culture exhibit no response when exposed to short duration, low amplitude, high frequency (900 MHz) electromagnetic fields in a reverberation chamber

We exposed normal human epidermal keratinocytes to short duration, high frequency, and low amplitude electromagnetic fields, similar to that used by mobile phone technologies. We paid particular attention to the control of the characteristics of the electromagnetic environment generated within a mode stirred reverberation chamber (statistical homogeneity and isotropy of the field and SAR distribution). Two non‐thermal exposure conditions were tested on the epidermal cells: 10‐min exposure with a field amplitude of 8 V/m, and 30 min with 41 V/m. Corresponding specific absorption rates ranged from 2.6 to 73 mW/kg (continuous wave, 900 MHz carrier frequency). We collected RNA from cells subjected to these conditions and used it for a large‐scale microarray screening of over 47000 human genes. Under these conditions, exposure of keratinocytes to the electromagnetic field had little effect; only 20 genes displayed significant modulation. The expression ratios were very small (close to 1.5‐fold change), and none of them were shared by the two tested conditions. Furthermore, those assayed using polymerase chain reaction did not display significant expression modulation (overall mean of the exposed samples: 1.20 ± 0.18). In conclusion, the data presented here show that cultured keratinocytes are not significantly affected by EMF exposure. Bioelectromagnetics 32:302–311, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
BBRC F 0 F 1-ATPase as biosensor to detect single virus

F0F1-ATPase within chromatophore was constructed as a biosensor (immuno-rotary biosensor) for the purpose of capturing single virus. Capture of virus was based on antibody–antigen reaction. The detection of virus based on proton flux change driven by ATP-synthesis of F0F1-ATPase, which was indicated by F1300, was directly observed by a fluorescence microscope. The results demonstrate that the biosensor loading of virus particles has remarkable signal-to-noise ratio (3.8:1) compared to its control at single molecular level, and will be convenient, quick, and even super-sensitive for detecting virus particles. 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
p53 Acetylation Is Crucial for Its Transcription-independent Proapoptotic Functions*

Acetylation of p53 at carboxyl-terminal lysine residues enhances its transcriptional activity associated with cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Here we demonstrate that p53 acetylation at Lys-320/Lys-373/Lys-382 is also required for its transcription-independent functions in BAX activation, reactive oxygen species production, and apoptosis in response to the histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid and LAQ824. Knock-out of p53 markedly reduced HDACi-induced apoptosis. Unexpectedly, expression of transactivation-deficient p53 variants sensitized p53-null cells to HDACi-mediated BAX-dependent apoptosis, whereas knockdown of endogenous mutant p53 in cancer cells reduced HDACi-mediated cytotoxicity. Evaluation of the mechanisms controlling this response led to the discovery of a novel interaction between p53 and Ku70. The association between these two proteins was acetylation-independent, but acetylation of p53 could prevent and disrupt the Ku70-BAX complex and enhance apoptosis. These results suggest a new mechanism of acetylated p53 transcription-independent regulation of apoptosis.
Diet Composition and Quality in Indian Bison (Bos gaurus) Based on Fecal Analysis

Diet composition and quality of the Indian Bison (Bos gaurus) was estimated by fecal analysis. The results, together with studies in other parts of India, indicate that gaurs are primarily intermediate or adaptable mixed feeders. Fecal composition varied seasonally, with high proportion of grasses, forbs, and woody plant leaves, particularly Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus in monsoon and post monsoon, and Strobilanthes callosus, Strobilanthes ixiocephalus, Grewia tiliaefolia and Syzygium cumini in winter and summer. Gaur selected herbs, shrubs, and grasses, and avoided eating woody plants for most of the year. Seasonal changes in the chemical composition of the feces were related to changes in phenology. The levels of crude protein, within certain limitations, and lignin in the feces were probably the most reliable indicators of diet quality. The ratio of crude protein:lignin was highest in monsoon and winter, corresponding early growing and fruiting seasons respectively. The usefulness of feces in estimating the composition and quality of the diet of an intermediate feeder is assessed.
Concepts of Augmented Image Space and Transformed Feature Space for Efficient Visual Servoing of an “Eye-in-Hand Robot”

SUMMARY For efficient visual servoing of an “eye-in-hand” robot, the concepts of Augmented Image Space and Transformed Feature Space are presented in the paper. A formal definition of image features as functionals is given along with a technique to use defined image features for visual servoing. Compared with other known methods, the proposed concepts reduce the computational burden for visual feedback, and enhance the flexibility in describing the vision-based task. Simulations and real experiments demonstrate that the proposed concepts are useful and versatile tools for the industrial robot vision tasks, and thus the visual servoing problem can be dealt with more systematically.
Pilot Randomized Trial of the Effect of Wireless Telemonitoring on Compliance and Treatment Efficacy in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a prevalent and serious medical condition characterized by repeated complete or partial obstructions of the upper airway during sleep and is prevalent in 2% to 4% of working middle-aged adults. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold-standard treatment for OSA. Because compliance rates with CPAP therapy are disappointingly low, effective interventions are needed to improve CPAP compliance among patients diagnosed with OSA. Objective The aim was to determine whether wireless telemonitoring of CPAP compliance and efficacy data, compared to usual clinical care, results in higher CPAP compliance and improved OSA outcomes. Methods 45 patients newly diagnosed with OSA were randomized to either telemonitored clinical care or usual clinical care and were followed for their first 2 months of treatment with CPAP therapy. CPAP therapists were not blinded to the participants’ treatment group. Results 20 participants in each group received the designated intervention. Patients randomized to telemonitored clinical care used CPAP an average of 4.1 ± 1.8 hours per night, while the usual clinical care patients averaged 2.8 ± 2.2 hours per night (P = .07). Telemonitored patients used CPAP on 78% ± 22% of the possible nights, while usual care patients used CPAP on 60% ± 32% of the nights (P = .07). No statistically significant differences between the groups were found on measures of CPAP efficacy, including measures of mask leak and the Apnea-Hypopnea Index. Patients in the telemonitored group rated their likelihood to continue using CPAP significantly higher than the patients in the usual care group. Patients in both groups were highly satisfied with the care they received and rated themselves as “not concerned” that their CPAP data were being wirelessly monitored. Conclusions Telemonitoring of CPAP compliance and efficacy data and rapid use of those data by the clinical sleep team to guide the collaborative (ie, patient and provider) management of CPAP treatment is as effective as usual care in improving compliance rates and outcomes in new CPAP users. This study was designed as a pilot—larger, well-powered studies are necessary to fully evaluate the clinical and economic efficacy of telemonitoring for this population.
Constrained Optimal Control of the Step-Down DC–DC Converter

In this paper, we propose a novel approach to the modeling and controller design of the synchronous step-down dc-dc converter. We introduce a hybrid converter model that is valid for the whole operating regime and captures the different modes of operation. Based on this model, we formulate and solve a constrained optimal control problem. This allows a systematic controller design that achieves the regulation of the output voltage to its reference despite input voltage and output load variations while satisfying the constraints on the duty cycle and the inductor current. The resulting state-feedback control law is of piecewise affine form, which can be easily stored and implemented in a lookup table. A Kalman filter is added to account for unmeasured load variations and to achieve zero steady-state output voltage error. Experimental results demonstrate the potential advantages of the proposed control methodology.
Search Deterrence in Experimental Consumer Goods Markets May

Recent theoretical research indicates that search deterrence strategies are generally optimal for sellers in consumer goods markets. Yet search deterrence is not always employed in such markets. To understand this incongruity, we develop an experimental market where profit-maximizing strategy dictates sellers should exercise one form of search deterrence, exploding offers. We find buyers are three times more likely to deviate from optimal strategy by rejecting rather than accepting these offers. Sellers also demonstrate a reluctance to use the offers that is lessened when facing computerized buyers. Bounded rationality and other regarding preferences appear to drive buyer and seller behavior, respectively. The differential rate of buyer suboptimal play shifts the equilibrium of the game to a point where seller gains from the use of exploding offers is greatly reduced. In sum, the results suggest the benefits of search deterrence may be substantially less than what theory predicts.
An Analytical Determination of Eddy-Current Losses in a Configuration With a Rotating Permanent Magnet

The paper presents a completely analytical method for determining the eddy currents in a cylindrical configuration. The configuration consists of a cylindrical permanent magnet rotating inside a conducting hollow cylinder (stator). The solution is obtained by solving a generalized form of the diffusion equation and applying the modified Bessel functions. The determination of the magnetic field in the air and in the stator, and the losses generated by the eddy currents, is completely analytical. The results are verified by finite-element software.
Deep evaluation of hybrid architectures: simple metrics correlated with human judgments

The process of developing hybrid MT systems is guided by the evaluation method used to compare different combinations of basic subsystems. This work presents a deep evaluation experiment of a hybrid architecture that tries to get the best of both worlds, rule-based and statistical. In a first evaluation human assessments were used to compare just the single statistical system and the hybrid one, the rule-based system was not compared by hand because the results of automatic evaluation showed a clear disadvantage. But a second and wider evaluation experiment surprisingly showed that according to human evaluation the best system was the rule-based, the one that achieved the worst results using automatic evaluation. An examination of sentences with controversial results suggested that linguistic well-formedness in the output should be considered in evaluation. After experimenting with 6 possible metrics we conclude that a simple arithmetic mean of BLEU and BLEU calculated on parts of speech of words is clearly a more human conformant metric than lexical metrics alone.