Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exploring Ctc-Network Derived Features with Conventional Hybrid System

Recently in automatic speech recognition (ASR) a lot of attention has been given to decoding optimization to boost the performance of connectionist temporal classification criterion (CTC) systems in all neural setups. Different from that, we investigated the use of the output of CTC network as input features to traditional HMM/ANN hybrid systems. By doing so, we benefit from the strengths of the CTC network at label discrimination and the highly optimized decoding stack of conventional hybrid systems. In a Switchboard setup, a feedforward network system using our proposed CTC-network derived features with cross-entropy training outperforms a strong CTC baseline by a margin of 5% rel. in word error rate. With the same model, we achieved further improvements of 9% rel. when combining them with bottleneck features. Additionally, we revealed the possible elimination of the blank label during decoding and the alignment relationship between the CTC model and the traditional HMM system.
Coupling trapped ion mobility spectrometry to mass spectrometry: trapped ion mobility spectrometry-time-of-flight mass spectrometry versus trapped ion mobility spectrometry-Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE There is a need for fast, post-ionization separation during the analysis of complex mixtures. In this study, we evaluate the use of a high-resolution mobility analyzer with high-resolution and ultrahigh-resolution mass spectrometry for unsupervised molecular feature detection. Goals include the study of the reproducibility of trapped ion mobility spectrometry (TIMS) across platforms, applicability range, and potential challenges during routine analysis. METHODS A TIMS analyzer was coupled to time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOF MS) and Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT-ICR MS) instruments for the analysis of singly charged species in the m/z 150-800 range of a complex mixture (Suwannee River Fulvic Acid Standard). Molecular features were detected using an unsupervised algorithm based on chemical formula and IMS profiles. RESULTS TIMS-TOF MS and TIMS-FT-ICR MS analysis provided 4950 and 7760 m/z signals, 1430 and 3050 formulas using the general Cx Hy N0-3 O0-19 S0-1 composition, and 7600 and 22 350 [m/z; chemical formula; K; CCS] features, respectively. CONCLUSIONS TIMS coupled to TOF MS and FT-ICR MS showed similar performance and high reproducibility. For the analysis of complex mixtures, both platforms were able to capture the major trends and characteristics; however, as the chemical complexity at the level of nominal mass increases with m/z (m/z >300-350), only TIMS-FT-ICR MS was able to report the lower abundance compositional trends.
Clinically Applicable Inhibitors Impacting Genome Stability

Advances in technology have facilitated the molecular profiling (genomic and transcriptomic) of tumours, and has led to improved stratification of patients and the individualisation of treatment regimes. To fully realize the potential of truly personalised treatment options, we need targeted therapies that precisely disrupt the compensatory pathways identified by profiling which allow tumours to survive or gain resistance to treatments. Here, we discuss recent advances in novel therapies that impact the genome (chromosomes and chromatin), pathways targeted and the stage of the pathways targeted. The current state of research will be discussed, with a focus on compounds that have advanced into trials (clinical and pre-clinical). We will discuss inhibitors of specific DNA damage responses and other genome stability pathways, including those in development, which are likely to synergistically combine with current therapeutic options. Tumour profiling data, combined with the knowledge of new treatments that affect the regulation of essential tumour signalling pathways, is revealing fundamental insights into cancer progression and resistance mechanisms. This is the forefront of the next evolution of advanced oncology medicine that will ultimately lead to improved survival and may, one day, result in many cancers becoming chronic conditions, rather than fatal diseases.
The 5A6A polymorphism in the promoter of the stromelysin-1 (MMP3) gene as a risk factor for restenosis.

AIMS Intracoronary ultrasound studies in humans show that chronic remodelling rather than neointimal hyperplasia is the mechanism of restenosis. Stent implantation limits this remodelling process and significantly reduces restenosis. MMP3 (Stromelysin-1), a member of the matrix metalloproteinase family may play a role in this remodelling. We used a functional polymorphism (with alleles designated 5A or 6A) in the promoter of the MMP3 gene to examine the possible role of MMP3 in restenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Genotypes were determined in a series of consecutive patients who underwent conventional balloon coronary angioplasty without stenting (n=287) or who also had successful implantation of a Palmaz-Schatz stent (stent) (n=198). For all patients restenosis was estimated at 6 months using quantitative computer-assisted angiography. The minimal luminal diameters before and after the procedures did not differ significantly between genotypes. At follow-up in the patients without stent, those with the 6A6A genotype had an increased degree of restenosis after coronary angioplasty compared to those with one or more 5A alleles, with a greater diameter stenosis (52+/-21% vs 45+/-19%, P=0.012), and a greater late loss (0.58+/-0.59 mm vs 0.38+/-0.59 mm, P=0.038). By contrast, in the stented patients MMP3 genotype was not associated with any angiographically determined measure of vessel dimensions. CONCLUSIONS These data imply the involvement of MMP3 in chronic remodelling after conventional balloon angioplasty, and suggest that the 6A6A MMP3 genotype is a genetic susceptibility factor for restenosis after angioplasty without stenting.
Psychometric Properties of the Chinese Version of the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS): Factor Structure, Reliability, and Validity

Numerous studies have identified the significant role of emotion regulation in an individual’s psychological and social functioning. Ever since its development, the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) has been widely adopted as a comprehensive measure to assess emotion regulation problems among English-speaking adults. To assess emotion regulation in adults from Chinese-speaking societies and to promote future cross-cultural examination of the emotion regulation processes, the authors aimed to develop a Chinese version of the DERS and provide an initial validation of this instrument. For the purpose of the current study, we recruited 862 Chinese adults from universities and local companies. The results indicated a similar six-factor solution in the Chinese version to the original version. Internal consistency and test–retest reliability were good. Concurrent validity was assessed by examining the correlations of the DERS and its subscales with measures of psychopathological symptoms and self-regulation of negative mood. The results demonstrated strong correlations of the DERS subscales with the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Generalized Expectancy for Negative Mood Regulation Scale, except for that between the awareness subscale and the SCL-90. For the convergent validity, most DERS subscales were significantly correlated with personality traits, emotional intelligence, and self-control ability, with several exceptions. These findings are discussed within the context of the relevant literature.
Transcranial direct current stimulation and physiotherapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia: case series

Because of the multifaceted character of fibromyalgia, new treatments have been proposed to control the symptoms. Among them, transcranial direct current stimulation(tDCS) stands out. The objective of this work was to analyze the effectiveness of transcranial direct current stimulation associated with physical therapy regarding the pain and quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia. A prospective case series study was carried out with a sample of 4 female patients. Information regarding age, marital status, education, and occupation were collected, and the Visual Analog Scale for pain, McGill Pain Questionnaire and Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire were applied. Anodal stimulation was performed on the left primary motor cortex with an intensity of 2.0mA for 20 minutes daily for 2 consecutive weeks. After the neurostimulation session, the patients were subjected to physical therapy treatment for 30 minutes. The results demonstrated that the patients had a reduction in the scores of all the employed instruments after treatment. There was a positive correlation between quality of life and pain. These findings demonstrate that tDCS in conjunction with physical therapy is an option for reducing the algesic status and improving the quality of life of patients with fibromyalgia.
Implementation of MPPT technique for solar PV system using ANN

This paper presents the use of two different methods of implementing Perturb and observe (P&O) algorithm for Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) of a Solar photovoltaic system (PV). One method includes the use of MATLAB FUNCTION BLOCK and other is by ANN (Artificial neural network). The system used comprises of a PV panel, MPPT algorithm and boost converter. The two control methods are used to provide the duty cycle to DC/DC boost converter. The simulation modelling is done in MATLAB and the corresponding results of two methods are presented. The fluctuations in output Voltage and Current of PV panel are minimized using Artificial neural network technique.
Paper Romance&#xa9;-An Educational Simulation Game for Learning Papermaking with Contextual Scaffoldings for Elementary Students: The Evaluation of Learning Performance and Flow State

Repeatedly practice is a key for learners to develop procedural knowledge. However, such exploration and practice could be costly and dangerous in real world. Computer games provides a convenient and safe environment for learners to master procedural knowledge without temporal and spatial constraints. This study developed an Escape Room-like educational simulation game for learning papermaking. To evaluate the game, fifty-seven elementary students from northern Taiwan participated in a learning activity using the game. Results showed that learners generally enjoyed playing the game in terms of their flow state. Meanwhile, learners perceived the game as useful and easy to use. Results suggested that learners showed significant improvement in procedural knowledge. In conclusion, this study showed the effectiveness of adapting computer educational games to help student develop procedural knowledge.
Nonlinear optical collagen cross-linking and mechanical stiffening: a possible photodynamic therapeutic approach to treating corneal ectasia

Abstract. In this study we test the hypothesis that nonlinear optical (NLO) multiphoton photoactivation of riboflavin using a focused femtosecond (FS) laser light can be used to induce cross-linking (CXL) and mechanically stiffen collagen as a potential clinical therapy for the treatment of keratoconus and corneal ectasia. Riboflavin-soaked, compressed collagen hydrogels are cross-linked using a FS laser tuned to 760 nm and set to either 100 mW (NLO CXL I) or 150 mW (NLO CXL II) of laser power. FS pulses are focused into the hydrogel using a 0.75 NA objective lens, and the hydrogel is three-dimensionally scanned. Measurement of hydrogel stiffness by indentation testing show that the calculated elastic modulus (E) values are significantly increased over twofold following NLO CXL I and II compared with baseline values (P<0.05). Additionally, no significant differences are detected between NLO CXL and single photon, UVA CXL (P>0.05). This data suggests that NLO CXL has a comparable effect to conventional UVA CXL in mechanically stiffening collagen and may provide a safe and effective approach to localize CXL at different regions and depths within the cornea.
Using Self-Explanation and Ontology for Providing Proper Feedbacks in a Programming Environment

To help programmer gaining sound concepts of a programming language and boost their problem solving ability, this study constructs a programming environment, which, based on the self-explanation strategy, gives proper feedbacks for the programmers of C++language. The embedded self-explanation strategy guides the environment which, when programmers gets compilation errors, gives extended examples for the programmers and ask them for self-explanations on the inference of the error after they study the examples. An algorithm developed in this study compares the self-explanation sentence from a programmer with base strings, established and organized into an ontology by programing experts, and finds possible errors on the explanation, which lead to his/her possible misconceptions. Based on the results, the environment manages to feedback proper learning material and extended examples for programmers to correct their possible misconceptions. This study builds an ontology of C++ concepts class hierarchy with class properties and instances being possible misconceptions and the learning material feedbacks. The possible misconceptions are collected from actual programming practices in several pilot experiments joined by programmers of college students. The final experiment involves 13 college students who use the system for actual programming. The environment records students programming activities, analyzes their self-explanations on errors, and gives proper feedbacks, which, after verified by programming experts, reaches an average accuracy of 84.7%. The distinctive feature of this study is the open question style self-explanation sentence requirement, a rare research of its kind. All the schemes and algorithms developed in this study can be used as a methodology for establishing system with self-explanation learning strategy in other fields.
Auswirkungen der EU-Osterweiterung auf den österreichischen Arbeitsmarkt

Der vorliegende Artikel fast eine Studie des WIFO im Auftrag der Bundesarbeitskammer zusammen, die das Potential an Zuwanderern und Pendlern aus Ost-Mitteleuropa schatzt und seine Auswirkungen auf den osterreichischen Arbeitsmarkt diskutiert. Die wichtigste Schlusfolgerung der Studie ist, das langere Ubergangsfristen fur die Gewahrung der Freizugigkeit sinnvoll und wunschenswert sind, um den Zustrom in Grenzen zu halten bzw. auf einen Zeitpunkt zu verschieben, zu dem die Zuwanderung auf dem Arbeitsmarkt aus demographischen Grunden leichter zu bewaltigen ist.
The fallopian tube microbiome: implications for reproductive health

Objective There is a paucity of data characterizing the microbiota of the female upper genital tract, which controversially is described as a sterile site. We examine whether the fallopian tube harbours an endogenous microbial community. Design This prospective study collected from women undergoing total hysterectomy or salpingectomy-oophorectomy. Setting Private hospital gynaecology department. Patients Fallopian tubes were collected from women diagnosed with benign disease or for prophylaxis. Interventions Samples were interrogated for the presence of microbial DNA using a next generation sequencing technology approach to exploit the V5 to V9 regions of the 16S rRNA gene. Main outcome measures The fallopian tube microbiota was characterized using traditional culture techniques and next generation sequencing. Results Bacteria were isolated from 50% of cultured samples, and 100% of samples returned positive PCR results. Only 68% of the culture isolates could be confidently identified using automated diagnostic equipment in a clinical microbiology laboratory. Monomicrobial communities were identified only for cultured isolates (50%). Pyrosequencing revealed that all communities were polymicrobial. Lactobacillus spp. were not present in all groups, nor were they the most dominant isolates. Distinct differences in the microbial communities were evident for left compared to right fallopian tubes, ampulla versus isthmus, pre- and post- menopausal tissue, and in secretory phase fallopian tubes with and without Mirena intrauterine devices in situ (all p < 0.05). Conclusion The female upper genital tract is not sterile. Distinct microbial community profiles in the fallopian tubes of healthy women suggest that this genital tract site supports an endogenous microbiota.
First host record of Argyresthia assimilis Moriuti, 1977 (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) and a description of its annual life history

Seed predation by insects is an important factor influencing the evolution of synchronized annual ﬂuctuations in the seed production of plant species. Photinia glabra （ Rosaceae ） is an evergreen bird-dispersed tree species that exhibits high variation in annual fruit production and heavy seed predation by insects. To identify the insect species infesting P. glabra , and to investigate seed predation patterns by these insects, we periodically sampled its infructescences from post-ﬂowering until fruit ripening. We reared insects obtained from infested P. glabra fruits, and found that the insect species was Argyresthia assimilis Moriuti, 1977 （ Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae ） , whose host plant has been unknown since it was first described. Emerging females oviposited on P. glabra fruits in late September, usually laying a single egg per fruit. Larvae bored into the oviposited fruits and fed on seeds within the fruit. Final instar larvae exited the fruits to form cocoons in advance of fruit ripening in late December. Because P. glabra decreases the number of fruits after ﬂowering （ mid-May to mid-August ） , and because ripe fruits are heavily eaten by birds, immature life history of A. assimilis prevents egg loss by laying eggs after the decline in fruit number, and enables larvae to avoid bird predation within ripe fruits. This tight synchronization between insect and host plant life histories suggests that the host range of A. assimilis is restricted to P. glabra and its close relatives.
A phenomenology of subjectively relevant experiences induced by ayahuasca in Upper Amazon vegetalismo tourism

This heuristic study reports observations on the phenomenology of ayahuasca experiences of nine foreign tourist participants of an ayahuasca retreat in Peru. Narrative interviews, reflecting individual experiences after ayahuasca “night ceremony,” have been analyzed by qualitative content analysis using a data-driven strategy in order to extract themes and categories inherent in the interviews. Previously, a demographic questionnaire was given. The dose–response connection was uncontrolled, which is typical for this naturalistic setting. The typical structure of spontaneously reported experiences includes: personal preparation, physical symptoms, visual phenomena, cognitive and emotional phenomena, reactions of the individual within the psychedelic “world” as well as within ordinary reality, and appraisal to the process. Emotional reactions were subsumed under pleasant (psychotherapeutic “target emotions” and hedonistic emotions) and unpleasant emotions. For a majority, the presence of psychotherapeutic target emotions seemed to involve the presence of unpleasant emotions in the same session – possibly as transitional emotional states. This suggests that psychodynamic processes, for example, possible activation of emotional conflicts – can take place spontaneously, during ayahuasca intake in this particular setting. Some participants attributed symbolic meaning to the visionary content, which was more likely to take place in psychotherapeutically motivated clients. The specific setting influence as well as corresponding expectations of the participants in native wisdom could have considerable influence on experiences and interpretations, such as communication with entities as well as receiving personal teachings.
Exploring Applications of Radiomics in Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Head and Neck Cancer: A Systematic Review

Background Radiomics has been widely investigated for non-invasive acquisition of quantitative textural information from anatomic structures. While the vast majority of radiomic analysis is performed on images obtained from computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based radiomics has generated increased attention. In head and neck cancer (HNC), however, attempts to perform consistent investigations are sparse, and it is unclear whether the resulting textural features can be reproduced. To address this unmet need, we systematically reviewed the quality of existing MRI radiomics research in HNC. Methods Literature search was conducted in accordance with guidelines established by Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Electronic databases were examined from January 1990 through November 2017 for common radiomic keywords. Eligible completed studies were then scored using a standardized checklist that we developed from Enhancing the Quality and Transparency of Health Research guidelines for reporting machine-learning predictive model specifications and results in biomedical research, defined by Luo et al. (1). Descriptive statistics of checklist scores were populated, and a subgroup analysis of methodology items alone was conducted in comparison to overall scores. Results Sixteen completed studies and four ongoing trials were selected for inclusion. Of the completed studies, the nasopharynx was the most common site of study (37.5%). MRI modalities varied with only four of the completed studies (25%) extracting radiomic features from a single sequence. Study sample sizes ranged between 13 and 118 patients (median of 40), and final radiomic signatures ranged from 2 to 279 features. Analyzed endpoints included either segmentation or histopathological classification parameters (44%) or prognostic and predictive biomarkers (56%). Liu et al. (2) addressed the highest number of our checklist items (total score: 48), and a subgroup analysis of methodology checklist items alone did not demonstrate any difference in scoring trends between studies [Spearman’s ρ = 0.94 (p < 0.0001)]. Conclusion Although MRI radiomic applications demonstrate predictive potential in analyzing diverse HNC outcomes, methodological variances preclude accurate and collective interpretation of data.
Investigation of the effect of transverse crack on the modal properties of cantilever beams with different geometries using finite element analysis

Vibration analysis of structure for early detection of crack and its subsequent quantification for preventing sudden and unpredicted failure of the system and ensuring uninterrupted functionality, is one of the extensively used techniques that offer several advantages over others. The geometry of the structure plays an important role in governing its vibrational behavior in the presence of crack. The present work uses FEA to investigate the effect of single transverse crack on natural frequencies of vibration in cantilever beams of three different cross-sectional areas through Modal Analysis. The analysis has been carried out for two different crack depths with three different crack locations. The results reveal that the onset of crack reduces the natural frequency of vibration, although, the quite low sensitivity of frequency shift to damage, demands either a highly precise measurement or a considerably large damage to be confidently detected. Moreover, the effect of crack location on modal frequencies is not uniform for the beams, with varying cross-sections, however, for a particular mode, the shifts in frequency have a similar trend in all the beams.