Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Language models for spontaneous speech recognition

The paper presents the creation of n-gram Language Models (LMs) for the purposes of spontaneous speech recognition with the special focus on the recognition performed with the data from the Nijmegen Corpus of Casual Czech (NCCCz). Required LMs which cover spontaneous or casual speech respectively were created using the data available in the collected corpus NCCCz. These models were combined with a general model built on the basis Czech National Corpus. The creation of LMs, their adaptation to specific thematic domain (casual speech) were created using SRILM toolkit. The quality of created LMs was measured on the basis Perplexity and Out-Of-Vocabulary words at the text level, same as they was used within the automatic speech recognition and the achieved Word Error Rates are also presented. The study shows that created LMs were suitable for given purpose and achieved results were related to other works presenting the spontaneous speech recognition.
Satisfaction with follow‐up consultations among younger adults treated for cancer: the role of quality of life and psychological variables

Objective: Given increased survival rates and treatment‐related late effects, follow‐up for cancer survivors is increasingly recommended. However, information about adverse events (e.g. possibility of late effects) may be distressing for the cancer survivor and lead to poor clinic attendance. Survivor satisfaction with appointments and the information provided are important. The Monitoring Process Model provides a theoretical framework to understand how survivors cope with threatening information, and consequences for follow‐up care. Our aims were to describe satisfaction with routine follow‐up and association between monitoring/blunting and satisfaction with care.
The HANDS Project: Studying and Refining the Automated Collection of a Cross-setting Clinical Data Set

The consistent availability of a core set of clinical nursing data is essential to promote quality patient care. Although important work to improve terminology and enhance comparability of data is underway, the efforts do not address the immediate need for useful nursing data sets and valid methods of collection at the point of data entry. The Hands-on Automated Nursing Data System (HANDS) project is dedicated to refining a feasible methodology for gathering, storing, and retrieving a standardized nursing data set. To date the project team has developed and tested a prototype research tool that is automated and contains the structured terminologies (North American Nursing Diagnosis Association, Nursing Outcomes Classification, and Nursing Interventions Classification) to represent nursing diagnoses, outcomes, and interventions, respectively. The Phase I project development activities are reported in this article, along with Phase II and III plans for testing and refining the methodology under actual clinical conditions. Results and lessons learned during Phase I are reported.
Colocalization of calcium entry and exocytotic release sites in adrenal chromaffin cells.

"Snapshot" images of localized Ca2+ influx into patch-clamped chromaffin cells were captured by using a recently developed pulsed-laser imaging system. Transient opening of voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels gave rise to localized elevations of Ca2+ that had the appearance of either "hotspots" or partial rings found immediately beneath the plasma membrane. When the Ca2+ imaging technique was employed in conjunction with flame-etched carbon-fiber electrodes to spatially map the release sites of catecholamines, it was observed that the sites of Ca2+ entry and catecholamine release were colocalized. These results provide functional support for the idea that secretion occurs from "active zone"-like structures in neuroendocrine cells.
The Bacillus subtilis AddAB helicase/nuclease is regulated by its cognate Chi sequence in vitro.

The AddAB enzyme is important to homologous DNA recombination in Bacillus subtilis, where it is thought to be the functional counterpart of the RecBCD enzyme of Escherichia coli. In vivo, AddAB responds to a specific five-nucleotide sequence (5'-AGCGG-3' or its complement) in a manner analogous to the response of the RecBCD enzyme to interaction with chi sequences. Here, we show that purified AddAB enzyme is able to load at a double-stranded DNA end and is both a DNA helicase and nuclease, whose combined action results in the degradation of both strands of the DNA duplex. During translocation, recognition of the properly oriented sequence 5'-AGCGG-3' causes attenuation of the AddAB enzyme nuclease activity that is responsible for degradation of the strand 3'-terminal at the entry site. Therefore, we conclude that 5'-AGCGG-3' is the B. subtilis Chi site and it is hereafter referred to as chi(Bs). After encountering chi(Bs), both the degradation of the 5'-terminal strand and the helicase activity persist. Thus, processing of a double-stranded DNA end by the AddAB enzyme produces a duplex DNA molecule with a protruding 3'-terminated single-stranded tail, a universal intermediate of the recombination process.
Cognitive modeling of age‐related differences in information search behavior

In this study, we evaluated the ability of computational cognitive models of web‐navigation like CoLiDeS and CoLiDeS+ to model i) user interactions with search engines and ii) individual differences in search behavior due to variations in cognitive factors such as aging. CoLiDeS and CoLiDeS+ were extended to predict user clicks on search engine result pages. Their performance was evaluated using actual behavioral data from an experiment in which 2 types of information search tasks (simple vs. difficult), were presented to younger and older participants. The results showed that the model predictions matched significantly better with the actual user behavior on difficult tasks compared to simple tasks and with younger participants compared to older participants, especially for difficult tasks. Also, the matches were significantly better with CoLiDeS+ compared to CoLiDeS, especially for difficult tasks. We conclude that the advanced capabilities of CoLiDeS+, such as incorporating contextual information and implementing backtracking strategies enable it to predict user behavior significantly better than CoLiDeS, especially on difficult tasks. The usefulness of these modeling outcomes for the design of support systems for older adults is discussed.
I am going to gag: Disgust cognitions in spider and blood–injury–injection fears

There is mounting evidence that disgust plays an important role in certain anxiety disorders, yet little is known about disgust's cognitive component. The current study introduces a measure of cognitions associated with disgust and contamination to assess the role of disgust-specific primary and secondary appraisals in phobic responding. A multi-modal assessment of blood–injury–injection (BII) and spider phobia was conducted using BII (N=29) and spider (N=30) fearful groups, and a non-fearful control group (N=30). The Disgust Cognitions scale showed good reliability and validity, and distinguished among the groups. For example, relative to the other groups, the spider fear group reported higher disgust cognitions following presentation of a live spider, whereas the BII Fear group reported higher disgust cognitions following a surgery video. Moreover, the scale was associated with multiple phobic indicators (behavioural avoidance, subjective distress, symptom endorsement), suggesting cognitions may be critical to understanding how disgust contributes to anxiety disorders.
In Response to Gargari Et Al., “Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among High-School Girls in Tabriz, Iran, in 2001”

I would like to congratulate Dr. Gargari on the work he has done on assessing the prevalence of overweight and obesity among high-school girls in Tabriz, Iran, [1]. This will undoubtedly contribute to the pool of much-needed data on obesity in the Asia region. However, I would like to make some comments about the methodology the authors adopted during the analysis of the data. 1. Why were NHANES I percentiles used when bodymass index (BMI)-for-age percentile charts from NHANES III were available online at the time of this study? [2] 2. The International Obesity Task Force (IOTF) cutoff values given for female adolescents are confusing. According to the published IOTF cutoff values, [3] the reference BMI cutoffs were not given as a range for a specific age range, but as a specific cutoff value for each age. It is true that IOTF published the BMI cutoffs for every six-month age group from 2 to 18 years. However, for a child whose age falls between an age group for which cut off values have been given (e.g., 14 years and 9 months, or 9.75 years) the BMI cutoff for overweight or obesity should be calculated by linear extrapolation. The BMI ranges that are given for overweight are likewise confusing. For example, the BMI range for overweight among 14to 14.9-year-old girls was given as 23.66 to 28.87, but the two figures are the BMI cutoffs for overweight and obesity, respectively, in 14.5-year-old girls. If I were to determine the state of obesity/overweight in a girl 14 years and 11 months old with a BMI of 28.9, would this child be Letter to the Editor
Evidence for local synthesis of melatonin in golden hamster retina.

Daily variations in melatonin content of retinas of pinealectomized and sham-operated golden hamsters were studied. Melatonin content showed significant daily variations with maximal values at night (i.e. early in the night in pinealectomized hamsters and late at night in sham-operated animals). Moreover, mean retinal melatonin levels augmented significantly after pinealectomy. In vitro the augmented melatonin levels found in retinas incubated in darkness for 8 h was suppressed by exposure to light, indicating the ability of hamster retina to regulate melatonin synthesis in isolated conditions. Taken together, the in vivo and in vitro results support daily variations of melatonin content of exclusive retinal origin.
Inhibition of basal transcription by poliovirus: a virus- encoded protease (3Cpro) inhibits formation of TBP-TATA box complex in vitro

Host cell RNA polymerase II (pol II)-mediated transcription is inhibited by poliovirus infection. We demonstrate here that both TATA- and initiator-mediated basal transcription is inhibited in extracts prepared from poliovirus-infected HeLa cells. This inhibition can be reproduced by incubation of uninfected HeLa cell extracts with purified, recombinant poliovirus protease, 3Cpro. Transient-transfection assays demonstrate that 3Cpro, in the absence of other viral proteins, is able to inhibit cellular pol II-mediated transcription in vivo. Three lines of evidence suggest that inactivation of TATA-binding protein (TBP) is the major cause of inhibition of basal transcription by poliovirus. First, RNA pol II transcription in poliovirus-infected cell extract is fully restored by bacterially expressed TBP. Second, addition of purified TBP restores transcription in heat-treated nuclear extracts from mock- and virus-infected cells to identical levels. Finally, using a gel mobility shift assay, we demonstrate that incubation of TBP with the viral protease (3Cpro) inhibits its ability to bind TATA sequence in vitro. These results suggest that inhibition of pol II transcription in mammalian cells infected with poliovirus is, at least in part, due to the inability of modified TBP to bind pol II promoter sequences.
FGF: an autocrine regulator of human lens cell growth independent of added stimuli.

PURPOSE Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) arises because of a persistent growth of lens epithelial cells. Cultured human lens cells residing on their native collagen capsule and maintained in serum-free medium actively grow and thus show an intrinsic capacity for regulation. In the present study, the authors investigated the role of the putative FGF autocrine system in human capsular bags. METHODS Capsular bags were prepared from human donor eyes and maintained in a 5% CO(2) atmosphere at 35 degrees C. On-going observations were by phase-contrast microscopy. Cellular architecture was examined by fluorescence cytochemistry. De novo protein synthesis was determined by the incorporation of 35S-methionine. Basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and FGF receptor (R)-1 were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) techniques. FGFR-1 inhibition was achieved using the specific antagonist SU5402. RESULTS Human lens epithelial cells can maintain metabolic activity for more than 1 year in a protein-free medium. Basic FGF was shown to be present in capsular bags throughout culture and also in capsular bags removed from donor eyes that had previously undergone cataract surgery. Furthermore, FGFR-1 was identified. Inhibition of FGFR-1 caused a significant retardation of growth on the posterior capsule. On no occasion did any treated bag reach confluence, whereas all match-paired control samples did. CONCLUSIONS The results provide evidence that FGF plays an integral role in the long-term survival and growth of human lens epithelial cells, independent of external stimuli. Inhibition of FGFR-1 by specific synthetic molecules, such as SU5402, could provide a potential therapeutic approach to resolving PCO.
Wideband Characterization of Backscatter Channels: Derivations and Theoretical Background

The wireless channel of backscatter radio systems is a two-way pinhole channel, created by the concatenation of two standard wireless channels. We present a method to calculate wideband channel parameters of backscatter channels based on the parameters of the constituent one-way channels. The focus is on characteristics that are vital for narrowband and wideband ranging, such as the K-factor w.r. t. the direct (line-of-sight) path and the RMS delay spread. The presented analyses include uncorrelated as well as correlated channel pairs and are thus valid for bistatic and monostatic antenna setups. We also show that the uncorrelated scattering (US) assumption holds for the backscatter channel provided that the constituent channels are US.
The time course for changes in plasma [h+] after sodium bicarbonate ingestion.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that induced alkalosis through ingestion of a sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO 3 ) solution can enhance performance during maximalintensity exercise of varying durations, as well as maintain performance during high-intensity intermittent exercise. Several studies have investigated the effect of dose ingested on subsequent exercise performance. For example, Horswill et al demonstrated that doses of less than 0.2 g/kg were ineffective in improving performance during 2 minutes of maximal cycle exercise, whereas Wilkes et al improved run performance of similar duration using a dose of 0.3 g/kg. Most studies have used a dose of 0.3 g/kg, and this seems to be the largest that can safely be consumed without an unacceptable risk of side effects of gastrointestinal distress. Although there is some consensus with regard to the optimal dose of NaHCO 3 that should be ingested, the timing of ingestion in relation to the start of exercise seems to vary from study to study. Matson and Tran conducted a meta-analysis and found that studies that produced a large effect size in terms of improved exercise performance were associated with larger doses (0.278 ± 0.60 g/kg) and produced greater decreases in preexercise plasma [H] and greater increases in [H] after exercise than in studies that used lower doses (0.236 ± 0.70 g/kg). Because it appears that the magnitude of the induced change in plasma [H] determines the success or lack thereof of NaHCO 3 as an ergogenic aid, it is necessary to establish the time course for changes in plasma [H] after ingestion of the most commonly reported dose. This will allow identification of the optimal time of ingestion in relation to the subsequent maximum change in plasma [H] and thus the timing of the commencement of exercise.
Biochemistry of natriuretic peptides

The discovery by de Bold of a natriuretic factor in atrial tissue [ 11 heralded the discovery of an entirely novel series of peptides with widespread actions affecting fluid and blood pressure homeostasis. The natriuretic factor has been identified and sequenced as a 2 8 amino acid peptide atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in humans and other species, and three other related peptides, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), Ctype natriuretic peptide (CNP), and urodilatin have now been isolated and sequenced [2-51. Much is now known about the synthesis and secretion of natriuretic peptides and the nature of their receptors. This review will concentrate on the biochemical aspects of the natriuretic peptides with emphasis on their biochemistry in humans. The intracellular mechanisms which mediate the actions of natriuretic peptides are not considered but are the subject of a recent review [6].
Acute kidney injury: A pediatric experience over 10 years at a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND The etiology of acute kidney injury (AKI) varies in different countries. In addition, the etiology of AKI in hospitalized children is multifactorial. The importance of diagnosing AKI is not only because of short-term high morbidity and mortality rate, but also for its effect on developing chronic kidney disease. OBJECTIVES we studied retrospectively AKIs of children who were hospitalized over 10 years in a University hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective analysis of the medical recorded data of 180 children less than 18 years treated for AKI in Alzahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran, were performed during the period of March 2001 to February 2011. For each patient, demographic and anthropometric data, laboratory data, electrocardiographic findings, ultrasound results, etiology of AKI and short-term outcomes were recorded. RESULTS The male to female ratio was 1.57 to 1. Mean age was 5.28 ± 6.3 (SD) years and the median was 1.8 years. The more frequent age group was children less than 2 years. The mortality rate was 22.2% (40 patients). The mortality was not correlated with age (p= 0.74). Renal replacement therapy was recommended for 62 patients (34.4%). Mean of the first and last glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were 18.33± 1.12 ml/min/1.73 m² and 52.53 ± 2.98 ml/min/1.73 m², respectively. The most common urinary sediment finding in approximately 70% of the patients was either renal epithelial cell or renal cell cast. Increased kidney echogenicity was the most common ultrasound finding (48%). Using ANOVA regression analysis, the etiology of disease was the only predictor of mortality (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS We concluded that the mortality is still high in AKI. Furthermore, the poor outcome (defined as low GFR) are higher among patients with low levels of first GFR and higher RIFLE score.
Identification of Mycoplasma pirum genes involved in the salvage pathways for nucleosides

Genes encoding enzymes involved in the salvage pathway for nucleosides have been cloned and sequenced from the mollicute Mycoplasma pirum. One of them, encoding deoxyriboaldolase, was functionally identified by complementation of an Escherichia coli mutant. These genes are clustered, suggesting an operon organization, and they are immediately followed by the putative gene for the triose phosphate isomerase, an enzyme used during glycolysis.
Vortex Analysis in Uncertain Vector Fields

We present an approach to extract and visualize vortex structures in uncertain vector fields. For this, we generalize the concepts of the most common vortex detectors to uncertain vector fields, namely the λ2‐criterion, Q‐criterion, and the concept of parallel vectors at the example of the method by Sujudi and Haimes. All these methods base on the computation of derivatives of the uncertain vector field which are uncertain fields as well. Since they generally cannot be computed in a closed form, we provide a Monte Carlo algorithm to compute the respective probability distributions. Based on this, uncertain versions of vortex regions and core structures are introduced. We present results of our approach on three real world data sets in order to give a proof of concept.
Absorption performance of the micro concentrating photovoltaic with multimode waveguide and slanted micro-hole cell

We propose and demonstrate a simple and improved absorption geometry using micro-hole architecture for micro concentrating photovoltaic (MCPV). Each micro concentrator is coupled with a very small C-Si solar cell. The incident light is concentrated by micro concentrator on the coupled small area thick film photovoltaic (PV). The PV is designed using proposed micro-hole based architecture to facilitate maximum absorption of the concentrated incident light into the device. Our analysis found that the absorptance of the coupled C-Si solar cell is over 71% and the ultimate efficiency of the coupled solar cell is 35% using proposed micro-hole based architecture. Additionally, the reflected light from the C-Si surface is being trapped by the multimode wave guide and the full MCPV device ultimate efficiency can be improved over 42% in the proposed architecture.
A Fast Approximation Scheme for Low-Dimensional k-Means

We consider the popular $k$-means problem in $d$-dimensional Euclidean space. Recently Friggstad, Rezapour, Salavatipour [FOCS'16] and Cohen-Addad, Klein, Mathieu [FOCS'16] showed that the standard local search algorithm yields a $(1+\epsilon)$-approximation in time $(n \cdot k)^{1/\epsilon^{O(d)}}$, giving the first polynomial-time approximation scheme for the problem in low-dimensional Euclidean space. While local search achieves optimal approximation guarantees, it is not competitive with the state-of-the-art heuristics such as the famous $k$-means++ and $D^2$-sampling algorithms. In this paper, we aim at bridging the gap between theory and practice by giving a $(1+\epsilon)$-approximation algorithm for low-dimensional $k$-means running in time $n \cdot k \cdot (\log n)^{(d\epsilon^{-1})^{O(d)}}$, and so matching the running time of the $k$-means++ and $D^2$-sampling heuristics up to polylogarithmic factors. We speed-up the local search approach by making a non-standard use of randomized dissections that allows to find the best local move efficiently using a quite simple dynamic program. We hope that our techniques could help design better local search heuristics for geometric problems. We note that the doubly exponential dependency on $d$ is necessary as $k$-means is APX-hard in dimension $d = \omega(\log n)$.
A low jitter wide tuning range phase locked loop with low power consumption in 180nm CMOS technology

This paper describes a design of phase locked loop system suitable for clock synchronization and generation. PLLs with high speed, low noise and wide bandwidth with fast acquistion time are preferred. A PFD with low dead zone, charge pump with passive low pass filter and a low noise, wide tuning VCO are integrated in the PLL system. A novel current controlled oscillator(ICO) with wide tuning range of 420MHz to 3.1GHz and low phase noise of -66.83 dBc/Hz @ 1MHz offset is designed. The PFD modeled is a D-latch based digital PFD and conventional charge pump with second order loop filter is used. Integrating this ICO in a PLL system offers low jitter and wide bandwidth. This PLL system is simulated and tested in CADENCE UMC180nm technology. The results prove that the lock-in range of PLL is 500MHz to 1.5GHz with a maximum jitter of 27.1ps, maximum pull-in time is 420ns and the maximum power consumed by this PLL system is 343. 7μW at 1.5GHz.