Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Normalized Features for Improving the Generalization of DNN Based Speech Enhancement

Enhancing noisy speech is an important task to restore its quality and to improve its intelligibility. In traditional non-machine-learning (ML) based approaches the parameters required for noise reduction are estimated blindly from the noisy observation while the actual filter functions are derived analytically based on statistical assumptions. Even though such approaches generalize well to many different acoustic conditions, the noise suppression capability in transient noises is low. To amend this shortcoming, machine-learning (ML) methods such as deep learning have been employed for speech enhancement. However, due to their data-driven nature, the generalization of ML based approaches to unknown noise types is still discussed. To improve the generalization of ML based algorithms and to enhance the noise suppression of non-ML based methods, we propose a combination of both approaches. For this, we employ the a priori signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and the a posteriori SNR estimated as input features in a deep neural network (DNN) based enhancement scheme. We show that this approach allows ML based speech estimators to generalize quickly to unknown noise types even if only few noise conditions have been seen during training. Further, the proposed features outperform a competing approach where an estimate of the noise power spectral density is appended to the noisy spectra. Instrumental measures such as Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) and short-time objective intelligibility (STOI) indicate strong improvements in unseen conditions when the proposed features are used. Listening experiments confirm the improved generalization of our proposed combination.
Optic cup segmentation based on extracting blood vessel kinks and cup thresholding using Type-II fuzzy approach

A novel technique has been developed to segment the optic cup from a 2D colored fundus image. Cup segmentation is the most challenging part of image processing the optic nerve head (ONH) due to the complexity of its structure. The cup size is used for diagnosis of glaucoma. Blood vessels densely cover the cup boundary in some cases and in other cases, they form the boundaries. Therefore, extracting the vessels were conducted by using a top hat transform and Otsu's function in order to detect the curvature of the blood vessels (kinks), which indicates the cup boundary. Then, an Interval Type-II fuzzy entropy procedure was applied to cup thresholding. Finally, the Hough transform was applied to approximate the cup boundaries. The algorithm was evaluated on 100 fundus images from the RIGA database, where the cup was manually marked by 6 Ophthalmologists. The cup detection accuracy was 72.5%.
Towards Asymmetric Information for the G2B Inter-Organizational Networks

With the emergence of innovative (networked) organization forms such as enhanced supply chain collaboration and modern forms of public-private partnerships (PPP), effective and efficient collaboration among network participants becomes crucial but often difficult to achieve. One of the leading factors which cause such defective collaboration is the asymmetric information issue among the network participants. Two identifiable problems resulted by the asymmetric information are the moral hazard and adverse selection problems. Former studies mainly positioned asymmetric information problems within the context of traditional business environment; in this paper we suggest that similar problems may also occur in the Government to Business (G2B) context. We discuss these issues via a collaborative pilot case study (hereafter, Beer Living Lab) between the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration (DutchTCA) and a Dutch beer company (Beer Co.). The paper reveals that both moral hazard and adverse selection problems may occur during the G2B interactions and tamper the relationships between the two. In addressing these problems, we propose an advanced information technology (IT) solution, drawing upon an effective and efficient information sharing schema that can on the one hand minimize the moral hazard by enhancing supply chain management for the business and on the other hand preventing tax fraud for the government. Further we argue that the application of the advanced IT may serve as a strong signaling and screening tool for overcoming the adverse selection problem during the PPP forming and result in a win-win situation. The insights learned should benefit those involved in various inter-organizational business networks, partnership as well as supply chain management settings.
Effects of ambient temperature on the capacity to perform prolonged cycle exercise in man.

Eight healthy males performed four rides to exhaustion at approximately 70% of their VO2max obtained in a neutral environment. Subjects cycled at ambient temperatures (Ta) of 3.6 +/- 0.3 (SD), 10.5 +/- 0.5, 20.6 +/- 0.2, and 30.5 +/- 0.2 degrees C with a relative humidity of 70 +/- 2% and an air velocity of approximately 0.7 m.s-1. Weighted mean skin temperature (Tsk), rectal temperature (Tre), and heart rate (HR) were recorded at rest, during exercise and at exhaustion. Venous samples were drawn before and during exercise and at exhaustion for determination of hemoglobin, hematocrit, blood metabolites, and serum electrolytes and osmolality. Expired air was collected for calculation of VO2 and R which were used to estimate rates of fuel oxidation. Ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were also obtained. Time to exhaustion was significantly influenced by Ta (P = 0.001): exercise duration was shortest at 30.5 degrees C (51.6 +/- 3.7 min) and longest at 10.5 degrees C (93.5 +/- 6.2 min). Significant effects of Ta were also observed on VE, VO2, R, estimated fuel oxidation, HR, Tre, Tsk, sweat rate, and RPE. This study demonstrates that there is a clear effect of temperature on exercise capacity which appears to follow an inverted U relationship.
AlN thin film resonators operating at 8 GHz used as sensors for organic films

The mass sensitivity of an AlN thin film resonators operated in air at 6 to 8 GHz has been investigated in theory and experiment. The 30x30 μm wide resonators included a 180 to 300 nm thick, highly oriented AlN thin film, bottom and top electrode, and an acoustic reflector made of AlN/SiO2 multilayers. The top electrode was loaded by defined polymer layers to test sensitivity and simulation model. The impact of type and thickness of the top electrode was simulated. 10 to 20 nm thick PMMA coatings served to demonstrate sensitivity with a gettering gel in form of spontaneous adsorption of acetone from the vapour phase. Finally, a self-assembled monolayer of 11-mercaptoundecanoic acid was formed on a Pt top electrode for the demonstration of a submonolayer sensor in air. In both cases, pico-grams could be detected with a sensitivity up to 1000 m/kg.
An “Exacerbate-reverse” Strategy in Yeast Identifies Histone Deacetylase Inhibition as a Correction for Cholesterol and Sphingolipid Transport Defects in Human Niemann-Pick Type C Disease*♦

Niemann-Pick type C (NP-C) disease is a fatal lysosomal lipid storage disorder for which no effective therapy exists. A genome-wide, conditional synthetic lethality screen was performed using the yeast model of NP-C disease during anaerobiosis, an auxotrophic condition that requires yeast to utilize exogenous sterol. We identified 12 pathways and 13 genes as modifiers of the absence of the yeast NPC1 ortholog (NCR1) and quantified the impact of loss of these genes on sterol metabolism in ncr1Δ strains grown under viable aerobic conditions. Deletion of components of the yeast NuA4 histone acetyltransferase complex in ncr1Δ strains conferred anaerobic inviability and accumulation of multiple sterol intermediates. Thus, we hypothesize an imbalance in histone acetylation in human NP-C disease. Accordingly, we show that the majority of the 11 histone deacetylase (HDAC) genes are transcriptionally up-regulated in three genetically distinct fibroblast lines derived from patients with NP-C disease. A clinically approved HDAC inhibitor (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid) reverses the dysregulation of the majority of the HDAC genes. Consequently, three key cellular diagnostic criteria of NP-C disease are dramatically ameliorated as follows: lysosomal accumulation of both cholesterol and sphingolipids and defective esterification of LDL-derived cholesterol. These data suggest HDAC inhibition as a candidate therapy for NP-C disease. We conclude that pathways that exacerbate lethality in a model organism can be reversed in human cells as a novel therapeutic strategy. This “exacerbate-reverse” approach can potentially be utilized in any model organism for any disease.
Genome Sequence of Weissella cibaria KACC 11862

ABSTRACT Weissella cibaria KACC 11862 is a Gram-positive, heterofermentative, Leuconostoc-like lactic acid bacterium that is widely distributed in Korean traditional foods such as kimchi. Here we report the draft genome sequence of the type strain, W. cibaria KACC 11862 (1,599 known genes, 80 RNA genes), which consists of 72 large contigs (>100 bp in size).
Customer Churn Analysis In Banking Sector Using Data Mining Techniques

Customer churn has become a major problem within a customer centred banking industry and banks have always tried to track customer interaction with the company, in order to detect early warning signs in customer's behaviour such as reduced transactions, account status dormancy and take steps to prevent churn. This paper presents a data mining model that can be used to predict which customers are most likely to churn (or switch banks). The study used real-life customer records provided by a major Nigerian bank. The raw data was cleaned, pre-processed and then analysed using WEKA, a data mining software tool for knowledge analysis. Simple K-Means was used for the clustering phase while a rule-based algorithm, JRip was used for the rule generation phase. The results obtained showed that the methods used can determine patterns in customer behaviours and help banks to identify likely churners and hence develop customer retention modalities.
Early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is associated with female sex, maternal factors, and African American race in the COPDGene Study.

RATIONALE The characterization of young adults who develop late-onset diseases may augment the detection of novel genes and promote new pathogenic insights. METHODS We analyzed data from 2,500 individuals of African and European ancestry in the COPDGene Study. Subjects with severe, early-onset chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (n=70, age < 55 yr, FEV1 < 50% predicted) were compared with older subjects with COPD (n =306, age >64 yr, FEV1 <50% predicted). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Subjects with severe, early-onset COPD were predominantly females (66%), P =0.0004. Proportionally,early-onset COPD was seen in 42% (25 of 59) of African Americans versus 14% (45 of 317) of non-Hispanic whites, P <0.0001. Other risk factors included current smoking (56 vs. 17%, P < 0.0001) and self-report of asthma (39 vs. 25%, P =0.008). Maternal smoking (70 vs. 44%, P=0.0001) and maternal COPD (23 vs.12%, P=0.03) were reported more commonly in subjects with early-onset COPD. Multivariable regression analysis found association with African American race, odds ratio (OR), 7.5 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3–24; P ¼=0.0007); maternal COPD, OR, 4.7 (95% CI,1.3–17; P=0.02); female sex, OR, 3.1 (95% CI, 1.1–8.7; P=0.03); and each pack-year of smoking, OR, 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96–1.0; P ¼ 0.03). CONCLUSIONS These observations support the hypothesis that severe, early-onset COPD is prevalent in females and is influenced by maternal factors. Future genetic studies should evaluate (1) gene-by-sex interactions to address sex-specific genetic contributions and (2) gene-by-race interactions.
Recombinación del VIH-1 in vitro

Este trabajo se ha centrado en el estudio de la influencia que ejerce la recombinacion en la evolucion de virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), ya que se trata del principal mecanismo de variaciones este virus. En primer lugar se realizaron una serie de infecciones dobles con diferencias combinaciones de dos cepas del VIH-1, en celulas MT4 (linea linfocitica humana), que se mantuvieron en cultivo durante 22 dias. Los ADNs procedentes de varios dias a lo largo de los cultivos se analizaron mediante vrios tecnicas puestas a punto previamente. Los resultados pusieron de manifiesto la influencia de varios factores como el tiempo, la multiplicidad de infeccion y la distancia genetica sobre la proporcion de recombinantes en las progenies virales obtenidas. La utilizacion de una PCR cuantitativa especifica para la determinacion de la proporcion de recombinantes en los ADNs resultantes de las infecciones dobles, permitio determinar una relacion inversamente proporcional entre la distancia genetica entre los virus parentales y la proporcion de virus recombinantes que origienan. Al mismo tiempo se observo un aumento progresivo de esta proporcion a lo largo del tiempo, en dos de estas infecciones. Por otro lado, se llevo a cabo un estudio filogenetico sobre una serie de clones biologicos recombinantes aislados a partir de los sobrenadantes de dos dias diferentes de un cultivo. Los resultados de este estudio ponen de manifiesto las consecuencias evolutivas que introduce la recombinacion en una poblacion dada: seleccion de la combinacion de proteinas mas favorables, numerosos eventos de recombinacion independientes, y seleccion positiva de algunos clones. La poblacion viral obtenida tras 22 dias de cultivo, se caracterizo por ser mas heterogenea y disminuyo la distancia genetica del conjunto. Por ultimo, se realizo un estudio sobre la naturaleza diploide o pseudodiploide del VIH, o sobre el origen de algunas placas de infeccion que aparecieron a lo largo del estudio de recombinacion, y que presentaban dos secuencias diferentes para un fragmento del genoma viral
Community-level correlates of hospitalizations for persons with schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVES Hospitalizations are likely to depend on both individual-level and community-level risk factors. This study identified community-level correlates of hospitalization for persons with schizophrenia and identified counties with high hospitalization rates. METHODS Data from 811 counties in 14 states were collected from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Health Resources and Services Administration. The dependent variable was specified as the county-level hospitalization rates for 2000, adjusted for age and sex, as determined from the Statewide Inpatient Database. To control for spatial autocorrelation, a Bayesian-Poisson conditional autoregressive model was used to measure the correlation between community-level factors and standardized hospitalization rates. Spatially smoothed standardized hospitalization rates were examined to identify counties with high rates. RESULTS There were 1.6 schizophrenia-related hospitalizations per 1,000 residents. Community-level correlates significantly predicting higher rates of hospitalization included percentage of residents in poverty (relative incidence rate [RIR]=1.03), percentage unemployed (RIR=1.04), hospital beds per 1,000 (RIR=1.04), social workers per 1,000 (RIR=1.09), and market penetration rate of health maintenance organizations (RIR=1.00) (p<.05). Community-level correlates significantly predicting lower rates of hospitalization included percentage of uninsured residents (RIR=.99), housing stress (RIR=.91), rural location (RIR for the most rural counties=.57), and a farm-dependent economy (RIR=.75) (p<.05). A quarter (25%) of the counties had higher than expected hospitalization rates, and spatial clustering was evident. CONCLUSIONS Results should be of interest to health plans seeking to control high-cost hospitalizations. Although improved availability of specialty mental health outpatient treatment could prevent hospitalizations for schizophrenia, the study indicated no correlation between access to specialists and hospitalization rates.
Analysis of the use of LoRaWan technology in a large-scale smart city demonstrator

This paper presents analysis of the use of LoRaWan in a large-scale demonstrator of the Smart City, which is conducted at the Scientific Campus of the University of Lille in the North of France. LoRa is used to create a local network to exchange data between sensors and the server, which hosts the smart city management platform. Prior to the installation of this network, a field study was conducted to explore the performances of LoRaWan in the campus. This paper presents the results of this field study. It shows that this technology is well adapted for smart campus projects.
The Impact of Collusion on Price Behavior: Empirical Results from Two Recent Cases

We use extended ARCH and GARCH models to examine the differences in the behavior of the first two moments of the price distribution during collusive and competitive phases of two recently discovered conspiracies, citric acid and lysine. According to our results, the conspirators managed to raise prices by 9 and 25 cents per pound in the short-run relative to non-collusive periods. Also, the variance of prices during the lysine conspiracy was lower and the variance of prices during the citric acid conspiracy was higher than during more competitive periods. The proposed methodology may be used for antitrust screening and prosecution purposes.
Chronic blood pressure control.

Chronic blood pressure is maintained within very narrow limits around an average value. However, the multitude of physiologic processes that participate in blood pressure control present a bewildering array of possibilities to explain how such tight control of arterial pressure is achieved. Guyton and Coleman and colleagues addressed this challenge by creating a mathematical model that integrated the short- and long-term control systems for overall regulation of the circulation. The hub is the renal-body fluid feedback control system, which links cardiac function and vascular resistance and capacitance with fluid volume homeostasis as the foundation for chronic blood pressure control. The cornerstone of that system is renal sodium excretory capability, which is defined by the direct effect of blood pressure on urinary sodium excretion, that is, "pressure natriuresis. " Steady-state blood pressure is the pressure at which pressure natriuresis balances sodium intake over time; therefore, renal sodium excretory capability is the set point for chronic blood pressure. However, this often is misinterpreted as dismissing, or minimizing, the importance of nonrenal mechanisms in chronic blood pressure control. This article explains the renal basis for the blood pressure set point by focusing on the absolute dependence of our survival on the maintenance of sodium balance. Two principal threats to sodium balance are discussed: (1) a change in sodium intake or renal excretory capability and (2) a change in blood pressure. In both instances, circulatory homeostasis is maintained because the sodium balance blood pressure set point is reached.
Characterization of the cytochrome P450 isoenzymes involved in the in vitro N-dealkylation of haloperidol.

AIMS The present study was carried out to identify the cytochrome P450 isoenzyme(s) involved in the N-dealkylation of haloperidol (HAL). METHODS In vitro studies were performed using human liver microsomes and c-DNA-expressed human P450 isoforms. N-dealkylation of HAL was assessed by measuring the formation of 4-(4-chlorophenyl)-4-hydroxypiperidine (CPHP). RESULTS There was a tenfold variation in the extent of CPHP formation amongst the nine human liver microsomal preparations. The CPHP formation rates as a function of substrate concentration, measured in three livers, followed monophasic enzyme kinetics. Km and Vmax values ranged respectively from 50 to 78 microM and from 180 to 412 pmol mg-1 min-1 CPHP formation rates in the nine liver preparations were significantly correlated with dextromethorphan N-demethylase activity (a marker of CYP3A4 activity), but not with the activity of dextromethorphan O-demethylase (CYP2D6), phenacetin O-deethylase (CYP1A2) or tolbutamide hydroxylase (CYP2C9). Ketoconazole, an inhibitor of CYP3A4, inhibited competitively CPHP formation (Ki=0.1 microM), whereas sulphaphenazole (CYP2C9), furafylline (CYP1A2) and quinidine (CYP2D6) gave only little inhibition (IC50 > 100 microM). CPHP formation was, moreover, enhanced by apha-naphtoflavone, an effect common to CYP3A4 mediated reactions. Anti-CYP3A4 antibodies strongly inhibited CPHP formation, whereas no inhibition was observed in the presence of CYP2D6 antibodies. Among the recombinant human CYP isoforms tested, CYP3A4 exhibited the highest activity with respect to CPHP formation rate, with no detectable effect of other CYP isoforms (CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP2C9). HAL inhibited dextromethorphan O-demethylase (CYP2D6) with IC50 values between 2.7 and 8.5 microM, but not (IC50 > 100 microM) dextromethorphan N-demethylase (CYP3A4), phenacetin O-deethylase (CYP1A2) or tolbutamide hydroxylase (CYP2C9). CONCLUSIONS These results strongly suggest that the N-dealkylation of HAL in human liver microsomal preparations is mediated by CYP3A4.
Awareness Intervention: Who Needs It?

It is widely accepted that awareness deficits present challenges to recovery and should be addressed as part of rehabilitation programming. Response to awareness intervention is commonly Inferred from measurements that rely on reports by subjects and significant others. This article describes the findings from a pilot study that examined the relationship among a variety of awareness indicators in three individuals with brain damage over a 9-month period. Results suggest a dissociation between behavioral and perceptual indices of awareness. Changes in behavioral indicators of awareness selected by care givers were not related to changes in self- or caregiver ratings. The clinical and research implications of the findings are discussed
Controversies in Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Ocular Neoplasms

Performing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in conjunction with the excision of periocular neoplasms is a relatively new practice in the field of ophthalmic plastic surgery. Gould et al first described the concept of the ‘‘sentinel lymph node’’ in 1960. In his paper, he proposed a method to avoid performing a radical neck dissection in patients with malignant lesions of the parotid by merely looking at the lymph node that appeared to be the principle site of lymphatic drainage. He argued that this would avoid unnecessary extensive lymph node dissections that could place the patient at risk for developing lymphedema and other complications. Since that time, several techniques have evolved to more accurately localize the sentinel lymph node. To date, SLNB has been reported in cases of eyelid and conjunctiva malignant melanoma, merkel cell carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. These are tumors felt to be the most at risk for development of metastasis and in which detection of a positive lymph node would alter management. There are a number of controversies, however, regarding SLNB in the management of these tumors. The yield is often low, with several studies showing that the rate of detecting a positive lymph node is approximately 20% regardless of tumor type. This begs the question whether performing a SLNB is justified, given the fact that it adds about 90 minutes to the operation, requires additional preoperative and postoperative management, and places patients at some risk of complication depending on the lymph node basin that requires biopsy. Other unresolved issues include the specific characteristics of the tumor that