Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quantifying speech rhythm abnormalities in the dysarthrias.

PURPOSE In this study, the authors examined whether rhythm metrics capable of distinguishing languages with high and low temporal stress contrast also can distinguish among control and dysarthric speakers of American English with perceptually distinct rhythm patterns. Methods Acoustic measures of vocalic and consonantal segment durations were obtained for speech samples from 55 speakers across 5 groups (hypokinetic, hyperkinetic, flaccid-spastic, ataxic dysarthrias, and controls). Segment durations were used to calculate standard and new rhythm metrics. Discriminant function analyses (DFAs) were used to determine which sets of predictor variables (rhythm metrics) best discriminated between groups (control vs. dysarthrias; and among the 4 dysarthrias). A cross-validation method was used to test the robustness of each original DFA. RESULTS The majority of classification functions were more than 80% successful in classifying speakers into their appropriate group. New metrics that combined successive vocalic and consonantal segments emerged as important predictor variables. DFAs pitting each dysarthria group against the combined others resulted in unique constellations of predictor variables that yielded high levels of classification accuracy. CONCLUSIONS This study confirms the ability of rhythm metrics to distinguish control speech from dysarthrias and to discriminate dysarthria subtypes. Rhythm metrics show promise for use as a rational and objective clinical tool.
Tight coupling of timing-driven placement and retiming

Retiming is a widely investigated technique for performance optimization. In general, it performs extensive modifications on a circuit netlist, leaving it unclear whether the achieved performance improvement will still be valid after placement has been performed. This paper presents an approach for integrating retiming into a timing-driven placement environment. The experimental results show the benefit of the proposed approach on circuit performance in comparison with design flows using retiming only as a pre- or post-placement optimization method.
Satellite-based entanglement distribution over 1200 kilometers

Entangled photons are distributed over vast distances using a satellite-to-ground link. Space calling Earth, on the quantum line A successful quantum communication network will rely on the ability to distribute entangled photons over large distances between receiver stations. So far, free-space demonstrations have been limited to line-of-sight links across cities or between mountaintops. Scattering and coherence decay have limited the link separations to around 100 km. Yin et al. used the Micius satellite, which was launched last year and is equipped with a specialized quantum optical payload. They successfully demonstrated the satellite-based entanglement distribution to receiver stations separated by more than 1200 km. The results illustrate the possibility of a future global quantum communication network. Science, this issue p. 1140 Long-distance entanglement distribution is essential for both foundational tests of quantum physics and scalable quantum networks. Owing to channel loss, however, the previously achieved distance was limited to ~100 kilometers. Here we demonstrate satellite-based distribution of entangled photon pairs to two locations separated by 1203 kilometers on Earth, through two satellite-to-ground downlinks with a summed length varying from 1600 to 2400 kilometers. We observed a survival of two-photon entanglement and a violation of Bell inequality by 2.37 ± 0.09 under strict Einstein locality conditions. The obtained effective link efficiency is orders of magnitude higher than that of the direct bidirectional transmission of the two photons through telecommunication fibers.
Enhancing the Detection Rate of Inclined Faces

Extant face detection techniques cannot detect excessively inclined or angled faces, restricting the movement of the subject's facial posture and limiting the scope of face detection applications. Unlike conventional image processing techniques that train classifiers by using rotated frontal face images as positive samples, the researchers of this study employed real-time inclined face images as positive samples and adopted the AdaBoost algorithm for the training procedure. To verify the efficiency of the proposed detection method, the researchers employed three feature extraction methods, namely Haar-like features, histogram of oriented gradients (HOGs), and local binary patterns, to train classifiers from 719 self-developed positive samples and 719 conventional positive samples. Subsequently, a cross-detection experiment was conducted on the sample collections. In addition, the researchers further tested a self-developed video database comprising face videos of 20 subjects. The findings indicate that the proposed detection method outperformed conventional detection methods and improved considerably when coupled with the HOG feature extraction method.
Vision-Based SLAM System for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The present paper describes a vision-based simultaneous localization and mapping system to be applied to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The main contribution of this work is to propose a novel estimator relying on an Extended Kalman Filter. The estimator is designed in order to fuse the measurements obtained from: (i) an orientation sensor (AHRS); (ii) a position sensor (GPS); and (iii) a monocular camera. The estimated state consists of the full state of the vehicle: position and orientation and their first derivatives, as well as the location of the landmarks observed by the camera. The position sensor will be used only during the initialization period in order to recover the metric scale of the world. Afterwards, the estimated map of landmarks will be used to perform a fully vision-based navigation when the position sensor is not available. Experimental results obtained with simulations and real data show the benefits of the inclusion of camera measurements into the system. In this sense the estimation of the trajectory of the vehicle is considerably improved, compared with the estimates obtained using only the measurements from the position sensor, which are commonly low-rated and highly noisy.
and Rao P.

We congratulate the author for this excellent article, which ooers important methods and ideas for inference on functional Magnetic Resonance (fMR) images, with particular application to identifying and testing for theories on working memory utilization. Developing statistical methodology for the analysis of fMR images is an exciting and challenging task, bringing together issues from diverse disciplines such as neurology and psychology and we believe that this article ooers a substantial breakthrough in this regard. Our main comments pertain to some of our recent experiences with fMR experiments which reveal issues of statistical import, some of which may be approached by extending the author's techniques. The blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) contrast referred to in the paper uses the diierence in MR signals between oxy-and deoxy-hemoglobin levels that are caused by the excess innow of blood due to neural activation. The diierences in signals are very slight, usually on the order of 2{5 per cent, depending on magnetic eld strength. Unfortunately, there is substantial recent evi-to suggest that such diierences can also arise due to the presence of draining veins in the cortex. Figure 1 illustrates this in the context of a fMR experiment where the goal was to identify cortical regions of activation in a visual task experiment. Note that the areas of signiicant activation (Figure 1a) and the underlying macroscopic vas-cular structure, as depicted through a magnetic resonance angiogram (MRA) (Figure 1b) show substantial overlap, as further seen by the superposition of the activation image on the MRA (Figure 1c). (An angiogram is a MR imaging technique made sensitive to regions with high blood ow rates | of at least 10 cm/s in our experiment.) This causes the concern that the predominance of extra-cerebral signals from these macroscopic vessels may provide inaccurate identiication (in terms of size, shape and spatial location) of regions of neural activation. Further, there is inter-subject variability in the association of activation patterns with vascular structure (Segebarth et al., 1994) which should be accounted for, especially in block-level multi-subject studies. Suppression of vascular signals has been attempted using a variety of approaches (see for example Bandettini et al., 1994; Haacke, et al., 1994; Hlu st ik, et al., 1998) ranging from using a diierent imaging pulse sequence to post-processing, but we wonder whether this can be accounted for in an integrated framework by incorporating this information into the mean baseline signal of the author's Bayesian time-course model. Thus, …
Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 Is Dispensable for Maintenance of Embryonic Stem Cell Pluripotency

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) methylates histone H3 tails at lysine 27 and is essential for embryonic development. The three core components of PRC2, Eed, Ezh2, and Suz12, are also highly expressed in embryonic stem (ES) cells, where they are postulated to repress developmental regulators and thereby prevent differentiation to maintain the pluripotent state. We performed gene expression and chimera analyses on low‐ and high‐passage Eednull ES cells to determine whether PRC2 is required for the maintenance of pluripotency. We report here that although developmental regulators are overexpressed in Eednull ES cells, both low‐ and high‐passage cells are functionally pluripotent. We hypothesize that they are pluripotent because they maintain expression of critical pluripotency factors. Given that EED is required for stability of EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the complex, these data suggest that PRC2 is not necessary for the maintenance of the pluripotent state in ES cells. We propose a positive‐only model of embryonic stem cell maintenance, where positive regulation of pluripotency factors is sufficient to mediate stem cell pluripotency.
Tracking meteorological structures through curves matching using geodesic paths

This paper is concerned with the problem of tracking clouds structures like vortices in meteorological images. For this purpose we characterize the deformation between two successive occurrences, by matching their two boundary curves. Our approach is based on the computation of the set of paths connecting the two curves to be matched. It minimizes a cost function which measures the local similarity of the two curves. These matching paths are obtained as geodesic curves on this cost surface. Moreover our method allows to consider complex curves of arbitrary topology since these curves are represented through an implicit function rather than through a parameterization. Experimental results are given to illustrate the properties of the method in processing synthetic and then meteorologic remotely-sensed data.
Optimizing Global-Local Search Hybrids

This paper develops a framework for optimizing global-local hybrids of search or optimization procedures. The paper starts by idealizing the search problem as a search by a global algorithm G for either (1) acceptable targets—solutions that meet a specified criterion—or for (2) basins of attraction that then lead to acceptable targets under a specified local search algorithm L. The paper continues by abstracting two sets of parameters—probabilities of successfully hitting targets and basins and time-to-criterion coefficients—and writing equations to account for the total time of search and for the reliability in reaching an acceptable solution. A two-basin optimality criterion is derived and applied to important representative problems. Continuations and extensions of the work are suggested, but the theory appears to be useful immediately in better understanding the economy of effective hybridization.
A comprehensive study of Kalman filter and extended Kalman filter for target tracking in Wireless Sensor Networks

Target tracking is one of the very important applications of WSNs (Wireless Sensor Networks). Traditionally, Kalman filter [1] and its derivatives [2, 3] are some of the most popular algorithms in solving the signal tracking problem. In a WSNs tracking application, the target motion/state update dynamics might be linear or nonlinear depending on the specific scenario. The observation model might vary across the sampling interval. This paper compares the effectiveness, limitations and other related implementation issues in applying Kalman filter and extended Kalman filter to tackle target tracking problem in WSNs.
Apelin inhibits the development of diabetic nephropathy by regulating histone acetylation in Akita mouse

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major complication of diabetes, key features of which include glomerular mesangial expansion, hypertrophy, renal inflammation and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins in the kidney. Histone acetylation plays an important role in the regulation of inflammation in DN. We found that apelin‐13, the most active member of the adipokine apelin group, decreased glomerular filtration rate, proteinuria, glomerular hypertrophy and mesangial expansion, down‐regulated histone acetylation and suppressed renal inflammation in Akita mouse, a spontaneous DN mouse model. In mesangial cell lines, apelin‐13 treatment not only inhibited high glucose‐induced histone hyperacetylation and inflammation factors, but also up‐regulated histone deacetylase 1. These results revealed the possible mechanisms underlying the regulation of histone acetylation in DN and provide novel approaches to explore the beneficial effects of apelin‐13 on DN.
Principles and Methods of Preparation of Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Review and Author's Perspective

The utility of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has spanned various fields of dermatology from chronic ulcer management to trichology and aesthetics, due to its role in wound healing. Though PRP is being used over a long time, there is still confusion over proper terminology to define, classify and describe the different variations of platelet concentrates. There is also a wide variation in the reported protocols for standardization and preparation of PRP, in addition to lack of accurate characterization of the tested products in most articles on the topic. Additionally, the high cost of commercially available PRP kits, precludes its use over a larger population. In this article, we review the principles and preparation methods of PRP based on available literature and place our perspective in standardizing a safe, simple protocol that can be followed to obtain an optimal consistent platelet yield.
CD206-positive M2 macrophages that express heme oxygenase-1 protect against diabetic gastroparesis in mice.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Gastroparesis is a well-recognized complication of diabetes. In diabetics, up-regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO1) in gastric macrophages protects against oxidative stress-induced damage. Loss of up-regulation of HO1, the subsequent increase in oxidative stress, and loss of Kit delays gastric emptying; this effect is reversed by induction of HO1. Macrophages have pro- and anti-inflammatory activities, depending on their phenotype. We investigated the number and phenotype of gastric macrophages in NOD/ShiLtJ (nonobese diabetic [NOD]) mice after onset of diabetes, when delayed gastric emptying develops, and after induction of HO1 to reverse delay. METHODS Four groups of NOD and db/db mice were studied: nondiabetic, diabetic with normal emptying, diabetic with delayed gastric emptying, and diabetic with delayed gastric emptying reversed by the HO1 inducer hemin. Whole mount samples from stomach were labeled in triplicate with antisera against F4/80, HO1, and CD206, and macrophages were quantified in stacked confocal images. Markers for macrophage subtypes were measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Development of diabetes was associated with an increased number of macrophages and up-regulation of HO1 in CD206(+) M2 macrophages. Onset of delayed gastric emptying did not alter the total number of macrophages, but there was a selective loss of CD206(+)/HO1(+) M2 macrophages. Normalization of gastric emptying was associated with repopulation of CD206(+)/HO1(+) M2 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS CD206(+) M2 macrophages that express HO1 appear to be required for prevention of diabetes-induced delayed gastric emptying. Induction of HO1 in macrophages might be a therapeutic option for patients with diabetic gastroparesis.
Influence of granularity of grinding stone on grinding force and material removal in the rail grinding process

The objective of this study is to explore the influence of grinding stone granularity on the grinding force and rail material removal behaviors using a rail grinding friction machine. The results indicate that with the increase in granularity, the grinding force, and friction coefficient in the grinding interface obviously increase, which brings about a rise in the hardness and grinding temperature-rise of rail specimens. The increase in the grinding stone granularity causes a fall in the grinding volume and surface roughness of rail materials and brings about stronger vibration in the grinding interface owing to different material removal mechanisms. In view of the experimental results, the optimization of grinding stone granularity is significant for improving the rail grinding efficiency and surface quality.
Substrate-zymography: a still worthwhile method for gelatinases analysis in biological samples

Abstract Matrix metallo-proteinases (MMPs) are a family of zinc-dependent endopeptidases, capable of degrading all the molecular components of extracellular matrix. A class of MMPs is gelatinases which includes gelatinase A or MMP-2 (72 kDa) and gelatinase B or MMP-9 (92 kDa), which have been shown to play critical roles in pathophysiology of many human disease and, in particular, cancer progression. For these reasons they obtained a great interest as potential non-invasive biomarker in providing useful clinical information in cancer diagnosis and therapy. A sensitive and unexpensive method for analysis of gelatinases is the gelatine zymography, which allows to measure the relative amounts of active and inactive enzymes in body fluids and tissue extracts. The procedure involves the electrophoretic separation of proteins under denaturing but non reducing conditions through a polyacrylamide gel containing a synthetic substrate (gelatin). The aim of this mini-review has been to describe the general principles of gelatine zymography technique, underling the main advantages and disadvantages. Even though an improvement of this method is necessary for a better applicability in laboratory medicine, gelatine zymography represents the most convenient method to detect the activity of the different gelatinases from a wide range of biological samples.
Melatonin, quercetin and resveratrol attenuates oxidative hepatocellular injury in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

In this study, effects of melatonin, quercetin and resveratrol on hepatocellular injury in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced experimental diabetes were aimed to be investigated by histological and biochemical methods. Thirty-five male Wistar albino rats were divided into five groups, namely, control, diabetes (STZ 45 mg/kg/single dose/intraperitoneally (ip)), diabetes + melatonin (10 mg/kg/30 days/ip), diabetes + quercetin (25 mg/kg/30 days/ip) and diabetes + resveratrol (10 mg/kg/30 days/ip). Initial and final blood glucose levels and body weights (BWs) were measured. At the end of the experimentation, following routine tissue processing procedure, sections were stained with haematoxylin–eosin (H-E), periodic acid Schiff and Masson’s trichrome. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities were examined. The diabetic rats had significantly higher blood glucose levels than those of control rats (p = 0.0001). Mean BWs of diabetic rats were significantly decreased when compared with the control rats (p = 0.0013). Histopathological alterations including cellular glycogen depletion, congestion, sinusoidal dilatation, inflammation and fibrosis were detected in diabetes group. On the other hand, histopathological changes markedly reduced in all of the treatment groups (p = 0.001). Mean tissue MDA level was increased but mean tissue CAT and SOD activities and GSH levels were decreased in the diabetes group. Melatonin, quercetin and resveratrol administered diabetic rats showed an increase in CAT activities and GSH levels and a decrease in MDA levels (p < 0.05, for all). Melatonin, quercetin and resveratrol administrations markedly reduced hepatocellular injury in STZ-induced experimental diabetes.
Church-Rosser Properties of Weakly Terminating Term Rewriting Systems

The well known Knuth and Bendix completion procedure computes a convergent term rewriting system from a given set of equational axioms. This procedure was extended to handle mixed sets of rules and equations in order to deal with axioms that cannot be used as rules without loosing the required termination property. The developed technique requires the termination property of the rules modulo the equations. We describe here an abstract model of computation, assuming the termination property of the set of rules only. We show that two abstract properties, "uniform confluence modulo" and "uniform coherence modulo" are both necessary and sufficient ones to compute with these models. We then give sufficient properties that can be checked on "parallel critical pairs", assuming the rules are left linear. These results allow to deal with sets of axioms including coramutativity, associativity and idempotency.
Semantics of the password-capability system

The increasing problems of hacking and computer viruses have demonstrated the need for more secure computer systems. Conventional operating systems such as Unix, Linux, and Windows have not proved very satisfactory in dealing with such security problems. The capability paradigm seems to offer scope for more flexible computer system security but suffered from various implementation disadvantages. Password-capabilities allow for efficient implementation and offer scope for many security benefits. The Password-Capability System provides a simple, compact probabilistic security model. The operational semantics of the system are presented here.
Effect of elastic-band-based resistance training on leg blood flow in elderly women.

The age-related decline in basal limb blood flow appears to be related to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, noninsulin-dependent diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Resistance training improves basal limb blood flow and vascular conductance in middle-aged men and women, but it is unknown whether similar vascular effects of training occur in the elderly. This study aimed to examine the effects of a 12-week progressive resistance training program using elastic bands on basal leg blood flow, vascular conductance, and functional performance in postmenopausal elderly women. Sixteen healthy postmenopausal females (age, 67 ± 5 years) were randomly assigned to a control (n = 8) or resistance training (n = 8) group, where they underwent 2 supervised strength sessions per week for 12 weeks. Prior to and at completion of this 12-week period, functional and strength performance and leg haemodynamic responses were measured. The training intervention produced significant increases in basal leg blood flow (31%), vascular conductance (34%), and a significant reduction in cardiac work (i.e., rate pressure product) at rest, as well as significant improvements in the 3 functional ability tests performed (30-s bicep curl, 30-s sit to stand, and back scratch). Haemodynamic or functional performance responses were not altered after the 12 weeks in the control group. This study demonstrates that a resistance training program using elastic bands elicits significant improvements in basal leg blood flow in postmenopausal elderly women.