Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
How many labellers revisited - naïves, experts, and real experts

A database of non-native German productions was annotated by three different groups: by experts using detailed, localised labels as well as coarse, global labels, and by phoneticians and naive subjects, using the same coarse global labels. For the detailed annotation, segmental and supra-segmental labels were given segment-based and word-based. The global annotation consisted of a turn-based assessment of intelligibility, nonnative accent, melody, and rhythm. Moreover, we use a large, specialised prosodic feature vector for modelling native vs. nonnative speech. We study relationships between detailed and global labels, analyse the quality of expert and naive labellers, and present an automatic system for predicting a speaker’s score for the global labels.
Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction.

Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving form of supportive therapy for respiratory failure. In addition to support of gas exchange, other potential benefits of mechanical ventilation include reversal of respiratory muscle fatigue, prevention of muscle fiber injury during sepsis, and restoration of blood flow to vital organs in shock states by preventing a “respiratory steal” phenomenon by intensely working respiratory muscles (1–3). However, mechanical ventilation is clearly a two-edged sword. It is also associated with major complications such as infection, barotrauma, cardiovascular compromise, tracheal injuries, oxygen toxicity, and ventilator-induced lung injury (4). In addition to the above well known complications of ventilatory support, a rapidly accumulating body of evidence suggests that mechanical ventilation, with its attendant diaphragm muscle inactivity and unloading, is an important cause of diaphragmatic dysfunction. For the purposes of this Critical Care Perspective, we define this phenomenon, henceforth referred to as ventilatorinduced diaphragmatic dysfunction (VIDD), as a loss of diaphragmatic force-generating capacity that is specifically related to the use of mechanical ventilation. The objectives of this Critical Care Perspective are as follows: (1) to review the existing evidence for VIDD, (2) to summarize the cellular changes in the diaphragm associated with the VIDD phenomenon, (3) to interpret these new findings in light of known effects of other forms of skeletal muscle disuse, and (4) to suggest future areas of research as well as potential therapeutic avenues.
Nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase‐2 is the ecto‐ATPase of type I cells in taste buds

The presence of one or more calcium‐dependent ecto‐ATPases (enzymes that hydrolyze extracellular 5′‐triphosphates) in mammalian taste buds was first shown histochemically. Recent studies have established that dominant ecto‐ATPases consist of enzymes now called nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases). Massively parallel signature sequencing (MPSS) from murine taste epithelium provided molecular evidence suggesting that NTPDase2 is the most likely member present in mouse taste papillae. Immunocytochemical and enzyme histochemical staining verified the presence of NTPDase2 associated with plasma membranes in a large number of cells within all mouse taste buds. To determine which of the three taste cell types expresses this enzyme, double‐label assays were performed with antisera directed against the glial glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST), the transduction pathway proteins phospholipase Cβ2 (PLCβ2) or the G‐protein subunit α‐gustducin, and serotonin (5HT) as markers of type I, II, and III taste cells, respectively. Analysis of the double‐labeled sections indicates that NTPDase2 immunoreactivity is found on cell processes that often envelop other taste cells, reminiscent of type I cells. In agreement with this observation, NTPDase2 was located to the same membrane as GLAST, indicating that this enzyme is present in type I cells. The presence of ecto‐ATPase in taste buds likely reflects the importance of ATP as an intercellular signaling molecule in this system. J. Comp. Neurol. 497:1–12, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Inhibition of lymphocyte stimulation by cyclic and non-cyclic nucleotides.

Although little is known of the role of cyclic nucleotides in lymphocyte metabolism, Smith, Steiner and Parker have recently shown that exogenous cyclic and non-cyclic nucleotides inhibit the response of human lymphocytes to phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Furthermore, pharmacologic agents which raise the endogenous level of cyclic AMP (adenosine 3′,5′ monophosphoric acid) had the same effect (1). Studies in our laboratory confirm these observations with respect to PHA stimulation and extend them to the mixed lymphocyte reaction. Materials and Methods. Cell preparation. Sterile technique was employed. Normal human peripheral blood was drawn into a heparinized syringe and centrifuged at 4°C for 10 min at 120 × G. The supernatant plasma and the upper ⅕ of the red cells were drawn into a syringe and allowed to sediment for 30 min. The white cell-rich plasma was removed and centrifuged for 10 min at 200 × G.
Hard TeV spectra of blazars and the constraints to the infrared intergalactic background

Recent gamma-ray observations of the blazar 1ES 1101−232 (redshift z = 0.186) reveal that the unabsorbed TeV spectrum is hard, with spectral index α 0.5 [F(ν) ∝ ν −α ]. We show that simple one-zone synchrotron self-Compton model can explain such hard spectra if we assume a power law energy distribution of the emitting electrons with a relatively high minimum energy. In this case the intrinsic TeV spectrum can be as hard as F(ν) ∝ ν 1/3 , while the predicted X-ray spectrum can still be much softer. The observations of 1ES 1101−232 can therefore be reconciled with relatively high intensities of the infrared background, even if some extreme background levels can indeed be excluded. We show that the other TeV sources (Mrk 421, Mrk 501 and PKS 2155−304) can be interpreted in the same framework, with a somewhat larger minimum energy.
Spatiotemporal Correlations between Water Footprint and Agricultural Inputs: A Case Study of Maize Production in Northeast China

To effectively manage water resources in agricultural production, it is necessary to understand the spatiotemporal variation of the water footprint (WF) and the influences of agricultural inputs. Employing spatial autocorrelation analysis and a geographically weighted regression (GWR) model, we explored the spatial variations of the WF and their relationships with agricultural inputs from 1998 to 2012 in Northeast China. The results indicated that: (1) the spatial distribution of WFs for the 36 major maize production prefectures was heterogeneous in Northeast China; (2) a cluster of high WFs was found in southeast Liaoning Province, while a cluster of low WFs was found in central Jilin Province, and (3) spatial and temporal differentiation in the correlations between the WF of maize production and agricultural inputs existed according to the GWR model. These correlations increased over time. Our results suggested that localized strategies for reducing the WF should be formulated based on specific relationships between the WF and agricultural inputs.
Establishing transparent IPv6 communication on LoRa based low power wide area networks (LPWANS)

New Long-Range radio technologies have recently appeared in the IoT landscape. Combining the existing communication protocols with these novel radio technologies could increase the potential opportunities and the diversity of use cases for Wireless Sensor Networks. In this paper, an implementation of a LoRa based sensor platform that uses the Contiki OS is proposed, in order to enable standardized IPv6 LoRa communications. This development will allow to expand state-of-the-art routing protocols for WSNs (e.g. RPL), and to take advantage of this newly available radio technology. The feasibility of the integration is demonstrated by presenting range measurements for a point-to-point link between two Contiki-enabled LoRa motes.
Airway inflammation in COPD assessed by sputum levels of interleukin-8.

STUDY OBJECTIVE To assess the characteristics of airway inflammation in patients with COPD. METHODS We measured the sputum concentration of interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemokine involved in the migration and activation of neutrophils and eosinophils. We also measured myeloperoxidase (MPO) as a parameter of neutrophil activity and eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) as a parameter of eosinophil activity. Spontaneous sputum samples were obtained from 33 patients with stable COPD and 30 patients with asthma. Induced sputum samples were obtained from 12 normal control subjects. RESULTS The sputum concentration of IL-8 was significantly higher in the patients with COPD than in the patients with asthma or in the control subjects (p<0.0001). Concentrations of MPO and ECP were significantly higher in the patients with COPD than in the control subjects but did not differ significantly between the patients with COPD and those with asthma. In the patients with COPD, the sputum concentration of IL-8 was significantly correlated with the concentration of MPO (r=0.55, p<0.001) and of ECP (r=0.53, p<0.01). The sputum concentration of IL-8 was negatively correlated with FEV1/FVC (r=-0.78, p<0.0001) in the COPD group. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest the activation of both neutrophils and eosinophils in the airways of patients with COPD. It appears that IL-8 plays a primary role in this activation. The sputum concentration of IL-8 appeared to be closely associated with the degree of airflow obstruction in patients with COPD and may serve as a marker in evaluating the severity of airway inflammation, which is a risk factor for COPD.
Lack of association between ACE gene insertion/deletion polymorphism and elite artistic gymnastic performance of Italian gymnasts

Abstract The angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) polymorphism is the most studied genetic marker in the field of human performance. There is a continuing debate in the literature regarding the possible association of ACE genotypes and elite athletic status. In fact, despite recent studies having identified no significant associations in athletes from mixed sporting disciplines, other researchers suggest that the insertion (I) variant may be associated with elite endurance performance, and the deletion (D) variant can be over-represented among elite sprinters. The purpose of the present study was to determine, for the first time, the association between the ACE genotypes and sprint athlete status among elite Italian gymnasts. To test this hypothesis, we assessed 33 elite Italian gymnasts (17 males, 16 females) and a control group of 53 (31 males, 22 females) unrelated sedentary individuals. DNA was extracted from each participant using a buccal swab and the ACE I/D polymorphism was determined using PCR while different amplified fragments were detected by electrophoresis using agarose gel and ethidium bromide staining. The ACE genotypes and allele frequencies among gymnasts (DD, ID, II=0.39, 0.48, 0.12, respectively; D allele=0.64) were not significantly different from those of Italian sedentary controls (DD, ID, II=0.39, 0.45, 0.15, respectively; D allele=0.62). However, the frequencies of our control group were similar to those observed in a sample of Italian sedentary individuals, and different to those of the general Caucasian population reported by other authors. Furthermore, the frequencies of our control group did not differ from those reported in other association studies involving elite sprint athletes. Our results suggest a lack of association between the ACE I/D polymorphism and elite gymnastics performance in Italians.
Photometric redshifts in the nearby universe

In this paper we present a supervised neural network approach to the determination of photometric redshifts. The method, even though of general validity , was fine tuned to match the characteristics of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) and as base of 'a priori' knowledge, it exploits the rich wealth of spectro-scopic redshifts provided by this unique survey. In order to train, validate and test the networks, we used two galaxy samples drawn from the SDSS spectro-scopic dataset, namely: the general galaxy sample (GG) and the luminous red galaxies subsample (LRG). Due to the uneven distribution of measured redshifts in the SDSS spectroscopic subsample, the method consists of a two steps approach. In the first step, objects are classified in nearby (z < 0.25) and distant (0.25 < z < 0.50), with an accuracy estimated in 97.52%. In the second step two different networks are separately trained on objects belonging to the two red-shift ranges. Using a standard Multi Layer Perceptron operated in a Bayesian framework, the optimal architectures were found to require 1 hidden layer of 24 (24) and 24 (25) neurons for the GG (LRG) sample. The presence of systematic deviations was then corrected by interpolating the resulting redshifts. The final results on the GG dataset give a robust σ z ≃ 0.0208 over the redshift range [0.01, 0.48] and σ z ≃ 0.0197 and σ z ≃ 0.0238 for the nearby and distant – 2 – samples respectively. For the LRG subsample we find instead a robust σ z ≃ 0.0164 over the whole range, and σ z ≃ 0.0160, σ z ≃ 0.0183 for the nearby and distant samples respectively. After training, the networks have been applied to all objects in the SDSS Table GALAXY matching the same selection criteria adopted to build the base of knowledge, and photometric redshifts for ca. 30 million galaxies having z < 0.5 were derived. A second catalogue containing photometric redshifts for the LRG subsample was also produced. Both catalogues can be downloaded at the URL: http://astroneural.na. infn.it/SDSSredshifts .
Assessment of junior doctors’ perceptions of difficulty of medical specialty training programs

The demands placed on medical trainees by the different specialty training programs are important considerations when choosing a medical specialty. To understand these demands, 193 junior doctors completed a web-based survey, and: (a) ranked medical specialties according to perceived level of training difficulty (incorporating entry difficulty, course difficulty, and length of training); (b) nominated their preferred medical specialty; and (c) completed a measure of medical values. To validate the hierarchical ranking of training programs, we tested the association between the difficulty ranking of doctors’ own preferred medical specialty and medical values. Ophthalmology, surgery, dermatology, anaesthesiology and intensive care medicine were ranked as the most difficult specialties, and general practice, public health medicine, occupational medicine, medical administration, and rehabilitation medicine as the least difficult. Higher training difficulty specialties were seen as more prestigious and intellectually demanding, whereas lower training difficulty specialties were seen as consistent with lifestyle and service values. Having a hierarchical ranking of perceived difficulty level of medical specialty training programs will assist students and junior doctors when making career decisions, and assist medical workforce planners, educators, and the specialist colleges to formulate strategies to attract potential applicants to fields of medicine where workforce shortages exist.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays for measurement of reovirus immunoglobulin G, A, and M levels in serum

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were developed for the quantitation of anti-reovirus immunoglobulin G (IgG), IgA, and IgM in serum. The assays were specific, sensitive, and reproducible and measured antibodies to the reovirus group antigen. They should permit diagnosis of recent reovirus infection and longitudinal study of the development of reovirus group antibodies.
Understanding Human Preferences for Summary Designs in Online Debates Domain

Research on automatic text summarization has primarily focused on summarizing news, web pages, scientific papers, etc. While in some of these text genres, it is intuitively clear what constitutes a good summary, the issue is much less clear cut in social media scenarios like online debates, product reviews, etc., where summaries can be presented in many ways. As yet, there is no analysis about which summary representation is favored by readers. In this work, we empirically analyze this question and elicit readers’ preferences for the different designs of summaries for online debates. Seven possible summary designs in total were presented to 60 participants via an online study. Participants were asked to read and assign preference scores to each summary design. The results indicated that the combination of Chart Summary and Side-By-Side Summary is the most preferred summary design. This finding is important for future work in automatic text summarization of online debates.
The Expression Profiling of the Lipoxygenase (LOX) Family Genes During Fruit Development, Abiotic Stress and Hormonal Treatments in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)

Lipoxygenases (LOXs) are non-haem iron-containing dioxygenases that catalyse oxygenation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and lipids to initiate the formation of a group of biologically active compounds called oxylipins. Plant oxylipins play important and diverse functions in the cells. In the current study, expression analysis during cucumber development using semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed that 13 of 23 CsLOX genes were detectable, and were tissue specific or preferential accumulation. In total, 12 genes were found to be differentially expressed during fruit development and have different patterns of expression in exocarp, endocarp and pulp at day 5 after anthesis. The expression analysis of these 12 cucumber LOX genes in response to abiotic stresses and plant growth regulator treatments revealed their differential transcript in response to more than one treatment, indicating their diverse functions in abiotic stress and hormone responses. Results suggest that in cucumber the expanded LOX genes may play more diverse roles in life cycle and comprehensive data generated will be helpful in conducting functional genomic studies to understand their precise roles in cucumber fruit development and stress responses.
Hospital stay on acute care units for non-acute reasons

This study identifies patient risk factors present prior to an acute hospitalization that are associated with occupying acute care beds for non-acute reasons on the 30th day of a hospitalization. Data from 952 adult patients were obtained, among which 333 (35%) were evaluated as non-acute on their 30th day. Inability to move in and out of the bed, cognitive impairment, receiving home or community healthcare services prior to hospitalization, unavailable family resources, a secondary diagnosis within the mental and behavioural category, and age ≥75 years were found to increase the risk of occupying acute care beds for non-acute reasons, while patients with a feeding tube were less likely to be non-acute at day 30.
IFNγ-Inducible Chemokines Decrease upon Selenomethionine Supplementation in Women with Euthyroid Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Comparison between Two Doses of Selenomethionine (80 or 160 μg) versus Placebo

Background: Several studies have suggested that selenium may influence the natural history of autoimmune thyroiditis (AIT). Recently, IFNγ-inducible chemokines (CXCL-9, -10 and -11) were shown to be elevated in AIT patients. Objective: This prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two doses of selenomethionine (Semet; 80 or 160 µg/day) versus placebo in euthyroid women with AIT, in terms of reduction of anti-thyroid antibodies, CXCL-9, -10 and -11 and improvement of thyroid echogenicity, over 12 months. Patients and Methods: Sixty patients, aged 21-65 years, were equally randomized into 3 groups: placebo, 80 µg/day of Semet (80-Semet) or 160 µg/day of Semet (160-Semet). Results: Anti-thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) levels remained unaffected by Semet supplementation; anti-thyroglobulin antibody levels showed a significant reduction in the 160-Semet and the placebo group at 12 months. No significant change in thyroid echogenicity, thyroid volume and quality of life was observed within and between the groups. Subclinical hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 2 patients of the placebo group versus 1 patient in each Semet group. Serum CXCL-9 and -10 were significantly reduced in both Semet groups at 6 and 12 months, while they remained unchanged or increased in the placebo group. CXCL-11, TNFα and IFNγ showed a transient decrease at 6 months in both Semet groups but returned nearly to the basal levels at 12 months. Conclusions: Semet supplementation had no positive effect on thyroid echogenicity or TPOAb in our patients. However, we observed a Semet-dependent downregulation of the IFNγ-inducible chemokines, especially CXCL-9 and -10, which may serve as helpful biomarkers in future selenium supplementation trials.
Falls, fear of falling and psychological management

Many people fall and/or have a fear of falling. This paper outlines clinical approaches to working with adults, particularly older people, in this category. It proposes a modified model for intervention for falls and fear of falling, and provides guidelines for how to intervene in falls prevention groups in which some participants may not have a fear of falling.
MADS-Box Transcription Factor AGL21 Regulates Lateral Root Development and Responds to Multiple External and Physiological Signals

SUMMARY MADS-box transcription factor AGL21 is responsive to several phytohormones as well as environmental cues and positively regulates auxin accumulation in lateral root primordia and lateral roots by enhancing local auxin biosynthesis, thus stimulating lateral root initiation and growth. Therefore, AGL21 may be involved in various environmental and physiological signals-mediated lateral root development.
Hospitalizations and mortality in the Lung Health Study

The Lung Health Study previously reported that an aggressive smoking cessation intervention significantly reduced the decline of the forced expiratory volume in 1 sec in middle-aged patients without clinical symptoms, but with mild airway obstruction. This effect was the most evident during the first year after quitting smoking and moreover, persisted over the study period (5 years). In the current report, the impact of smoking cessation on mortality and morbidity was assessed in the same population. Being male, age, higher blood diastolic blood pressure were the main mortality risk-factors, whereas being female and alcohol consumption were risk-factors for subsequent respiratory disease.
Amphetamine-Induced Psychosis and Defences to MurderR v Clough [2010] QCA 120 (Muir and Fraser JJA and Applegarth J)

The Criminal Codes in Queensland and Western Australia both require a two-stage test to be satisfied for an accused person to avail of an insanity defence. As also occurs in most other jurisdictions, the insanity defence does not apply in cases where the accused was intentionally intoxicated. In R v Clough [2010] QCA 120 the Queensland Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal from a conviction in which the accused murdered his wife whilst was he was actively psychotic following intentional amphetamine use more than 24 hours earlier. After considering extensive case authority and the construction of the amended Criminal Code provisions relating to intoxication, the Court of Appeal emphasised that any effect of intentional intoxication, whether transient or more prolonged, will deny an accused an unsoundness of mind defence. This case commentary considers the pharmacology of amphetamines and the often difficult distinction between amphetamine intoxication and amphetamine-induced psychosis is discussed.