Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimizing neural-network supported acoustic beamforming by algorithmic differentiation

In this paper we show how a neural network for spectral mask estimation for an acoustic beamformer can be optimized by algorithmic differentiation. Using the beamformer output SNR as the objective function to maximize, the gradient is propagated through the beamformer all the way to the neural network which provides the clean speech and noise masks from which the beamformer coefficients are estimated by eigenvalue decomposition. A key theoretical result is the derivative of an eigenvalue problem involving complex-valued eigenvectors. Experimental results on the CHiME-3 challenge database demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach. The tools developed in this paper are a key component for an end-to-end optimization of speech enhancement and speech recognition.
L'énigme des Fonds Fermés entre la Finance Classique et la Finance Comportementale : Un Etat des Lieux

This paper presents a thorough review, including the authors’ latest thinking, of one of the most persistent and troubling puzzles to the efficient market hypothesis : the closed-end fund puzzle. Financial economists have intensely scrutinised the economic explanations of the discount within the context of the efficient market hypothesis. Unfortunately, empirical evidence show that none of the traditional explanations individually accounts for all aspects of the closedend fund discount. The failure of economic hypotheses to explain the closed-end fund discount leads many authors to explore behavioral explanations. We outline then the psychological evidence for this phenomenon and give a taxonomy for an array of factors that come under the common label of sentimental hypothesis. Key-words : Closed-end funds, Discount, Efficiency, Anomalies, Rationality, Sentiment, Behavioral Finance. Classification JEL : G10, G12, G14, G23
Diagnostic ultrasound of the shoulder—a method for experts only?

Background Diagnostic ultrasound examination of the shoulder is generally considered to require long experience. We examined the results of an orthopedic surgeon with little experience of ultrasound. Patients and methods A relatively inexperienced examiner performed preoperative ultrasound scanning of 79 patients with symptoms from the rotator cuff and/or the long head of the biceps muscle. Tears of the rotator cuff and rupture or dislocation of the long head of the biceps muscle were the positive findings of interest. Results were compared to operative findings. Results In 66 of 79 shoulders, ultrasonographic rotator cuff findings were confirmed at surgery (accuracy 84%). 20 of 26 full-thickness tears were diagnosed correctly. 6 of 7 partial-thickness tears were overlooked. Ultrasound was false positive in 1 case. For the long head of the biceps muscle, all 8 cases of dislocation or rupture of the tendon were diagnosed but differentiation between the two conditions was not possible in 2 cases. Interpretation Our results may encourage orthopedic surgeons to start using ultrasound as a diagnostic technique for full-thickness tears of the rotator cuff and for pathology in the long head of the biceps muscle.
Is there gender bias in JAMA's peer review process?

OBJECTIVE To assess whether manuscripts received by JAMA in 1991 possessed differing peer review and manuscript processing characteristics, or had a variable chance of acceptance, associated with the gender of the participants in the peer review process. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of 1851 research articles. SETTING JAMA editorial office. PARTICIPANTS Eight male and five female JAMA editors, 2452 male and 930 female reviewers, and 1698 male and 462 female authors. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Statistically significant gender bias. RESULTS Female editors were assigned manuscripts from female corresponding authors more often than were male editors (P < .001). Female editors used more reviewers per manuscript if sent for other review. Male reviewers assisted male editors more often than female editors, and male reviewers took longer to return manuscripts than did their female counterparts (median, 25 vs 22 days). Content reviewer recommendations were independent of corresponding author and review gender, while male statistical reviewers recommended the highest and lowest categories more frequently than did female statistical reviewers (P < .001). Manuscripts handled by female editors were rejected summarily at higher rates (P < .001). Articles submitted to JAMA in 1991 were not accepted at significantly different rates based on the gender of the corresponding author or the assigned editor (P < .4). CONCLUSIONS Gender differences exist in editor and reviewer characteristics at JAMA with no apparent effect on the final outcome of the peer review process or acceptance for publication.
Selective Immunophenotyping for Diagnosis of B-cell Neoplasms: Immunohistochemistry and Flow Cytometry Strategies and Results

Determining the immunophenotype of hematologic malignancies is now an indispensable part of diagnostic classification, and can help to guide therapy, or to predict clinical outcome. Diagnostic workup should be guided by morphologic findings and evaluate clinically important markers, but ideally should avoid the use of overly broad panels of immunostains that can reveal incidental findings of uncertain significance and give rise to increased costs. Here, we outline our approach to diagnosis of B-cell neoplasms, combining histologic and clinical data with tailored panels of immunophenotyping reagents, in the context of the 2008 World Health Organization classification. We present data from cases seen at our institution from 2004 through 2008 using this approach, to provide a practical reference for findings seen in daily diagnostic practice.
Quality of life and survival in the 2 years after surgery for non small-cell lung cancer.

PURPOSE Although surgery for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is known to have a substantial impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL), there are few published studies about HRQOL in the longer term. This article examines HRQOL and survival in the 2 years after surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with clinical stage I or II NSCLC (n = 173) completed HRQOL questionnaires before surgery, at discharge, 1 month after surgery, and then every 4 months for 2 years. HRQOL was measured with a generic cancer questionnaire (European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire [EORTC-QLQ] C30) and a lung cancer-specific questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-LC13). Data were analyzed to examine the impact of surgery and any subsequent therapy, and to describe the trajectories of those who remained disease free at 2 years and those with recurrent cancer diagnosed during follow-up. RESULTS Disease recurred within 2 years for 36% of patients and 2-year survival was 65%. Surgery substantially reduced HRQOL across all dimensions except emotional functioning. HRQOL improved in the 2 years after surgery for patients without disease recurrence, although approximately half continued to experience symptoms and functional limitations. For those with recurrence within 2 years, there was some early postoperative recovery in HRQOL, with subsequent deterioration across most dimensions. CONCLUSION Surgery had a substantial impact on HRQOL, and although many disease-free survivors experienced recovery, some lived with long-term HRQOL impairment. HRQOL generally worsened with disease recurrence. The study results are important for informed decision making and ongoing supportive care for patients with operable NSCLC.
Morphometry of the human pulmonary acinus

The geometry and morphometry of intraacinar airways in human lungs were studied on silicone rubber casts from two adult lungs. We defined acini as the complex of alveolated airways distal to the terminal bronchioles—that is, beginning with the first‐order respiratory or transitional bronchiole. The morphological properties of pulmonary acini are described. The acinar volume averages 187 mm3 (SD ± 79 mm3). Intraacinar airways branch dichotomously over about 9 generations (range 6–12). The internal airway diameter falls from 500 μm to 270 μm between acinar generations 0 and 10, whereas the outer diameter (including the sleeve of alveoli) remains constant at 700 μm. Towards the periphery the size of alveoli increases and clusters of alveoli become more numerous. The longitudinal path length of acinar airways (defined as the distance along the ducts from the transitional bronchiole to the alveolar sacs) averages 8.8 mm (± 1.4 mm). The morphometric data collected in this study are used to construct an idealized model of human acinar airways that can be related to existing models of the human bronchial tree.
Economic values of supply chain productivity and quality traits calculated for a farmed European whitefish breeding program

ABSTRACT Economic values of different fish traits are needed to direct breeding programs to optimize economic benefits for aquaculture industry. The aim of this article is to highlight and calculate how different traits affect the value of farmed fish supply chain. Supply chain approach is needed to calculate economic impact of fish traits because several fish traits affect costs and returns not only in fish farming but also at the processing and retail level. In this article, economic values are calculated for 14 productivity and product quality traits in European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus). Productivity affecting traits, such as growth, mortality and different yields, are included in the study. In addition, economic values are calculated for several quality traits like fillet gaping, appearance and fat content of flesh. Productivity traits had the highest economic importance if the traits could be improved. However, quality traits may cause even higher economic losses, if the quality decreases. Thus, the management of the breeding program should pay simultaneous attention to both quality and productivity traits.
Attitudes towards, and information needs in relation to, supplementary nurse prescribing in the UK: an empirical study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The main aim of the study is to assess the views of people, who have not yet experienced nurse prescribing, to determine their level of confidence in nurse as opposed to doctor prescribing, effects on likely adherence and concerns that they might have. Additionally, the extent to which people would want nurses to provide an explanation for medicine choice and the type of information wanted was examined. BACKGROUND Nurse prescribing has been successfully implemented in the UK in a number of healthcare settings. Existing research has not addressed effects on people's confidence and likely adherence, nor have people's information needs been established. However, we know that inadequate medicines information provision by health professionals is one of the largest causes of patient dissatisfaction. METHODS A convenience sample of 74 members of the general population self-completed a written questionnaire. RESULTS In general, people would have confidence in the nurse having prescribed the best medicine and say that they would be very likely to take the medicine. Concerns identified did not specifically relate to the nurses' status. Support is provided for the importance of nurses providing a full explanation about medicines, and some indication about which categories of information should be included. Information about medication side effects was most wanted by participants. CONCLUSIONS Independent and Supplementary Prescribing are pivotal to modernizing the NHS. The current study establishes people's initial views and concerns about nurse prescribing and assesses information needs. Support for initiating follow-on studies with particular patient groups is also provided. IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE People who have not yet experienced nurse prescribing are, in general, positive about nurses adopting this role. It is important that nurses provide appropriate information about the prescribed medicines, in a form that can be understood. This should include information about medication side effects.
Explaining the Transmission of Rumor and Information on Social Media in Disasters

Many individuals now use social media to communicate in disasters. While there is a high demand for verified information during disasters, such events also provide a fertile field for rumor-mongering. To date, researchers have examined rumor transmission in disasters, but not information transmission. While research on rumor transmission can give some insights into how to control rumors, a key way to stop rumors is to facilitate the spread of verified information. Thus, it is necessary to investigate rumor and information transmission in an integrated fashion. As we are not aware of any study that has provided such an account in a disaster context, we draw on rumor theory and information sharing theory to develop an integrative model of message transmission (both rumor and information) on social media during disasters. We empirically test our model using Twitter data in a disaster, and discuss the similarities and differences between rumor and information transmission. We believe that our model can contri.
Rahmenkonzept für das Management unternehmensindividueller BI-Architekturen

Business Intelligence (BI) beschreibt einen integrierten, unternehmensspezifischen, ITbasierten Gesamtansatz zur betrieblichen Entscheidungsunterstützung (Kemper, Mehanna, & Unger, 2006, S. 8). Die Entwicklung von einzelnen BIAnwendungssystemen erfolgt anhand von speziellen BI-Werkzeugen und bildet Teilaspekte des Gesamtansatzes ab. Für moderne BI-Anwendungen kommen in der Regel mehrere spezialisierte Technologiekomponenten im Zusammenspiel zum Einsatz (Bange, 2006; Kemper et al., 2006, S. 10).
[Effects of homocysteine on human vascular endothelial cells, platelet aggregation and heparin cofactor activity].

OBJECTIVES To elucidate partly the mechanism of homocysteine-associated thrombosis. METHODS 1. Thrombomodulin (TM) antigen distribution on human vascular endothelial cell (EC) membrane was assayed by immune-fluorescence histochemistry stain and flow cytometry; 2. Plasma heparin cofactor activity was measured by chromogenic method. RESULTS Homocysteine (Hcy) significantly down-regulated the expression of TM on EC, with a concentration-dependent manner; 2. Hcy did not influence platelet aggregation induced by ADP and thrombin; 3. Hcy exerted no effects on the activities of antithrombin III or heparin cofactor. CONCLUSION The effect of Hcy in developing thrombosis may be associated with an inhibitory action on EC TM expression; which was independent of platelet aggregation or heparin cofactor activity.
Supercapacitor Characterization and Thermal Modelling With Reversible and Irreversible Heat Effect

This paper investigates double layer capacitor (or supercapacitor) thermal modelling. The originality of this work resides in the fact that 4 type K thermocouples are inserted inside a 350 F supercapacitor modified cell. These thermocouples allow supercapacitor internal temperature measurement. Experimental results have shown that the electrical storage device temperature increases in the phase of charge and decreases during the discharge. The developed model takes into account the effect which is due to the reversible heat generation in the supercapacitor. The model is based on heat equation solution and allows temperature distribution determination inside and outside the supercapacitor as a function of the position and of the time. The model is developed for double layer capacitor based on activated carbon and organic electrolyte technology.
Follow-Up Study of Tuberculosis-Exposed Supermarket Customers with Negative Tuberculin Skin Test Results in Association with Positive Gamma Interferon Release Assay Results

ABSTRACT We report a follow-up study of 29 subjects with negative tuberculin skin test (TST) results in association with positive gamma interferon release assay (IGRA) results, mainly due to responses to CFP-10 in the T-SPOT.TB assay, during a contact investigation. One year later, 12/29 subjects (41%) had converted to positive TST results in association with negative IGRA results.
Numerical Results for the Automated Rare Event Simulation of Stochastic Petri Nets

Model-based evaluation of highly reliable dynamic systems is an important help in their design. Rare-event simulation techniques are necessary to avoid unacceptably long simulation run times. Their application usually requires human insight for a proper configuration. However, it is possible to derive the necessary information from high-level model descriptions such as stochastic Petri nets. This paper presents numerical results for two implemented algorithms that have been proposed in this area, one based on importance sampling, and the other on RESTART splitting. A comparison of the methods discusses advantages and disadvantages.
Axillary Recurrence Rate After Negative Sentinel Node Biopsy in Breast Cancer: Three-Year Follow-Up of the Swedish Multicenter Cohort Study

Background:Sentinel lymph node biopsy is an established staging method in early breast cancer. After a negative biopsy, most institutions will not perform a completion axillary dissection. The present study reports the current axillary recurrence (AR) rate, overall and disease-free survival in the Swedish Multicenter Cohort Study. Methods:From 3534 patients with primary breast cancer ≤3 cm prospectively enrolled in the Swedish multicenter cohort study, 2246 with a negative sentinel node biopsy and no further axillary surgery were selected. Follow-up consisted of annual clinical examination and mammography. Twenty-six hospitals and 131 surgeons contributed to patient accrual. Results:After a median follow-up time of 37 months (0–75), the axilla was the sole initial site of recurrence in 13 patients (13 of 2246, 0.6%). In another 7 patients, axillary relapse occurred after or concurrently with a local recurrence in the breast, and in a further 7 cases, it coincided with distant or extra-axillary lymphatic metastases. Thus, a total of 27 ARs were identified (27 of 2246, 1.2%). The overall 5-year survival was 91.6% and disease-free survival 92.1%. Conclusions:This is the first report from a national multicenter study that covers, not only highly specialized institutions but also small community hospitals with just a few procedures per year. Despite this heterogeneous background, the results lie well within the range of AR rates published internationally (0%–3.6%). The sentinel node biopsy procedure seems to be safe in a multicenter setting. Nevertheless, long-term follow-up data should be awaited before firm conclusions are drawn.
Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Inhibition at the Punctured Intervertebral Disc Downregulates the Production of Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide in Dorsal Root Ganglia in Rats

Study Design. Retrograde neurotracing and immunohistochemical investigation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-related sensory innervation of punctured lumbar intervertebral discs (IVDs) in rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Objective. To investigate the association between BDNF and sensory innervation of multiple-punctured lumbar IVD in rats. Summary of Background Data. BDNF—a neurotrophin in DRG neurons—is anterogradely transported to the spinal cord and transmits pain signals. Its presence in the peripheral sites of degenerative IVDs has been recently reported, although its association with discogenic pain remains unclear. Methods. Forty female Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into four groups: naïve, sham, and two agent-treated groups (vehicle [saline-treated] group and anti-BDNF [anti-BDNF antibody] group). L5–L6 IVDs of the agent-treated rats were exposed and injured by repeated punctures. The retrograde neurotracer Fluoro-Gold (FG) and treatment agents were intradiscally applied. In the sham group, FG alone was applied onto uninjured IVD. One week later, L1–L3 DRGs were harvested and immunolabeled for the inflammatory pain-related calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), that is, the pain marker. The proportions of FG-labeled CGRP-immunoreactive (-ir) DRG neurons were assessed. Each L5–L6 IVD was resected for measuring the BDNF concentration using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. FG-labeled DRG neurons were almost equally prevalent at each DRG level. The proportions of FG-labeled CGRP-ir DRG neurons in the two agent-treated groups were significantly elevated (average 37.9% ± 7.2% and 25.4% ± 9.1%; vehicle and anti-BDNF groups, respectively; P < 0.05) in comparison with the naïve and sham groups (19.6% ± 1.3% and 19.2% ± 3.6%, respectively) and were significantly decreased in the anti-BDNF group in comparison with the vehicle group (P < 0.05). BDNF concentrations were elevated maximally in the vehicle group (18.5 ± 5.2 pg/g) but suppressed in the anti-BDNF group (14.0 ± 3.0 pg/g). Conclusion. Direct intradiscal application of the anti-BDNF antibody significantly suppressed both CGRP production and the local concentration of BDNF. Our results indicate a possible association between the local production of BDNF and the pathophysiology of discogenic pain.
Electoral foundations of parliamentary questions: evidence from the European Parliament

ABSTRACT Parliamentary questions (PQs) provide a useful tool for members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to control the executive at supranational level and to promote their reputation among relevant groups (party, interest groups and constituency). Previous works have just focused on macro-functions of questions, neglecting the opportunity for MEPs to use them as a re-election and re-selection strategy (micro-functions). In this article, it is argued that PQs are a relevant instrument in the hands of parliamentarians in order to increase their reputation and build up their political image. In particular, it is considered how variation in electoral systems might affect legislative behaviour and, especially, the number of questions asked. Using a new data set on oral and written questions to the European Commission and the Council, the article demonstrates how candidate-centred electoral systems incentivise MEPs to ask more questions than legislators elected under party-centred systems.
Circadian clock genes Bmal1 and Clock during early chick development

Background: The circadian clock is a well‐described temporal organizer in adult organisms. Despite the particularly evident need for temporal control during embryo development, the effect of environmental cues is still greatly neglected. Few studies have reported circadian clock gene expression in early embryonic stages. However, nothing is known about circadian clock gene expression and function in the first stages of avian embryogenesis. Results/Conclusions: In this work, the presence and spatial distribution of core circadian clock Bmal1 and Clock transcripts were thoroughly characterized during the first 50 hr of chick development using reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), single and double whole‐mount in situ hybridization and subsequent cross‐section histology analysis. RT‐PCR detected both Bmal1 and Clock transcripts since the egg is laid and until the embryo reaches the 22‐somite stage. Whole‐mount in situ hybridization showed that Bmal1 and Clock are expressed in the Hensen's node and primitive streak at early gastrula stage. Later, both mRNAs are present in the developing nervous system, optic vesicle, notochord, foregut, and somites. Clock was further identified in the developing heart. Noticeably, Bmal1 and Clock are expressed with a “salt and pepper” pattern, suggesting the existence of nonentrained oscillatory transcription which could play a nondependent dark/light function during chick embryo development. Developmental Dynamics 241:1365–1373, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.