Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
THE EFFECTS OF EMOTIONS ON VOICE QUALITY

Two studies are presented, in which emotional vocal recordings were made using a computer emotion induction task and an imagination technique. Concurrent recordings were made of a variety of physiological parameters, including electroglottograph, respiration, electrocardiogram, and surface electromyogram (muscle tension). Acoustic parameters pertaining to voice quality, including F0 floor, F0 range, jitter and spectral energy distribution were analysed and compared to the physiological parameters. The range of parameters was also statistically compared across different emotions. Although methodological problems still hamper such research, the combined analysis of physiological and acoustic parameters across emotional speaker states promises a clearer interpretation of the effects of emotion on voice quality.
European evidence based consensus on the diagnosis and management of Crohn’s disease: current management

This second section of the European Crohn’s and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) Consensus on the management of Crohn’s disease concerns treatment of active disease, maintenance of medically induced remission, and surgery. The first section on definitions and diagnosis includes the aims and methods of the consensus, as well as sections on diagnosis, pathology, and classification of Crohn’s disease. The third section on special situations in Crohn’s disease includes postoperative recurrence, fistulating disease, paediatrics, pregnancy, psychosomatics, extraintestinal manifestations, and alternative therapy for Crohn’s disease.
Maximizing Bandwidth Utilization in Downstream DOCSIS 3.0 Channel Bonded Networks

The addition of bonding groups in DOCSIS 3.0 allowed the bandwidth to be increased to the end user. Max-min fair packet scheduling provides for fairness among those users, but due to the restrictions of the bonding groups, available bandwidth may go unused. This research investigates the dynamic remapping of the flows to allow more effective util ization of the system bandwidth. An online algorithm was developed, using the concept of competit ive analysis, to monitor unutil ized bandwidth and current demands and make adjustments in the flow-to-channel mappings to improve the util ization of available system bandwidth. We show that our algorithm provides near optimal results and greatly improves bandwidth util ization over the case without remapping. KeywordsChannel Bonding; Competitve Analysis; DOCSIS; Online Algorithms; Scheduling
A Bayesian Modelling Approach with Balancing Informative Prior for Analysing Imbalanced Data

When a dataset is imbalanced, the prediction of the scarcely-sampled subpopulation can be over-influenced by the population contributing to the majority of the data. The aim of this study was to develop a Bayesian modelling approach with balancing informative prior so that the influence of imbalance to the overall prediction could be minimised. The new approach was developed in order to weigh the data in favour of the smaller subset(s). The method was assessed in terms of bias and precision in predicting model parameter estimates of simulated datasets. Moreover, the method was evaluated in predicting optimal dose levels of tobramycin for various age groups in a motivating example. The bias estimates using the balancing informative prior approach were smaller than those generated using the conventional approach which was without the consideration for the imbalance in the datasets. The precision estimates were also superior. The method was further evaluated in a motivating example of optimal dosage prediction of tobramycin. The resulting predictions also agreed well with what had been reported in the literature. The proposed Bayesian balancing informative prior approach has shown a real potential to adequately weigh the data in favour of smaller subset(s) of data to generate robust prediction models.
Event-based LQR with integral action

In this paper, a state-feedback linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) is proposed for event-based control of a linear system. An interesting property of LQRs is that an optimal response of the system can be obtained in accordance to some specifications, like the actuator limits. An integral action is also added in order to not only restrict the study to null stabilization but also to tracking. The idea is to consider an external control loop and stabilize the integral of the error between the measurement and a desired setpoint to track. However, an event-triggered integral can lead to important overshoots when the interval between two successive events becomes large. Therefore, an exponential forgetting factor of the sampling interval is proposed as a solution to avoid such problems. The whole proposal is tested on a real-time system (a gyroscope) in order to highlight its ability, the reduction of control updates and the respect to the actuator limits.
A polynomial-time heuristic approach to solving the false path problem

In this paper we present a new approach to solving the false path problem. The method is based on our previous work on Timed Boolean Algebra [13]. Given a logic circuit, we first derive timed Boolean expressions to model its dynamic behavior. Then, for each term in the expressions, we compute its corresponding sensitizability function, expressed in conjunction normal form; and use an expression in product form to approximate the function. Finally we remove the redundant terms whose sensitizability functions are not satisfiable and determine the maximal delays from the terms remained. Complexity analysis shows that our method identifies false paths and computes delays for sensitizable paths in polynomial time, while experimental results on ISCAS benchmark circuits prove its better efficiency and effectiveness.
Targeted Molecular Probes for Imaging Atherosclerotic Lesions With Magnetic Resonance Using Antibodies That Recognize Oxidation-Specific Epitopes

Background— Oxidized low-density lipoprotein plays a key role in the initiation, progression, and destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques and is present in macrophages and the lipid pool. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of magnetic resonance imaging of atherosclerotic lesions in mice using micelles containing gadolinium and murine (MDA2 and E06) or human (IK17) antibodies that bind unique oxidation-specific epitopes. Methods and Results— MDA2 micelles, E06 micelles, IK17 micelles, nonspecific IgG micelles, and untargeted micelles (no antibody) were prepared and characterized with respect to pharmacokinetics and biodistribution in wild-type and atherosclerotic apolipoprotein E–deficient (apoE−/−) mice. Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at 9.4 T over a 96-hour time interval after the administration of 0.075–mmol Gd/kg micelles. MDA2, E06, and IK17 micelles exhibited a longer plasma half-life than IgG or untargeted micelles in apoE−/− but not wild-type mice. In apoE−/− mice, MDA2 and IK17 micelles showed maximal arterial wall uptake at 72 hours and E06 micelles at 96 hours, manifested by 125% to 231% enhancement in magnetic resonance signal compared with adjacent muscle. Confocal microscopy revealed that MDA2, IK17, and E06 micelles accumulated within atherosclerotic lesions and specifically within macrophages. Intravenous injection of free MDA2 before imaging with MDA2 micelles resulted in significantly diminished magnetic resonance signal enhancement. IgG micelles and untargeted micelles showed minimal enhancement in apoE−/− mice. There was no significant signal enhancement with all micelles in wild-type mice. Conclusions— Magnetic resonance imaging with micelles containing gadolinium and oxidation-specific antibodies demonstrates specific targeting and excellent image quality of oxidation-rich atherosclerotic lesions.
Diagnosis of carotid sinus hypersensitivity in older adults: carotid sinus massage in the upright position is essential

OBJECTIVE To assess the diagnostic value of supine and upright carotid sinus massage in elderly patients. DESIGN Prospective controlled cohort study. SETTING Three inner city accident and emergency departments and a dedicated syncope facility. PATIENTS 1375 consecutive patients aged > 55 years presenting with unexplained syncope and drop attacks; 25 healthy controls. INTERVENTIONS Bilateral supine carotid sinus massage, repeated in the 70° head up tilt position if the initial supine test was not diagnostic of cardioinhibitory and mixed carotid sinus hypersensitivity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Diagnosis of cardioinhibitory or mixed carotid sinus hypersensitivity; clinical characteristics of supine v upright positive groups. RESULTS 226 patients were excluded for contraindications to carotid sinus massage. Of 1149 patients undergoing massage, 223 (19%) had cardioinhibitory or mixed carotid sinus hypersensitivity; 70 (31%) of these had a positive response to massage with head up tilt following negative supine massage (95% confidence interval, 25.3% to 37.5%). None of the healthy controls showed carotid sinus hypersensitivity on erect or supine massage. The initially positive supine test had 74% specificity and 100% sensitivity; these were both 100% for the upright positive test. The clinical characteristics of the supine v upright positive subgroups were similar. CONCLUSIONS The diagnosis of carotid sinus hypersensitivity amenable to treatment by pacing may be missed in one third of cases if only supine massage is performed. Massage should be done routinely in the head up tilt position if the initial supine test is negative.
Proximity graphs inside large weighted graphs

Given a weighted graph G = (V,E) and a subset U of V, we define several graphs with vertex set U in which two vertices are adjacent if they satisfy a specific proximity rule. These rules use the shortest path distance in G and generalize the proximity rules that generate some of the most common proximity graphs in Euclidean spaces. We prove basic properties of the defined graphs and provide algorithms for their computation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2013
The prevalence and characteristics of fibromyalgia in the general population.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence and characteristics of fibromyalgia in the general population. METHODS A random sample of 3,006 persons in Wichita, KS, were characterized according to the presence of no pain, non-widespread pain, and widespread pain. A subsample of 391 persons, including 193 with widespread pain, were examined and interviewed in detail. RESULTS The prevalence of fibromyalgia was 2.0% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.4, 2.7) for both sexes, 3.4% (95% CI 2.3, 4.6) for women, and 0.5% (95% CI 0.0, 1.0) for men. The prevalence of the syndrome increased with age, with highest values attained between 60 and 79 years (> 7.0% in women). Demographic, psychological, dolorimetry, and symptom factors were associated with fibromyalgia. CONCLUSION Fibromyalgia is common in the population, and occurs often in older persons. Characteristic features of fibromyalgia--pain threshold and symptoms--are similar in community and clinic populations, but overall severity, pain, and functional disability are more severe in the clinic population.
Benefits of omega-3 fatty acid against bone changes in salt-loaded rats: possible role of kidney

There is evidence that dietary fats are important components contributing in bone health and that bone mineral density is inversely related to sodium intake. Salt loading is also known to impose negative effects on renal function. The present study aimed to determine the effect of the polyunsaturated fatty acid omega‐3 on bone changes imposed by salt loading, highlighting the role of kidney as a potential mechanism involved in this effect. Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control group, salt‐loaded group consuming 2% NaCl solution as drinking water for 8 weeks, and omega‐3‐treated salt‐loaded group receiving 1 g/kg/day omega‐3 by gavage with consumption of 2% NaCl solution for 8 weeks. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Plasma levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, inorganic phosphorus (Pi), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D3], and transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) were measured. The right tibia and kidney were removed for histologic examination and renal immunohistochemical analysis for endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was performed. The results revealed that omega‐3 reduced SBP, DBP, and MAP and plasma levels of sodium, potassium, Pi, creatinine, urea, and TGF‐β1, but increased plasma levels of calcium, ALP, and 1,25(OH)2D3 as well as renal eNOS. Omega‐3 increased cortical and trabecular bone thickness, decreased osteoclast number, and increased newly formed osteoid bone. Renal morphology was found preserved. In conclusion, omega‐3 prevents the disturbed bone status imposed by salt loading. This osteoprotective effect is possibly mediated by attenuation of alterations in Ca2+, Pi, and ALP, and improvement of renal function and arterial blood pressure.
Will positive securities investment fund be able to overcome the market?

Whether positive securities investment fund can overcome the market is the focus of debate. This paper the first step is to propose a series of research hypothesis about the validity of positive investment, which bases on the market conditions as the external control variable and analysis the characteristics of securities market in China. Then, according to relevant data in security market, we have the following conclusions: In the decline phase of the market, positive securities investment fund can overcome the market; but in the rising phase of the market, taking into account the information acquisition cost and transaction costs, positive securities investment fund is difficult to overcome the market.
Phylogenetic analysis of multiprobe fluorescence in situ hybridization data from tumor cell populations

Motivation: Development and progression of solid tumors can be attributed to a process of mutations, which typically includes changes in the number of copies of genes or genomic regions. Although comparisons of cells within single tumors show extensive heterogeneity, recurring features of their evolutionary process may be discerned by comparing multiple regions or cells of a tumor. A useful source of data for studying likely progression of individual tumors is fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), which allows one to count copy numbers of several genes in hundreds of single cells. Novel algorithms for interpreting such data phylogenetically are needed, however, to reconstruct likely evolutionary trajectories from states of single cells and facilitate analysis of tumor evolution. Results: In this article, we develop phylogenetic methods to infer likely models of tumor progression using FISH copy number data and apply them to a study of FISH data from two cancer types. Statistical analyses of topological characteristics of the tree-based model provide insights into likely tumor progression pathways consistent with the prior literature. Furthermore, tree statistics from the resulting phylogenies can be used as features for prediction methods. This results in improved accuracy, relative to unstructured gene copy number data, at predicting tumor state and future metastasis. Availability: Source code for software that does FISH tree building (FISHtrees) and the data on cervical and breast cancer examined here are available at ftp://ftp.ncbi. nlm.nih. gov/pub/FISHtrees. Contact: sachowdh@andrew.cmu. edu Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Chemical constituents of the stem bark of Morus cathayana

Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Morus cathayana led to the isolation and identification of six new compounds, cathayanons F–J (1–5) and cathayanin A (6), and two known compounds, cathayanins B–C (7–8). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods. Compounds 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 exhibited weak activities against five human cancer cell lines, with IC50 values ranging from 4.7 to 9.8 μg/ml.
Role of the FliA-FlgM regulatory system on the transcriptional control of the flagellar regulon and flagellar formation in Salmonella typhimurium

In the flagellar regulon of Salmonella typhimurium, the flagellar operons are divided into three classes, 1, 2, and 3, with respect to transcriptional hierarchy. The class 2 operons are controlled positively by the class 1 genes, flhD and flhC. The class 3 operons are controlled positively by fliA and negatively by flgM. It has been shown that FliA is a sigma factor specific for class 3, whereas FlgM is an anti-sigma factor which binds FliA to prevent its association with RNA polymerase core enzyme. Therefore, the FliA-FlgM regulatory system has been believed to control specifically the class 3 operons. In the present study, we showed that the flgM mutation enhanced the expression of class 2 by more than fivefold. When a fliA mutation was present simultaneously, this enhancement was not observed. These results indicate that the FliA-FlgM regulatory system is involved not only in the expression of class 3 but also in that of class 2. However, though neither flhD nor flhC mutants could express the class 2 operons, the fliA mutants permitted the basal-level expression of those operons. Therefore, FlhD and FlhC are indispensable for the expression of class 2, whereas FliA is required only for its enhancement in the FlgM-depletion condition. Furthermore, we showed that the flgM mutation resulted in a two- to threefold increase in flagellar number. On the basis of these results, we propose that the relative concentration of FliA and FlgM may play an important role in the determination of flagellar numbers produced by a single cell.
The metabogenic role of iron in chronic chagasic cardiac failure

is ac-companied by an intense immune response that not only permits the control of the parasite, but also leads to a massive infiltration of mononuclear cells in the tissues affected, especially the myocardium. This leads to the local and systemic production of cytokines, chemokines and other inflammatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (Gomes et al. 2003, Miranda et al. 2014a). When
Evolutionary Aspects and Regulation of Tetrapyrrole Biosynthesis in Cyanobacteria under Aerobic and Anaerobic Environments

Chlorophyll a (Chl) is a light-absorbing tetrapyrrole pigment that is essential for photosynthesis. The molecule is produced from glutamate via a complex biosynthetic pathway comprised of at least 15 enzymatic steps. The first half of the Chl pathway is shared with heme biosynthesis, and the latter half, called the Mg-branch, is specific to Mg-containing Chl a. Bilin pigments, such as phycocyanobilin, are additionally produced from heme, so these light-harvesting pigments also share many common biosynthetic steps with Chl biosynthesis. Some of these common steps in the biosynthetic pathways of heme, Chl and bilins require molecular oxygen for catalysis, such as oxygen-dependent coproporphyrinogen III oxidase. Cyanobacteria thrive in diverse environments in terms of oxygen levels. To cope with Chl deficiency caused by low-oxygen conditions, cyanobacteria have developed elaborate mechanisms to maintain Chl production, even under microoxic environments. The use of enzymes specialized for low-oxygen conditions, such as oxygen-independent coproporphyrinogen III oxidase, constitutes part of a mechanism adapted to low-oxygen conditions. Another mechanism adaptive to hypoxic conditions is mediated by the transcriptional regulator ChlR that senses low oxygen and subsequently activates the transcription of genes encoding enzymes that work under low-oxygen tension. In diazotrophic cyanobacteria, this multilayered regulation also contributes in Chl biosynthesis by supporting energy production for nitrogen fixation that also requires low-oxygen conditions. We will also discuss the evolutionary implications of cyanobacterial tetrapyrrole biosynthesis and regulation, because low oxygen-type enzymes also appear to be evolutionarily older than oxygen-dependent enzymes.
On index coding and graph homomorphism

In this work, we study the problem of index coding from graph homomorphism perspective. We show that the minimum broadcast rate of an index coding problem for different variations of the problem such as non-linear, scalar, and vector index code, can be upper bounded by the minimum broadcast rate of another index coding problem when there exists a homomorphism from the complement of the side information graph of the first problem to that of the second problem. As a result, we show that several upper bounds on scalar and vector index code problem are special cases of one of our main theorems. For the linear scalar index coding problem, it has been shown in [1] that the binary linear index of a graph is equal to a graph theoretical parameter called minrank of the graph. For undirected graphs, in [2] it is shown that minrank(G) = k if and only if there exists a homomorphism from G to a predefined graph Gk. Combining these two results, it follows that for undirected graphs, all the digraphs with linear index of at most k coincide with the graphs G for which there exists a homomorphism from G to Gk. In this paper, we give a direct proof to this result that works for digraphs as well. We show how to use this classification result to generate lower bounds on scalar and vector index. In particular, we provide a lower bound for the scalar index of a digraph in terms of the chromatic number of its complement. Using our framework, we show that by changing the field size, linear index of a digraph can be at most increased by a factor that is independent from the number of the nodes.
People Critical Success Factors of IT/IS Implementation: Malaysian Perspectives

— Implementing Information Technology/ Information System (IT/IS) is critical for every industry as its potential benefits have been to motivate many industries including the Malaysian construction industry to invest in it. To successfully implement IT/IS has become the major concern for every organisation. Identifying the critical success factors (CSFs) has become the main agenda for researchers, academicians and practitioners due to the wide number of failures reported. This research paper seeks to identify the CSFs that influence the successful implementation of IT/IS in construction industry in Malaysia. Limited factors relating to people issue will be highlighted here to showcase some as it becomes one of the major contributing factors to the failure. Three (3) organisations have participated in this study. Semi-structured interviews are employed as they offer sufficient flexibility to ensure that all relevant factors are covered. Several key issues contributing to successful implementations of IT/IS are identified. The results of this study reveal that top management support, communication, user involvement, IT staff roles and responsibility, training/skills, leader/ IT Leader, organisation culture, knowledge/ experience, motivation, awareness, focus and ambition, satisfaction, teamwork/ collaboration, willingness to change, attitude, commitment, management style, interest in IT, employee behaviour towards collaborative environment, trust, interpersonal relationship, personal characteristic and competencies are significantly associated with the successful implementations of IT/IS. It is anticipated that this study will create awareness and contribute to a better understanding amongst construction industry players and will assist them to successfully implement IT/IS.