Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clustering and feature learning based F0 prediction for Chinese speech synthesis

The paper describes a Chinese prosody model based on clustering and feature learning method. As the tonal language, the features of Chinese prosody are analyzed in accordance with the various context information. Focusing on the notion of prosody templates, we confirmed that a F0 pattern can be extracted based on various context parameters for each syllable. Statistic algorithm was used for template selection and training. Finally, the paper analyzes the error distribution of the F0 predicting results. Unlike other methods, the approach may give feedback as to exactly what the crucial parameters are that determine the successful choice of patterns. Both acoustic validation test and listening test show that the synthesis results are much closed to human being. And the system has been used widely in applications.
Transformed and tumorigenic phenotypes induced by avian retroviruses containing the v-mil oncogene

Avian retrovirus MH2 contains two oncogenes, v-mil and v-myc. We have previously shown that a spontaneous mutant of MH2 (PA200-MH2), expressing only the v-mil oncogene, is able to induce proliferation of quiescent neuroretina cells. In this study, we investigated the transforming and tumorigenic properties of v-mil. PA200 induced fibrosarcomas in about 60% of the injected chickens, whereas inoculation of MH2 resulted mainly in the appearance of kidney carcinomas. Analysis of several parameters of transformation showed that PA200, in contrast to MH2, induced only limited in vitro transformation of fibroblasts and neuroretina cells. These results suggest that v-myc is the major transforming and tumorigenic gene in MH2-infected cells. This low in vitro transforming capacity differentiates v-mil not only from other avian oncogenes, but also from the homologous murine v-raf gene.
Oral health conditions and activities of daily living in an elderly population in Brazil

Objetivo: Analisar a relacao entre as condicoes de saude bucal de uma populacao de idosos e a capacidade funcional na realizacao das atividades basicas da vida diaria. Metodo: Foi realizado um estudo seccional de base populacional, com 441 individuos com 60 anos de idade ou mais de ambos os sexos, tendo como cenario o municipio de Macaiba, Rio Grande do Norte. A partir de exame epidemiologico intraoral, avaliou-se o grau de ataque de carie (indice CPO-d), a condicao periodontal (indices CPI e PIP), o uso e necessidade de protese dentaria e a presenca de lesoes bucais. Para avaliacao da capacidade funcional foi utilizada a Escala de Independencia em Atividades da Vida Diaria. Caracteristicas socioeconomicas e demograficas foram pesquisadas atraves de questionario estruturado. Resultados: As variaveis de saude bucal foram submetidas a analise fatorial, da qual resultaram quatro indicadores. Nao se observou associacao entre tais indicadores e a capacidade funcional dos idosos. As variaveis sexo, idade, presenca de cuidador, zona de residencia dominante, tempo da ultima visita ao dentista, tipo de servico procurado em tal visita e autopercepcao quanto a substituicao de protese apresentaram associacoes significativas com os indicadores de saude bucal. Conclusao: Diante da nao identificacao de efeito da capacidade funcional na saude bucal dos idosos, aponta-se como aspecto a ser considerado o momento de afericao dos eventos investigados. Sugere-se que a condicao de dependencia do idoso ocorra em momento distinto daquele em que se observam as sequelas dos problemas bucais, considerados efeitos cumulativos de uma historia pregressa de assistencia mutiladora.
Arabidopsis RTNLB1 and RTNLB2 Reticulon-Like Proteins Regulate Intracellular Trafficking and Activity of the FLS2 Immune Receptor[C][W]

This study finds that two reticulon proteins modulate the transport of an immune receptor to the cell membrane. The results highlight the role of receptor secretion in determining the receptor’s forward signaling efficacy and the cell’s response. Receptors localized at the plasma membrane are critical for the recognition of pathogens. The molecular determinants that regulate receptor transport to the plasma membrane are poorly understood. In a screen for proteins that interact with the FLAGELIN-SENSITIVE2 (FLS2) receptor using Arabidopsis thaliana protein microarrays, we identified the reticulon-like protein RTNLB1. We showed that FLS2 interacts in vivo with both RTNLB1 and its homolog RTNLB2 and that a Ser-rich region in the N-terminal tail of RTNLB1 is critical for the interaction with FLS2. Transgenic plants that lack RTNLB1 and RTNLB2 (rtnlb1 rtnlb2) or overexpress RTNLB1 (RTNLB1ox) exhibit reduced activation of FLS2-dependent signaling and increased susceptibility to pathogens. In both rtnlb1 rtnlb2 and RTNLB1ox, FLS2 accumulation at the plasma membrane was significantly affected compared with the wild type. Transient overexpression of RTNLB1 led to FLS2 retention in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and affected FLS2 glycosylation but not FLS2 stability. Removal of the critical N-terminal Ser-rich region or either of the two Tyr-dependent sorting motifs from RTNLB1 causes partial reversion of the negative effects of excess RTNLB1 on FLS2 transport out of the ER and accumulation at the membrane. The results are consistent with a model whereby RTNLB1 and RTNLB2 regulate the transport of newly synthesized FLS2 to the plasma membrane.
Active sugar transport in health and disease

Secondary active glucose transport occurs by at least four members of the SLC5 gene family. This review considers the structure and function of two premier members, SGLT1 and SGLT2, and their role in intestinal glucose absorption and renal glucose reabsorption. Genetics disorders of SGLTs include Glucose‐Galactose Malabsorption, and Familial Renal Glucosuria. SGLT1 plays a central role in Oral Rehydration Therapy used so effectively to treat secretory diarrhoea such as cholera. Increasing attention is being focused on SGLTs as drug targets for the therapy of diabetes.
Catalase activity in equine semen.

OBJECTIVE To characterize the activity of catalase in equine semen. ANIMALS 15 stallions of known and unknown reproductive history. PROCEDURE Seminal plasma was collected from raw equine semen by centrifugation, and samples of seminal plasma were frozen prior to assay for catalase activity. Tissue samples (n = 3 stallions) from the bulbourethral gland, prostate gland, vesicular gland, and testis were homogenized, and cauda epididymal fluid was collected for determination of catalase activity. Catalase activity was determined as an enzyme kinetic assay by the disappearance of H2O2 as measured by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. RESULTS Catalase activity in equine seminal plasma was 989.3 +/- 1678 U/ml (mean +/- SEM), and the specific activity of catalase in equine seminal plasma was 98.7 +/- 29.2 U/mg of protein. Specific activity of catalase in tissue homogenates was significantly higher in the prostate gland (954 +/- 270 U/mg of protein) than in the ampulla (59 +/- 5 U/mg of protein), bulbourethral gland (54 +/- 11 U/mg of protein), vesicular gland (39 +/- 3 U/mg of protein), cauda epididymal fluid (11 +/- 3 U/mg protein), or testis (54 +/- 6 U/mg of protein). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Equine seminal plasma contains a high activity of catalase that is derived primarily from prostatic secretions. Procedures such as semen cryopreservation that remove most seminal plasma from semen may reduce the ability to scavenge H2O2 and thereby increase the susceptibility of spermatozoa to oxidative stress.
Microtubule sortiing within a given electric field by designing flexural rigidity

We propose a method to control gliding directions of kinesin-propelled microtubules (MTs) corresponding to their flexural rigidity (EI). We prepared two kinds of MTs having different EI and their trajectories within an electric field were clearly separated. Therefore, this study demonstrated the EI-altered MTs can be workhorses to sort/concentrate various combinations of target molecules loaded on MTs.
Significance of Primary Tumor Location and Histology for Brain Metastasis Development and Peritumoral Brain Edema in Lung Cancer

Background: Brain metastasis of lung cancer adversely affects overall survival (OS) and quality of life, while peritumoral brain edema is responsible for life-threatening complications. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological and cerebral radiological data of 575 consecutive lung cancer patients with brain metastases. Results: In adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, peritumoral brain edema was more pronounced than in small-cell lung cancer (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). There was a positive correlation between the size of metastasis and the thickness of peritumoral brain edema (p < 0.001). It was thicker in supratentorial tumors (p = 0.019), in younger patients (≤50 years) (p = 0.042), and in females (p = 0.016). The time to development of brain metastasis was shorter in central than in peripheral lung cancer (5.3 vs. 9.0 months, p = 0.035). Early brain metastasis was characteristic for adenocarcinomas. A total of 135 patients had brain only metastases (N0 disease) characterized by peripheral lung cancer predominance (p < 0.001) and a longer time to development of brain metastasis (9.2 vs. 4.4 months, p < 0.001). OS was longer in the brain only subgroup than in patients with N1-3 diseases (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The clinicopathological characteristics of lung cancer are related to the development and radiographic features of brain metastases. Our results might be helpful in selecting patients who might benefit from prophylactic cranial irradiation.
Functional Status and Disability Questionnaires: What Do They Assess?: A Systematic Review of Back-Specific Outcome Questionnaires

Study Design. A systematic literature review of outcome questionnaires designed for assessing functional status or disability in patients with low back pain. Objectives. To provide a comprehensive overview of all functioning/disability questionnaires used in recent years and to explore how the main concept(s) was described or defined in the original paper, the content or the domains of disability, and the measurement properties of the questionnaires. Summary of Background Data. A number of clinical tools designed for evaluating the functional status of patients with low back pain have been developed. Only a few have been reviewed earlier, and there has been little focus on the content reflected in the questionnaires. Methods. Papers including questionnaires for assessing disability, function, activity limitations, or participation restrictions in adult patients with low back pain were searched in the MEDLINE and CINAHL databases for the period from January 1996 to January 2002. Two independent and blinded researchers read and selected abstracts and questionnaires. The content of the included questionnaires was classified according to World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. The measurement properties were analyzed according to recommended guidelines. Results. A total of 36 back-specific questionnaires were identified. When distinguishing among a bodily, personal, and social perspective of functioning, 4 main types of content were identified. Most of the outcome questionnaires had a mixed content reflecting various constructs such as pain and symptoms, sleep disturbances, psychological dysfunctions, physical impairments, and social functions. Nine questionnaires assessed solely activities of daily living. For one-third of the questionnaires, the measurement properties were reported in only the original study. Conclusions. Although most questionnaires had their main focus on activity limitations, a considerable variation with respect to the main concept and content was found. Only a few of the questionnaires can be considered acceptably validated.
The role of orexin A in metabolic disturbances in patients with acromegaly.

INTRODUCTION It has been reported that orexins may play an important role in GH regulation. Orexins participate in the regulation of pituitary hormones secretion, food intake regulation, and the sleep-wake cycle. It has been suggested that a defect of orexin A synthesis could be responsible for disturbances in GH synthesis in patients with acromegaly, and consequently aggravate metabolic disturbances caused by high levels of IGF1. THE AIM OF THIS STUDY THE AIM OF THIS STUDY was to assess orexin A levels in relation to the activity of the disease and the influence on metabolic profile in patients with acromegaly. MATERIAL AND METHODS The subjects were 55 acromegalic patients divided into three main groups: a surgically cured acromegalic group (SCA); a well-controlled acromegalic group (WCA); an active acromegalic group (AA); and 29 healthy controls. In all subjects, blood samples were taken to assess the concentration of orexin A, lipids, glucose, insulin and hormones of the pituitary and peripheral glands. RESULTS The concentration of orexin A was highest in the control group (CG) and lowest in the WCA group. The differences of orexin A concentration were statistically significant when each group of acromegalics were compared to the CG. There were no significant differences in orexin A concentration among the studied groups of patients with acromegaly. The metabolic disturbances were more often observed in the groups of acromegaly patients. In the AA group, orexin A concentrations correlated negatively with plasma lipids. CONCLUSIONS The concentration of orexin A is reduced in acromegaly compared to healthy subjects.
Intestinal metaplasia types and the risk of gastric cancer: A cohort study in Slovenia

Between 1967 and 1976, 1,525 Slovenian patients with a histological diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia (IM) were classified according to subtype of IM based on morphology and mucin staining; 518 cases were diagnosed with type I, 197 with type II and 275 with type III, but in 291 the diagnosis of IM was not confirmed. Patients who had developed cancer or died up to 1986 were identified by record linkage at the Slovenia Cancer Registry and the Central Population Registry in Slovenia. A total of 34 incident cases of gastric cancer occurring at least 6 months after the diagnosis of IM were identified. The standardised incidence ratio (SIR) for stomach cancer was 2.23 in the whole cohort. It was highest for IM type III, followed by type II and IM‐unconfirmed, but not increased for type I. The relative risk (RR) of developing gastric cancer based on Cox's proportional hazards model was 2.14 for type II and 4.58 for type III, compared with type I. The RR was especially increased for a subgroup of type III secreting sulphomucins in their goblet cells in comparison with types I‐II negative to sulphomucins. Our results confirm that subtyping of IM is useful for identifying individuals at high risk for gastric cancer. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Systematic Anatomy of the Red Algal Genus Rhodopeltis

AT PRESENT five species are known in the genus Rb odopeltis, which belongs to the red algal order, Cryptonemiales. Of these, Rbodopeltis anstralis was first found in Australia, and the other four species, R. borealis, R. setchelliae, R. liagoroides, and R. gracilis all grow in the southern islands of Japan and were described by Yamada. The first description of a species of the genus Rh odopeltis was made by Harvey (1 859, 1863), when he described a red alga, Amphiroa australis Sond. , with a tiny red alga, Rhodopeltis australis Harv. , parasitic on it. This description was accompanied by a beautifully colored illustration. In that illustration, on the heart-shaped segment of Amphiroa australis, an elliptical, dense, scarlet-colored part was delineated as a parasitic alga. About this parasitic red alga he said, " I have puzzled where to place the curious little parasite here represented. In the structure of the skin-like frond there is a near agreement with Crnoria, so much so that at first I referred it to that genus. " A mphiroa australis, which was regarded as a host plant by Harvey, had been described by Sonder (1845), and this was followed by Harvey. Kiitzing (1858) treated this asa new genus different from Amphiroa. Weber van Bosse ( 1904 ) , who agreed with Kiitzing, made a new genus for it called Litbnrtberon, while Schmitz (1889) published the assertion that Rh odopeltis asstralis is not a parasite but only nernathecia of Amphiroa anstralis, which was taken for a host plant. Since 1892, when Schmitz mentioned that the genus Rh odopeltis contains only one species, R. australis, no new species was discovered until 1931, when among specimens collected at Ryusensui and Kot osho, Formosa, one quite similar to R. australis but smaller was found
Smoke-Free Laws, Gender, and Reduction in Hospitalizations for Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective. We examined gender differences in the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) after the passage of a smoke-free law in Lexington, Kentucky. The initial legislation had exemptions not covering manufacturing facilities and government buildings, which may have put men at greater risk for AMI. Methods. We examined the effect of Lexington's smoke-free public places law on hospitalizations for AMI (i.e., heart attack) among men and women 40 months prior to and 32 months after enactment of the law. We used the statewide administrative database (Comp Data) for all hospital billing records for the four health-care systems in Lexington-Fayette County. Cases were included in the analysis if (1) the patient was ≥35 years of age; (2) the patient had a primary discharge diagnosis of AMI, with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision code in the range of 410.00 to 410.99; and (3) the date of service was between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2006. Results. Among women, AMI hospitalizations declined 23% after the law took effect. The rate of AMI events among men did not change significantly. There was an overrepresentation of women in the hospitality industry and a disproportionate number of men working in manufacturing facilities and government worksites not mandated by the law. Conclusions. We found gender differences in the reduction of AMI hospitalizations following implementation of a smoke-free law that covered only some sectors of the workforce. Enacting smoke-free laws that cover all places of employment and strengthening existing partial laws may extend protection against AMIs to female and male workers.
Three-dimensional Simulation of the dependence of the programming window of SOI nanocrystal memories on the channel width

In this paper, we present an approach based on three-dimensional simulations for the investigation of the dependence of the programming window of silicon-on-insulator (SOI) nanocrystal memories on the width of the silicon channel. Recent experiments show that the threshold voltage shift after programming increases with decreasing channel width. By evaluating the consequences of possible assumptions on the charge stored in the nanocrystals, we show that such behavior can be consistently explained by the preferential injection of electrons, during the program operation, through the oxide near the edges of the channel. As a consequence, charge is mostly stored in the dots close to the edges and, therefore, is more and more effective as the channel width is decreased. Experiments and simulations on SOI nanocrystal memories show support of our interpretation with respect to different proposed mechanisms.
Resistivity comparison of graphene oxide and graphene oxide-silver nanocomposite paper

Most carbon nanomaterials are touted for their unusual conductive or semiconductive properties. In this paper, we compare the many-layered graphene oxide (GO) and GO-silver nanocomposite “papers” to elucidate their unusual resistive properties. We have observed significant nonlinearities in resistivity, its dependence on temperature, and current-induced effects on the resistivity of these materials.
Integration of Data to Establish a Standard Operating Procedure for the Diabetic Patient Undergoing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe occurrences of hypoglycemia in the diabetic population undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). We also examined 2 secondary aims: link industry standards for management of hypoglycemia in the general diabetic population to the HBOT environment; and integrate HBOT data into an electronic health record system, as patients transition across inpatient and outpatient services and settings. DESIGN: A retrospective, descriptive study. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: The study took place within a hyperbaric medicine department located in a 1393-bed acute care medical center, part of a large, multihospital system. The study sample comprised 100 diabetic patients who underwent HBOT between January 1 and May 31, 2015. Sixty-seven percent were male; the mean age of participants was 62 years (range 32-92 years). Admission status was nearly equal with 53% hospital inpatients and 47% ambulatory outpatients. Hospital protocol required all patients to have a minimal prehyperbaric blood glucose level (BGL) of 100 mg/dL. RESULTS: The incidence of hypoglycemia (defined as a BGL <100 mg/dL, 5.5 mmol/L) was 122 of 1175 treatments (10.4%). Additional analysis was based on records for 66 of the 122 incidences with evaluable data from electronic medical records. The mean BGL pre-HBOT was 177.86 mg/dL, 6.54 mmol/L (range 53-439 mg/dL, 2.94-24.36 mmol/L); the mean BGL after HBOT was 165.09 mg/dL, 9.16 mmol/L (range 56-414 mg/dL, 3.11-22.98 mmol/L). Analysis of these 66 occurrences revealed that 52 of 66 (79%) were managed with high-carbohydrate juices and snacks; 8 of 66 (12%) received oral glucagon; and 6 of 66 (9%) received glucagon and high-carbohydrate snack. We found that standard treatment protocols for hypoglycemia ranged from 70 to 100 mg/dL, 3.89 to 5.55 mmol/L, for the general population and 80 to 120 mg/dL, 4.44 to 6.66 mmol/L, for the general diabetic population. We also found that HBOT diabetic data were not fully integrated into the electronic health records across all settings. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglycemia is prevalent during HBOT. We recommend a minimum pre-treatment serum glucose of 120 mg/dL, 6.7 mmol/L.
Neurociências, Cognição e Educação: Limites e Possibilidades na Formação de Professores.

A necessidade em utilizar estudos relacionados as contribuicoes das neurociencias na formacao de professoresparece ser imprescindivel para as discussoes dos processos de aprendizagem na educacao basica. Nesta perspectiva,enumero no presente texto, aspectos das neurociencias que podem ser considerados na formacao docente,a partir da analise de trabalhos referentes ao tema. O discurso hegemonico destaca a complementaridade e anecessaria colaboracao entre educadores e neurocientistas. Ainda que as experiencias praticas sejam incipientes,constata-se unanimidade em relacao a necessidade de discutir possibilidades para utilizacao das neurocienciasna formacao inicial e continuada de professores sem, contudo, lhes atribuir carater substitutivo das teorias deaprendizagem tradicionais ou encorajar a ideia de que as neurociencias sao/serao a solucao dos problemas observadosnas praticas educativas.