Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Comparison of the LIDO Sliding Cuff and the Tibial Control System in Isokinetic Strength Parameters

The purpose of this study was to compare the tibial controlsystem (TCS) and sliding cuff (SC) lever arms in the strengthparameters peak torque (PT), average work(AW), averagepower (AP), joint angle at peak torque (JA), and fatigueindex (FI). Fifteen healthy subjects, with no history of kneepathology, performed three knee extension/flexionrepetitions using the right leg at a velocity spectrum of 60,180, 240, and 20 repetitions at 300 deg/sec for each leverarm. TCS and SC were randomly presented with 24 hoursbetween conditions. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Pairedt tests showed that the SC produced significantly greater PT,AW, and AP than the TCS during extension across velocities . Also, SC JA occurred significantly later in the range ofmotion across velocities, whereas FI was significantly greaterfor the SC than the TCS at 300 deg/sec. Paired t tests forflexion data indicated that the TCS produced significantlygreater PT than the SC across velocities and greater AP at 60deg/sec. The SC condition resulted in significantly greaterAW and AP at 300 deg/sec only. The SC and TCS conditionsdid not differ for JA and Fl across velocities. It was concludedthat choice of lever arm significantly influenced the strengthparameters examined in this study.
Finite Sample-Size Regime of Testing Against Independence with Communication Constraints

The central problem of Hypothesis Testing (HT) consists in determining the error exponent of the optimal Type II error for a fixed (or decreasing with the sample size) Type I error restriction. This work studies error exponent limits in distributed HT subject to partial communication constraints. We derive general conditions on the Type I error restriction under which the error exponent of the optimal Type II error presents a closed-form characterization for the specific case of testing against independence. By building on concentration inequalities and rate-distortion theory, we first derive the performance limit in terms of the error exponent for a family of decreasing Type I error probabilities. Then, we investigate the non-asymptotic (or finite sample-size) regime for which novel upper and lower bounds are derived to bound the optimal Type II error probability. These results shed light on the velocity at which the error exponents, i.e. the asymptotic limits, are achieved as the samples grows.
Mellotron: Multispeaker Expressive Voice Synthesis by Conditioning on Rhythm, Pitch and Global Style Tokens

Mellotron is a multispeaker voice synthesis model based on Tacotron 2 GST that can make a voice emote and sing without emotive or singing training data. By explicitly conditioning on rhythm and continuous pitch contours from an audio signal or music score, Mellotron is able to generate speech in a variety of styles ranging from read speech to expressive speech, from slow drawls to rap and from monotonous voice to singing voice. Unlike other methods, we train Mellotron using only read speech data without alignments between text and audio. We evaluate our models using the LJSpeech and LibriTTS datasets. We provide F0 Frame Errors and synthesized samples that include style transfer from other speakers, singers and styles not seen during training, procedural manipulation of rhythm and pitch and choir synthesis.
Math for America Los Angeles: Lessons Learned from 10 Years of Teacher-Centered Leadership Development.

This article describes what can happen when sustained effort and resources are devoted to creating a teacher professional support and development organization that puts teachers' needs first. Over the last ten years, Math for America Los Angeles has supported 179 secondary school mathematics and computer science teachers in developing their leadership through multi-year teaching fellowships. We share some of its history, design principles, and effects on teachers and students.
Deep Model with Siamese Network for Viability and Necrosis Tumor Assessment in Osteosarcoma

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumor, which has high mortality due to easy lung metastasis. Osteosarcoma is a highly anaplastic, pleomorphic tumor with a variety of tumor cell morphology, including fusiform, oval, epithelial, lymphocyte like, small round, transparent cells, etc. Due to the multiple patterns of osteosarcoma cell morphology, pathologists have differences in the classification (viable tumor, necrotic tumor, non-tumor) of osteosarcoma. Therefore, automatic and accurate recognition algorithms can help pathologists greatly reduce time and improve diagnostic accuracy. In recent years, deep learning technology has made great progress in the field of natural images and medical images, and has achieved excellent results beyond human performance in classification. In this paper, we propose a Deep Model with Siamese Network (DS-Net) for automatic classification in Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stained osteosarcoma histology images.
FineText: Text Classification via Attention-based Language Model Fine-tuning

Training deep neural networks from scratch on natural language processing (NLP) tasks requires significant amount of manually labeled text corpus and substantial time to converge, which usually cannot be satisfied by the customers. In this paper, we aim to develop an effective transfer learning algorithm by fine-tuning a pre-trained language model. The goal is to provide expressive and convenient-to-use feature extractors for downstream NLP tasks, and achieve improvement in terms of accuracy, data efficiency, and generalization to new domains. Therefore, we propose an attention-based fine-tuning algorithm that automatically selects relevant contextualized features from the pre-trained language model and uses those features on downstream text classification tasks. We test our methods on six widely-used benchmarking datasets, and achieve new state-of-the-art performance on all of them. Moreover, we then introduce an alternative multi-task learning approach, which is an end-to-end algorithm given the pre-trained model. By doing multi-task learning, one can largely reduce the total training time by trading off some classification accuracy.
Tensor Q-Rank: A New Data Dependent Tensor Rank

Recently, the \textit{Tensor Nuclear Norm~(TNN)} regularization based on t-SVD has been widely used in various low tubal-rank tensor recovery tasks. However, these models usually require smooth change of data along the third dimension to ensure their low rank structures. In this paper, we propose a new definition of tensor rank named \textit{tensor Q-rank} by a column orthonormal matrix $\mathbf{Q}$, and further make $\mathbf{Q}$ data-dependent. We introduce an explainable selection method of $\mathbf{Q}$, under which the data tensor may have a more significant low tensor Q-rank structure than that of low tubal-rank structure. We also provide a corresponding envelope of our rank function and apply it to the low rank tensor completion problem. Then we give an effective algorithm and briefly analyze why our method works better than TNN based methods in the case of complex data with low sampling rate. Finally, experimental results on real-world datasets demonstrate the superiority of our proposed model in the tensor completion problem.
FontGAN: A Unified Generative Framework for Chinese Character Stylization and De-stylization

Chinese character synthesis involves two related aspects, i.e., style maintenance and content consistency. Although some methods have achieved remarkable success in synthesizing a character with specified style from standard font, how to map characters to a specified style domain without losing their identifiability remains very challenging. In this paper, we propose a novel model named FontGAN, which integrates the character stylization and de-stylization into a unified framework. In our model, we decouple character images into style representation and content representation, which facilitates more precise control of these two types of variables, thereby improving the quality of the generated results. We also introduce two modules, namely, font consistency module (FCM) and content prior module (CPM). FCM exploits a category guided Kullback-Leibler loss to embedding the style representation into different Gaussian distributions. It constrains the characters of the same font in the training set globally. On the other hand, it enables our model to obtain style variables through sampling in testing phase. CPM provides content prior for the model to guide the content encoding process and alleviates the problem of stroke deficiency during de-stylization. Extensive experimental results on character stylization and de-stylization have demonstrated the effectiveness of our method.
Communication at the bedside to enhance patient care : a survey of nurses’ experience and perspective of handover

Strategies to support continuity of care and improve patient safety during clinical handover have been developed. The aims of this study were to identify the strengths and limitations in current practice of nursing clinical handover and implement a new bedside handover process. A total of 259 nurses completed a cross-sectional survey at change of shift on 1 day, which was followed by an audit of the pilot implementation of bedside handover. The survey results showed great variation in the duration, location and method of handover with significant differences in the experience of nurses employed part-time compared with full-time. Following implementation of standardized bedside handover on two wards, the audit revealed significant improvement in the involvement of patients, use of Situation-Background-Assessment-Recommendation, active patient checks and checking of documentation. These findings suggest the use of standardized protocols and communication tools for bedside handover improve continuity of patient care
Zero-Error Capacity of Multiple Access Channels via Nonstochastic Information

The problem of characterising the zero-error capacity region for multiple access channels even in the noiseless case has remained an open problem for over three decades. Motivated by this challenging question, a recently developed theory of nonstochastic information is applied to characterise the zero-error capacity region for the case of two correlated transmitters. Unlike previous contributions, this analysis does not assume that the blocklength is asymptotically large. Finally, a new notion of nonstochastic information is proposed for a non-cooperative problem involving three agents. These results are preliminary steps towards understanding information flows in worst-case distributed estimation and control problems.
Interplay of Bound Magnetic Polaron and p-d exchange interaction in Co-doped 3C-SiC

Bound Magnetic Polarons (BMP) have been proposed to play an important role in doped wide band gap semiconductors. We report the experimental evidence supporting polaronic magnetism and the role of defects on it. Temperature variation of electron paramagnetic resonance study reveals that the valence state of cobalt is 2+ and its nearest environment in the system is distorted tetrahedral in nature. Room temperature ferromagnetism have been found in all the doped [Co (1, 3, 5) % doped 3C-SiC] samples. The Curie temperature, TC of the samples have been found to be above 800 K. The isothermal magnetization plots, to determine the strength of domain wall pinning were analyzed using the Jiles-Atherton Model. The temperature variation of the anisotropic constant was determined using Law of Approach to saturation (LAS), which decreases with increase in temperature. Quantitative analysis of magnetic interaction has been carried out and the result is explained by using BMP Model, which probably arises out of the exchange interaction of Co2+ ions with related (Si, C) defects.
Perceptnet: A Human Visual System Inspired Neural Network For Estimating Perceptual Distance

Traditionally, the vision community has devised algorithms to estimate the distance between an original image and images that have been subject to perturbations. Inspiration was usually taken from the human visual perceptual system and how the system processes different perturbations in order to replicate to what extent it determines our ability to judge image quality. While recent works have presented deep neural networks trained to predict human perceptual quality, very few borrow any intuitions from the human visual system. To address this, we present PerceptNet, a convolutional neural network where the architecture has been chosen to reflect the structure and various stages in the human visual system. We evaluate PerceptNet on various traditional perception datasets and note strong performance on a number of them as compared with traditional image quality metrics. We also show that including a nonlinearity inspired by the human visual system in classical deep neural networks architectures can increase their ability to judge perceptual similarity. Compared to similar deep learning methods, the performance is similar, although our network has a number of parameters that is several orders of magnitude less.
Scholarship@Western Scholarship@Western The association between occupational loading and spine The association between occupational loading and spine degeneration on imaging – a systematic review and meta- degeneration on imaging – a systematic review and meta-analysis analysis

Background: There are inconsistencies in findings regarding the relationship of occupational loading with spinal degeneration or structural damage. Thus, a systematic review was conducted to determine the current state of knowledge on the association of occupational loading and spine degeneration on imaging. Methods: We performed electronic searches on MEDLINE, CINAHL and EMBASE. We included cross-sectional, case control and cohort studies evaluating occupational loading as the exposure and lumbar spine structural findings on imaging as the outcomes. When possible, results were pooled. Results: Seventeen studies were included in the review. Ten studies evaluated the association of occupational loading with disc degeneration (signal intensity), four of which were pooled into a meta-analysis. Of the 10 studies, only two did not identify a relationship between occupation loading and disc degeneration. A meta-analysis including four of the studies demonstrated an association between higher loading and degeneration for all spinal levels, with odds ratios between 1.6 and 3.3. Seven studies evaluated disc height narrowing and seven evaluate disc bulge, with six and five identifying an association of loading and with imaging findings respectively. Three studies evaluated modic changes and one identified and association with occupational load. Conclusions: There was moderate evidence suggesting a modest association between occupational loading and disc degeneration (signal intensity), and low-quality evidence of an association between occupational loading and disc narrowing and bulging.
Physical Activity and Genome-wide DNA Methylation: The REGICOR Study.

INTRODUCTION DNA methylation may be one of the biological mechanisms underlying the health benefits of physical activity (PA). Our objective was to determine the association between PA and genome-wide DNA methylation at CpG level. METHODS We designed a two-stage epigenome wide association study. In the discovery stage, we used 619 individuals from the REGICOR cohort. Next, we validated the CpGs suggestively associated with PA (p-value <10) in two independent populations (n=1,735 and 190, respectively). PA was assessed with validated questionnaires and classified as light (LPA), moderate (MPA), vigorous (VPA), moderate-vigorous (MVPA) and total PA (TPA). We examined linear and non-linear associations and meta-analyzed the results in the three populations. The linear associations were meta-analyzed with a fixed-effects model and the p-values of the non-linear associations with the Stouffer and Fisher methods. We established a p-value threshold that fulfilled Bonferroni criteria over the number of CpGs analyzed (0.05/421,940=1.185·10). RESULTS In the meta-analyses, two CpG sites had a statistically significant non-linear association with MVPA. cg24155427 (p-value=1.19·10), located in an intergenic region in chromosome 1, has been previously associated with smoking, lupus and aging. cg09565397 (p-value=1.59·10), located within DGAT1 in chromosome 8, encodes an enzyme involved in triacylglycerol synthesis and has been associated with body mass index. CONCLUSION This population-based study identified two new, differentially methylated CpG sites with a non-linear dose-response relationship to MVPA. These associations must be additionally validated and may be considered for further research on the biological mechanisms underlying health benefits of PA.
Connecting the oxidative potential of secondary organic aerosols with Reactive Oxygen Species in exposed lung cells.

It has been hypothesized that the cytotoxicity of secondary organic aerosols (SOA) is mediated through the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the exposed cells. Here, lung epithelial cells (A549) residing at the air-liquid interface were exposed to proxies of anthropogenic and biogenic SOA that were photochemically aged under varying nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations in an oxidation flow reactor (OFR). The total organic peroxides and ROS radical content in the SOA were quantified by the iodometric-spectrophotometric method and by continuous-wave electron paramagnetic resonance (CW-EPR). The effect of the exposure was evaluated by measuring cell viability and cellular ROS production following the exposure. The results demonstrate that SOA that aged in the absence of NOx contained more ROS than fresh SOA and were more toxic towards the cells, while varying NOx conditions had no significant influence on levels of ROS content in fresh SOA and their toxicity. Analysis of ROS in the exposed cells using flow cytometry showed a similar trend with the total ROS content in the SOA. This study provides a first and direct observation of such association.
Potenzielle Bedeutung der DARC-Technik für die klinische Neuroprotektion – eine Übersicht

Zusammenfassung Die Möglichkeit, primäre neuroprotektive Wirkstoffe einsetzen und kontrolliert überwachen zu können, ist ein vielversprechender Ansatz für die künftige Therapiegestaltung in neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen, insbesondere im Glaukom. Bisherige medikamentöse und chirurgische Therapieansätze zielen auf die sekundäre Neuroprotektion durch Augeninnendrucksenkung ab. Bildgebende Verfahren bilden eine essenzielle Grundlage in der Diagnostik und Therapiekontrolle. Die potenzielle Bedeutung der DARC-Technologie (Detection of apoptosing retinal Cells: Visualisierung von retinalen Ganglienzellen durch fluoreszenzmarkiertes Annexin V = ANX776 mithilfe der cSLO-Technologie) im klinischen Alltag liegt in der leichten Umsetzbarkeit. Das notwendige HRT-Gerät steht in vielen großen Augenzentren zur Verfügung und die Untersuchung mit i. v. Gabe des fluoreszierenden Markers ähnelt dem Ablauf einer konventionellen Fluoreszenzangiografie. Eine Limitation stellt vor allem die individuell stark schwankende physiologische Apoptose der humanen retinalen Ganglienzellen dar, die es vor Einsatz im klinischen Alltag in einem Normkollektiv zu standardisieren gilt.
Cobalt-60 is a logical, economical and comparable alternative to Ir-192: analysis and institutional experience from western India

Abstract Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine the dosimetry of intracavitary radiotherapy (ICRT) in carcinoma of the cervix using cobalt-60 (Co-60) as source of ICRT, and as an alternative to iridium-192 (Ir-192). Design: This was a retrospective study. Subjects and setting: The study was on 80 ICRT patients attending the radiotherapy department at Maharana Bhupal Government Hospital, Udaipur, India. Outcome measures: The dosimetry of ICRT was studied retrospectively in 80 related applications. The dose to point A, 60 Gy isodose reference volume, and bladder and rectum maximum and mean doses were defined. Results: It was found that dosimetry with Co-60 as a brachytherapy source was consistent with the International Commission on Radiation Units (ICRU 38) recommendations. Conclusion: Co-60 is a logical alternative to Ir-192 in low socio-economic settings when repeated changing of the source is not an option.
Genomic Balance: Two Genomes Establishing Synchrony to Modulate Cellular Fate and Function

It is becoming increasingly apparent that cells require cooperation between the nuclear and mitochondrial genomes to promote effective function. However, it was long thought that the mitochondrial genome was under the strict control of the nuclear genome and the mitochondrial genome had little influence on cell fate unless it was extensively mutated, as in the case of the mitochondrial DNA diseases. However, as our understanding of the roles that epigenetic regulators, including DNA methylation, and metabolism play in cell fate and function, the role of the mitochondrial genome appears to have a greater influence than previously thought. In this review, I draw on examples from tumorigenesis, stem cells, and oocyte pre- and post-fertilisation events to discuss how modulating one genome affects the other and that this results in a compromise to produce functional mature cells. I propose that, during development, both of the genomes interact with each other through intermediaries to establish genomic balance and that establishing genomic balance is a key facet in determining cell fate and viability.
The chromogranin A-derived antifungal peptide CGA-N9 induces apoptosis in Candida tropicalis

CGA-N9, a peptide derived from human chromogranin A (CGA), was found to have antimicrobial activity in our previous investigation, but its mechanism of action remains unclear. Herein, the mechanism of action of CGA-N9 was investigated. We found that CGA-N9 induced the depolarization of the cell membrane and uptake of calcium ions into the cytosol and mitochondria. With the disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential, the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) increased. Accordingly, we assessed apoptotic processes in Candida tropicalis cells post-treatment with CGA-N9 and found cytochrome c leakage, chromatin condensation and DNA degradation. The interaction of CGA-N9 with DNA in vitro showed that CGA-N9 did not degrade DNA but bound to DNA via an electrostatic interaction. In conclusion, CGA-N9 exhibits antifungal activity by inducing apoptosis in C. tropicalis.
Understanding and Targeting Apoptotic Pathways in Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer cells evade the immune system as well as chemotherapeutic and/or biologic treatments through inherent or acquired mechanisms of survival and drug resistance. Depending on the cell type and the stimuli, this threshold can range from external forces such as blunt trauma to programmed processes such as apoptosis, autophagy, or necroptosis. This review focuses on apoptosis, which is one form of programmed cell death. It highlights the multiple signaling pathways that promote or inhibit apoptosis and reviews current clinical therapies that target apoptotic pathways in ovarian cancer.