Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speech Prosody Perception in Cochlear Implant Users With and Without Residual Hearing

Objectives: The detection of fundamental frequency (F0) variations plays a prominent role in the perception of intonation. Cochlear implant (CI) users with residual hearing might have access to these F0 cues. The objective was to study if and how residual hearing facilitates speech prosody perception in CI users. Design: The authors compared F0 difference limen (F0DL) and question/statement discrimination performance for 15 normal-hearing subjects (NHS) and two distinct groups of CI subjects, according to the presence or absence of acoustic residual hearing: one “combined group” (n = 11) with residual hearing and one CI-only group (n = 10) without any residual hearing. To assess the relative contribution of the different acoustic cues for intonation perception, the sensitivity index d’ was calculated for three distinct auditory conditions: one condition with original recordings, one condition with a constant F0, and one with equalized duration and amplitude. Results: In the original condition, combined subjects showed better question/statement discrimination than CI-only subjects, d’ 2.44 (SE 0.3) and 0.91 (SE 0.25), respectively. Mean d’ score of NHS was 3.3 (SE 0.06). When F0 variations were removed, the scores decreased significantly for combined subjects (d’ = 0.66, SE 0.51) and NHS (d’ = 0.4, SE 0.09). Duration and amplitude equalization affected the scores of CI-only subjects (mean d’ = 0.34, SE 0.28) but did not influence the scores of combined subjects (d’ = 2.7, SE 0.02) or NHS (d’ = 3.3, SE 0.33). Mean F0DL was poorer in CI-only subjects (34%, SE 15) compared with combined subjects (8.8%, SE 1.4) and NHS (2.4%, SE 0.05). In CI subjects with residual hearing, intonation d’ score was correlated with mean residual hearing level (r = −0.86, n = 11, p < 0.001) and mean F0DL (r = 0.84, n = 11, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Where CI subjects with residual hearing had thresholds better than 60 dB HL in the low frequencies, they displayed near-normal question/statement discrimination abilities. Normal listeners mainly relied on F0 variations which were the most effective prosodic cue. In comparison, CI subjects without any residual hearing had poorer F0 discrimination and showed a strong deficit in speech prosody perception. However, this CI-only group appeared to be able to make some use of amplitude and duration cues for statement/question discrimination.
New, Simple Echocardiographic Indexes for the Estimation of Filling Pressure in Patients with Cardiac Disease and Preserved Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction

Background: There are few data on echocardiographic indexes incorporating peak mitral inflow velocity (E), left atrial volume index (LAVi), and pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) for estimation of left ventricular (LV) filling pressure in patients with preserved LV ejection fraction (EF ≥ 50%). Methods: Patients underwent echocardiography ≤20 minutes of cardiac catheterization. Echocardiographic variables were compared to invasively measured LV end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Results: Of the 122 patients, 67 (55%) were women, the mean age was 55 ± 9 years, the mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 61 ± 6%, 107 (88%) were hypertensive, and 79 (65%) had significant coronary artery disease at catheterization. E/Ea correlated with LVEDP (R = 0.68, P < 0.0001), compared to PAP (R = 0.53, P < 0.001), peak E velocity (R = 0.48, P < 0.001), and LAVi (R = 0.48, P < 0.001). E/Ea > 12 had 75% sensitivity and 78% specificity for LVEDP ≥ 20 mmHg (area under curve (AUC) = 0.79, P < 0.0001), compared with (PAP + LAVi)/2 > 30 (sensitivity = 72%, specificity = 80%, AUC = 0.84, P < 0.001) and (E + LAVi)/2 > 57 (sensitivity = 73% and specificity = 81%, AUC = 0.82, P < 0.001) (P = NS). E <60 cm/sec had 94% negative, and E>90 cm/sec had 96% positive, predictive value for LVEDP ≥ 20 mmHg. (E + LAVi)/2 added incrementally to E/Ea when E/Ea was in the gray zone. Conclusions: New, simple echocardiographic equations, (E + LAVi)/2 and (PAP + LAVi)/2, have comparable accuracy to E/Ea for LVEDP estimation in patients with cardiac disease and preserved LVEF, and (E + LAVi)/2 added incrementally to E/Ea alone when E/Ea was in the gray zone. Peak E velocity alone had high negative and positive predictive value for elevated LVEDP in this population. These simple echocardiographic variables could be used—in isolation or with E/Ea—in patients with cardiac disease and preserved LVEF for the diagnosis of diastolic heart failure. Echocardiography 2010;27:946‐953)
Spontaneous emission from large quantum dots in nanostructures: Exciton-photon interaction beyond the dipole approximation

We derive a rigorous theory of the interaction between photons and spatially extended excitons confined in quantum dots in inhomogeneous photonic materials. We show that beyond the dipole approximation, the radiative decay rate is proportional to a nonlocal interaction function, which describes the interaction between light and spatially extended excitons. In this regime, light and matter degrees of freedom cannot be separated and a complex interplay between the nanostructured optical environment and the exciton envelope function emerges. We illustrate this by specific examples and derive a series of important analytical relations, which are useful for applying the formalism to practical problems. In the dipole limit, the decay rate is proportional to the projected local density of optical states, and we obtain the strong and weak confinement regimes as special cases.
Revisited Microanatomy of the Corneal Endothelial Periphery: New Evidence for Continuous Centripetal Migration of Endothelial Cells in Humans

The control of corneal transparency depends on the integrity of its endothelial monolayer, which is considered nonregenerative in adult humans. In pathological situations, endothelial cell (EC) loss, not offset by mitosis, can lead to irreversible corneal edema and blindness. However, the hypothesis of a slow, clinically insufficient regeneration starting from the corneal periphery remains debatable. The authors have re‐evaluated the microanatomy of the endothelium in order to identify structures likely to support this homeostasis model. Whole endothelia of 88 human corneas (not stored, and stored in organ culture) with mean donor age of 80 ± 12 years were analyzed using an original flat‐mounting technique. In 61% of corneas, cells located at the extreme periphery (last 200 μm of the endothelium) were organized in small clusters with two to three cell layers around Hassall‐Henle bodies. In 68% of corneas, peripheral ECs formed centripetal rows 830 ± 295 μm long, with Descemet membrane furrows visible by scanning electron microscopy. EC density was significantly higher in zones with cell rows. When immunostained, ECs in the extreme periphery exhibited lesser differentiation (ZO‐1, Actin, Na/K ATPase, CoxIV) than ECs in the center of the cornea but preferentially expressed stem cell markers (Nestin, Telomerase, and occasionally breast cancer resistance protein) and, in rare cases, the proliferation marker Ki67. Stored corneas had fewer cell clusters but more Ki67‐positive ECs. We identified a novel anatomic organization in the periphery of the human corneal endothelium, suggesting a continuous slow centripetal migration, throughout life, of ECs from specific niches. STEM CELLS2012;30:2523–2534
Simple approach for joint blind equalization and order detection suitable for QAM signal

A blind equalization and order detection algorithm suitable for QAM signal is proposed. By exploiting the inherent structural relationship between the 4-QAM signal's coordinates and other higher-order QAM signals' coordinates, a novel cost function including channel blind equalization and signal order detection is defined. In such method, by changing the coordinates of input signals, higher-order QAM signal can be equalized by the statistics of 4-QAM and its order can be detected accurately. Examples of five modulation types - 4-QAM, 8-QAM, 16-QAM, 32-QAM and 64-QAM - are given. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm achieves satisfactory performance.
Effects of PCB 126 on Primary Immune Organs and Thymocyte Apoptosis in Chicken Embryos

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 126 produce thymic atrophy and immunosuppression. This study explored the hypothesis that the thymic atrophy produced by developmental exposure to PCB 126 is associated with an increase in apoptotic thymocytes at the end of incubation in chicken embryos. Eggs were injected via the air cell with PCB 126 (0.05, 0.13, 0.32, 0.64, and 0.80 ng/g egg) on d 0 of incubation, and tissues were collected on d 20. Controls included noninjected and vehicle-injected (sunflower oil) eggs. Thymocytes were cultured for 6 h and analyzed by flow cytometry for decreased DNA content (propidium iodide staining) and cell size (forward scatter), which indicate apoptosis. PCB 126 induced dose-dependent mortality with an LD50 of 1.01 ng/g and lowest-observed-effect concentration (LOEC) of 0.32 ng/g. Teratogenic effects commonly associated with TCDD and planar PCBs, including cranial and foot deformities and subcutaneous edema, tended to increase with dose of PCB 126. PCB 126 reduced thymus mass by approximately 20% at 0.64 and 0.8 ng/g, the number of viable thymocytes by approximately 20–24% at and above 0.13 ng/g, and the number of bursal lymphoid cells by 57% at 0.64 ng/g. The percentage of apoptotic thymocytes increased with dose, reaching levels 2 times greater than controls at 0.8 ng/g. Electrophoresis of low-molecular-weight DNA from thymocytes of all doses demonstrated fragments in multiples of 180 bp. This DNA laddering is a hallmark of apoptosis. At all doses, thymocytes exhibited caspase-3 activation, another indicator of apoptosis. The results of this experiment supported the hypothesis that the thymic atrophy produced by developmental exposure to PCB 126 in chicken embryos is associated with an increase in apoptotic thymocytes on embryonic d 20. This project was supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (GR825216-01-0) and the Biomedical Sciences PhD Program at Wright State University. E. Lavoie, R. Garrett, A. Handy, and E. Reaves helped with laboratory work. Drs. Nancy Bigley, Thomas Brown, G. Allen Burton, and Robert Grubbs provided technical assistance and reviewed earlier drafts of this article.
An experimental study of the effect of language on the reproduction of visually perceived form.

The experiments reported in this paper are part of a study of the conditions which affect the reproduction of visually perceived form. Previous investigators such as G. E. Muller, F. Wulf, and J. J. Gibson 8 have pointed out various factors which are important in bringing about the changes that occur in reproduced forms when they are compared with the forms as originally presented. In the present study an effort has been made to control by experimental means the nature of the change in form. The directive agency used was language, or, more precisely, those processes of the organism that are initiated by language. Historically, Muller treats of the changes that take place after the passage of time in the reproduction of perceived forms in terms which include such concepts as 'convergence' or 'blurring' of the characteristic features of patterns. F. Wulf criticizes this view and proposes, on the basis of experimental study, to describe the observed changes in terms of such specific tendencies as 'sharpening,' 'levelling' and what may be termed the 'equilibrium tendency' in the structure. He remarks, however, that in some instances his subjects spontaneously identified the presented forms with 1 Muller, G. E. , Zur Analyse der GedachtnistStigkeit und dee Vorstellungsverlaufes, III. Teil, Zeitsckriftfur Psyehologie, Erganzungsband, 1913, 8, 1-567. 1 Wulf, F. , tJber die Veranderung von Vorstellungen (Gedachtnis und Gestalt) (Beitrage zur Psyehologie der Gestalt), Psychologische Forsckung, 1921, x, 333-373. * Gibson, J. J., The reproduction of visually perceived forms, / . Exper. Psychol. ,
Conductor loss computation in multiconductor MIC's by transverse resonance technique and modified perturbational method

Rigorous computation of conductor loss in multiconductor MMIC transmission lines requires high computer expenditures, while conventional approaches become invalid for thin line conductors. Using a modified perturbational method, originally proposed by R. Horton et al. (Electron. Lett., vol.7, no.17, pp.490-91, Aug. 1971), in conjunction with the generalized transverse resonance technique, very accurate results are obtained with relatively modest computer effort. <<ETX>>
Flexible Orthogonal Neighborhood Preserving Embedding

In this paper, we propose a novel linear subspace learning algorithm called Flexible Orthogonal Neighborhood Preserving Embedding (FONPE), which is a linear approximation of Locally Linear Embedding (LLE) algorithm. Our novel objective function integrates two terms related to manifold smoothness and a flexible penalty defined on the projection fitness. Different from Neighborhood Preserving Embedding (NPE), we relax the hard constraint P X = Y by modeling the mismatch between P X and Y, which makes it better cope with the data sampled from a non-linear manifold. Besides, instead of enforcing an orthogonality between the projected points, i.e. (P X)(P X) = I, we enforce the mapping to be orthogonal, i.e. P P = I. By using this method, FONPE tends to preserve distances so that the overall geometry can be preserved. Unlike LLE, as FONPE has an explicit linear mapping between the input and the reduced spaces, it can handle novel testing data straightforwardly. Moreover, when P becomes an identity matrix, our model can be transformed into denoising LLE (DLLE). Compared with the standard LLE, we demonstrate that DLLE can handle data with noise better. Comprehensive experiments on several benchmark databases demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm.
Studies on Peripheral Blood Catecholamine Levels During Hemorrhagic Shock in Dogs.∗

Summary Peripheral blood catecholamines were studied in dogs during hemorrhagic shock. When determined by the fluorimetric procedure, with values corrected for recovery, epinephrine increased from control levels of 0.4 ± 0.2 μg/1 to 27.6 ±8.7 μg/1; norepi-nephrine increased from 3.4 ± 1.6 μg/1 to 11.6 ± 3.4 μg/1. Thus during hemorrhagic shock in dogs the catecholamines found in the peripheral arterial blood are largely epinephrine (70%); and to a lesser extent nor-epinephrine (30%). Significant quantities of epinephrine-norepinephrine usually appear in the blood when the mean arterial pressure has dropped to about 80 mm Hg. As the pressure is lowered further the circulating catecholamines increase very rapidly. This increase is largely due to epinephrine and to a lesser extent to norepinephrine. Simultaneous estimation showed epinephrine concentration to be greatest in the inferior vena cava followed by the femoral artery and lowest in the femoral vein. These experiments indicate most of the catecholamines in the circulation during hemorrhagic shock in dogs are released from the adrenal medulla and are rapidly destroyed by the tissues.
Imagination and Interpretation in Kant: The Hermeneutical Import of the Critique of Judgment

In this study of Kant's theory of imagination and its role in interpretation, Rudolf A. Makkreel argues against the commonly held notion that Kant's transcendental philosophy is incompatible with hermeneutics. The charge that Kant's foundational philosophy is inadequate to the task of interpretation can be rebutted, explains Makkreel, if one fully understands the role of imagination in his work. In identifying this role, Makkreel also re-evaluates the relationship among Kant's discussions of the feeling of life, common sense, and the purposiveness of history.
Fiabilité et précision en stéréoscopie : application à l'imagerie aérienne et satellitaire à haute résolution

Cette these se situe dans le cadre du projet MISS (Mathematiques de l'Imagerie Stereoscopique Spatiale) monte par le CNES en collaboration avec plusieurs laboratoires universitaires en 2007. Ce projet se donne l'objectif ambitieux de modeliser un satellite stereoscopique, prenant deux vues non simultanees mais tres rapprochees de la Terre en milieu urbain. Son but principal est d'obtenir une chaine automatique de reconstruction urbaine a haute resolution a partir de ces deux vues. Ce projet se heurte toutefois a des problemes de fond que la presente these s'attache a resoudre. Le premier probleme est le rejet des matches qui pourraient se produire par hasard, notamment dans les zones d'ombres ou d'occlusion, et le rejet egalement des mouvements au sol (vehicules, pietons, etc.). La these propose une methode de rejet de faux matches basee sur la methodologie dite a contrario. On montre la consistance mathematique de cette methode de rejet, et elle est validee sur des paires simulees exactes, sur des verites terrain fournies par le CNES, et sur des paires classiques de benchmark (Middlebury). Les matches fiables restants representent entre 40% et 90% des pixels selon les paires testees. Le second probleme de fond aborde est la precision. En effet le type de stereoscopie envisage exige un tres faible angle entre les deux vues, qui sont visuellement presque identiques. Pour obtenir un relief correct, il faut effectuer un recalage extremement precis, et calibrer le niveau de bruit qui permet un tel recalage. La these met en place une methode de recalage subpixelien, qui sera demontree etre optimale par des arguments mathematiques et experimentaux. Ces resultats etendent et ameliorent les resultats obtenus au CNES par la methode MARC. En particulier, il sera montre sur les images de benchmark Middlebury que la precision theorique permise par le bruit correspond bien a celle obtenue sur les matches fiables. Bien que ces resultats soient obtenus dans le cadre d'un dispositif d'acquisition precis (stereoscopie aerienne ou satellitaire a faible angle), tous les resultats sont utilisables en stereoscopie quelconque, comme montre dans beaucoup d'experiences.
Reliability and validity of the Myotest® for measuring running stride kinematics

Abstract Accelerometer-based systems are often used to quantify human movement. This study’s aim was to assess the reliability and validity of the Myotest® accelerometer-based system for measuring running stride kinematics. Twenty habitual runners ran two 60 m trials at 12, 15, 18 and 21 km·h−1. Contact time, aerial time and step frequency parameters from six consecutive running steps of each trial were extracted using Myotest® data. Between-trial reproducibility of measures was determined by comparing kinematic parameters from the two runs performed at the same speed. Myotest® measures were compared against photocell-based (Optojump Next®) and high-frequency video data to establish concurrent validity. The Myotest®-derived parameters were highly reproducible between trials at all running speeds (intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC): 0.886 to 0.974). Compared to the photo-cell and high-speed video-based measures, the mean contact times from the Myotest® were 34% shorter and aerial times were 64% longer. Only step frequency was comparable between systems and demonstrated high between-system correlation (ICC ≥ 0.857). The Myotest® is a practical portable device that is reliable for measuring contact time, aerial time and step frequency during running. In terms of validity, it provides accurate step frequency measures but underestimates contact time and overestimates aerial time compared to photocell- and optical-based systems.
Merlin differentially associates with the microtubule and actin cytoskeleton

The neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2) suppressor gene encodes a protein termed merlin (or schwannomin) with sequence similarity to a family of proteins that link the actin cytoskeleton to cell surface glycoproteins. Members of this ERM family of proteins include ezrin, radixin, and moesin. These proteins contain a carboxyl (C‐) terminus actin binding site. In contrast to the ERM proteins, merlin lacks the conventional C‐terminal actin binding site, but still localizes to the ruffling edge of plasma membranes. In this study, we investigate the ability of merlin to interact with actin through a nonconventional actin binding domain. We demonstrate for the first time that merlin can associate with polymerized actin in vitro by virtue of an amino (N‐) terminal actin binding domain including residues 178–367. Merlin actin binding is not affected by several naturally‐occurring NF2 patient mutations or alternatively spliced isoforms. These results suggest that merlin, like other ERM proteins, can directly interact with the actin cytoskeleton. In addition, merlin associates with polymerized microtubules in vitro using a novel microtubule binding region in the N‐terminal region of merlin that is masked in the full‐length merlin molecule, such that wild‐type functional merlin in the “closed” conformation fails to bind polymerized microtubules. These microtubule association results confirm the notion that merlin exists in “open” and “closed” conformations relevant to its function as a negative growth regulator. J. Neurosci. Res. 51:403–415, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Incidence of High-Strain Patterns in Human Coronary Arteries: Assessment With Three-Dimensional Intravascular Palpography and Correlation With Clinical Presentation

Background—Rupture of thin-cap fibroatheromatous plaques is a major cause of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Such plaques can be identified in vitro by 3D intravascular palpography with high sensitivity and specificity. We used this technique in patients undergoing percutaneous intervention to assess the incidence of mechanically deformable regions. We further explored the relation of such regions to clinical presentation and to C-reactive protein levels. Method and Results—Three-dimensional palpograms were derived from continuous intravascular ultrasound pullbacks. Patients (n= 55) were classified by clinical presentation as having stable angina, unstable angina, or AMI. In every patient, 1 coronary artery was scanned (culprit vessel in stable and unstable angina, nonculprit vessel in AMI), and the number of deformable plaques assessed. Stable angina patients had significantly fewer deformable plaques per vessel (0.6±0.6) than did unstable angina patients (P = 0.0019) (1.6±0.7) or AMI patients (P < 0.0001) (2.0±0.7). Levels of C-reactive protein were positively correlated with the number of mechanically deformable plaques (R2 = 0.65, P < 0.0001). Conclusions—Three-dimensional intravascular palpography detects strain patterns in human coronary arteries that represent the level of deformation in plaques. The number of highly deformable plaques is correlated with both clinical presentation and levels of C-reactive protein. Further studies will assess the potential role of the technique to identify patients at risk of future clinical events
Symptom Attribution in Cultural Perspective*

The explanatory model perspective of medical anthropology emphasizes the cultural shaping of individuals' efforts to make sense of their symptoms and suffering. Causal attribution is a pivotal cognitive process in this personal and social construction of meaning. Cultural variations in symptom attribution affect the pathogenesis, course, clinical presentation and outcome of psychiatric disorders. Research suggests that styles of attribution for common somatic symptoms may influence patients' tendency to somatize or psychologize psychiatric disorders in primary care. At the same time, symptom attributions are used to negotiate the sociomoral implications of illness. Recent work in social psychology and medical anthropology emphasizes the roots of attributional processes in bodily and social processes that are highly context-dependent, and hence, must be understood as part of the construction of a local world of meaning. Symptom attributions then may be understood as forms of positioning with both cognitive and social consequences relevant to psychiatric assessment and intervention.