Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Levodopa‐induced modifications of prosody and comprehensibility in advanced Parkinson's disease as perceived by professional listeners

The prosodic aspects of hypokinetic dysarthria in Parkinson's disease (PD) have been the focus of numerous reports. Few data on the effects of levodopa on prosody, more specifically on the effects on the variability of prosodic characteristics such as pitch, loudness and speech rate, are available in advanced PD. The relation between these characteristics and comprehensibility is currently unknown. These topics are the focus of the present report. Ten patients with advanced PD were evaluated, with and without medication, by four speech‐language pathologists during a reading task. A significant improvement of variability in pitch and loudness was demonstrated after medication intake. Comprehensibility improved following medication administration. Results are compared with previous studies.
Recognition of blowing sound types for real-time implementation in mobile devices

This paper presents a system to recognize and classify sounds produced by human subjects blowing air by the mouth. The objective is to implement the system for fast recognition using low-complexity algorithms in a low-budget processor. Recognition is achieved using tailored band energy ratios, modified frequency centroid and a periodicity test based on spectrum autocorrelation. These lightweight feature extraction techniques are adapted to the particular task of recognition of blowing sound types. The classification is achieved by a naive Bayes classifier. The algorithm can be implemented in real-time (latency ≤ 100 ms) and experimental test results show average recognition rates over 94 %.
Ethylene Modulates Flavonoid Accumulation and Gravitropic Responses in Roots of Arabidopsis1[W]

Plant organs change their growth direction in response to reorientation relative to the gravity vector. We explored the role of ethylene in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) root gravitropism. Treatment of wild-type Columbia seedlings with the ethylene precursor 1-aminocyclopropane carboxylic acid (ACC) reduced root elongation and gravitropic curvature. The ethylene-insensitive mutants ein2-5 and etr1-3 had wild-type root gravity responses, but lacked the growth and gravity inhibition by ACC found in the wild type. We examined the effect of ACC on tt4(2YY6) seedlings, which have a null mutation in the gene encoding chalcone synthase, the first enzyme in flavonoid synthesis. The tt4(2YY6) mutant makes no flavonoids, has elevated indole-3-acetic acid transport, and exhibits a delayed gravity response. Roots of tt4(2YY6), the backcrossed line tt4-2, and two other tt4 alleles had wild-type sensitivity to growth inhibition by ACC, whereas the root gravitropic curvature of these tt4 alleles was much less inhibited by ACC than wild-type roots, suggesting that ACC may reduce gravitropic curvature by altering flavonoid synthesis. ACC treatment induced flavonoid accumulation in root tips, as judged by a dye that becomes fluorescent upon binding flavonoids in wild type, but not in ein2-5 and etr1-3. ACC also prevented a transient peak in flavonoid synthesis in response to gravity. Together, these experiments suggest that elevated ethylene levels negatively regulate root gravitropism, using EIN2- and ETR1-dependent pathways, and that ACC inhibition of gravity response occurs through altering flavonoid synthesis.
A 0.7–1GHz tunable RF front-end module for FDD and in-band full-Duplex using SOI CMOS and SAW resonators

A 0.7–1GHz tunable front-end module (FEM) is presented for frequency-division duplexing and in-band full-duplex. It combines an electrical-balance duplexer (EBD) and tunable surface-acoustic wave resonators, demonstrating for the first time that these techniques are compatible and can be tuned independently. The EBD is integrated with a low-noise amplifier (LNA) in 0. 18μm SOI CMOS and can operate with any antenna with a VSWR less than 2.3:1. The tunable FEM achieves more than 50dB dual-frequency isolation prior to the LNA, 2.6–3.4dB TX insertion loss and +58/+42dBm TX/RX-path out-of-band-IIP3, respectively. It has <8.8dB gain, with an input-referred, inband gain compression point up to +27.5dBm/+11dBm caused by TX leakage or blockers, respectively.
Chemical Composition and Repellency of Essential Oils from Four Medicinal Plants Against Ixodes ricinus Nymphs (Acari: Ixodidae)

ABSTRACT In our search for effective tick repellents from plant origin, we investigated the effect of essential oils of four medicinal and culinary plants belonging to the family Lamiaceae on nymphs of the tick Ixodesricinus (L.). The essential oils of the dry leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) (L.), Mentha spicata (Spearmint) (L.), Origanum majorana (Majoram) (L.), and Ocimum basilicum (Basil) (L.) were isolated by steam distillation and 15 µg/cm2 concentration of oils was tested against ticks in a laboratory bioassay. The oils of R. officinalis, M. spicata, and O. majorana showed strong repellency against the ticks 100, 93.2, and 84.3%, respectively, whereas O. basilicum only showed 64.5% repellency. When tested in the field, the oils of R. officinalis and M. spicata showed 68.3 and 59.4% repellency at a concentration of 6.5 µg/cm2 on the test cloths. The oils were analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry and the major compounds from the most repellent oils were 1,8-cineole, camphor, linalool, 4-terpineol, borneol, and carvone.
Are QALYs based on time trade-off comparable?--A systematic review of TTO methodologies.

A wide range of methods is used to elicit quality-of-life weights of different health states to generate 'Quality-adjusted life years' (QALYs). The comparability between different types of health outcomes at a numerical level is the main advantage of using a 'common currency for health' such as the QALY. It has been warned that results of different methods and perspectives should not be directly compared in QALY league tables. But do we know that QALYs are comparable if they are based on the same method and perspective? The Time trade-off (TTO) consists in a hypothetical trade-off between living shorter and living healthier. We performed a literature review of the TTO methodology used to elicit quality-of-life weights for own, current health. Fifty-six journal articles, with quality-of-life weights assigned to 102 diagnostic groups were included. We found extensive differences in how the TTO question was asked. The time frame varied from 1 month to 30 years, and was not reported for one-fourth of the weights. The samples in which the quality-of-life weights were elicited were generally small with a median size of 53 respondents. Comprehensive inclusion criteria were given for half the diagnostic groups. Co-morbidity was described in less than one-tenth of the groups of respondents. For two-thirds of the quality-of-life weights, there was no discussion of the influence of other factors, such as age, sex, employment and children. The different methodological approaches did not influence the TTO weights in a predictable or clear pattern. Whether or not it is possible to standardise the TTO method and the sampling procedure, and whether or not the TTO will then give valid quality-of-life weights, remains an open question.This review of the TTO elicited on own behalf, shows that limiting cost-utility analysis to include only quality life weights from one method and one perspective is not enough to ensure that QALYs are comparable.
Thermodynamic basis of selectivity in guide‐target‐mismatched rna interference

Silencing in RNAi is strongly affected by guide‐strand/target‐mRNA mismatches. Target nucleation is thought to occur at positions 2–8 of the guide (“seed region”); successful hybridization in this region is the primary determinant of target‐binding affinity and hence target cleavage. To define a molecular basis for the target sequence selectivity in RNAi, we studied all possible distinct single mismatches in seven positions of the seed region—a total of 21 substitutions. We report results from soft‐core thermodynamic integration simulations to determine changes in targeting binding‐free energies to Argonaute due to single mismatches in the guide strand, which arise during binding of an imperfectly matched target mRNA. In agreement with experiment, most mismatches impair target binding, consistent with a prominent role for binding affinity changes in RNAi sequence selectivity. Individual Argonaute residues located near the mismatched base pair are found to contribute significantly to binding affinity changes. We also use this methodology to analyze the mismatch‐dependent free energy changes for dissociation of a DNA•RNA hybrid from Argonaute, as a model for the escape of miRNAs from the silencing pathway. Several mismatched sequences of the miRNA have increased affinity to Argonaute, implying that some mismatches may reduce the probability for escape. Furthermore, calculations of base‐substitution‐dependent free energy changes for binding ssDNA reveal mild sequence sensitivity as expected for guide strand binding to Argonaute. Our findings give a thermodynamic basis for RNAi target sequence selectivity and suggest that miRNA mismatches may increase silencing effectiveness and thus could be evolutionarily advantageous. Proteins 2012; © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Outcome after liver resection in patients presenting with simultaneous hepatopulmonary colorectal metastases

The most common sites of metastasis from colorectal cancer (CRC) are hepatic and pulmonary; they can present simultaneously (hepatic and pulmonary metastases) or sequentially (hepatic then pulmonary metastases, or vice versa). Simultaneous disease may be aggressive, and thus may be approached with caution by the clinician. The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes following hepatic and pulmonary resection for simultaneously presenting metastatic CRC.
Increased neocortical neurofibrillary tangle density in subjects with Alzheimer disease and psychosis.

BACKGROUND Psychosis is common in patients with Alzheimer disease. While the relationship between psychosis and clinical variables has been examined frequently, few studies have examined the relationship between psychosis and the 2 major neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer disease: neurofibrillary tangles and senile plaques. We characterized the occurrence of psychosis in relation to dementia severity and determined if subjects with Alzheimer disease and psychosis had a greater neurofibrillary tangle or senile plaque burden than subjects with Alzheimer disease and no psychosis. METHODS One hundred nine subjects with Alzheimer disease were followed longitudinally with semistructured assessments in order to assign a Clinical Dementia Rating and determine whether psychosis was present. After the subjects died, their brains were obtained for histological examination. Analysis of variance was used to compare the densities of neurofibrillary tangles, total senile plaques, and cored senile plaques in subjects with psychosis vs subjects without psychosis, in several neocortical regions, the hippocampus, and the entorhinal cortex. RESULTS Psychosis occurred commonly in Alzheimer disease, affecting 63% of subjects. The frequency of psychosis increased with increasing dementia severity. More importantly, we found that subjects with psychosis had a 2.3-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.2-3.9) greater density of neocortical neurofibrillary tangles than did subjects without psychosis. The increase was independent of dementia severity. No similar relationship with psychosis was seen for total senile plaques or cored senile plaques. CONCLUSIONS The increase in psychosis frequency that occurs with the progression of dementia severity and the independent association between psychosis and neurofibrillary tangle density suggest the possibility that some common underlying process or processes specific to Alzheimer disease may regulate both phenomena. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2000;57:1165-1173.
A Study of Coroner's Records of Suicide in Young People, 1986–88 in Western Australia

Coroner's records of 25 consecutive suicides aged 15–19 years and 43 aged 20–24 years were compared with 68 suicides aged 45–59 years to identify associated clinical and psychosocial factors. Male: female ratios were 2.6:1, 5.1:1 and 3.5:1 respectively. The most common method of suicide in males in all three age groups was CO poisoning using motor vehicles. In females the teenage group used mainly active methods, whilst in the 20–24 and 45–49 years age groups the most common method was over dosage. Over 90% of each age group had some identifiable psychiatric symptomatology. In each age group the commonest symptoms were minor affective symptoms. In each group the pattern was mainly of associated multiple rather than single psychosocial factors. In each group disruption of interpersonal relationships (boy-girlfriend, de facto, marital, family) was the predominant stressor. Compared with the 45–59 year group the following associated factors were significantly greater in (a) 15–19 years: personality/conduct disorders, unemployment and legal/disciplinary problems, and (b) 20–24 years: drug abuse and unemployment. Although the two younger groups had significantly more unemployment than the older group, only the 20–24 years group had significantly more unemployment compared with community age norms. Preventive implications of the findings are discussed.
Vitamin B12 deficiency and the lack of its consequences in type 2 diabetes patients using metformin.

OBJECTIVES To study vitamin B12 concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes with and without metformin use and to identify risk factors and consequences of low vitamin B12 concentrations. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS This study had a cross-sectional design. During eight weeks all patients with type 2 diabetes visiting the diabetic outpatient clinic of the Isala Clinics in Zwolle were approached for participation. Participation included measurement of haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume and vitamin B12 levels. Data on neuropathy were retrospectively searched for in the patient records. Vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as serum B12 concentrations <150 pmol/l. RESULTS In the total cohort (n=298), the overall prevalence of vitamin B12 concentrations <150 pml/l was 9.7% (95% CI 6.6-13.7%). In type 2 diabetes patients not taking metformin (n=134), the prevalence was 4.4% (95% CI 1.6-9.4%) compared with 14.1% in metformin users (n=164) (95% CI 9.2-20.4%; p=0.006). Each 100 mg step in metformin dose increased (OR=1.081, p=0.014), whereas PPI use lowered (OR=0.322, p=0.037) the odds of having a vitamin B12 deficiency in logistic regression. Nevertheless, metformin use did not predict the chance on having anaemia or neuropathy. CONCLUSION Among patients with type 2 diabetes using metformin, the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is higher than compared with patients not using metformin. However, metformin use did not predict the chance of having anaemia or neuropathy.
The alternative pulse reduction algorithm for three-phase voltage-source inverter

Our purpose is to reduce the power loss in three-phase voltage-source inverters. We describe a switching algorithm that uses the conventional PWM method in the low modulation range and alternative discontinuous PWM (ADPWM) in the high modulation range to reduce the switching loss in three-phase inverters. The algorithm reduces the switching loss to 40% that of the conventional PWM method. The experimental and simulated results of a prototype are presented. A way of controlling the shapes of voltage applied ADPWM is provided.
Surface Reactivity of Calcium Phosphate Based Ceramics in a Cell Culture System

Surface reactivity of Calcium Phosphate materials - Hydroxyapatite (HA), Tricalcium Phosphate (β-TCP), Hydroxyapatite-Tricalcium Phosphate (HA-TCP) were elucidated in a cell culture system. MG-63 osteoblast-like cells were seeded onto the ceramic discs to evaluate changes in the cell morphology and functionality with respect to the different substrates. The dissolution and re-precipitation of calcium phosphate phases on the surface of the discs in the culture medium was found to be prominent on β-TCP when compared with HA. Low calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and high phosphorous (P) levels in the medium of β-TCP were observed. This indicated that P must have leached out into the medium from β-TCP and Ca in turn deposited from the medium onto β-TCP resulting in the apatite phase transformation. The low ALP activity in β-TCP medium is however an indication of low osteoblastic activity. Under the phase contrast microscope, the osteoblast cells around HA material were found to be confluent and viable, while in the vicinity of β-TCP only cellular debris was observed. In the case of HA-TCP, only a few viable cells surrounded the material amidst the debris. Scanning electron microscopy revealed numerous cells on the surface of HA showing different cell behaviour like anchorage, attachment, adhesion and spreading in the early time period as the surface was only slightly disturbed with re-crystallisation. But with time the entire surface of HA had changed due to precipitation and re-crystallization which did not support cell behaviour while the cells surrounding the material showed normal growth. On the contrary, cells were scarcely observed on the entirely changed surface of β-TCP and HA-TCP even from the earlier days of the culture and the morphology of cells surrounding the material too started changing. These results establish that HA promoted the activity of osteoblast cells. HA surface remained unaltered for some time, while the surface of β-TCP underwent dissolution of surface ions and resulted in the re-crystallization of apatite over the surface. The resulting changes in the surrounding milieu of β-TCP with high phosphate and low Ca levels probably was responsible for the death of the cells.
Natural caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1) infection in kids.

Twenty-seven kids aged 5-7 days from a flock of 200 goats in which a high rate of abortion occurred died over a 2-month period. All showed hyperthermia, abdominal pain and anorexia. Two of the kids were examined post mortem. Ulcerative and necrotic lesions affected the whole intestine, and macroscopical changes were also observed in the lungs, urinary bladder and liver. Histologically, a severe necrotizing enteritis as well as thickening of the alveolar septa and necrotic bronchiolo-alveolitis were detected. Prominent microscopical lesions were also present in the liver, urinary bladder, spleen, thymus, mesenteric lymph nodes and kidney. Macrophages containing eosinophilic intranuclear inclusion bodies appeared to be the main inflammatory cell in all the organs examined. Ultrastructurally, herpesvirus particles were evident. Characteristic morphological features of type-A capsids (empty), type-C capsids (large core), and type-B capsids were observed. A virus was isolated in cell culture from all organs examined in the two kids. Cytopathogenic effects (rounding cells, syncytia, vacuoles, cell lysis) and acidophilic intranuclear inclusions typical of herpesvirus infection were observed. The virus was identified as caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1) by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and by serum neutralization
An Arguing Lexicon for Stance Classification on Short Text Comments in Chinese

With the development of social media and online forums, users have grown accustomed to expressing their agreement and disagreement via short texts. Elements that reveal the user’s stance or subjectivity thus becomes an important resource in identifying the user’s position on a given topic. In the current study, we observe comments of an online bulletin board in Taiwan for how people express their stance when responding to other people’s post in Chinese. A lexicon is built based on linguistic analysis and annotation of the data. We performed binary classification task using these linguistic features and was able to reach an average of 71 percent accuracy. A linguistic analysis on the confusion caused in the classification task is done for future work on better accuracy for such task.
Practical Aspects of Bacterial Skin Infections in Children

Abstract: Bacterial skin infections are a common reason for children to be examined by a pediatrician. Streptococci and staphylococci are responsible for the great majority of the infections. Because of the variety of lesions produced by these bacteria, there is support for dividing impetigo into “traditional” crusted and bullous forms. Two important forms of ccllulitis—facial and periorhital—have potential for serious systemic consequences. the bacterial etiology and treatment of cellulitis, animal bites, and puncture wounds of the foot require special attention for successful outcome.
Equilibria, kinetics, and spectroscopic analyses on the uptake of aqueous arsenite by two-line ferrihydrite

Arsenite sorption from aqueous solutions was investigated using two-line ferrihydrite at room temperature, as a function of solution pH and arsenite loading. The isotherms, pH envelopes, and kinetics of arsenite sorption were characterized and its mechanism was elucidated via X-ray absorption spectroscopic studies. Arsenite sorption showed only slight pH dependence with a sorption maximum centered around pH 8.0. The Langmuir isotherm is most appropriate for arsenite sorption over the wide range of pH, indicating the homogenous and monolayer sorption of arsenite. The kinetic study demonstrated that arsenite sorption onto two-line ferrihydrite is considerably fast and the equilibrium is achieved within the reaction time of 3 h. X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectroscopy elucidated a slight change in oxidation state of arsenite for the initial concentration of 13.35 mM at pH 4. The extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy results indicate that types of surface complexes of arsenite appeared to be very similar to those proposed by the previous studies in that the bidentate binuclear corner-sharing (2C) complex is predominant at all the surface loadings. However, our EXAFS results suggest that regardless of pH, the mixed complexes of 2C and bidentate mononuclear edge-sharing surface complex (2E) as well as the 2C complex are favoured at low and intermediate surface loadings, but only the 2C complex is dominant at high surface loading. Overall, the EXAFS results support the efficient removal of arsenite by the two-line ferrihydrite through the formation of highly stable inner-sphere surface complexes, such as 2C complex.