Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Model-space MLLR for trajectory HMMs

This paper proposes model-space Maximum Likelihood Linear Regression (mMLLR) based speaker adaptation technique for trajectory HMMs, which have been derived from HMMs by imposing explicit relationships between static and dynamic features. This model can alleviate two limitations of the HMM: constant statistics within a state and conditional independence assumption of state output probabilities without increasing the number of model parameters. Results in a continuous speech recognition experiments show that the proposed algorithm can adapt trajectory HMMs to a specific speaker and improve the performance of a trajectory HMM-based speech recognition system.
Exact Event-Driven Implementation for Recurrent Networks of Stochastic Perfect Integrate-and-Fire Neurons

In vivo cortical recording reveals that indirectly driven neural assemblies can produce reliable and temporally precise spiking patterns in response to stereotyped stimulation. This suggests that despite being fundamentally noisy, the collective activity of neurons conveys information through temporal coding. Stochastic integrate-and-fire models delineate a natural theoretical framework to study the interplay of intrinsic neural noise and spike timing precision. However, there are inherent difficulties in simulating their networks’ dynamics in silico with standard numerical discretization schemes. Indeed, the well-posedness of the evolution of such networks requires temporally ordering every neuronal interaction, whereas the order of interactions is highly sensitive to the random variability of spiking times. Here, we answer these issues for perfect stochastic integrate-and-fire neurons by designing an exact event-driven algorithm for the simulation of recurrent networks, with delayed Dirac-like interactions. In addition to being exact from the mathematical standpoint, our proposed method is highly efficient numerically. We envision that our algorithm is especially indicated for studying the emergence of polychronized motifs in networks evolving under spike-timing-dependent plasticity with intrinsic noise.
Efficient Three-Party Authentication and Key Agreement Protocols Resistant to Password Guessing Attacks

Three-party EKE was proposed to establish a session key between two clients through a server However, three-party EKE is insecure against undetectable on-line and off-line password guessing attacks In this paper, we first propose an enhanced three-party EKE to withstand the security risk in three-party EKE We also propose a verifier-based three-party EKE that is more secure than a plaintext-equivalent mechanism in which a compromise of the server's database will not result in success in directly impersonating clients
Bacteriology of "midstream catch" urines. Studies in newborn infants.

ALTHOUGH carefully controlled studies have shown that a clean voided sample of urine may be reliably obtained in more than three fourths of newborn and older infants of both sexes,1,2our experience has been that when used routinely in the newborn nursery, clean voided urine specimens may give erroneous bacteriological results. Because we have been reluctant to catheterize newborn infants, we fortunately confirmed that under certain specific conditions infants urinate upon eliciting the Perez reflex.3This led us to the use of this reflex in obtaining midstream urine specimens for bacteriologic investigation. Methods and Materials We studied 153 infants, 87 boys and 66 girls, between the first and fourth days of life. All infants were born at the University of Kentucky Hospital. Clean voided specimens were collected as follows: The nursery nurses were instructed to cleanse the genitalia by scrubbing the prepuce and glans penis in the boy
A Peer-Led HIV Medication Adherence Intervention Targeting Adults Linked to Medical Care but without a Suppressed Viral Load

Background: Non-adherence to antiretroviral (ART) treatment remains a prevalent problem even among the segment of the U.S. HIV population that is ‘linked’ to medical care. Methods: Controlled pilot feasibility study with ART experienced adult patients (n = 20) linked to HIV medical care without suppressed viral load. Patients were randomized to a peer-led HIV medication adherence intervention named `Ready' or a time equivalent `healthy eating' control arm. Lay individuals living with HIV were trained to facilitate `Ready'. Results: Patients had been prescribed a mean of three prior ART regimens. The group randomized to `Ready' had significantly improved adherence. MEMS and pharmacy refill data correlated with viral load log drop. Higher readiness for healthful behavior change correlated with viral load drop and approached significance. Conclusion: A peer-led medication adherence intervention had a positive impact among adults who had experienced repeated non-adherence to HIV treatment. A larger study is needed to examine intervention dissemination and efficacy.
Advanced glycation and lipoxidation end products--amplifiers of inflammation: the role of food.

BACKGROUND High levels of glycated and lipoxidated proteins and peptides in the body are repeatedly associated with chronic diseases. These molecules are strongly associated with activation of a specific receptor called RAGE and a long-lasting exaggerated level of inflammation in the body. METHODS PubMed reports over 5000 papers plus >13,500 articles about the related HbA(1c), most of them published in the past 5 years. Most of the available abstracts have been read and approximately 800 full papers have been studied. RESULTS RAGE, a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily of cell surface molecules and receptor for advanced glycation end products, known since 1992, functions as a master switch, induces sustained activation of nuclear factor kappaB (NFkappaB), suppresses a series of endogenous autoregulatory functions, and converts long-lasting proinflammatory signals into sustained cellular dysfunction and disease. Its activation is associated with high levels of dysfunctioning proteins in body fluids and tissues, and is strongly associated with a series of diseases from allergy and Alzheimers to rheumatoid arthritis and urogenital disorders. Heat treatment, irradiation, and ionization of foods increase the content of dysfunctioning molecules. CONCLUSIONS More than half of the studies are performed in diabetes and chronic renal diseases; there are few studies in other diseases. Most of our knowledge is based on animal studies and in vitro studies. These effects are worth further exploration both experimentally and clinically. An avoidance of foods rich in deranged proteins and peptides, and the consumption of antioxidants, especially polyphenols, seem to counteract such a development.
Preventing falls from roofs: a critical review

Work-related falls from roofs remain a significant problem for workers in the construction industry. Knowledge about the main causative or initiating factors leading to fall incidents is desperately needed for fall prevention intervention. From biomechanical and psychophysiological perspectives the majority of occupational falls, including falls from roofs, can be regarded as loss-of-balance incidents. The primary objective of this paper is to summarize the current knowledge from multiple fields about factors that are related to the control of balance during roofing work. An extensive literature review identified a number of environmental, task-related and personal factors that degrade the control of balance and could be associated with the initiation of falls from roofs. These factors include visual exposure to elevation; unstable visual cues and inadequate visual information in the work environment; ‘confined’ and inclined support surfaces; unexpected changes in roof surface properties; load handling; physical exertion; fatigue; task complexity that diverts workers' attention; individual differences; work experience and training; and personal protective equipment. Current measures to reduce falls from roofs focus mainly on fall protection procedures, such as the use of covers, guardrails, safety nets, and personal fall arrest systems, or the application of warning-line systems, safety monitoring systems, and fall protection plans. In many instances, these procedures are not practical for the industry and current regulations allow the use of alternative means of fall protection, such as slide guards. Future research on preventing falls from roofs should consider the main effects and interactions of the environmental, task-related and personal factors that affect the balance control of workers. Research-supported improvements in the visual and physical characteristics of the roof work environment, the construction materials and methods, and work procedures and practices may result in improved workers' balance control as well as overall safety performance, and would ultimately reduce incidents of falling from a roof.
Calcium-Activated Chloride Currents Prolongs the Duration of Contractions in Pregnant Rat Myometrial Tissue

We investigated the importance of pharmacologically blocking calcium-activated chloride (ICl(Ca)) and L-type calcium currents on isometric contractions of strips of D21 pregnant rat myometrial tissue, while simultaneously measuring the electrical activity of the tissue strips with extracellular contact electrodes. When measured with contact electrodes, the duration of the spiking activity directly reflects the duration of the tissue-level plateau potential. We correlated the number of spikes, durations of spiking activity, and the spiking frequencies with changes of the area under the force curves as a function of exposure to low doses of anthracene-9-carboxylate (9-AC, a non-specific Cl channel blocker), chlorotoxin (a specific ICl(Ca) blocker) and nifedipine (an L-type calcium channel blocker). The area under the force curve was measured only during spiking electrical activity, thereby separating pharmacological effects on tissue relaxation from those that modulate force production. Blocking chloride channels reduced impulse, shortened the duration of spiking activity, and reduced the number of spikes generated in each contraction. This was observed without a change in the frequency of spike production or a reduction of peak force. Nifedipine reduced impulse, shortened the duration of spiking activity, and reduced the number of spikes. In contrast to chloride channel blockade, nifedipine reduced maximum spike frequency and peak force. Taken together, our data suggest that blocking L-type calcium channels reduces impulse directly by reducing peak force, and indirectly by reducing activation of ICl(Ca) , which shortens the duration of the contraction.
The complete nucleotide sequence of the tobacco chloroplast genome: its gene organization and expression

The complete nucleotide sequence (155 844 bp) of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum var. Bright Yellow 4) chloroplast DNA has been determined. It contains two copies of an identical 25 339 bp inverted repeat, which are separated by a 86 684 bp and a 18 482 bp single‐copy region. The genes for 4 different rRNAs, 30 different tRNAs, 39 different proteins and 11 other predicted protein coding genes have been located. Among them, 15 genes contain introns. Blot hybridization revealed that all rRNA and tRNA genes and 27 protein genes so far analysed are transcribed in the chloroplast and that primary transcripts of the split genes hitherto examined are spliced. Five sequences coding for proteins homologous to components of the respiratory‐chain NADH dehydrogenase from human mitochondria have been found. The 30 tRNAs predicted from their genes are sufficient to read all codons if the ‘two out of three’ and ‘U:N wobble’ mechanisms operate in the chloroplast. Two sequences which autonomously replicate in yeast have also been mapped. The sequence and expression analyses indicate both prokaryotic and eukaryotic features of the chloroplast genes.
Time domain TLM modelling of metamaterials with negative refractive index

This paper describes the modelling of metamaterials with negative refractive index by means of transmission line matrix (TLM ) networks. The TLM model is based on previously proposed periodic networks that support backward waves and thus represent artificial media with negative refractive index. The TLM model, its implementation, and results computed with this model, will be presented.
Forced thermal ratchets.

We consider a Brownian particle in a periodic potential under heavy damping. The second law forbids it from displaying any net drift speed, even if the symmetry of the potential is broken. But if the particle is subject to an external force having time correlations, detailed balance is lost and the particle can exhibit a nonzero net drift speed. Thus, broken symmetry and time correlations are sufficient ingredients for transport
Total ankle arthroplasty versus ankle arthrodesis: a comparative analysis of arc of movement and functional outcomes.

AIMS Few reports compare the contribution of the talonavicular articulation to overall range of movement in the sagittal plane after total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) and tibiotalar arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to assess changes in ROM and functional outcomes following tibiotalar arthrodesis and TAA. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who underwent isolated tibiotalar arthrodesis or TAA with greater than two-year follow-up were enrolled in the study. Overall arc of movement and talonavicular movement in the sagittal plane were assessed with weight-bearing lateral maximum dorsiflexion and plantarflexion radiographs. All patients completed Short Form-12 version 2.0 questionnaires, visual analogue scale for pain (VAS) scores, and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM). RESULTS In all, 41 patients who underwent TAA and 27 patients who underwent tibiotalar arthrodesis were enrolled in the study. The mean total arc of movement was 34.2° (17.0° to 59.1°) with an average contribution from the talonavicular joint of 10.5° (1.2° to 28.8°) in the TAA cohort. The average total arc of movement was 24.3° (6.9° to 44.3°) with a mean contribution from the talonavicular joint of 22.8° (5.6° to 41.4°) in the arthrodesis cohort. A statistically significant difference was detected for both total sagittal plane movement (p = 0.00025), and for talonavicular motion (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant lower VAS score (p = 0.0096) and higher FAAM (p = 0.01, p = 0.019, respectively) was also detected in the TAA group. CONCLUSION TAA preserves more anatomical movement, has better pain relief and better patient-perceived post-operative function compared with patients undergoing fusion. The relative increase of talonavicular movement in fusion patients may play a role in the outcomes compared with TAA and may predispose these patients to degenerative changes over time. TAKE HOME MESSAGE TAA preserves more anatomic sagittal plane motion and provides greater pain relief and better patient-perceived outcomes compared with ankle arthrodesis. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:634-40.
Fuzzy impedance and force control of a Stewart platform

A new, simple, and effective control method is proposed for the position-based impedance and force control of a Stewart platform (SP). The control approach can be divided into 3 parts, namely position control in free space, impedance control in contact, and force control. An impedance filter is developed to achieve the desired behavior between the position and force. The gain of the filter is modified by a fuzzy logic proportional-integral-derivative controller. Kinematic and dynamic models of the SP are simulated in a MATLAB/Simulink environment. Several real-time experiments are conducted with the SP developed in our laboratory. The results of the simulations and real-time experiments are compared to show the effectiveness of the proposed method. The experimental results demonstrate that the position control of the SP in Cartesian space is achieved at up to precision of 0.5 m m and 0.43 m° in linear and rotational motions, respectively, and force control of the SP is obtained successfully with a range of between 1 N and 50 N. Steady-state force errors are also eliminated with an intelligent integrator.
FPGA-based Controllers

This article presents the benefits of using field-programmable gate array (FPGA)-based controllers for power electronics and drive applications. For this purpose, an algorithm perspective is first proposed, where it is stated that, depending on the intrinsic parallelism properties as well as level of complexity, it makes sense to implement each control algorithm on a specific hardware and/or software architecture to get the best performances in terms of execution time or the best ratio performance versus cost. Then, an application perspective is proposed where the constraints specifically linked to the control of power converters are discussed.
Value- and ecosystem-based management approach: the Pacific herring fishery conflict

An innovative valueand ecosystem-based management approach (VEBMA) is introduced that aims to expose policy tradeoffs, resolve resource conflicts, and foster ethical governance. VEBMA is applied to the Pacific herring Clupea pallasii fishery in British Columbia, Canada, which is mired in conflict between local and indigenous communities and the fishing industry over the management of herring, a forage fish with significant ecological, socioeconomic, and cultural value. VEBMA integrates an ecosystem-based approach (ecological modelling) with a valuebased approach (practical ethics) to examine the ecological viability, socioeconomic feasibility, and societal desirability of alternative fishery management scenarios. In the socioecosystem-based approach, we applied the Management Strategy Evaluation module within the Ecopath with Ecosim modelling framework to explore scenarios with harvest-control rules specified by various herring fishing mortalities and biomass cutoff thresholds. In the value-based approach, Haida Gwaii community and herring industry participants ranked a set of values and selected preferred scenarios and cutoff thresholds to open the fishery. The modelled ecological and socioeconomic impacts and risks and stakeholder preferences of the scenarios are synthesized in a deliberation and decision-support tool, the VEBMA science-policy table. VEBMA facilitates inclusive, transparent, and accountable decision-making among diverse stakeholders, such as local communities, industries, scientists, managers, and policy-makers. It promotes ethical governance in pluralistic societies via compromise, rather than consensus solutions to resolve ‘wicked’ problems at the sciencepolicy interface.
Amplification of Acetylcholine-Binding Catenanes from Dynamic Combinatorial Libraries

Directed chemical synthesis can produce a vast range of molecular structures, but the intended product must be known at the outset. In contrast, evolution in nature can lead to efficient receptors and catalysts whose structures defy prediction. To access such unpredictable structures, we prepared dynamic combinatorial libraries in which reversibly binding building blocks assemble around a receptor target. We selected for an acetylcholine receptor by adding the neurotransmitter to solutions of dipeptide hydrazones [proline-phenylalanine or proline-(cyclohexyl)alanine], which reversibly combine through hydrazone linkages. At thermodynamic equilibrium, the dominant receptor structure was an elaborate [2]-catenane consisting of two interlocked macrocyclic trimers. This complex receptor with a 100 nM affinity for acetylcholine could be isolated on a preparative scale in 67% yield.
Energetics and mechanics of terrestrial locomotion.

This review addresses a simple question: How do muscles use the energy they consume during terrestrial locomotion? Using a comparative approach, it was found that the mass-specific rate of metabolic energy consumption changes by more than ten-fold with body size, while the mass-specific rate at which the muscles performed mechanical work did not change at all. It was also found that the rate of metabolic energy consumption increased linearly with speed, while the rate at which muscles performed mechanical work increased curvilinearly with speed (oc V1.53). We conclude from these observations that the rate at which animals consume metabolic energy during terrestrial locomotion is not determined by the rate at which their muscles perform mechanical work. Instead, the metabolic cost of generating muscular force over time (integral of F dt) appears to determine the metabolic cost of terrestrial locomotion. The cost of generating force increases with increasing speed and decreases with increasing body size in exactly the same manner as cost of locomotion. It is suggested that the metabolic cost of generating muscular force may be determined by the intrinsic velocity of shortening (i.e proportional to rates at which the cross-bridges between actin and myosin cycle) of the muscle motor units that are active during locomotion. Faster motor units are used both as animals increase speed and in equivalent muscles of smaller animals moving at the same speed. This suggestion is testable and future studies should determine whether or not it explains the higher costs of generating muscular force with increasing speed and decreasing body size.
Comparison of BacT/Alert with Signal blood culture system

The BacT/Alert (Organon Teknika Corp., Durham, N.C.) is an automated blood culture system. It is based on the detection of CO2 by means of a colorimetric sensor internally attached to the bottom of culture bottles. The aerobic and anaerobic media of this system were compared with one bottle of the Signal system (Oxoid Ltd., Hampshire, United Kingdom). At bedside, 20 ml of blood was drawn from each adult patient. The two BacT/Alert bottles were inoculated with 5 ml of blood each; the Signal bottle was inoculated with 10 ml. A total of 5,284 sets (2,483 patients; 2.1 cultures per patient) consisting of three bottles each were evaluated, of which 781 sets (14.8%) revealed microorganisms (n = 892); 642 of these were considered to be pathogenic. Significantly more (P < 0.0001) pathogens were isolated from the two BacT/Alert bottles together (n = 584) than from the single Signal bottle (n = 515). Escherichia coli (P = 0.007), gram-negative bacteria other than members of the family Enterobacteriaceae or Pseudomonas spp. (P = 0.006), and yeasts (P = 0.02) were isolated more often from both or either BacT/Alert bottle. Comparing the systems in terms of 388 different organisms per septic episode, the difference between BacT/Alert and Signal was significant for the total number of septicemia cases (P = 0.003). More contaminants grew in the BacT/Alert system (173 versus 116; P = 0.0001). False-positive indications were more frequent in the BacT/Alert system, 198 (3.7%) aerobic bottles and 57 (1.1%) anaerobic bottles, than in the Signal bottles, 24 (0.5%) bottles. Pathogens could be detected significantly earlier (P < 0.0001) in the BacT/Alert system than in the Signal system. The BacT/Alert instrument with two bottles allowed earlier detection as well as the isolation of more microorganisms than the manual, one-bottle Signal system.
Portfolio theory for squared returns correlated across time

Allowing for correlated squared returns across two consecutive periods, portfolio theory for two periods is developed. This correlation makes it necessary to work with non-Gaussian models. The two-period conic portfolio problem is formulated and implemented. This development leads to a mean ask price frontier, where the latter employs concave distortions. The modeling permits access to skewness via randomized drifts. Optimal portfolios maximize a conservative market value seen as a bid price for the portfolio. On the mean ask price frontier we observe a tradeoff between the deterministic and random drifts and the volatility costs of increasing the deterministic drift. From a historical perspective, we also implement a mean-variance analysis. The resulting mean-variance frontier is three-dimensional expressing the minimal variance as a function of the targeted levels for the deterministic and random drift.