Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speaker Verification Robust to Talking Style Variation Using Multiple Kernel Learning Based on Conditional Entropy Minimization

We developed a new speaker veriﬁcation system that is robust to intra-speaker variation. There is a strong likelihood that intra-speaker variations will occur due to changes in talking styles, the periods when an individual speaks, and so on. It is well known that such variation generally degrades the performance of speaker veriﬁcation systems. To solve this problem, we applied multiple kernel learning (MKL) based on conditional entropy minimization, which impose the data to be compactly aggregated for each speaker class and ensure that the different speaker classes were far apart from each other. Experimental results showed that the proposed speaker veriﬁcation sys-tem achieved a robust performance to intra-speaker variation derived from changes in the talking styles compared to the conventional maximum margin-based system.
Beta2-adrenergic receptor genotype affects the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system response to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern.

BACKGROUND Beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta2-AR) is a susceptibility locus for hypertension, and polymorphisms at this site relate to salt sensitivity and low plasma renin activity (PRA). The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) dietary pattern lowers blood pressure and appears to interact with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that the DASH diet associates with increased RAAS activity, and genotype status at beta2-AR G46A modifies this response. DESIGN We genotyped participants in the DASH-Sodium study (n = 372) at beta2-AR G46A to determine the association with blood pressure, RAAS components, and consumption of the DASH diet. We used 2-way mixed linear regression and an additive model for all primary analyses. RESULTS Mean (+/-SEM) PRA was significantly higher in participants in the DASH group than in participants in the control group (0.68 +/- 0.03 compared with 0.54 +/- 0.03 ng x mL(-1) x h(-1), P = 0.002). Serum aldosterone, urinary aldosterone, and urinary potassium concentrations were also significantly higher in the DASH group (P < 0.01 for all). We observed significant gene-diet interactions for changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and concentrations of aldosterone and urinary potassium (P for interaction = 0.048, 0.017, and 0.001 for SBP and aldosterone and urinary potassium concentrations, respectively). There was an association between the A allele of beta2-AR G46A and greater blood pressure reduction and blunted aldosterone and PRA responses to the DASH diet. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that the DASH diet lowers blood pressure and increases PRA and aldosterone concentrations. There is an association between the G46A polymorphism of beta2-AR and blood pressure and RAAS responses to the DASH diet, which suggests that beta2-AR may be a genetic modifier of DASH-diet responsiveness. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00000608.
A Novel Hybrid Kernel Adaptive Filtering Algorithm for Nonlinear Channel Equalization

In this paper, a novel kernel mixed error criterion (KMEC) algorithm is proposed for nonlinear system identification, which uses a combination of two different error schemes to implement a newly constructed cost function, which is realized by using a logarithmic squared error and a generalized maximum correntropy criterion (GMCC) to devise the KMEC algorithm. The proposed KMEC is derived in the context of the kernel adaptive filter and it provides good performance for identifying the nonlinear channels in different mixed noise environments in terms of the mean square error (MSE) at its steady-state and convergence performance.
The treatment of unrelated disorders in patients with chronic medical diseases.

BACKGROUND Patients can have several illnesses concurrently, yet some of these diseases may be neglected if one problem consumes attention. We conducted a population-based analysis in Ontario, Canada - where universal health insurance is provided - to determine whether unrelated disorders are less likely to be treated in patients with chronic diseases. METHODS We studied the 1,344,145 residents of Ontario in 1995 who were 65 or older and eligible to receive prescription medications free of charge as part of the Ontario Drug Benefit program. Patients with diabetes mellitus were identified by prescriptions for insulin, pulmonary emphysema by prescriptions for ipratropium bromide, and psychotic syndromes by prescriptions for haloperidol. For each chronic disease, we selected an unrelated treatment: estrogen-replacement therapy for patients with diabetes mellitus, lipid-lowering medications for those with pulmonary emphysema, and medical treatment of arthritis for those with psychotic syndromes. RESULTS The 30,669 patients with diabetes mellitus were less likely to receive estrogen-replacement therapy than the other subjects in the study (2.4 percent vs. 5.9 percent, P<0.001). The disease was associated with a 60 percent reduction in the odds of estrogen treatment (odds ratio, 0.40; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.37 to 0.43). Findings were similar for the 56,779 patients with pulmonary emphysema, who were less likely to receive lipid-lowering medications (odds ratio, 0.69; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.72; P<0.001), and the 17,336 patients with psychotic syndromes, who were less likely to receive medical treatments for arthritis (odds ratio, 0.59; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.57 to 0.62; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In patients 65 or older who have chronic medical diseases and who receive prescription medications free of charge, unrelated disorders are undertreated. Clinicians caring for patients with chronic diseases should remain alert to other disorders and minimize the number of missed opportunities for treating them.
264 Channel TDC Platform applying 65 channel high precision (7.2 psRMS) FPGA based TDCs

In this paper the implementation of a 65 channel high precision Time-to-Digital Converter in a single Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) is presented. The TDC applies the interpolation method for time measurements. The precision of the TDC is increased with the Wave Union Launcher method. In order to overcome the minimum pulse width limitation a semi-asynchronous pulse stretcher is implemented which has been verified to allow a measurement of a pulse width <; 500 ps. The TDC has a typical precision of 7.2 ps RMS (14 ps RMS on the worst channel) on a single channel. Additionally, the 264 Channel TDC Platform, TDC Readout Board (TRB3), is presented in the paper applying the described TDC.
Effects of rumen-inert fat on lactation, reproduction, and health of high producing Holstein herds.

Two hundred twenty of 443 cows freshening between June 1989 and March 1990 in five commercial Holstein herds were fed . 45 kg/d of rumen-inert fat from calving until 200 DIM. Control diets were fed as TMR and contained, on average, 3.7 to 4.8% supplemental fat (DM basis). Test herds had rolling herd averages of 9300 to 13,250 kg of milk. Production of 4% FCM and milk increased 1.01 (3.3%) and 1.50 kg/d (4.6%), respectively, for primiparous cows fed additional fat. Multiparous cows from four herds demonstrated no response; multiparous cows in one herd increased production of 4% FCM by 2.88 kg/d (8.2%), milk by 2.45 kg/d (6.4%), and milk fat by . 14kg/d (10.6%) in response to additional fat. An explanation of response differences among herd for multiparous cows was not possible. For primiparous and multiparous cows, increased genetic potential increased treatment response. Increased body condition score at calving influenced treatment response of multiparous cows. Thinner cows produced more milk and less milk fat in response to additional dietary fat than did fatter cows. Most reproductive indices were unaffected by treatment. Cows receiving additional fat had lower, but nonsignificantly lower, incidences of most health disorders. Responses to rumen-inert fat by cows receiving high concentrations of dietary fat were marginal and were affected by body condition score at calving and by genetic potential.
Opposite effect of fluticasone and salmeterol on fibronectin and tenascin‐C expression in primary human lung fibroblasts

Background Airway remodelling is a key feature of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The remodelling process involves the deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins within the airways. Current therapies for asthma and COPD consist of inhaled corticosteroids and long‐acting β2‐agonists (LABA). However, their effect on airway remodelling is not well understood so far.
Self-swarming robots that exploit hydrodynamical interaction

Although numerous swarm robotic systems have already been developed, they have exhibited limited adaptability. This was partly because the previous researchers designed the control schemes on the basis of informational interaction, without considering the physical effects of the environment. To tackle this problem, we employ an unconventional approach: we design a control scheme for swarm robots based on their physical interaction in a hydrodynamic field, inspired by biological swarming. Through simulations using a smoothed particle hydrodynamics method, we show that the proposed control scheme allows agents to form an ordered swarm in response to their environment. Graphical Abstract
Positioning of Long-Acting Muscarinic Antagonists in the Management of Asthma

Despite a range of efficacious therapies for asthma, including inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β2-agonists (LABA), a significant proportion of patients have poor asthma control and retain a risk of future worsening of their symptoms. Long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMA) bronchodilators offer a well-tolerated, efficacious, and cost-effective add-on to a patient's treatment. Of the LAMAs currently under investigation or available for the treatment of asthma, evidence from a comprehensive clinical trial program in adults and children shows that once-daily treatment with tiotropium provides benefits for patients with uncontrolled asthma despite the use of ICS and LABAs. Tiotropium is included in the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) strategy document as an add-on therapy option for patients at Step 4 or 5 with a history of asthma exacerbations. Tiotropium Respimat® has demonstrated safety and efficacy in patients with a range of disease severities, ages, and phenotypes. This review describes the evidence for the use of LAMA as add-on therapy for patients with asthma who remain uncontrolled despite the use of ICS and LABA treatments.
Application of Low-pass & High-pass reconstruction for improving the performance of the POCS based algorithm

Projection-onto-convex sets (POCS) based methods are widely used to reconstruct the Magnetic resonance (MR) images due to its reconstruction accuracy and fast reconstruction time. In this paper, we propose a simple method to improve the reconstruction performance of the POCS based methods using low-pass filter and high-pass filter. We verify the reconstruction performance of the methods using simulation phantom and in vivo MR data both of the undersampled Cartesian and Nyquist sampled non-Cartesian cases.
Moderate drinking among people with severe mental illness.

Along with the increased recognition obsubstance abuse in the community mental health field, a clinical controversy about the advisability of modcrate drinking for persons who have severe mental illnesses has developed. Many clinicians argue that mentally ill individuals should be able to drink moderately, as do the majority ofAmenicans (1). Other clinicians argue that severely mentally ill persons should be encouraged to pursue abstinence because they arc extremely sensitive to the negative effects ofalcohol and highly prone to develop an alcohol use disorder. The dearth of research data about the effects of moderate drinking for this population undoubtedly contributes to the controversy. Longitudinal data about the maintenance of moderate drinking would be particulanly helpful in psychoeducational work with clients and their families. Mentally ill clients have the same legal right to drink as other citizens, but they and their families deserve to have accurate information on the consequences of moderate drinking. The purpose of this report is to evaluate the long-term stability and consequences of moderate drinking among severely mentally ill persons
Multi-finger "hugging": a robust approach to sensor-based grasp planning

Considers the problem of planning the grasp operation for a multi-finger hand. The hand is expected to be able to handle three-dimensional objects of arbitrary unknown shapes as long as they are of "reasonable" size so as to make the grasping operation meaningful. The object geometry is not known beforehand. To provide input information for the interaction necessary, a whole-sensitive hand is assumed-every point of its surfaces possesses tactile sensing. The important property of the problem formulation is that in the grasp produced the hand and the fingers are expected to "hug" the object in a manner a human hand holds an apple-with the maximum contact with its surface for a firm, comfortable grasp. A novel, powerful strategy for real-time grasping is suggested which makes use of techniques for highly redundant sensor-based planar motion planning. An example is given that illustrates the performance of the approach. <<ETX>>
Observation et modélisation des interactions entre conditions d'enneigement et activité des stations de sports d'hiver dans les Alpes françaises

Les interactions dynamiques des conditions d'enneigement avec l'activite touristique des stations de sport d'hiver reposent sur de multiples enjeux sociaux, economiques, environnementaux et climatiques integres par les elus charges du developpement des territoires de montagne et industriels responsables de l'exploitation des domaines skiables. Depuis l'experience vecue de la vulnerabilite des domaines skiables au deficit d'enneigement au debut des annees 1990 et plus encore depuis l'introduction des problematiques du changement climatique dans le debat public au debut des annees 2000, l'attente de la part des decideurs politiques et des professionnels de la neige pour des elements fiables et pertinents sur l'impact du climat sur l'activite des sports d'hiver - dans laquelle s'integre ce travail - n'a cesse de croitre.Ce travail s'est attache a la comprehension du role integrateur de l'operateur de domaine skiable dans son approche socio-economique d'une part et nivo-climatologique d'autre part de la gestion de la neige dans sa station dans le but de developper une chaine de modelisation de la dynamique des interactions entre les conditions d'enneigement (variabilite, imprevisibilite) et les activites humaines (objectifs, moyens). Un etat des lieux a ete etabli sur les priorites poursuivies, les moyens mis en œuvre (damage, neige de culture) et les contraintes subies (meteorologiques, organisationnelles, structurelles) par les gestionnaires de domaines skiables dans leurs operations quotidiennes de gestion de la neige grâce a une enquete aupres de 55 stations francaises et aux echanges reguliers avec quatre stations partenaires de ce travail (Autrans, Tignes, Chamrousse et Les Deux Alpes). Une modelisation physique des impacts de la gestion de la neige a ete developpee sur la base d'un modele de neige et confrontee a des observations realisees au cours de deux saisons hivernales consecutives dans ces quatre stations partenaires.Ces elements ont ete integres dans une chaine de modelisation couplee permettant des etudes spatialisees des conditions d'enneigement et in fine la determination d'indicateurs de la viabilite de l'enneigement a l'echelle de la station, dans l'ensemble des Alpes francaises. Cette methode extrapolable a l'ensemble des massifs francais a ete appliquee dans les Alpes francaises sur la periode passee 1958 – 2014 et a revele la correlation des indicateurs d'enneigement avec les donnees economiques des stations de sport d'hiver. Notre approche a ainsi montre sa pertinence pour des etudes prospectives de l'impact du changement climatique et/ou des infrastructures des domaines skiables sur la viabilite de l'enneigement et ses consequences pour l'activite economique des stations de sport d'hiver.
The use of diameter distension waveforms as an alternative for tonometric pressure to assess carotid blood pressure

Proper non-invasive assessment of carotid artery pressure ideally uses waveforms recorded at two anatomical locations: the brachial and the carotid artery. Calibrated diameter distension waveforms could provide a more widely applicable alternative for local arterial pressure assessment than applanation tonometry. This approach might be of particular use at the brachial artery, where the feasibility of a reliable tonometric measurement has been questioned. The aim of this study was to evaluate an approach based on distension waveforms obtained at the brachial and carotid arteries. This approach will be compared to traditional pulse pressures obtained through tonometry at both the carotid and brachial arteries (used as a reference) and the more recently proposed approach of combining tonometric readings at the brachial artery with linearly or exponentially calibrated distension curves at the carotid artery. Local brachial and carotid diameter distension and tonometry waveforms were recorded in 148 subjects (119 women; aged 19–59 years). The morphology of the waveforms was compared by the form factor and the root-mean-squared error. The difference between the reference carotid PP and the PP obtained from brachial and carotid distension waveforms was smaller (0.9 (4.9) mmHg or 2.3%) than the difference between the reference carotid PP and the estimates obtained using a tonometric and a distension waveform (−4.8 (2.5) mmHg for the approach using brachial tonometry and linearly scaled carotid distension, and 2.7 (6.8) mmHg when using exponentially scaled carotid distension waves). We therefore recommend to stick to one technique on both the brachial and the carotid artery, either tonometry or distension, when assessing carotid blood pressure non-invasively.
A Graduate Student Pedagogy Seminar in Chemical Engineering

Christina Smith is the Assistant Director for Undergraduate Instructional Development at the Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning at Brown University. She received her PhD from Oregon State University and her BS from the University of Utah, both in chemical engineering. Her research focused on how the epistemology of graduate students around teaching and learning interact with and influence the environments in which they are asked to teach. She builds on this work in her new position by teaching a course for STEM undergraduate teaching assistants on the theory and practice of problem solving and other programs related to teaching in STEM.
Gene Silencing by RNA Interference in the White Rot Fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium

ABSTRACT The effectiveness of RNA interference (RNAi) is demonstrated in the lignin-degrading fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium. The manganese-containing superoxide dismutase gene (MnSOD1) was used as the target for RNAi. The plasmid constructed for gene silencing contained a transcriptional unit for hairpin RNA expression. Significantly lower MnSOD expression at both the mRNA and protein activity levels was detected in RNAi transformants. Furthermore, even though P. chrysosporium possesses three copies of the MnSOD gene, this RNAi construct was sufficient to decrease the enzymatic activity by as much as 70% relative to control levels. Implementation of the RNAi technique in P. chrysosporium provides an alternative genetic tool for studies of gene function, particularly of essential genes or gene families.
Determining control parameters for dendritic cell‐cytotoxic T lymphocyte interaction

Dendritic cells (DC) are potent immunostimulatory cells facilitating antigen transport to lymphoid tissues and providing efficient stimulation of T cells. A series of experimental studies in mice demonstrated that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) can be efficiently induced by adoptive transfer of antigen‐presenting DC. However, the success of DC‐based immunotherapeutic treatment of human cancer, for example, is still limited because the details of the regulation and kinetics of the DC‐CTL interaction are not yet completely understood. Using a combination of experimental mouse studies, mathematical modeling, and nonlinear parameter estimation, we analyzed the population dynamics of DC‐induced CTL responses. The model integrates a predator‐prey‐type interaction of DC and CTL with the non‐linear compartmental dynamics of T cells. We found that T cell receptor avidity, the half‐life of DC, and the rate of CTL‐mediated DC‐elimination are the major control parameters for optimal DC‐induced CTL responses. For induction of high avidity CTL, the number of adoptively transferred DC was of minor importance once a minimal threshold of approximately 200 cells per spleen had been reached. Taken together, our study indicates that the availability of high avidity T cells in the recipient in combination with the optimal application regimen is of prime importance for successful DC‐based immunotherapy.
The nocebo effect: A clinicians guide

Objective: This paper aims to provide an overview on the nocebo effect, focusing on recognition — its phenomenology, at-risk demographic profiles, clinical situations and personality factors, as well as discriminating somatic symptoms in the general population from treatment-related adverse effects. Lastly, the paper addresses available evidence-based strategies for management and minimisation of the nocebo effect. Method: Data for this paper were identified by searching PubMed using the search terms "nocebo" and “nocebo effect”, augmented by a manual search of the references of the key papers and the related literature. Results: The nocebo effect refers to non-pharmacodynamic, harmful or undesirable effects occurring after inactive treatment, a phenomenon that also occurs in the context of active therapy. Known drivers include classical conditioning and negative expectations concerning treatment. Recent meta-analyses have reported a considerable prevalence, ranging from 18% in the symptomatic treatment of migraine, to more than 74% in multiple sclerosis. Recognition of the nocebo-driven adverse effects presents a challenge, especially because of its non-specific nature and the similarity to the active medication’s expected profile. Traits such as neuroticism, pessimism and type A personalities may predispose individuals to this phenomenon. Clinical management of the nocebo effect includes awareness and recognition, changing the manner of disclosure of potential drug-related adverse effects, shaping patients’ expectations and enhancing the treatment alliance. Conclusion: The nocebo effect is a common, clinically significant, yet covert driver of clinical outcomes. Increased awareness of its features, as well as knowledge of strategies on how to manage it, are fundamental so that clinicians can mitigate its impact on clinical practice.
[Effect of bone marrow trypsinization on the efficiency of fibroblast colony formation in monolayer cultures].

Stromal bone marrow mechanocytes responsible for microenvironment transfer during heterotopic transplantation of hemopoietic tissue from fibroblast clones in monolayer cultures. Fibroblast colony forming cells (FCFC) are readily released from tissue structures together with hemopoietic elements and are contained in bone marrow cell suspension at a concentration of 1 x 10(-5)-10 x 10(-5). Pretreatment with trypsin of bone marrow fragments increases the content of FCFC in bone marrow cell suspension. Trypsin releases from the bone marrow and additional fraction of FCFC (trypsin-dependent FCFC), which are more strongly bound to tissue structures and are likely to be injured in the course of routine suspension of hemopoietic tissue fragments. The ratio of the number of trypsin-independent and trypsin-dependent FCFC is approximately 1 : 10.