Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Falling and rising "edge tones" in Mandarin Chinese: Re-opening the discussion on Yuen Ren Chao's "successive tonal additions"

ABSTRACT:Since its first discussion by Y. R. Chao in the early 20th century (1933, 1968), the phenomenon he referred to as "successive tonal addition" has been highly controversial. According to Chao, this intonation phenomenon expresses different moods and attitudes and manifests itself as rising and falling, non-lexical, pitch-movements added to the lexical contours of utterance-final syllables. Due to the lack of technological means at the time Chao could offer no instrumental evidence for his claims. Since 2004, numerous falling and rising pitch-phenomena reminiscent of Chao's "successive tonal additions" have been observed by this author, who refers to "utterance-final edge tones" (Ju wei jiayin句尾加音) (Mueller-Liu 2004, 2006, 2008). Expanding these earlier publications and containing new, hitherto unpublished data, this paper is a detailed account of the author's findings, including acoustic analyses of these pitch-phenomena and a conscientious description of their attitudinal messages and the discourse contexts in which they are found. The similarities and differences between falling and rising edge tones and Chao's falling and rising "successive tonal additions" are also discussed in detail.
Integrating heterogeneous Web services with WebXcript

Despite recent uprising of the Web services technology for programmed interfaces of business-to-business (B2B) e-commerce services (e-services) over the Internet, most sites (e.g., online purchases) can only support Hypertext Markup Language (HTML) for human interactions through Web browsers. Automating client access to these services generally requires developing sophisticated programs to simulate human access by handling HTML pages and forms. However, these HTML interfaces vary across Web sites, and are often subjected to changes. Client maintenance is therefore tedious and expensive. This paper presents a novel approach to automate dialogs with Web-based services, using a high-level script language, called WebXcript. WebXcript provides features for HTML forms based dialogues and XML messaging. The XML syntax of WebXcript further enables convenient user authoring and easy engine development with extensively available XML tools. It supports expected responses and exception handling. We further propose a wrapper architecture to integrate heterogeneous Web services based on WebXcript. We demonstrate the applicability of our approach with examples in integrating distributed information, online ordering, and XML messaging.
Proposed system for predicting Buy, Hold and Sell recommendations for a publicly listed Philippine company using computational intelligence

Stock Price movement is a non-linear Financial Time Series. Short-term stock price prediction is best done through Technical Analysis using Artificial Intelligence to detect patterns and trigger buy and sell signals. This paper aims to develop an expert system using Technical Analysis and Support Vector Machines that emulates the reasoning and decision-making process of a technical analyst as applied to the Buy, Hold and Sell recommendations of Stock Price of two publicly listed companies in the Philippines.
Learning from Model ERP Projects

The main purpose of this article is to identify the characteristics of enterprise resource plan-ning (ERP) implementations connected with project success. The study combines two statistical methods of clustering analysis employing Wardâ€™s hierarchical and k-means nonhierarchical methodologies. The ERP projects are described by 12 attributes divided into effort, effect, and success indicators. The analysis draws on research conducted among a few dozen companies implementing an ERP system into their organisations. The investigated projects were divided into groups of homogenous elements on the basis of the attribute values. Next, the obtained clusters were ordered using the average value of success achieved. In consequence, the groups with the most desirable attributes were recognised and the clusters with the least desirable char-acteristics were extracted. The thorough examination of these extreme groups containing model and antimodel projects was the basis for drawing conclusions for practitioners and researchers towards ERP projects enhancement.
Transmission of Compressed Multimedia Data over Wireless Channels using Space-time OFDM with Adaptive Beamforming

The transmission of multimedia data over wireless channels poses significant constraints on the communication system bandwidth, energy, and latency. To overcome these bottlenecks to wireless multimedia communication, various channel coding and transmit diversity schemes have been proposed. In previous work, we have shown that space-time block-coding (STBC) with adaptive beamforming (STBC-OFDM-AB) is an effective technique for improving the error-rate performance and channel capacity of wireless multimedia systems utilizing OFDM. In this paper, we introduce a transmission system for multimedia communication employing STBC-OFDM with adaptive beamforming incorporating a perceptually-based image compression coder - which consists of a 2-D discrete wavelet transform (DWT), an adaptive quantizer (with thresholding) and variable-length entropy encoding. Initial simulation results based on the transmission of compressed images, showed that the performance improvement introduced by STBC-OFDM-AB can be readily observed, and compared to other transmission methods is better suited to wireless multimedia communication.
A structural study of filamin, a high-molecular-weight actin-binding protein from chicken gizzard.

The structure of a filamin molecule has been studied by circular dichroism, infrared spectroscopy, scanning microcalorimetry and the inherent fluorescence of the tryptophan residues. It has been shown that the secondary structure of filamin is formed exclusively by the p form (50 %); the filamin molecule consists of several domains. Some of the tryptophan residues in filamin are buried in the interior of the protein structure, whereas others are located on the surface of the filamin molecule. These results, as well as the data of previous reports, suggest the following description of the filamin molecule : the protein molecule is highly assymetric and elongated consisting of structural domains with a p-form structure interconnected by flexible regions of the polypeptide chain. Recently a new class of actin-binding proteins has been identified in different types of cells and tissues [I - 81. The main functional property of these proteins is their capability for specific interaction with F-actin accompanied by formation of a gel [2, 4, 51. It is assumed that high-molecular-weight actinbinding proteins participate in maintaining the requisite consistency of the cytoplasm at different transformations of the
Does reading clearly produce the same acoustic-phonetic modifications as spontaneous speech in a clear speaking style?

This paper describes an acoustic-phonetic comparison of casual and clear speech styles elicited in read and spontaneous speech. For the spontaneous speech, 20 pairs of English talkers were recorded doing a problem-solving picture task in good and degraded listening conditions. Each person also read sentences in casual and clear styles. The read clear speech was an exaggerated form of clear speech relative to the spontaneous clear speech: it had higher median F0 in both styles, a greater increase in F0 range and greater decrease in speaking rate between casual and clear styles, and trends towards greater vowel space expansion.
Leukemic cells with increased telomerase activity exhibit resistance to imatinib

Imatinib mesylate (imatinib), previously known as STI571 (Gleevec), is currently utilized in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, its effect on telomerase activity and the correlation of this to its observed antitumor effect has yet to be defined. We investigated the effects of this agent on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) expression and telomerase activity and found that it significantly down-regulated telomerase activity in both K562 cells and primary leukemic cells. The telomerase activity of primary leukemic cells from CML patients in blastic crisis showed less suppression than that of cells from patients in chronic phase. Additionally, data also demonstrate that inhibition of telomerase was due to the direct action of imatinib on hTERT transcription, rather than an increase in cell death. These results suggest a novel mechanism in the antitumor activity of imatinib and may provide a basis for future development of anti-telomerase therapies, as well as leading to better understanding of the regulation of telomerase in leukemic cells.
Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase (PHGPx) expression is downregulated in poorly differentiated breast invasive ductal carcinoma

Phospholipid Hydroperoxide Glutathione Peroxidase (PHGPx) is the only known enzyme able to reduce lipid peroxides bound to cell membranes. Moreover it has been involved in apoptosis and can influence intracellular signaling. To investigate the possible relationship between PHGPx and human cancer we have quantified PHGPx expression levels by real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry in tissue samples of human breast invasive ductal carcinoma from 34 patients compared with their own controls of benign breast tissue. PHGPx expression levels were compared with the clinical and pathological data of these patients. The results showed that PHGPx expression levels are downregulated in poorly differentiated (grade 3) breast invasive ductal carcinoma (P = 0.0043). PHGPx expression levels decreased gradually with tumor grade from grade 1 to grade 3.We also found a downregulation of PHGPx in cases that showed p53 accumulation compared with cases without p53 immunostaining (P = 0.0011). PHGPx was also downregulated in cases without progesterone receptors (PR) immunostaining compared with cases with PR immunostaining (P = 0.0165). Grade 3, p53 immunostaining and absence of PR immunostaining are poor prognostic factors. These results suggest that PHGPx downregulation could be related with a poorer prognosis in breast invasive ductal carcinoma.
The design and evaluation of P2P transactive memory system

Transactive memory has been identified to describe a shared memory system for group members to store and access group intelligence. With the emerging peer-to-peer (P2P) technology, individuals within and between groups may interact by virtue of the peer-to-peer architecture to mobilize group dynamics. This paper designs the transactive memory on peer-to-peer networks, and then evaluates the effects of P2P transactive memory system. Through simulation, knowledge networks in the community are constructed and the performance of individuals to find, store, apply, and retrieve information is evaluated. The results show the improvement of group performance in the cumulative inquiry rate and learning outcomes. The evolution of peers' knowledge networks is also assessed to understand the effects of P2P transactive memory systems. This study, though using simulation, has shed light on adopting P2P networks to facilitating individuals in a virtual community to share knowledge and collaborate for problem solving.
[Screening for high risk population of dementia and development of the preventive program using web].

PURPOSE This study was to develop a screening model for identifying a high risk group of dementia and to develop and evaluate the web-based prevention program. METHOD It was conducted in 5 phases. 1) Data were collected from dementia patients and non-dementia patients in a community. 2) A screening model of the high risk population was constructed. 3) The validity test was performed and the model was confirmed. 4) Four weeks-prevention program was developed. 5) The program was administered, and evaluated the effects. RESULT The model consisted of age, illiteracy, history of stroke and hypercholesterolemia. The program was designed with 12 sessions, group health education using web-based individual instruction program, and 12 sessions of low-intensity physical exercise program. After the completion, their self-efficacy, and health behaviors in experimental group were significantly improved over those in the control group. The perceived barrier in the treatment group is significantly decreased. CONCLUSION The screening model developed is very simple and can be utilized in diverse community settings. And the web based prevention program will encourage individual learning and timely feedback, therefore it can facilitate their active participation and promote health management behaviors at home.
Efficient inductance calculation for long and medium length rectangular interconnects in VLSI circuits

A method for computing mutual inductance between interconnects of rectangular geometry in Very Large Scale Integrated (VLSI) circuits is presented in this work. The method is general and does not rely on any fitting techniques. It is shown to be computational efficient and numerical stable even for very long interconnects. Simulation results with other methods from literature are presented. The mutual inductance value computed by the proposed method is shown to be in close agreement to the value obtained by the industry standard tool-FastHenry with the average error falling below 5%.
Segmental identity can change independently in the hindbrain and rhombencephalic neural crest

In this study we tested whether the segmental identities of the hindbrain and its derived neural crest are necessarily linked or, instead, if they can be altered independently. Using morphological criteria, we show that the hindbrains of Hoxa‐2 mutant mice, in which the second arch skeletal derivatives assume first arch characteristics (Gendron‐Maguire et al. [1993] Cell 75:1317–1331; Rijli et al. [1993] Cell 75:1333–1349), retain normal segmental identities. Also, by phenotypic analysis, we show that, with retinoic acid, changes can be induced in the identity of the preotic hindbrain without effects in its derived neural crest. Our data thus indicate that identity changes in the hindbrain and branchial arch neural crest can occur independently. Moreover, if Hoxa‐2 is concomitantly induced by retinoic acid in the first branchial arch, the proximal derivatives of this arch are also affected. We propose a model for the patterning of the branchial region, according to which the segmental identity in this area is provided mainly by the branchial arches. Dev. Dyn. 1997;210:146–156. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fur regulation in Yersinia species

The effects of iron have been linked with several phenomena including regulation of membrane proteins; however, the mechanism of iron regulation is not well characterized in Yersinia pestis. It is well known that in Escherichia coli, the fur gene product mediates negative transcriptional regulation of several genes in response to iron. We have cloned a Y. pestis fur gene which is highly homologous to the E coli fur regulatory gene. The sequence of the Y. pestis fur gene exhibits 75% homology to the E. coli gene at the nucleotide level, and 84% homology at the predicted amino acid level. The Y. pestis fur gene is transcribed as a single gene message of approximately 0.5 kb which encodes an approximately 16 kDa protein when expressed in E coli minicells. A Yersinia enterocolitica fur mutant exhibits hypersensitivity to the Y. pestis bacteriocin, pesticin; the cloned Y. pestis fur gene restores wild‐type levels of pesticin sensitivity. Furthermore, iron regulation of at least five surface proteins in this Y. enterocolitica fur mutant is restored by transcomplementation with the Y. pestis fur gene. These data indicate that Y. pestis and Y. enterocolitica possess homologous Fur systems which regulate expression of proteins in response to iron availability.
Safety and pharmacokinetics of escalated doses of weekly intravenous infusion of CCI-779, a novel mTOR inhibitor, in patients with cancer.

PURPOSE To establish the safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetic parameters of CCI-779, a selective inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin, in patients with advanced cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS Using a modified continuous reassessment method, we performed a phase I with pharmacokinetic study of CCI-779 given as a weekly 30 minutes intravenous (I.V.) infusion. RESULTS Twenty-four patients received CCI-779 at doses ranging 7.5 to 220 mg/m(2). No immunosuppressive effect was reported. Dose-limiting thrombocytopenia occurred in two patients at 34 or 45 mg/m(2). At 220 mg/m(2), dose-limiting toxicities consisted of manic-depressive syndrome, stomatitis, and asthenia in two of nine patients, preventing further dose escalation. The most frequent drug-related toxicities were acne-like, maculopapular rashes and mucositis or stomatitis. All toxicities were reversible on treatment discontinuation. Maximum concentration and area under the concentration-time curve increase sub-proportionally with dose. Mean steady-state volume of distribution ranged from 127 to 385L. Sirolimus was a major metabolite (metabolite-to-parent ratio range, 2.5 to 3.5). Whole blood clearance was nonlinear, ranging from 19 to 51 L/h (34 to 220 mg/m(2)). Variability predicted with flat doses appears comparable with data based on body-surface area-normalized treatment. Partial responses were observed in one patient with renal clear-cell carcinoma and in one patient with breast adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION CCI-779 displayed no immunosuppressive effects with manageable and reversible adverse events at doses up to 220 mg/m(2), the highest dose tested. Based on our results, weekly doses of 25, 75, and 250 mg CCI-779 not based on classical definitions of maximum-tolerated dose are being tested in phase II trials in patients with breast and renal cancer.
Treatment of acute myocardial infarction by primary coronary angioplasty or intravenous thrombolysis in the "real world": one-year results from a nationwide French survey.

BACKGROUND Recent randomized trials comparing primary coronary angioplasty and intravenous thrombolysis at the acute stage of myocardial infarction have shown a limited but definite advantage for primary angioplasty. The aim of this study was to document 1-year outcome in patients receiving either thrombolysis or primary angioplasty for acute myocardial infarction in the "real world. " METHODS AND RESULTS We used a nationwide prospective registry of all patients admitted for acute myocardial infarction in French intensive care units in November 1995. Of the 721 patients who received reperfusion therapy, 152 were treated with primary angioplasty and 569 received intravenous thrombolysis. The two groups were remarkably similar with respect to all baseline descriptors, except that a higher proportion of patients in the angioplasty group had a history of cerebrovascular accident (10% versus 2%, P<0.01). In-hospital outcome was not different in the 2 groups. One-year survival was 85.5% in the angioplasty group and 89. 5% in the thrombolysis group (P=0.18). Multivariate analysis showed that older age, anterior location of infarction, female sex, and history of heart failure were related to 1-year mortality. In patients alive on day 5, the use of primary angioplasty and higher Killip class were additional adverse prognostic indicators. CONCLUSIONS The results of this large registry of real-world practice indicate no survival benefit for patients treated with primary angioplasty compared with those who received thrombolytic therapy.
Alterations of Endothelial Nucleotide Levels by Mycophenolic Acid Result in Changes of Membrane Glycosylation and E-Selectin Expression

Abstract The effect of the inhibitor of inosine-5′-monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), mycophenolic acid, on intracellular nucleotides and the synthesis of cellular glycoproteins was evaluated in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. A clinically attainable concentration (10 μmol/l) of mycophenolic acid decreased guanosine-5′-triphosphate (GTP) levels significantly and led to a strong elevation of uridine-5′-triphosphate (UTP), whereas intracellular adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) pools remained unaffected. The staining of the endothelial cell membranes with lectins specific for fucose and mannose (Ulex europaeus- and Galanthus nivalis agglutinin, respectively) was reduced, reflecting an inhibition of fucose and mannose incorporation into endothelial glycoproteins. The surface expression of E-selectin, an important determinant for leuko-endothelial interactions decreased significantly. Guanine and guanosine prevented the actions of mycophenolic acid and reversed the drug-induced decrease in GTP and its associated effects. The findings that mycophenolic acid produces alterations in the formation of glycoproteins and in the membrane architecture are indicative of metabolic lesions induced by an agent that depresses guanine nucleotide synthesis through inhibtion of IMPDH. The pronounced reduction of E-selectin surface expression on endothelial cells accompanied by changes of endothelial cell fucosylation, a prerequisite for the contact with lymphocytic L-selectin, indicates an inhibitory effect of mycophenolic acid in the rolling phase of leukocyte recruitment and strongly implies a new and additional immunosuppressive mechanism of this agent.
Ultrastructural morphometry of the human sperm flagellum with a stereological analysis of the lengths of the dense fibres

The dimensions of the various regions of the flagellum and the length of each of the dense fibres has been determined by transmission electron microscopy of a large number of spermatozoa from ten men. The overall mean length of the flagellum was 60.5 micron, and its diameter diminished from 0.88 micron in the midpiece to 0.17 micron at the terminal filament. The midpiece and terminal filament as measured in longitudinal sections had variable lengths among spermatozoa (3.4 +/‐ 0.5 (S.D.) micron and 3.1 +/‐ 1.0 micron respectively). Stereological analysis was used to estimate the length of the principal piece (53 micron) and the dense fibres. These latter fibres were of unequal length and extended along 60% of the length of the principal piece. They fell into 3 groups with respect to their lengths: (i) fibres 3 and 8 were short (6 micron); (ii) fibres 4, 2 and 7 were of medium length (17, 18 and 21 micron respectively); and (iii) the longest fibres were 5, 6, 9 (31, 32 and 31 micron respectively) and fibre 1 which was a little longer (35 micron). Although there was variation in the length of the various fibres among spermatozoa, the order of their termination was relatively constant. The relationship between these quantitative data regarding the structural characteristics of the dense fibres and the shape of the flagellar wave is discussed.