Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speechreading in the akinetopsic patient, L.M.

Patient L.M. has a well-documented, long-standing and profound deficit in the perception of visual movement, following bilateral lesions of area V5 (visual movement cortex). Speechreading was explored in this patient in order to clarify the extent to which the extraction of dynamic information from facial actions is necessary for speechreading. Since L.M. is able to identify biological motion from point-light displays to whole-body forms and has some limited visual motion capabilities, we expected that some speechreading of faces in action would be possible in this patient. L.M. 's reading of natural speech was severely impaired, despite unimpaired ability to recognize speech-patterns from face photographs and reasonable identification of monosyllables produced in isolation. She was unable to track multisyllabic utterances reliably and was insensitive to vision when incongruent audiovisual speech syllables were shown. Point-light displays of speech were as poorly read as whole face displays. Rate of presentation was critical to her performance. With speech, as with other visual events, including tracking the direction of gaze and of hand-movement sequences, she could report actions that unfolded slowly (approximately one event per 2 s). In line with this, she was poor at reporting whether seen speech rate was normal, fast (double-speed) or slow (half-speed). L.M. 's debility is the converse of that reported for a patient with lesions primarily to V4 (H.J.A.), who is unable to speechread photographs of faces but can speechread moving faces. The visual analysis of both form and motion is required for speechreading; the neural systems that support these analyses are discussed.
Right for the Right Reasons: Training Differentiable Models by Constraining their Explanations

Neural networks are among the most accurate supervised learning methods in use today, but their opacity makes them difficult to trust in critical applications, especially when conditions in training differ from those in test. Recent work on explanations for black-box models has produced tools (e.g. LIME) to show the implicit rules behind predictions, which can help us identify when models are right for the wrong reasons. However, these methods do not scale to explaining entire datasets and cannot correct the problems they reveal. We introduce a method for efficiently explaining and regularizing differentiable models by examining and selectively penalizing their input gradients, which provide a normal to the decision boundary. We apply these penalties both based on expert annotation and in an unsupervised fashion that encourages diverse models with qualitatively different decision boundaries for the same classification problem. On multiple datasets, we show our approach generates faithful explanations and models that generalize much better when conditions differ between training and test.
Separating resource reservations from service requests to improve the performance of optical burst-switching networks

In this paper, we introduce a new signalling architecture called Dual-header Optical Burst Switching (DOBS) for next generation burst-switching optical networks. DOBS decouples the resource reservation process from the service request process in core nodes and allows for delayed scheduling to be implemented. This relaxes the constraints on burst scheduling operations and allows the offset sizes of bursts to be precisely controlled in core nodes without the use of fiber delay line buffers. This allows for increased flexibility, control, and performance. To demonstrate the benefit of delayed scheduling and core. node offset control, we examine the performance of a DOBS system in which the offset size of every burst on a core link is set to a constant value. Using simulation and analysis, we show that the resulting constant-scheduling-offset (CSO) system realizes lower ingress delay, higher throughput, and better fairness than conventional single-header OBS systems, while simultaneously requiring only O(1) burst scheduling complexity. In a 16-channel system with full wavelength conversion and no fiber delay line buffers, the CSO DOBS system achieved a blocking probability 50% lower than that of a similar LAUC-VF JET OBS system. The CSO DOBS system also achieved perfect fairness, both with respect to burst length and with respect to the residual path length of bursts
Specific suppressive factors produced by hybridomas derived from the fusion of enriched suppressor T cells and a T lymphoma cell line

A cell fusion technique was used to produce hybridomas between the T lymphoma cell line, EL-4, derived from C57BL (H-2(b)), and an enriched population of human gamma globulin (HGG)-specific suppressor T cells prepared from the spleens of HGG-tolerant CBA mice (H-2(k)). Membrane fluorescence analysis of the hybridoma cells within 6 wk of cell fusion revealed expression of H-2(k) and I-J(k) gene products as well as H-2(b) antigens. Sonicates prepared from hybridomas which contained I-J(k) cells were tested for suppressive activity in vivo in irradiated mice given HGG-primed cells, dinitrophenyl (DNP)-primed cells, HGG-DNP, and horse erythrocytes. Among 18 such hybridoma lines, 6 showed specific suppressive activity, 5 nonspecific suppression, and 7 no suppression. Most lines progressively lost, with time, those properties derived from the normal parent cell. By about 3 mo after fusion few cells expressed CBA markers and only one cell line (number 77) retained some specific suppressive activity. In parallel with the losses was an alteration in chromosome number from near-tetraploid, soon after cell fusion, to near- diploid. Preliminary results with the T lymphoma-sensitive hypoxanthine aminopterin thymidine cell line, L5178, indicate retention of the expression of surface markers derived from the normal parent for 18 wk after hybidization. This suggests that T lymphoma cell lines may have to be screened for their capacity to produce hybridomas with stable properties.
Uncertainty and the Semantic Web

The semantic Web must handle information from applications that have special knowledge representation needs and that face uncertain, imprecise knowledge. More precisely, some applications deal with random information and events, others deal with imprecise and fuzzy knowledge, and still others deal with missing or distorted information - resulting in uncertainty. To deal with uncertainty in the semantic Web and its applications, many researchers have proposed extending OWL and the description logic (DL) formalisms with special mathematical frameworks. Researchers have proposed probabilistic, possibilistic, and fuzzy extensions, among others. Researchers have studied fuzzy extensions most extensively, providing impressive results on semantics, reasoning algorithms, and implementations. Building on these results, we've created a fuzzy extension to OWL called Fuzzy OWL. Fuzzy OWL can capture imprecise and vague knowledge. Moreover, our reasoning platform, fuzzy reasoning engine (FiRE), lets Fuzzy OWL capture and reason about such knowledge
Quantum spin systems at finite temperature

We develop a novel approach to phase transitions in quantum spin models based on a relation to the corresponding classical spin systems. Explicitly, we show that whenever chessboard estimates can be used to prove a phase transition in the classical model, the corresponding quantum model will have a similar phase transition, provided the inverse temperature β and the magnitude of the quantum spins S satisfy β √ S. From the quantum system we require that it is reflection positive and that it has a meaningful classical limit; the core technical estimate may be described as an extension of the Berezin-Lieb inequalities down to the level of matrix elements. The general theory is further applied to prove phase transitions in various quantum spin systems with S 1. The most notable examples are the quantum orbital-compass model on Z2 and the quantum 120degree model on Z3 which are shown to exhibit symmetry breaking at low-temperatures despite the infinite degeneracy of their (classical) ground state.
Assessment of quantitative structure-activity relationship of toxicity prediction models for Korean chemical substance control legislation

Objectives For successful adoption of legislation controlling registration and assessment of chemical substances, it is important to obtain sufficient toxicological experimental evidence and other related information. It is also essential to obtain a sufficient number of predicted risk and toxicity results. Particularly, methods used in predicting toxicities of chemical substances during acquisition of required data, ultimately become an economic method for future dealings with new substances. Although the need for such methods is gradually increasing, the-required information about reliability and applicability range has not been systematically provided. Methods There are various representative environmental and human toxicity models based on quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR). Here, we secured the 10 representative QSAR-based prediction models and its information that can make predictions about substances that are expected to be regulated. We used models that predict and confirm usability of the information expected to be collected and submitted according to the legislation. After collecting and evaluating each predictive model and relevant data, we prepared methods quantifying the scientific validity and reliability, which are essential conditions for using predictive models. Results We calculated predicted values for the models. Furthermore, we deduced and compared adequacies of the models using the Alternative non-testing method assessed for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals Substances scoring system, and deduced the applicability domains for each model. Additionally, we calculated and compared inclusion rates of substances expected to be regulated, to confirm the applicability. Conclusions We evaluated and compared the data, adequacy, and applicability of our selected QSAR-based toxicity prediction models, and included them in a database. Based on this data, we aimed to construct a system that can be used with predicted toxicity results. Furthermore, by presenting the suitability of individual predicted results, we aimed to provide a foundation that could be used in actual assessments and regulations.
A multicomponential examination of tennis players’ emotional responses to music

The principal aim of this research programme was to examine multiple components of competitive tennis players’ emotional responses to pre-performance music. To this end, four objectives were defined: First, to develop a grounded theory (Glaser & Strauss, 1967) of players’ use of music to manipulate emotional state; second, to examine the impact of altering music tempo and intensity on players’ affective and behavioural responses; third, to identify neural origins for these phenomena; and fourth, to elucidate the role of motoneuron excitability in behavioural responses observed. These objectives were realised in four interrelated studies. First, 14 players provided quantitative and qualitative interview, questionnaire, and diary data to detail their use of personally emotive music; a grounded theory and associated model were consequently developed to facilitate future research and practice. Participants used music to attain five broad emotional states, including psyched-up; this was associated with faster tempi and louder intensities (volumes). Study 2 was conceived to examine the effects of manipulating these variables on 54 players’ affective and behavioural states, using measures based on Russell’s (1980) affective circumplex and reaction times (RTs). Faster tempi elicited higher valence and arousal, loud intensity yielded higher arousal and shorter RTs; and higher arousal was associated with shorter RTs. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was utilised in Study 3 to identify neural bases for 12 participants’ emotional responses to the same music manipulations; emotion-processing, visuomotor and sensorimotor structures were activated under high-arousal conditions. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and electromyography were used in Study 4 to investigate changes in 10 participants’ corticospinal excitability as a result of listening to purposively selected music; optimised music elicited higher arousal and reduced corticospinal response latencies. The foremost contribution of this thesis is to show that music variables may be carefully selected and/or manipulated to maximise performance-facilitating emotional responses to music in tennis.
Plasma 8-Isoprostane Is Increased in Preterm Infants Who Develop Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia or Periventricular Leukomalacia

Our aim was to assess the plasma free 8-epi–prostaglandin F2α (8-isoprostane) and ascorbyl radical as risk indicators for oxidative damage in extremely low birth weight infants (ELB-WIs) and the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on these markers. Plasma samples were collected on days 3 and 7 of life from infants who were enrolled in a randomized, controlled trial in which i.v. NAC or placebo was administered to ELBWIs during the first week of life, with the aim of preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Plasma 8-isoprostane was analyzed in 83 infants using an enzyme immunoassay kit. Ascorbyl radical concentration was measured in 61 infants with electron spin resonance spectroscopy. The 8-isoprostane concentrations were similar in the NAC and placebo groups. In infants who later developed BPD or died (n = 29), the median (range) 8-isoprostane concentration was significantly higher (p = 0.001) on day 3 and day 7 [50.0 pg/mL (19–360) and 57.0 pg/mL (14–460), respectively] than in survivors without BPD [n = 54; 34.5 pg/mL (5–240) and 39.5 pg/mL (7–400), respectively]. The 8-isoprostane levels increased significantly more (p < 0.05) in infants who later developed periventricular leukomalacia. NAC treatment or the later development of BPD was not related to the ascorbyl radical levels. The ascorbyl radical level decreased significantly in all groups from day 3 to day 7, but the difference between the groups was not significant. The mean (SD) ascorbyl radical level on day 3 was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in infants who later developed periventricular leukomalacia [287 (124) versus 194 (90)]. These data suggest that plasma 8-isoprostane could serve as a marker in assessing the risk for BPD development in ELBWIs.
Organization Identity, Culture and Student Motivation Among Intercollegiate Forensics Competitors

This study examines competitive intercollegiate speech and debate. Specifically, levels of communication apprehension, student motivation, organizational identification and organizational culture understanding were analyzed in regard to potential gender differences. Ultimately, males and females were found to have significantly different levels of apprehension, student motivation, identification and cultural understanding. Thus, this article makes arguments as to why these relationships exist and calls for future research into speech and debate competitors' personalities and traits. Intercollegiate forensics competitions hold a long and venerable tradition in American liberal education (Cohen, 1994; Freeley & Steinberg, 2000). In contemporary times these competitions can be categorized into two types: debate events, and individual speaking (or platform) events. Although it is common for both activities to be taught at the same institution, it is equally common for one discipline to be taught to the exclusion of the other. Limited research has studied the communicative characteristics of students who join forensics programs. Cambra and Klopf (1978) studied a small sample of oral interpretation students, and argued that this group had perceived characteristics that were entirely different from students in public speaking and debate. The authors noted that, although different verbal skills are required, debaters and public speakers seem to perceive themselves as similar in their predisposition toward verbal behavior. Furthermore, while research has examined inequity in how rounds are ranked based on gender (Friedly & Manchester, 1987; Murphy, 1989; White, 1997), under representation of gender in specific events (Greenstreet, 1997), and sexual harassment in intercollegiate debate (Stepp, Simerly & Logue, 1994) no research has addressed how the genders differ in their identification with a particular forensics program. This article seeks to explore the degree to which gender potentially impacts a student's organizational identification and cultural understanding of a forensics program. This article also intends to examine the potential relationship(s) between gender and a competitor's motivation to succeed and self-reported level of communication apprehension.
Investigating Online Consumer Behavior Using Thin Slices of Usability of Web Sites

Studies in psychology have indicated that ‘thin slices,’ very brief exposure to information, have a great deal of predictive validity in judgments and decision-making. We apply this concept of “thin slices” to study the behavior of consumers when surfing online. Our primary objective is to investigate whether consumers’ thin slice judgments of web sites have validity in an online environment. We determine predictive validity of thin slices using measures on the overall usability of a web site and its navigability. We propose to test the hypotheses by conducting an experiment.
Author's Personal Copy Future Generation Computer Systems the Aneka Platform and Qos-driven Resource Provisioning for Elastic Applications on Hybrid Clouds

Cloud computing alters the way traditional software systems are built and run by introducing a utility-based model for delivering IT infrastructure, platforms, applications, and services. The consolidation of this new paradigm in both enterprises and academia demanded reconsideration in the way IT resources are used, so Cloud computing can be used together with available resources. A case for the utilization of Clouds for increasing the capacity of computing infrastructures is Desktop Grids: these infrastructures typically provide best effort execution of high throughput jobs and other workloads that fit the model of the platform. By enhancing Desktop Grid infrastructures with Cloud resources, it is possible to offer QoS to users, motivating the adoption of Desktop Grids as a viable platform for application execution. In this paper, we describe how Aneka, a platform for developing scalable applications on the Cloud, supports such a vision by provisioning resources from different sources and supporting different application models. We highlight the key concepts and features of Aneka that support the integration between Desktop Grids and Clouds and present an experiment showing the performance of this integration.
Cardiac Autonomic Function and Reactivity Tests in Physically Active Subjects with Moderately Severe COPD

ABSTRACT Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) show impairments in the autonomic nervous systems (ANS) function, which is responsible for cardiac autonomic regulation. This study assessed the autonomic function and cardio-vagal reactivity in conveniently sampled subjects with COPD participating in a pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) program. Twenty-six subjects with COPD and 22 age and gender matched control subjects were evaluated. R-R intervals were collected at rest in supine position. Thereafter, resting autonomic function parameters comprising linear and nonlinear analyses of heart rate variability (HRV) and baroreceptor sensitivity (BRS) were calculated. Autonomic reactivity tests comprising deep breathing (DB), Valsalva maneuver (VM), and head up tilt (HUT) were also performed. The results of this study indicated that resting autonomic function variables were generally reduced in COPD compared to controls. However, this difference was only statistically significant for a few HRV parameters: mean RR intervals, low frequency (LF), standard deviation of dispersion of points perpendicular to the line-of-identity (SD1), and approximate entropy (ApEn) (p < 0.05). The results also indicated that all cardio-vagal indices following the autonomic reactivity tests were comparable between COPD and controls (p > 0.05). It was concluded that subtle autonomic impairments exists in physically active COPD patients, and these autonomic function deficits were mainly recognized by resting HRV indices and not autonomic reactivity tests.
AuRA-NMS: An autonomous regional active network management system for EDF energy and SP energy networks

This paper discusses the authors' experience of developing an active network management system for use by two different distribution network operators (DNOs) in the UK with differing network management requirements. The paper describes the fundamental building blocks of AuRA-NMS (autonomous regional active network management system) and how their development was driven by the requirements of the partner DNOs. Practical experience of use of AI techniques to provide AuRA-NMS with its required intelligence and how that intelligence was distributed within the network is discussed. The paper also discusses the different deployment approaches taken by the two DNOs.
Addressing education of speech-language pathologists in the World Report on Disability: Development of a speech-language pathology program in Malaysia

Abstract The current paper is a response to the Wiley, McAllister, Davidson, and Marshall lead article regarding the application of the World Report on Disability (WRD) to people with communication disorders. The current paper directly addresses recommendation 5 (improvement of human resource capacity) and indirectly addresses recommendations 7, 8, and 9 (related to improving local knowledge and data on communicative disabilities) indirectly. The paper describes Malaysia's initiatives in the early 1990s, in developing its local professional capacity to provide services for people with communication disorders (PWCD). It charts the history of development of a local undergraduate entry-level degree program for speech-language pathology (SLP) from the point of conceptualization to full execution. The article provides glimpses to the processes and challenges faced by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia as the pioneer university in the South East Asia region to undertake the training and education of the SLP profession and highlights relevant issues faced by newly introduced professions in a country where resources and practice traditions were previously unavailable. It underscores the important role played by government institutions and an international professional network in driving forward-looking policies to implement and sustain the program.
Examining Dementia in Down's Syndrome (DS)

Twenty clients with Down's syndrome (DS) and 21 clients with non-Down's syndrome (NDS) learning disabilities were assessed using specially selected neuropsychological assessment tools at two time points separated by twelve months. Evidence was found to support hypothesis 1 which suggested that people with DS show a greater decline in social abilities with age, compared with other groups of people with learning disabilities. Statistically, score changes reflecting the social abilities of the DS clients were found to be significantly greater (p <.002) than those of the NDS clients. Findings were explained in terms of poor language abilities in DS people generally, and the link between declining social abilities and dementia.