Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speaker diarization of news broacasts and meeting recordings

Given a piece of audio recording, the task of speaker diarization can be summarized as answering the question of “Who spoke when ? ”. This thesis offers a review of the techniques and issues relating to performing speaker diarization on broadcast news recordings, as well as meeting recordings. The broadcast news domain is generally regarded to be simpler because the turn taking between speakers is better controlled and audio quality tends to be higher. The typical approach used for this domain consist of two steps speaker segmentation and then speaker clustering. The Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) has been a very popular distance measure for both speaker segmentation and clustering. Experiments were conducted that confirmed the effectiveness of this distance measure for segmentation and clustering. Further speaker segmentation experiments were performed using the Hotelling’s T statistic to augment the BIC. It was observed that while this does speed up processing, the segmentation FScore obtained does not match up to that reported in the literature. A novel speaker clustering approach was also introduced where polynomial expanded feature vectors were used to compute the distance between clusters. It was found that this approach could produce results comparable to that for the BIC. In order to address the problem of speaker diarization for the meeting domain, a diarization system was developed and submitted for the NIST Rich Transcription 2007 (RT-07) evaluation. This diarization system exploited the diversity of meeting recording channels by performing Time Delay of Arrival (TDOA) estimation using a Normalized Least Means Squared (NLMS) filter. Subsequent performance enhancements were delivered by adding a cluster purification module, as well as a Non-Speech & Silence Removal (NS&SR) module. An overall Diarization Error Rate (DER) of 15.32% was obtained for the RT-07 corpus. This score was found to be competitive against the other entrants in the evaluation exercise. i ATTENTION: The Singapore Copyright Act applies to the use of this document. Nanyang Technological University Library
Production of Cl2O2 from the self-reaction of the ClO radical

The species Cl/sub 2/O/sub 2/ has been generated in a gaseous flow system at 220-240 K by reacting Cl atoms with one of three different ClO precursors: O/sub 3/, Cl/sub 2/O, OClO. The infrared spectra of the reactive mixture indicate that at least two different dimers are produced: a predominant form with bands centered at 1225 and 1057 cm/sup -1/ attributed to ClOOCl, and a second form with a band at 650 cm/sup -1/ attributed to ClOClO. The UV spectrum of the predominant form shows a maximum absorption cross section of approx.6. 5 x 10/sup -18/ cm/sup 2//molecule around 270 nm, with a wing extending beyond 300 nm. The implications of these results for the stratosphere are discussed.
Extracting Moving People and Categorizing their Activities in Video

The ability to automatically detect and track human movements, recognize actions and activities, understand behavior and predict goals and intentions has captured the attention of many computer vision scientists. One of the main motivations is the great potential impact that this technology can make on many applications such as video search and indexing, smart surveillance systems, medical research, video game interfaces, automatic sport commentary, human-robot interaction, among others. In this work, we focus on two important questions: given a video sequence, where are the moving humans in the sequence? what actions or activities are they performing? We first discuss the problem of extracting human motion volumes from video sequences. We present a fully automatic framework to detect and extract arbitrary human motion volumes from challenging real-world videos. We have explored a purely top-down methodology that estimates body configurations at every frame to achieve the extraction. We also present a much more efficient approach that carefully combines bottom-up and top-down cues, which enables fast extraction in near real time. We are not only interested in finding where the humans are in a given sequence, but also in understanding what they are doing. We present statistical models for the task of simple human action recognition based in spatial and spatio-temporal local features. First, we show that by adapting latent topic models we can achieve competitive simple action categorization performance in an unsupervised setting. We also present a hierarchical model for simple actions that can be characterized as a constellation-of-bags-of-features. This model leverages the spatial structure of the human body to improve action recognition. While these models are successful at the task of simple action recognition, their performance suffers when the actions of interest are more complex. We propose a discriminative model for complex action recognition capable of leveraging the temporal iii structure and composition of simpler motions into complex actions. We show that the contextual information provided by the temporal structure in our model greatly improves the complex action classification accuracy over state-of-the art models for simple action recognition.
Genetic Diversity of Field Pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) Reveals Untapped Variability and Paths Toward Selection for Domestication

Evaluation of genetic diversity within wild populations is an essential process for improvement and domestication of new crop species. This process involves evaluation of population structure and individual accessions based on genetic markers, growth habits, and geographic collection area. In this study, accessions of field pennycress were analyzed to identify population structure and variation in germplasm available for breeding. A total of 9157 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified among the 121 accessions analyzed, and linkage disequilibrium based pruning resulted in 3497 SNPs. Bayesian cluster analysis was implemented in STRUCTURE v2.3. 4 to identify four population groups. These groups were confirmed based on principal components analysis and geographic origins. Pairwise diversity among accessions was evaluated and revealed considerable genetic variation. Notably, a subset of accessions from Armenia with exceptional genetic variation was identified. This survey is the first to report significant genetic diversity among pennycress accessions and explain some of the phenotypic differences previously observed in the germplasm. Understanding variation in pennycress accessions will be a crucial step for selection, breeding, and domestication of a new cash cover crop for cold climates.
Sustained perturbation in functional connectivity induced by cold pain

Functional connectivity (FC) perturbations have been reported in multiple chronic pain phenotypes, but the nature of reported changes is varied and inconsistent between cohorts. Increases and decreases in connectivity strength in task negative and positive networks, for example, the default mode and salience networks (DMN/SN), respectively, have been described, but how other networks are effected, for example, descending pain control networks, remains unknown. Whether connectivity changes relate to peripherally-mediated nociceptive afferent input, represent coping strategies or are sequelae of chronic pain, e.g. anxiety/depression, is also unknown. Here, we examined FC changes in response to experimentally-administered tonic cold pain in healthy volunteers as a means of disambiguating the nature of connectivity changes. We assessed FC prior to, during, and following tonic cold painful stimulation in four seed regions: ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC), rostral anterior insula (rAI), subgenual anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and periaqueductal grey (PAG) and recorded subjectively reported pain using a computerised visual analogue scale. We saw DMN FC changes during painful stimulation and that inter-network communication between the rAI and sgACC seeds with the vmPFC became less anti-correlated during pain, whereas PAG-precuneus FC decreased. Pain-induced FC alterations largely persisted during a 6-minute recovery period following cessation of the painful stimulus. Observed FC changes related to the magnitude of individuals’ subjectively reported pain. We provide new insights into FC changes during and following tonic cold-pain and suggest that some FC changes observed in chronic pain patients may relate to the presence of an ongoing afferent peripheral drive.
ACSPRI 2014 4th International Social Science Methodology Conference Report

Abstract : This report summarises themes of interest to the Technology Forecasting and Futures (TFF) Group of JOAD presented at the ACSPRI 4th International Social Science Methodology conference. These themes include causal inferences in quialitative research, the role of theory and interpretation in analysing Big Data, the role of paradata in increasing data quality, the Total Survey Error framework, multi-modal on-line surveying, quality frameworks for assessing qualitative research, and the dynamics of manual vs automated data analysis. Research findings related to these themes are contextualised for the TFF S&T forecasting methodology leading to series of recommendations for improving the S&T forecasting practice.
Three-dimensional analysis of β-cell proliferation by a novel mouse model

Inducing β-cell proliferation could inhibit diabetes progression. Many factors have been suggested as potential β-cell mitogens, but their impact on β-cell replication has not been confirmed due to the lack of a standardized β-cell proliferation assay. In this study, we developed a novel method that specifically labels replicating β cells and yields more reproducible results than current immunohistochemical assays. We established a mouse line expressing the fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator (Fucci2a) reporter only in β cells through Cre-mediated recombination under the control of the rat insulin promoter (RIP-Cre;Fucci2aR). Three-dimensional imaging of optically cleared pancreas tissue from these mice enabled the quantification of replicating β cells in islets and morphometric analysis of islets following mitogen treatment. Intravital imaging of RIP-Cre;Fucci2aR mice revealed cell cycle progression of β cells. Thus, this novel mouse line is a powerful tool for spatiotemporal analysis of β-cell proliferation in response to mitogen stimulation.
Influence of the Techniques and Degrees of Ripeness on the Nutritional Qualities and Carotenoid Profiles of Tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum).

Abstract Tomato is a significant vegetable crop with numerous health benefits derived from its carotenoids, flavonoids and other phytonutrients contents. This work studies the nutritional qualities and carotenoids contents of five different cultivars of tomatoes (San Marz, Nasmata, Roma VF, Ogbomoso local and 4-lobes). The variations of pH, titratable acidity, reducing sugar, total solid, lycopene and beta-carotene contents of these tomatoes were investigated under ambient temperature and field ripening techniques and the mean values of these parameters investigated at different ripening stages and techniques were compared. Lycopene contents were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in tomatoes subjected to field ripening compared with those ripened under ambient temperature. The highest lycopene content (17.18 μg/g) was observed in Roma VF cultivar at fully-ripe stage under field ripening technique while the lowest value (0.64 μg/g) was in 4-lobes cultivar at semi-ripe stage under ambient temperature ripening. Similar trend was observed in the variation of betacarotene (a pro-Vitamin A index) among the tomato cultivars. The evaluated reducing sugar contents (ranging from 1.84 to 5.23 μg/g) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in fully-ripe tomatoes compared to semi-ripe ones under field ripening and the trend was reversed for some cultivars under ambient temperature ripening. The titratable acidities of the tomatoes were significantly higher at the semi-ripe stage (0.24 to 0.38 %) under field ripening than those obtained under ambient temperature ripening (0.15 to 0.25 %). The pH of the tomatoes ranged from 3.58 to 4.07 and 3.46 to 5.40 under field and ambient temperature ripening, respectively, and the higher pH values obtained under ambient temperature ripening condition could make such tomatoes unsuitable in tomato processing plants. Consumption of tomatoes for the purpose of dietary antioxidant lycopene and pro-Vitamin A could maximally be achieved at fully-ripe stage under field ripening condition.
Loss of function in the autism and learning disabilities associated gene Nf1 disrupts corticocortical and corticostriatal functional connectivity in human and mouse

Children with the autosomal dominant single gene disorder, neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), display multiple structural and functional changes in the central nervous system, resulting in neuropsychological cognitive abnormalities. Here we assessed the pathological functional organization that may underlie the behavioral impairments in NF1 using resting-state functional connectivity MRI. Coherent spontaneous fluctuations in the fMRI signal across the entire brain were used to interrogate the pattern of functional organization of corticocortical and corticostriatal networks in both NF1 pediatric patients and mice with a heterozygous mutation in the Nf1 gene (Nf1+/-). Children with NF1 demonstrated abnormal organization of cortical association networks and altered posterior-anterior functional connectivity in the default network. Examining the contribution of the striatum revealed that corticostriatal functional connectivity was altered. NF1 children demonstrated reduced functional connectivity between striatum and the frontoparietal network and increased striatal functional connectivity with the limbic network. Awake passive mouse functional connectivity MRI in Nf1+/- mice similarly revealed reduced posterior-anterior connectivity along the cingulate cortex as well as disrupted corticostriatal connectivity. The striatum of Nf1+/- mice showed increased functional connectivity to somatomotor and frontal cortices and decreased functional connectivity to the auditory cortex. Collectively, these results demonstrate similar alterations across species, suggesting that NF1 pathogenesis is linked to striatal dysfunction and disrupted corticocortical connectivity in the default network.
CAUSES OF VARIATION IN DISPERSAL DISTANCE IN THE STREAM SALAMANDER GYRINOPHILUS PORPHYRITICUS

Dispersal is expected to evolve as an adaptive mechanism to optimize individual fitness across the landscape. While there is evidence that active dispersers base emigration decisions (i.e., stay vs. leave) on perceived costs associated with environmental variation and inbreeding, it is less well understood how and whether these same factors influence dispersal distances– a more comprehensive measure of dispersal. More generally, the challenge of quantifying dispersal in the field has resulted in a paucity of data on the fate and fitness of dispersing individuals, leaving us with little knowledge of the factors influencing individual variation in dispersal distance. In my dissertation, I use a combination of morphological, performance, demographic, and genetic data to understand the selective forces shaping variation in dispersal distances in the stream salamander Gyrinophilus porphyriticus. I found that phenotypic attributes that facilitate long-distance dispersal restrict other locomotor performances. Specifically, salamanders that dispersed farther in the field had longer forelimbs, but swam at slower velocities under experimental conditions. These results suggest that salamanders disperse by walking, and that longer limbs may lower the cost of transport by increasing stride length. Longer limbs also impose more drag, potentially explaining the reduced swimming performance of long-distance dispersers. These results are novel in demonstrating a trade-off associated with variation in dispersal distance, and, more broadly, suggest that this and other trade-offs associated with continuous variation in dispersal distance may constrain dispersal evolution. I show that large-scale, long-term environmental variation – reflected in survival probabilities of G. porphyriticus – better predicts dispersal distances than current, local variation in habitat quality. These results provide the first empirical support for early theory that treated dispersal as an innate, ‘fixed’ quality of individuals that evolves in response to a history of spatiotemporal environmental variability at large spatial scales. Importantly, these results challenge the current paradigm that most dispersal is conditional and based on gathering information about local habitat quality. Based on these findings, I develop a conceptual model of dispersal evolution where informed strategies explain short-distance dispersal, and fixed strategies explain long-distance dispersal.
Comparative phylogeography of five widespread tree species: Insights into the history of western Amazonia

Abstract Various historical processes have been put forth as drivers of patterns in the spatial distribution of Amazonian trees and their population genetic variation. We tested whether five widespread tree species show congruent phylogeographic breaks and similar patterns of demographic expansion, which could be related to proposed Pleistocene refugia or the presence of geological arches in western Amazonia. We sampled Otoba parvifolia/glycycarpa (Myristicaceae), Clarisia biflora, Poulsenia armata, Ficus insipida (all Moraceae), and Jacaratia digitata (Caricaceae) across the western Amazon Basin. Plastid DNA (trnH–psbA; 674 individuals from 34 populations) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacers (ITS; 214 individuals from 30 populations) were sequenced to assess genetic diversity, genetic differentiation, population genetic structure, and demographic patterns. Overall genetic diversity for both markers varied among species, with higher values in populations of shade‐tolerant species than in pioneer species. Spatial analysis of molecular variance (SAMOVA) identified three genetically differentiated groups for the plastid marker for each species, but the areas of genetic differentiation were not concordant among species. Fewer SAMOVA groups were found for ITS, with no detectable genetic differentiation among populations in pioneers. The lack of spatially congruent phylogeographic breaks across species suggests no common biogeographic history of these Amazonian tree species. The idiosyncratic phylogeographic patterns of species could be due instead to species‐specific responses to geological and climatic changes. Population genetic patterns were similar among species with similar biological features, indicating that the ecological characteristics of species impact large‐scale phylogeography.
HCMV glycoprotein B subunit vaccine efficacy was mediated by non-neutralizing antibody effector functions

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common congenital infection worldwide, frequently causing hearing loss and brain damage in afflicted infants. A vaccine to prevent maternal acquisition of HCMV during pregnancy is necessary to reduce the incidence of infant disease. The glycoprotein B (gB) + MF59 adjuvant subunit vaccine platform is the most successful HCMV vaccine tested to-date, demonstrating approximately 50% efficacy in preventing HCMV acquisition in phase II trials. However, the mechanism of vaccine protection remains unknown. Plasma from 33 gB/MF59 vaccinees at peak immunogenicity was tested for gB epitope specificity as well as neutralizing and non-neutralizing anti-HCMV effector functions, and compared to an HCMV-seropositive cohort. gB/MF59 vaccination elicited IgG responses with gB-binding magnitude and avidity comparable to natural infection. Additionally, IgG subclass distribution was similar with predominant IgG1 and IgG3 responses induced by gB vaccination and HCMV infection. However, vaccine-elicited antibodies exhibited limited neutralization of the autologous virus, negligible neutralization of multiple heterologous strains, and limited binding responses against gB structural motifs targeted by neutralizing antibodies including AD-1, AD-2, and Domain I. Interestingly, vaccinees had high-magnitude IgG responses against AD-3 linear epitopes, demonstrating immunodominance against this non-neutralizing, cytosolic region. Finally, vaccine-elicited IgG robustly bound trimeric, membrane-associated gB on the surface of transfected or HCMV-infected cells and mediated virion phagocytosis, though were poor mediators of NK cell activation. Altogether, these data suggest that non-neutralizing antibody functions, including virion phagocytosis, likely played a role in the observed 50% vaccine-mediated protection against HCMV acquisition. Significance The CDC estimates that every hour, a child is born in the United States with permanent neurologic disability resulting from human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection – more than is caused by Down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome, and neural tube defects combined. A maternal vaccine to block transmission of HCMV to the developing fetus is a necessary intervention to prevent these adverse outcomes. The gB/MF59 vaccine is the most successful tested clinically to-date, achieving 50% reduction in HCMV acquisition. This manuscript establishes the function and epitope specificity of the humoral response stimulated by this vaccine that may explain the partial vaccine efficacy. Understanding the mechanism of gB/MF59-elicited protective immune responses will guide rational design and evaluation of the next generation of HCMV vaccines.
Existence of virulence genes in clinical Shigella sonnei isolates from Jiangsu Province of China: a multicenter study.

Background The ability of Shigella to invade, colonizes, and eventually kill host cells is influenced by many virulence factors. The aims of this study were to assess the presence of 11 virulence genes of S. sonnei strains isolated in this country. Methods A total of 166 S. sonnei was collected from 13 cities of Jiangsu province through the provincial Centers for Disease Control (CDC) from 2010 to 2015 and then the distribution of virulence genes was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology. Results Invasive virulence genes included ipaH and ial, in which the positive rate of ipaH was 100% while the positive rate of ial was 15.1% in S. sonnei. The classic pathway of regulating expression of Shigella virulence gene involved virF and virB gene, which positive rates were 33.7% and 24.1% respectively. The most common serine protease autotransporters of Enterobacteriaceae among S. sonnei were sigA (100%), followed by sepA (3.0%), sat (3.0%), pic (1.2%). Shigella enterotoxin genes include sen, set1A, set1B were found in 16.3%, 6.0% and 1.8% of the isolates, respectively. Conclusions This study provides baseline information on the distribution of virulence genes in clinical S. sonnei trains in Jiangsu province in China, which will be important for implementation of effective control strategies.