Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deep segmental neural networks for speech recognition

Hybrid systems which integrate the deep neural network (DNN) and hidden Markov model (HMM) have recently achieved remarkable performance in many large vocabulary speech recognition tasks. These systems, however, remain to rely on the HMM and estimate the acoustic scores for the (windowed) frames independently of each other, suffering from the same difficulty as in the previous GMM-HMM systems. In this paper, we propose the deep segmental neural network (DSNN), a segmental model that uses DNNs to estimate the acoustic scores of phonemic or sub-phonemic segments with variable lengths. This allows the DSNN to represent each segment as a single unit, in which frames are made dependent on each other. We describe the architecture of the DSNN, as well as its learning and decoding algorithms. Our evaluation experiments demonstrate that the DSNN can outperform the DNN/HMM hybrid systems and two existing segmental models including the segmental conditional random field and the shallow segmental neural network.
Bandwidth-Efficient Modulation Codes Based on Nonbinary Irregular Repeat–Accumulate Codes

Using nonbinary low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes with random-coset mapping, Bennatan and Burshtein constructed bandwidth-efficient modulation codes with remarkable performance under belief propagation (BP) decoding. However, due to the random nature of LDPC codes, most of the good LDPC codes found in the literature do not have a simple encoding structure. Thus, the encoding complexity of those LDPC codes can be as high as O(N 2), where N is the codeword length. To reduce the encoding complexity, in this paper, nonbinary irregular repeat-accumulate (IRA) codes with time-varying characteristic and random-coset mapping are proposed for bandwidth-efficient modulation schemes. The time-varying characteristic and random-coset mapping result in both permutation-invariance and symmetry properties, respectively, in the densities of decoder messages. The permutation-invariance and symmetry properties of the proposed codes enable the approximations of densities of decoder messages using Gaussian distributions. Under the Gaussian approximation, extrinsic information transfer (EXIT) charts for nonbinary IRA codes are developed and several codes of different spectral efficiencies are designed based on EXIT charts. In addition, by proper selection of nonuniform signal constellations, the constructed codes are inherently capable of obtaining shaping gains, even without separate shaping codes. Simulation results indicate that the proposed codes not only have simple encoding schemes, but also have remarkable performance that is even better than that constructed using nonbinary LDPC codes.
Integrating perception, language and problem solving in a cognitive agent for a mobile robot

We are implementing a unified cognitive architecture for a mobile robot. Our goal is to endow a robot agent with the full range of cognitive abilities, including perception, use of natural language, learning and the ability to solve complex problems. The perspective of this work is that an architecture based on a unified theory of robot cognition has the best chance of attaining human-level performance. This agent architecture is an integration of three theories: a theory of cognition embodied in the Soar system, the RS formal model of sensorimotor activity and an algebraic theory of decomposition and reformulation. These three theories share a hierarchical structure that is the basis of their integration. These three component theories have been implemented and tested separately and their integration is currently underway. This paper describes these components and the overall architecture.
The transcriptional repressor REST is a critical regulator of the neurosecretory phenotype

Release of distinct cellular cargoes in response to specific stimuli is a process fundamental to all higher eukaryotes and controlled by the regulated secretory pathway (RSP). However, the mechanism by which genes involved in the RSP are selectively expressed, leading to the establishment and appropriate functioning of regulated secretion remaining largely unknown. Using the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12, we provide evidence that, by controlling expression of many genes involved in the RSP, the transcriptional repressor REST can regulate this pathway and hence the neurosecretory phenotype. Introduction of REST transgenes into PC12 cells leads to the repression of many genes, the products of which are involved in regulated secretion. Moreover, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays show that many of the repressed genes recruit the recombinant REST protein to RE1 sites within their promoters and abrogation of REST function leads to reactivation of these transcripts. In addition to the observed transcriptional effects, PC12 cells expressing REST have fewer secretory granules and a reduction in the ability to store and release noradrenaline. Furthermore, an important trigger for synaptic release, influx of calcium through voltage‐operated calcium channels, is compromised. This is the first demonstration of a transcription factor that directly controls expression of many major components of the RSP and provides further insight into the function of REST.
A survey on analytic studies of Delay-Tolerant Mobile Sensor Networks

This paper presents a survey of analytic studies on the Delay-Tolerant Mobile Sensor Network (DTMSN). We first give an overview of the analytic study on DTMSN, by identifying several key design components, that is, nodal mobility model, data delivery scheme, and queue management scheme. Then, several representative analytic models of DTMSN are exemplified and discussed in detail, with thorough comparison presented and possible open research issues enumerated. We expect that this paper will provide a deep understanding of the characteristics of DTMSN, and at the same time reveal the key design issues in its modeling and performance analysis, leading to useful insights for future theoretic study and protocol design. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A geometrical perspective on localization

A large number of localization algorithms for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are evaluated against the Cramer-Rao Bound (CRB) as an indicator of how good the algorithm performs. The CRB defines the lower bound on the precision of an unbiased localization estimator. The CRB concept, borrowed from GPS localization, however, does not translate well to WSNs. In this paper, we show in which cases the CRB fails to capture troublesome anchor configurations leading to erroneous lower bounds. We continue with a study on the geometrical configurations of anchors favorable to localization algorithms. We conclude by proposing a metric to characterize the stability of the geometry of a certain anchor topology. Future work will address the combination of geometry and statistical metrics with the goal of obtaining a clear image on localization algorithms boundaries.
An evaluation of stress education in the Royal Navy.

BACKGROUND Psychoeducational programmes aim to reduce the morbidity associated with exposure to stressful events. Although they are widely used, there are conflicting views as to how or why they might be effective. AIM To examine exposure to 'stress' education within the Royal Navy (RN) and ascertain any links between stress education and mental health status. METHODS In all, 1559 RN personnel were surveyed using a study questionnaire which asked about exposure to and quality of any stress education provided during service. Participants also completed two measures of psychological health, the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12 item and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated and 95% confidence intervals were computed using multivariable logistic regression adjusting for socio-demographic variables. RESULTS The response rate was 70%; 47% of the sample reported having received a stress brief during service. Those who reported having received a brief had better general mental health (measured by the GHQ) than those who had not [adjusted, OR = 0.76 (0.59-0.98)]. When brief quality was taken into account, only those who received a brief and considered it 'useful' were significantly less distressed [adjusted, OR = 0.65 (0.49-0.86)]. Poor-quality briefs were no better than having had no brief at all [adjusted, OR = 1.04 (0.74-1.47)]. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that only educational stress briefs which are relevant for the target audience may be beneficial. Simply providing stress briefings, without thought to their quality, may constitute a waste of resources.
Low-cost fabrication technologies for nanostructures: state-of-the-art and potential

In the last decade, some low-cost nanofabrication technologies used in several disciplines of nanotechnology have demonstrated promising results in terms of versatility and scalability for producing innovative nanostructures. While conventional nanofabrication technologies such as photolithography are and will be an important part of nanofabrication, some low-cost nanofabrication technologies have demonstrated outstanding capabilities for large-scale production, providing high throughputs with acceptable resolution and broad versatility. Some of these nanotechnological approaches are reviewed in this article, providing information about the fundamentals, limitations and potential future developments towards nanofabrication processes capable of producing a broad range of nanostructures. Furthermore, in many cases, these low-cost nanofabrication approaches can be combined with traditional nanofabrication technologies. This combination is considered a promising way of generating innovative nanostructures suitable for a broad range of applications such as in opto-electronics, nano-electronics, photonics, sensing, biotechnology or medicine.
Excitation-transcription coupling in skeletal muscle: the molecular pathways of exercise

Muscle fibres have different properties with respect to force, contraction speed, endurance, oxidative/glycolytic capacity etc. Although adult muscle fibres are normally post‐mitotic with little turnover of cells, the physiological properties of the pre‐existing fibres can be changed in the adult animal upon changes in usage such as after exercise. The signal to change is mainly conveyed by alterations in the patterns of nerve‐evoked electrical activity, and is to a large extent due to switches in the expression of genes. Thus, an excitation‐transcription coupling must exist. It is suggested that changes in nerve‐evoked muscle activity lead to a variety of activity correlates such as increases in free intracellular Ca2+ levels caused by influx across the cell membrane and/or release from the sarcoplasmatic reticulum, concentrations of metabolites such as lipids and ADP, hypoxia and mechanical stress. Such correlates are detected by sensors such as protein kinase C (PKC), calmodulin, AMP‐activated kinase (AMPK), peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor δ (PPARδ), and oxygen dependent prolyl hydroxylases that trigger intracellular signaling cascades. These complex cascades involve several transcription factors such as nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT), myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2), myogenic differentiation factor (myoD), myogenin, PPARδ, and sine oculis homeobox 1/eyes absent 1 (Six1/Eya1). These factors might act indirectly by inducing gene products that act back on the cascade, or as ultimate transcription factors binding to and transactivating/repressing genes for the fast and slow isoforms of various contractile proteins and of metabolic enzymes. The determination of size and force is even more complex as this involves not only intracellular signaling within the muscle fibres, but also muscle stem cells called satellite cells. Intercellular signaling substances such as myostatin and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) seem to act in a paracrine fashion. Induction of hypertrophy is accompanied by the satellite cells fusing to myofibres and thereby increasing the capacity for protein synthesis. These extra nuclei seem to remain part of the fibre even during subsequent atrophy as a form of muscle memory facilitating retraining. In addition to changes in myonuclear number during hypertrophy, changes in muscle fibre size seem to be caused by alterations in transcription, translation (per nucleus) and protein degradation.
K88 Fimbrial Adhesin Targeting of Microspheres Containing Gentamicin Made with Albumin Glycated with Lactose

The formulation and characterization of gentamicin-loaded microspheres as a delivery system targeting enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 (E. coli K88) was investigated. Glycated albumin with lactose (BSA-glucose-β (4-1) galactose) was used as the microsphere matrix (MS-Lac) and gentamicin included as the transported antibiotic. The proposed target strategy was that exposed galactoses of MS-Lac could be specifically recognized by E. coli K88 adhesins, and the delivery of gentamicin would inhibit bacterial growth. Lactosylated microspheres (MS-Lac1, MS-Lac2 and MS-Lac3) were obtained using a water-in-oil emulsion, containing gentamicin, followed by crosslinking with different concentrations of glutaraldehyde. Electron microscopy displayed spherical particles with a mean size of 10–17 µm. In vitro release of gentamicin from MS-Lac was best fitted to a first order model, and the antibacterial activity of encapsulated and free gentamicin was comparable. MS-Lac treatments were recognized by plant galactose-specific lectins from Ricinus communis and Sophora japonica and by E. coli K88 adhesins. Results indicate MS-Lac1, produced with 4.2 mg/mL of crosslinker, as the best treatment and that lactosylated microsphere are promising platforms to obtain an active, targeted system against E. coli K88 infections.
Application of randomized algorithm in key frames extraction

With the application of multimedia information, a large amount of video information comes forth, how to retrieval the information required from the vast amount of data is vital. Content-based Video Retrieval is one of the leading methods to get the needed information from the vast amount of video data. Technology to extract key frames, which is an important part of content-based video retrieval, was studied carefully. In the compressed domain environment, firstly divide the two frames to be compared into sub-blocks, and then use randomized algorithm to select a subset of the divided sub-blocks to calculate similarity, and then to select key frames. The method can be guaranteed to meet the inter-frame similarity calculation under a certain precision, significantly reducing the number of sub-blocks needed to compare, thereby enhancing operational efficiency of the algorithm, and experimental results proved to be better.
Cellular heat shock factor 1 positively regulates human immunodeficiency virus-1 gene expression and replication by two distinct pathways

Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection leads to changes in cellular gene expression, which in turn tend to modulate viral gene expression and replication. Cellular heat shock proteins (HSPs) are induced upon heat shock, UV irradiation and microbial or viral infections. We have reported earlier Nef-dependent induction of HSP40 leading to increased HIV-1 gene expression; however, the mechanism of induction remained to be elucidated. As expression of HSPs is regulated by heat shock factors (HSFs), we have now studied the role of HSF1 not only in Nef-dependent HSP40 induction but also in HIV-1 gene expression. Our results show that HSF1 is also induced during HIV-1 infection and it positively regulates HIV-1 gene expression by two distinct pathways. First, along with Nef it activates HSP40 promoter which in turn leads to increased HIV-1 gene expression. Second, HSF1 directly interacts with newly identified HSF1 binding sequence on HIV-1 LTR promoter and induces viral gene expression and replication. Thus, the present work not only identifies a molecular basis for HSF1-mediated enhancement of viral replication but also provides another example of how HIV-1 uses host cell machinery for its successful replication in the host.
Towards solution processed all-carbon solar cells: a perspective

In this perspective, we describe a new type of photovoltaic all-carbon composites, in which single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and fullerenes are directly co-assembled and processed in water using graphene oxide (GO) as a surfactant. Solar cells made with C60/SWCNTs/reduced GO as the active layer and an additional evaporated C60 blocking layer yield a power conversion efficiency of 0.21%, which can be significantly increased to 0.85% by replacing C60 with the better absorber C70. These results suggest the possibility of making a new generation of solution processed all-carbon solar cells, in which all the functional layers are made of graphitic nanomaterials.
Real-Time Lymphography by Indocyanine Green Fluorescence: Improved Navigation for Regional Lymph Node Staging

ObjectivesLymphatic imaging is an important step for the identification of lymphonodal positive disease in solid malignancies. Various methods have been established to detect positive lymph nodes, but the available diagnostic tools leave some inherent drawbacks. The aim of this study was to validate the indocyanine green (ICG) guided approach for transcutaneous and transmesenterial navigation with accurate lymph vessel and node identification for regional lymph node staging in solid malignancies. MethodsAfter institutional review board approval, a planar fluorescence imaging system was applied for lymphography and lymph node detection using ICG. A total of 96 patients were recruited and subject to fluorescence navigation for axillary (n = 46), inguinal (n = 16), and mesenterial (n = 34) visualization to analyze technical and clinical feasibility of the method after regional lymph node dissection and the applicability. ResultsOverall fluorescence imaging identified lymphatic vessels and the SLN in 92 out of 96 patients (detection rate: 96%) after a mean injection of 7 mg ICG. Sensitivity based on fluorescent emission of ICG navigation was 95.6% in 65 out of 68 patients with lymph node dissection. All solid tumors were feasible for fluorescence-guided navigation with a broad spectrum. ConclusionFluorescence-guided real-time lymphography with navigation to regional lymph nodes enables accurate visualization for a broad spectrum of different solid tumors with potential lymphonodal spread. In addition, the technique can be applied for lymphography in non-malignant diseases. With reference to the broad application spectrum, institutional investment in camera equipment can be justified.
Three-Dimensional Chip-Multiprocessor Run-Time Thermal Management

Three-dimensional integration has the potential to improve the communication latency and integration density of chip-level multiprocessors (CMPs). However, the stacked high-power density layers of 3D CMPs increase the importance and difficulty of thermal management. In this paper, we investigate the 3D CMP run-time thermal management problem and describe efficient management techniques. This paper makes the following main contributions: 1) It identifies and describes the critical concepts required for optimal thermal management, namely the methods by which heterogeneity in both workload power characteristics and processor core thermal characteristics should be exploited; and 2) it proposes an efficient proactive continuously engaged hardware and operating system thermal management technique governed by optimal thermal management polices. The proposed technique is evaluated using multiprogrammed and multithreaded benchmarks in an integrated power, performance, and temperature full-system simulation environment. We find that proactive power-thermal budgeting allows a 30% improvement in instruction throughput compared to a proactive thermal management approach that bases decisions only upon local information. The software components of the proposed thermal management technique have been implemented in the Linux 2.6. 8 kernel. This source code will be publicly released. The analysis and technique developed in this paper provide a general solution for future 3D and 2D CMPs.
A new prognostic score for AIDS-related lymphomas in the rituximab-era

While the International Prognostic Index is commonly used to predict outcomes in immunocompetent patients with aggressive B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas, HIV-infection is an important competing risk for death in patients with AIDS-related lymphomas. We investigated whether a newly created prognostic score (AIDS-related lymphoma International Prognostic Index) could better assess risk of death in patients with AIDS-related lymphomas. We randomly divided a dataset of 487 patients newly diagnosed with AIDS-related lymphomas and treated with rituximab-containing chemoimmunotherapy into a training (n=244) and validation (n=243) set. We examined the association of HIV-related and other known risk factors with overall survival in both sets independently. We defined a new score (AIDS-related lymphoma International Prognostic Index) by assigning weights to each significant predictor [age-adjusted International Prognostic Index, extranodal sites, HIV-score (composed of CD4 count, viral load, and prior history of AIDS)] with three risk categories similar to the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (low, intermediate and high risk). We compared the prognostic value for overall survival between AIDS-related lymphoma International Prognostic Index and age-adjusted International Prognostic Index in the validation set and found that the AIDS-related lymphoma International Prognostic Index performed significantly better in predicting risk of death than the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index (P=0.004) and better discriminated risk of death between each risk category (P=0.015 vs. P=0.13). Twenty-eight percent of patients were defined as low risk by the ARL-IPI and had an estimated 5-year overall survival (OS) of 78% (52% intermediate risk, 5-year OS 60%; 20% high risk, 5-year OS 50%).
Is increased arousal in social anxiety noticed by others?

Cette recherche, faite sur des sujets anxieux ou non, montre que l'anxiete auto-evaluee est significativement plus elevee que l'anxiete evaluee par les pairs, ceci pour les sujets tres anxieux et presentant des symptomes somatiques
Contextual Constraints for Person Retrieval in Camera Networks

We use contextual constraints for person retrieval in camera networks. We start by formulating a set of general positive and negative constraints on the identities of person tracks in camera networks, such as a person cannot appear twice in the same frame. We then show how these constraints can be used to improve person retrieval. First, we use the constraints to obtain training data in an unsupervised way to learn a general metric that is better suited to discriminate between different people than the Euclidean distance. Second, starting from an initial query track, we enhance the query-set using the constraints to obtain additional positive and negative samples for the query. Third, we formulate the person retrieval task as an energy minimization problem, integrate track scores and constraints in a common framework and jointly optimize the retrieval over all interconnected tracks. We evaluate our approach on the CAVIAR dataset and achieve 22% relative performance improvement in terms of mean average precision over standard retrieval where each track is treated independently.