Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acoustic-to-phonetic mapping using recurrent neural networks

This paper describes the application of artificial neural networks to acoustic-to-phonetic mapping. The experiments described are typical of problems in speech recognition in which the temporal nature of the input sequence is critical. The specific task considered is that of mapping formant contours to the corresponding CVC' syllable. We performed experiments on formant data extracted from the acoustic speech signal spoken at two different tempos (slow and normal) using networks based on the Elman simple recurrent network model. Our results show that the Elman networks used in these experiments were successful in performing the acoustic-to-phonetic mapping from formant contours. Consequently, we demonstrate that relatively simple networks, readily trained using standard backpropagation techniques, are capable of initial and final consonant discrimination and vowel identification for variable speech rates.
Friction stir spot welding of DP780 carbon steel

Friction stir spot welds were made in uncoated and galvannealed DP780 sheets using polycrystalline boron nitride stir tools. The tools were plunged at either a single continuous rate or in two segments consisting of a relatively high rate followed by a slower rate of shorter depth. Welding times ranged from 1 to 10 s. Increasing tool rotation speed from 800 to 1600 rev min–1 increased strength values. The 2-segment welding procedures also produced higher strength joints. Average lap shear strengths exceeding 10·3 kN were consistently obtained in 4 s on both the uncoated and the galvannealed DP780. The likelihood of diffusion and mechanical interlocking contributing to bond formation was supported by metallographic examinations. A cost analysis based on spot welding in automobile assembly showed that for friction stir spot welding to be economically competitive with resistance spot welding the cost of stir tools must approach that of resistance spot welding electrode tips.
Towards the Automatic Detection of Efficient Computing Assets in a Heterogeneous Cloud Environment

In a heterogeneous cloud environment, the manual grading of computing assets is the first step in the process of configuring IT infrastructures to ensure optimal utilization of resources. Grading the efficiency of computing assets is however, a difficult, subjective and time consuming manual task. Thus, an automatic efficiency grading algorithm is highly desirable. In this paper, we compare the effectiveness of the different criteria used in the manual grading task for automatically determining the efficiency grading of a computing asset. We report results on a dataset of 1,200 assets from two different data centers in IBM Toronto. Our preliminary results show that electrical costs (associated with power and cooling) appear to be even more informative than hardware and age based criteria as a means of determining the efficiency grade of an asset. Our analysis also indicates that the effectiveness of the various efficiency criteria is dependent on the asset demographic of the data centre under consideration.
Structural properties of Si1-xGex alloys: A Monte Carlo simulation with the Stillinger-Weber potential.

The structural properties of binary silicon-germanium alloys are investigated by means of large-scale constant-pressure Monte Carlo simulations of the Stillinger-Weber model. At low temperatures, the binary-mixture phase separates into Si-rich and Ge-rich phases. The two-phase coexistence region is terminated by a critical point that belongs to the mean-field universality class. We also studied the structural properties of pure Si and Ge as well as the binary mixture. In particular, we found that the linear thermal expansions for both Si and Ge are in agreement with experiments, and that V\'egard's law is valid at temperatures above the critical point. Finally, we compare the bond-length and bond-angle distributions with earlier analytical and numerical calculations based on the Kirkwood potential.
Integrating GHS into the Ghrelin System

Oligopeptide derivatives of metenkephalin were found to stimulate growth-hormone (GH) release directly by pituitary somatotrope cells in vitro in 1977. Members of this class of peptides and nonpeptidyl mimetics are referred to as GH secretagogues (GHSs). A specific guanosine triphosphatate-binding protein-associated heptahelical transmembrane receptor for GHS was cloned in 1996. An endogenous ligand for the GHS receptor, acylghrelin, was identified in 1999. Expression of ghrelin and homonymous receptor occurs in the brain, pituitary gland, stomach, endothelium/vascular smooth muscle, pancreas, placenta, intestine, heart, bone, and other tissues. Principal actions of this peptidergic system include stimulation of GH release via combined hypothalamopituitary mechanisms, orexigenesis (appetitive enhancement), insulinostasis (inhibition of insulin secretion), cardiovascular effects (decreased mean arterial pressure and vasodilation), stimulation of gastric motility and acid secretion, adipogenesis with repression of fat oxidation, and antiapoptosis (antagonism of endothelial, neuronal, and cardiomyocyte death). The array of known and proposed interactions of ghrelin with key metabolic signals makes ghrelin and its receptor prime targets for drug development.
Role of Intrathecal Rituximab and Trastuzumab in the Management of Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis

Objective: To review evidence for the use of intrathecal rituximab and trastuzumab in the management of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis. Data Sources: A search of MEDLINE (1966–July 2010) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–July 2010) was performed using search terms intrathecal, trastuzumab, rituximab, and monoclonal antibody. Additionally, American Society of Clinical Oncology, San Antonio Breast Conference, American Association for Cancer Research, and American Society of Hematology meeting abstracts were searched. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Publications were reviewed for inclusion. Those reporting use of rituximab and trastuzumab intrathecally are reviewed and include 1 Phase 1 trial, 2 small prospective studies, 1 case series, and 15 case reports. Data Synthesis: The treatment of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis is challenging due to the presence of the blood–brain barrier. Numerous systemically administered therapies do not readily penetrate into the site of leptomeningeal disease and have been ineffective. Intrathecal administration of 2 monoclonal antibodies (trastuzumab and rituximab) has been investigated in case reports and case series. Additionally, intrathecal rituximab has been investigated in a Phase 1 study. Survival after intrathecal trastuzumab ranged from 39 days to greater than 72 months and the drug was well tolerated, with no adverse events attributed to it. Doses used in these reports ranged from 5 to 100 mg. Survival after intrathecal rituximab ranged from 1.1 weeks to greater than 3.5 years. In the Phase 1 trial, the maximum tolerated rituximab dose was 25 mg and 60% of patients responded. Four of the 6 responding patients experienced a complete response. Intrathecal rituximab exhibited minor toxicities that resolved quickly without long-term effects. Conclusions: Reports suggest that both trastuzumab and rituximab may be utilized intrathecally. Patients with refractory leptomeningeal carcinomatosis may benefit from a trial of intrathecal trastuzumab or rituximab; however, their use remains investigational, as more data and experience are necessary before intrathecal administration can be considered standard.
Design of zero-phase-shift-line (ZPSL) loop antennas using full dispersion characteristics

The full dispersion characteristics, including phase and attenuation constants, of zero-phase-shift-lines (ZPSL) in a loop configuration are analyzed. Based on the phase and attenuation constants of the ZPSL unit cell, a ZPSL loop antenna is designed and optimized with an enhanced magnetic field intensity and an improved field distribution. Corresponding antenna prototypes are fabricated and measured to validate the optimized design.
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase p85beta regulates invadopodium formation

ABSTRACT The acquisition of invasiveness is characteristic of tumor progression. Numerous genetic changes are associated with metastasis, but the mechanism by which a cell becomes invasive remains unclear. Expression of p85&bgr;, a regulatory subunit of phosphoinositide-3-kinase, markedly increases in advanced carcinoma, but its mode of action is unknown. We postulated that p85&bgr; might facilitate cell invasion. We show that p85&bgr; localized at cell adhesions in complex with focal adhesion kinase and enhanced stability and maturation of cell adhesions. In addition, p85&bgr; induced development at cell adhesions of an F-actin core that extended several microns into the cell z-axis resembling the skeleton of invadopodia. p85&bgr; lead to F-actin polymerization at cell adhesions by recruiting active Cdc42/Rac at these structures. In accordance with p85&bgr; function in invadopodium-like formation, p85&bgr; levels increased in metastatic melanoma and p85&bgr; depletion reduced invadopodium formation and invasion. These results show that p85&bgr; enhances invasion by inducing cell adhesion development into invadopodia-like structures explaining the metastatic potential of tumors with increased p85&bgr; levels.
With best intentions: A Foucauldian examination on children's genuine participation in ICT design

Purpose – Children have been recognized as an important user group for information and communication technology (ICT) and methods for involving them in ICT design have already been devised. However, there is a lack of research on children’s genuine or authentic participation in ICT design as well as a lack of critical research scrutinizing how “children” and “their participation” actually end up constructed in ICT design. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – An intervention involving children in ICT design following the research strategy of nexus analysis was implemented. A qualitative data archive of this intervention is examined through a Foucauldian lens. Findings – The study reveals that numerous discourses were relied on when talking about “children” and “their participation” in the case project: the discourses of participation, equality, domination, segregation, rebellion, and patronization were identified. Moreover, “children” were constructed as equal partners and .
Pharmacogenetics of OATP Transporters Reveals That SLCO1B1 c.388A>G Variant Is Determinant of Increased Atorvastatin Response

Aims The relationship between variants in SLCO1B1 and SLCO2B1 genes and lipid-lowering response to atorvastatin was investigated. Material and Methods One-hundred-thirty-six unrelated individuals with hypercholesterolemia were selected and treated with atorvastatin (10 mg/day/4 weeks). They were genotyped with a panel of ancestry informative markers for individual African component of ancestry (ACA) estimation by SNaPshot® and SLCO1B1 (c.388A>G, c.463C>A and c.521T>C) and SLCO2B1 (−71T>C) gene polymorphisms were identified by TaqMan® Real-time PCR. Results Subjects carrying SLCO1B1 c.388GG genotype exhibited significantly high low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol reduction relative to c.388AA+c.388AG carriers (41 vs. 37%, p = 0.034). Haplotype analysis revealed that homozygous of SLCO1B1*15 (c.521C and c.388G) variant had similar response to statin relative to heterozygous and non-carriers. A multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that c.388GG genotype was associated with higher LDL cholesterol reduction in the study population (OR: 3.2, CI95%:1.3–8.0, p < 0.05). Conclusion SLCO1B1 c.388A>G polymorphism causes significant increase in atorvastatin response and may be an important marker for predicting efficacy of lipid-lowering therapy.
Biomarkers: The Clues to Genetic Susceptibility.

There are approximately 500,000 cancer-related deaths annually in the United States. Scientists believe as that many as 80% of those deaths could be prevented due to the fact that most malignancies are a result of external factors rather than inherent biological conditions. With recent advances in molecular biology, a new field that combines highly sensitive and specific techniques for detecting early damage associated with cancer has emerged. By combining knowledge about external factors related to lifestyle and environmental or occupational exposure to chemicals with knowledge of how genetic differences cause variations in human responses to environmental pollutants, scientists are developing a better understanding of questions such as why some smokers get cancer but others do not, why certain groups of people have a higher incidence of cancer after exposure to a toxicant and others do not, and why certain women are more prone to develop breast cancer than others. Scientists using biomarkers of susceptibility will be able to identify risks and prevent adverse health effects through prevention and intervention strategies.
Conditions for Synchronizability in Arrays of Coupled Linear Systems

Synchronization in arrays of coupled continuous-time linear systems is studied. Sufficiency of certain conditions for the existence of a synchronizing feedback law are analyzed. It is shown that, for neutrally stable systems that are detectable from their outputs, a linear feedback law exists under which any number of coupled systems synchronize provided that the (directed, weighted) graph describing the interconnection is fixed and connected. An algorithm generating one such feedback law as well as the trajectory that the solutions converge to are presented. It is also shown that, for critically unstable systems, detectability is not sufficient, whereas full-state coupling is, for the existence of a linear feedback law that is synchronizing for all coupling configurations described by a connected graph.
Characterizing International Travel Behavior from Geotagged Photos: A Case Study of Flickr

Recent advances in multimedia and mobile technologies have facilitated large volumes of travel photos to be created and shared online. Although previous studies have utilized geotagged photos to model travel patterns at individual locations, there is limited research on how these datasets can model international travel behavior and inter-country travel flows—a crucial indicator to quantify the interactions between countries in tourism economics. Realizing the necessity to investigate the potential of geotagged photos in tourism geography, this research investigates international travel patterns from two perspectives: 1) We apply a series of indicators (radius of gyration (ROG), number of countries visited, and entropy) to measure the descriptive characteristics of international travel in different countries; 2) By constructing a gravity model of trade, we investigate how distance decay influences the magnitude of international travel flow between geographic entities, and whether (or how much) the popularity of a given destination (defined as the percentage of tourist income in national gross domestic product (GDP)) affects travel choices in different countries. The results provide valuable input to various commercial applications such as individual travel planning and destination suggestions.
Artificial Neural Network Approach for Fault Detection in Pneumatic Valve in Cooler Water Spray System

The detection and diagnosis of faults in technical systems are of great practical significance and paramount importance for the safe operation of the plant. The early detection of fault can help avoid system shutdown, breakdown and even catastrophe involving human fatalities and material damage. Since the operator cannot monitor all variables simultaneously, an automated approach is needed for the real time monitoring and diagnosis of the system. This paper presents the design and development of artificial neural network based model for the fault detection of Pneumatic valve in cooler water spray system in cement industry. The network is developed to detect a totally nineteen faults. The training and testing data required to develop the neural network model were generated at different operating conditions by operating the pneumatic valve and by creating various faults in real time in a laboratory experimental model. The performance of the developed back propagation is found to be satisfactory for the real time fault diagnosis.
The impact of altitude on the sleep of young elite soccer players (ISA3600)

Background Altitude training is used by elite athletes to improve sports performance, but it may also disrupt sleep. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of 2 weeks at high altitude on the sleep of young elite athletes. Methods Participants (n=10) were members of the Australian under-17 soccer team on an 18-day (19-night) training camp in Bolivia, with six nights at near sea level in Santa Cruz (430 m) and 13 nights at high altitude in La Paz (3600 m). Sleep was monitored using polysomnography during a baseline night at 430 m and three nights at 3600 m (immediately after ascent, 1 week after ascent and 2 weeks after ascent). Data were analysed using effect size statistics. Results All results are reported as comparisons with baseline. Rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was likely lower immediately upon ascent to altitude, possibly lower after 1 week and similar after 2 weeks. On all three nights at altitude, hypopneas and desaturations were almost certainly higher; oxygen saturation was almost certainly lower; and central apnoeas, respiratory arousals and periodic breathing were very likely higher. The effects on REM sleep were common to all but one participant, but the effects on breathing were specific to only half the participants. Conclusions The immediate effects of terrestrial altitude of 3600 m are to reduce the amount of REM sleep obtained by young elite athletes, and to cause 50% of them to have impaired breathing during sleep. REM sleep returns to normal after 2 weeks at altitude, but impaired breathing does not improve.
Relationship between relative cerebral blood flow, relative cerebral blood volume, and relative cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen in the preterm neonatal brain

Abstract. The mechanisms responsible for coupling between relative cerebral blood flow (rCBF), relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV), and relative cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (rCMRO2), an important function of the microcirculation in preterm infants, remain unclear. Identification of a causal relationship between rCBF–rCBV and rCBF−rCMRO2 in preterms may, therefore, help to elucidate the principles of cortical hemodynamics during development. We simultaneously recorded rCBF and rCBV and estimated rCMRO2 by two independent acquisition systems: diffuse correlation spectroscopy and near-infrared spectroscopy, respectively, in 10 preterms aged between 28 and 35 weeks of gestational age. Transfer entropy was calculated in order to determine the directionality between rCBF–rCBV and rCBF−rCMRO2. The surrogate method was applied to determine statistical significance. The results show that rCBV and rCMRO2 have a predominant driving influence on rCBF at the resting state in the preterm neonatal brain. Statistical analysis robustly detected the correct directionality of rCBV on rCBF and rCMRO2 on rCBF. This study helps to clarify the early organization of the rCBV–rCBF and rCBF−rCMRO2 inter-relationship in the immature cortex.
Intelligent Learning Technologies Part 2: Applications of Artificial Intelligence to Contemporary and Emerging Educational Challenges

the community as a venue to learn about the Symposium on Educational Advances in Artificial Intelligence (EAAI) (colocated with AAAI for the past four years); introductions to innovative pedagogy and best practices for AI and across the computer science curricula; resources for teaching AI, including model AI assignments, software packages, online videos and lectures that can be used in your classroom; topic tutorials introducing a subject to students and researchers with links to articles, presentations, and online materials; and discussion of the use of AI methods in education shaping personalized tutorials, learning analytics, and data mining.
Clinical outcomes after acute osteoporotic vertebral fractures

For Australia, the growing number of ageing people is a matter of increasing urgency. Australians aged 65 years or more now make up 13% of our society, while those aged 85 years and beyond now account for about 1.5%, and this proportion is rapidly rising. We have a Federal Minister for Ageing, as well as various advisory and advocacy bodies, and there is now greater research focus with the “Ageing Well, Ageing Productively” component of our National Research Priorities. This focus on ageing reflects concerns not only with the physical and mental decline that are part of ageing, but also with social isolation and the prospect of institutional care. Indeed, some 150000 elderly Australians live in aged-care facilities. It is reasonable to think that with all the political, professional and consumer interest, all is well with aged care. Not so! Attention was recently drawn to abuse, inappropriate and potentially life-threatening polypharmacy and — ironically in this land of plenty — malnutrition, with implications for osteoporosis, fractures, falls and infections. Indeed, one expert recently remarked, “We have older people dying of malnutrition in nursing homes. It happens all the time”. Another labelled this situation a “national shame” and called for more resolute political leadership, eliminating the bureaucratic merry-go-round. And herein lies the rub. We endorse inquiries, policy pronouncements and guidelines, but actually do little. The solutions are not rocket science, and include meaningful involvement of dieticians and general practitioners in aged care, education of staff and patients on the importance of nutrition, calorie-dense menus designed by older people themselves, and public dental programs for the aged. But don’t hold your breath. Pablo Picasso once remarked, “Age only matters when one is ageing”. For most Australians, aged care is out of sight and out of mind. But our time will come.
Terahertz electromagnetic generation via optical frequency difference

Electromagnetic generation between 0.1 and 3 terahertz has been demonstrated using ultrafast photodetectors loaded by broadband antennas and pumped by 0.8 /spl mu/m stable lasers. Ultrashort response times have been achieved by means of low-temperature-grown (LTG) GaAs in a deep submicron interdigited technology. The 3 dB cutoff frequency is around 650 GHz with an expected output power of the order of a few tenths of a microwatt in the lower part of the spectrum, depending on the thermal post-processing conditions. Possible improvements via long wavelength laser pumping and a Fabry-Perot cavity-like approach are discussed on the basis of a vertical device scheme.