Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phonetic Diversity, Statistical Learning, and Acquisition of Phonology

In learning to perceive and produce speech, children master complex language-specific patterns. Daunting language-specific variation is found both in the segmental domain and in the domain of prosody and intonation. This article reviews the challenges posed by results in phonetic typology and sociolinguistics for the theory of language acquisition. It argues that categories are initiated bottom-up from statistical modesin use of the phonetic space, and sketches how exemplar theory can be used to model the updating of categories once they are initiated. It also argues that bottom-upinitiation of categories is successful thanks to the perceptionproduction loop operating in the speech community. The behavior of this loop means that the superficial statistical properties of speech available to the infant indirectly reflect the contrastiveness and discriminability of categories in the adult grammar. The article also argues that the developing system is refined using internal feedback from type statistics over the lexicon, once the lexicon is well-developed. The application of type statistics to a system initiated with surface statistics does not cause a fundamental reorganization of the system. Instead, it exploits confluences across levels of representation which characterize human language and make bootstrapping possible.
Minimal self-models and the free energy principle

The term “minimal phenomenal selfhood” (MPS) describes the basic, pre-reflective experience of being a self (Blanke and Metzinger, 2009). Theoretical accounts of the minimal self have long recognized the importance and the ambivalence of the body as both part of the physical world, and the enabling condition for being in this world (Gallagher, 2005a; Grafton, 2009). A recent account of MPS (Metzinger, 2004a) centers on the consideration that minimal selfhood emerges as the result of basic self-modeling mechanisms, thereby being founded on pre-reflective bodily processes. The free energy principle (FEP; Friston, 2010) is a novel unified theory of cortical function built upon the imperative that self-organizing systems entail hierarchical generative models of the causes of their sensory input, which are optimized by minimizing free energy as an approximation of the log-likelihood of the model. The implementation of the FEP via predictive coding mechanisms and in particular the active inference principle emphasizes the role of embodiment for predictive self-modeling, which has been appreciated in recent publications. In this review, we provide an overview of these conceptions and illustrate thereby the potential power of the FEP in explaining the mechanisms underlying minimal selfhood and its key constituents, multisensory integration, interoception, agency, perspective, and the experience of mineness. We conclude that the conceptualization of MPS can be well mapped onto a hierarchical generative model furnished by the FEP and may constitute the basis for higher-level, cognitive forms of self-referral, as well as the understanding of other minds.
MIREX 2011-AMS TASK : MULTI DESCRIPTOR BASED ALGORITHM

A method for the estimation of music similarity based on a combination of timbre, rhythm and tonal content of the songs, is presented in this report. The rhythm is estimated by evaluating the frequency distribution of the tempo pattern of the songs, while the tonal content is estimated by the calculation of an averaged chroma profile of the song. The algorithm is proposed to be submitted to the Audio Music Similarity task of MIREX 2011, in occasion of the 12th ISMIR Conference.
Interactive person re-identification in TV series

In this paper, we present a system for person re-identification in TV series. In the context of video retrieval, person re-identification refers to the task where a user clicks on a person in a video frame and the system then finds other occurrences of the same person in the same or different videos. The main characteristic of this scenario is that no previously collected training data is available, so no person-specific models can be trained in advance. Additionally, the query data is limited to the image that the user clicks on. These conditions pose a great challenge to the re-identification system, which has to find the same person in other shots despite large variations in the person's appearance. In the study, facial appearance is used as the re-identification cue. In order to increase the amount of available face data, the proposed system employs a face tracker that can track faces up to full profile views. A fast and robust face recognition algorithm is used to find matching faces. If the match result is highly confident, our system adds the matching face track to the query set. This approach help to increase the variation in the query set, making it possible to retrieve results with different poses, illumination conditions, etc. Furthermore, if the user is not satisfied with the number of returned results, the system can present a small number of candidate face images and lets the user confirm the ones that belong to the queried person. The system is extensively evaluated on two episodes of the TV series Coupling, showing very promising results.
Robo1 Regulates Semaphorin Signaling to Guide the Migration of Cortical Interneurons through the Ventral Forebrain

Cortical interneurons, generated predominantly in the medial ganglionic eminence, migrate around and avoid the developing striatum in the subpallium en route to the cortex. This is attributable to the chemorepulsive cues of class 3 semaphorins expressed in the striatal mantle and acting through neuropilin (Nrp1 and Nrp2) receptors expressed in these cells. Cortical interneurons also express Robo receptors, and we show here that in mice lacking Robo1, but not Robo2, these cells migrate aberrantly through the striatum. In vitro experiments demonstrated that interneurons lacking Robo1 function are significantly less responsive to the effects of semaphorins. Failure to respond to semaphorin appears to be attributable to a reduction in Nrp1 and PlexinA1 receptors within these cells. Biochemical studies further demonstrated that Robo1 binds directly to Nrp1, but not to semaphorins, and this interaction is mediated by a region contained within its first two Ig domains. Thus, we show for the first time that Robo1 interacts with Nrp1 to modulate semaphorin signaling in the developing forebrain and direct the migration of interneurons through the subpallium and into the cortex.
Coherent Matter Wave Inertial Sensors for Precision Measurements in Space

We analyze the advantages of using ultra-cold coherent sources of atoms for matter-wave interferometry in space. We present a proof-of-principle experiment that is based on an analysis of the results previously published in [1] from which we extract the ratio h/m for 87 Rb. This measurement shows that a limitation in accuracy arises due to atomic interactions within the Bose-Einstein condensate. Finally we discuss the promising role of coherent-matter-wave sensors, in particular inertial sensors, in future fundamental physics missions in space. Atom interferometry [2,3,4,5,6] has long been one of the most promising candidates for ultra-precise and ultra-accurate measurement of gravito-inertial or for precision measurements of fundamental constants [14]. The realization of Bose-Einstein condensation (BEC) of a dilute gas of trapped atoms in a single quantum state [15,16,17] has produced the matter-wave analog of a laser in optics [18,19,20,21]. As lasers have revolutionized optical interferometry [22,23,24], so it is expected that the use of Bose-Einstein condensed atoms will bring the science of atom optics, and in particular atom interferometry, to an unprecedented level of accuracy [25,26]. In addition, BEC-based coherent atom interferometry would reach its full potential in space-based applications where micro-gravity will allow the atomic interferometers to reach their best performance [27]. In this document, we discuss the prospects of using atom-lasers in future space missions to study fundamental physics. We point out that atomic ensembles at sub-microKelvin temperatures will be required, if the sensitivity of space-based atom-interferometers is to reach its full potential. In addition, we show
TJUdeM: A Combination Classifier for Aspect Category Detection and Sentiment Polarity Classification

This paper describes the system we submitted to In-domain ABSA subtask of SemEval 2015 shared task on aspect-based sentiment analysis that includes aspect category detection and sentiment polarity classification. For the aspect category detection, we combined an SVM classifier with implicit aspect indicators. For the sentiment polarity classification, we combined an SVM classifier with a lexicon-based polarity classifier. Our system outperforms the baselines on both the laptop and restaurant domains and ranks above average on the laptop domain.
Reciprocal public sensing for integrated RFID-Sensor Networks

Public sensing is an application in which sensory systems embedded in smart devices, vehicles, residential and public spaces form a collective cloud of data sources from which multi-owned access points realize end-users' service requests. This conception can be further extended under the umbrella of integrated RFID-Sensor Networks (RSNs) to include RFID systems. Such a configuration is heterogeneous by nature and faces many challenges in terms of data delivery and resource management. In this paper, we represent a Reciprocal Public Sensing (RPS) scheme for integrated RSN architectures. Our scheme incorporates heuristic solutions for static sensors and mobile data collectors, in addition to a reciprocal agreement for data exchange over the tiers of the proposed architecture adhering to the social welfare of the network as a whole. We provide simulation results showing how RPS outperforms other data delivery schemes in terms of minimizing delay, packet loss, and energy consumption, in addition to prolonging the overall network lifetime.
Modulatory effects of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors in diabetic microangiopathy

3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐glutaryl CoA (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitors or statins are competitive inhibitors of the rate‐limiting enzyme in cholesterol biosynthesis. Several large landmark clinical studies have shown a marked reduction of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity in patients treated with statins. Because of the strong association between serum cholesterol levels and coronary artery disease, investigators initially assumed that the predominant beneficial effects of statins result from their lipid‐lowering properties. However, more recent observations have suggested that the clinical benefits of statins may be in part independent of their cholesterol‐lowering effects. The pleiotropic or cholesterol‐independent effects of statins might result from preventing the production of isoprenoids. Isoprenoids serve as important lipid attachments for the post‐translational modification of a variety of proteins such as small GTP binding proteins implicated in intracellular signaling. The list of different pleiotropic effects of statins is still growing and, among others, includes the modulatory effects of statins on endothelial function, oxidative stress, coagulation, plaque stability, and inflammation. The pleiotropic effects of statins represent an area of great interest in prevention and therapy of cardiovascular and other chronic diseases. An area of particular interest is the potential beneficial effects of statins in diabetes and its micro/macrovascular complications. This review summarizes our current understanding of the pleiotropic effects of statins in diabetes and the modulatory effects of statins in various pathobiological pathways involved in diabetes and its complications. —Danesh, F. R. , Kanwar, Y. S. Modulatory effects of HMG‐CoA reductase inhibitors in diabetic microangiopathy. FASEB J. 18, 805–815 (2004)
Host cell preference and variable transmission strategies in malaria parasites

Malaria and other haemosporin parasites must undergo a round of sexual reproduction in their insect vector in order to produce stages that can be transmitted to vertebrate hosts. Consequently, it is crucial that parasites produce the sex ratio (proportion of male sexual stages) that will maximize the number of fertilizations and thus, transmission to new vertebrate hosts. There is some evidence to show that, consistent with evolutionary theory, the sex ratios of malaria parasites are negatively correlated to their inbreeding rate. However, recent theory has shown that when fertilization success is compromised, parasites should respond by increasing their investment in sexual stages or by producing a less female biased sex ratio than predicted by their inbreeding rate alone. Here, we show that two species of rodent malaria, Plasmodium chabaudi and Plasmodium vinckei petteri, adopt different strategies in response to host anaemia, a factor thought to compromise transmission success: P. chabaudi increases investment in sexual stages, whereas P. vinckei produces a less female biased sex ratio. We suggest that these different transmission strategies may be due to marked species differences in host cell preference.
Rice- or pork-based diets with similar calorie and content result in different rat gut microbiota

Abstract Rice is the most important food crop, and pork is the most widely eaten meat in the world. In this study, we compared the gut microbiota of the rats fed with rice or pork mixed diets, which have similar caloric contents. The physiological indices (body weights, hematology, serum chemistry, organ weights and histopathology) of two groups were all within the normal range. Two diets did not induce difference in the diversity of gut bacteria. However, Firmicutes were significantly higher in rice diet group, while Bacteroidetes were enriched in pork diet group. Butyrate and the bacteria enzymes β-glucuronidase, β-glucosidase and nitroreductase in the feces were all drastically higher in pork diet group. This study indicates that different diets with similar calorie and nutritional composition could change the community structure but not the diversity of rat fecal microbiota.
Fine Particulate Air Pollution and Mortality in Nine California Counties: Results from CALFINE

Many epidemiologic studies provide evidence of an association between daily counts of mortality and ambient particulate matter < 10 μm in diameter (PM10). Relatively few studies, however, have investigated the relationship of mortality with fine particles [PM < 2.5 μm in diameter (PM2.5)], especially in a multicity setting. We examined associations between PM2.5 and daily mortality in nine heavily populated California counties using data from 1999 through 2002. We considered daily counts of all-cause mortality and several cause-specific subcategories (respiratory, cardiovascular, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes). We also examined these associations among several subpopulations, including the elderly (> 65 years of age), males, females, non-high school graduates, whites, and Hispanics. We used Poisson multiple regression models incorporating natural or penalized splines to control for covariates that could affect daily counts of mortality, including time, seasonality, temperature, humidity, and day of the week. We used meta-analyses using random-effects models to pool the observations in all nine counties. The analysis revealed associations of PM2.5 levels with several mortality categories. Specifically, a 10-μg/m3 change in 2-day average PM2.5 concentration corresponded to a 0.6% (95% confidence interval, 0.2–1.0%) increase in all-cause mortality, with similar or greater effect estimates for several other subpopulations and mortality subcategories, including respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, age > 65 years, females, deaths out of the hospital, and non-high school graduates. Results were generally insensitive to model specification and the type of spline model used. This analysis adds to the growing body of evidence linking PM2.5 with daily mortality.
GRASP and path-relinking : Recent advances and applications

This paper addresses recent advances and application of hybridizations of greedy randomized adaptive search procedures (GRASP) and path-relinking. We present a template for implementing path-relinking as an intensification procedure for GRASP. Enhancements to the procedure, recently described in the literature, are reviewed. The effectiveness of the procedure is illustrated experimentally.
Long-Term Results of GH Treatment in Silver-Russell Syndrome (SRS): Do They Benefit the Same as Non-SRS Short-SGA?

CONTEXT Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) is a genetically heterogeneous syndrome characterized by low birth weight, severe short stature, and variable dysmorphic features. GH treatment is a registered growth-promoting therapy for short children born small for gestational age, including SRS, but there are limited data on the GH response in SRS children and on differences in response among the (epi)genetic SRS subtypes (11p15 aberrations, maternal uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 [mUPD7], and idiopathic SRS). OBJECTIVES To compare growth and adult height between GH-treated small for gestational age children with and without SRS (non-SRS), and to analyze the difference in GH response among SRS genotypes. DESIGN AND SETTING A longitudinal study. PARTICIPANTS Sixty-two SRS and 227 non-SRS subjects. INTERVENTION All subjects received GH treatment (1 mg/m(2)/d). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Adult height and total height gain. RESULTS The SRS group consisted of 31 children with 11p15 aberrations, 11 children with mUPD7, and 20 children with idiopathic SRS. At the start of GH treatment, mean (SD) height standard deviation score [SDS] was significantly lower in SRS (-3.67 [1.0]) than in non-SRS (-2.92 [0.6]; P < .001). Adult height SDS was lower in SRS (-2.17 [0.8]) than in non-SRS (-1.65 [0.8]; P = .002), but the total height gain SDS was similar. There was a trend toward a greater height gain in mUPD7 than in 11p15 (P = .12). CONCLUSION Children with SRS have a similar height gain during GH treatment as non-SRS subjects. All (epi)genetic SRS subtypes benefit from GH treatment, with a trend toward mUPD7 and idiopathic SRS having the greatest height gain.
Sociology: Modeling Social Interaction With Autonomous Agents

Intelligent agents offer a promising new means for modeling social interaction. This article reviews the literature on intelligent agents, focusing on the development of agents to model various forms of social interaction. It provides a framework for understanding the variety of work on agents and how that work applies to social interaction. This framework includes a breakdown of the ways in which agents can be applied to social interaction, the various aspects of social interaction that can be modeled, and some of the broader sociological implications of using agents to model social interaction. The article concludes with a brief assessment of the promise and potential of this approach for modeling social interaction.
Prosodic and gestural features of phrase-internal disfluencies in Polish spontaneous utterances

The aim of this pilot study is a preliminary description of intra-phrasal disfluencies in Polish task-oriented dialogues. Some cues to their identification and discrimination are tentatively proposed. The data come from eight paper folding task dialogue sessions. Disfluencies are categorized on the basis of their acoustic-phonetic content. Selected prosodic properties of their neighborhood are analyzed, including intonational realizations and durations of the surrounding syllables. Accompanying hand movements of the speakers are described for the alignment of their phases with respective disfluencies in speech.
Unsupervised Segmentation using Fuzzy Logic based Texture Spectrum for MRI Brain Images

Textures are replications, symmetries and combinations of various basic patterns, usually with some random variation one of the gray-level statistics. This article proposes a new approach to Segment texture images. The proposed approach proceeds in 2 stages. First, in this method, local texture information of a pixel is obtained by fuzzy texture unit and global texture information of an image is obtained by fuzzy texture spectrum. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the usefulness of fuzzy texture spectrum for texture Segmentation. The 2 Stage of the method is devoted to a decision process, applying a global analysis followed by a fine segmentation, which is only focused on ambiguous points. The above Proposed approach was applied to brain image to identify the components of brain in turn, used to locate the brain tumor and its Growth rate. Keywords—Fuzzy Texture Unit, Fuzzy Texture Spectrum, and Pattern Recognition, segmentation.
Survey on Cross-Platforms and Languages for Mobile Apps

Nowadays, mobile applications are becoming increasingly more present in our daily life, allowing people to perform several tasks through the use of smartphones, tablets or equivalent devices. Despite the great benefits in terms of innovation and in the variety of available solutions, the rapid and continuous growth of the mobile market has resulted in some fragmentation of the platforms that support each mobile device. The existence of different mobile operating systems with different programming languages and development tools can be a problem when someone wants to release an application in as many platforms as possible. The typical approach of simply rewriting the application for each one of those platforms is usually impracticable either in terms of budget or development time, requiring a bigger effort to be made. Therefore, a solution that could generate an application for several platforms (multi or cross-platform) without compromising the overall quality of the application would decrease the time to market of the application and increase enormously the number of potential users. Providentially, during the last years some effort has been conducted to tackle this problem, especially with the emergence of Domain Specific Languages (DSL), tools and frameworks that facilitate the development of cross-platform mobile applications. This paper focuses in these technologies and attempts to provide a global view of the actual state of this area.
Evaluation of CNS activity of Evaluation of CNS activity of Evaluation of CNS activity of Evaluation of CNS activity of Evaluation of CNS activity of Bramhi Ghrita

Objective: To eavaluate the CNS activity of Bramhi Ghrita, a polyherbal formulation containing Bacopa monneri, Evolvulus alsinoids, Acorus calamus, Saussurea lappa and cow’s ghee. Materials and Methods: The effect of Bramhi Ghrita on motor coordination, behavior, sleep, convulsions, locomotion and analgesia was evaluated in mice using standard procedures. Results: The formulation exhibited reduced alertness, spontaneous locomotor activity and reactivity. It also antagonized the behavioral effects of d-amphetamine, potentiated the pentobarbitoneinduced sleep and increased the pain threshold. Bramhi Ghrita protected mice from maximum electroshock and pentylene tetrazole-induced convulsions. Conclusion: The Bramhi Ghrita was found to be a CNS depressant with anticonvulsant activity.