Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Musicianship on the Cortical Mechanisms Related to Separating Speech from Background Noise

Musicians have enhanced auditory processing abilities. In some studies, these abilities are paralleled by an improved understanding of speech in noisy environments, partially due to more robust encoding of speech signals in noise at the level of the brainstem. Little is known about the impact of musicianship on attention-dependent cortical activity related to lexical access during a speech-in-noise task. To address this issue, we presented musicians and nonmusicians with single words mixed with three levels of background noise, across two conditions, while monitoring electrical brain activity. In the active condition, listeners repeated the words aloud, and in the passive condition, they ignored the words and watched a silent film. When background noise was most intense, musicians repeated more words correctly compared with nonmusicians. Auditory evoked responses were attenuated and delayed with the addition of background noise. In musicians, P1 amplitude was marginally enhanced during active listening and was related to task performance in the most difficult listening condition. By comparing ERPs from the active and passive conditions, we isolated an N400 related to lexical access. The amplitude of the N400 was not influenced by the level of background noise in musicians, whereas N400 amplitude increased with the level of background noise in nonmusicians. In nonmusicians, the increase in N400 amplitude was related to a reduction in task performance. In musicians only, there was a rightward shift of the sources contributing to the N400 as the level of background noise increased. This pattern of results supports the hypothesis that encoding of speech in noise is more robust in musicians and suggests that this facilitates lexical access. Moreover, the shift in sources suggests that musicians, to a greater extent than nonmusicians, may increasingly rely on acoustic cues to understand speech in noise.
Smoothness of Multiple Refinable Functions and Multiple Wavelets

We consider the smoothness of solutions of a system of refinement equations written in the form $$\phi = \sum\nolimits_{\ga\in\ZZ} a(\ga)\phi({2\,\cdot}-\ga),$$ where the vector of functions $\phi=(\phi_1,\ldots,\phi_r)^T$ is in $(L_p(\mbox{\smallBbb R}))^r$ and a is a finitely supported sequence of r X r matrices called the refinement mask. We use the generalized Lipschitz space $\hbox{Lip}^*(\nu, L_p(\mbox{\smallBbb R}))$, $\nu > 0$, to measure smoothness of a given function. Our method is to relate the optimal smoothness, $\nu_p(\phi)$, to the $p$-norm joint spectral radius of the block matrices $A_\gep$, $\gep = 0, 1$, given by $A_\gep = ( a(\gep+2\ga-\gb) )_{\ga,\gb}$, when restricted to a certain finite dimensional common invariant subspace $V$. Denoting the $p$-norm joint spectral radius by $\rho_p(A_0|_V,A_1|_V)$, we show that $\nu_p(\phi) \ge 1/p - \log_2 \rho_p(A_0|_V, A_1|_V) $ with equality when the shifts of $\phi_1,\ldots,\phi_r$ are stable and the invariant subspace is generated by certain vectors induced by difference operators of sufficiently high order. This allows an effective use of matrix theory. Also the computational implementation of our method is simple. When p = 2, the optimal smoothness is also given in terms of the spectral radius of the transition matrix associated with the refinement mask. To illustrate the theory, we give a detailed analysis of two examples where the optimal smoothness can be given explicitly. We also apply our methods to the smoothness analysis of multiple wavelets. These examples clearly demonstrate the applicability and practical power of our approach.
Big Data access and infrastructure for modern biology: case studies in data repository utility

Big Data is no longer solely the purview of big organizations with big resources. Today's routine tools and experimental methods can generate large slices of data. For example, high‐throughput sequencing can quickly interrogate biological systems for the expression levels of thousands of different RNAs, examine epigenetic marks throughout the genome, and detect differences in the genomes of individuals. Multichannel electrophysiology platforms produce gigabytes of data in just a few minutes of recording. Imaging systems generate videos capturing biological behaviors over the course of days. Thus, any researcher now has access to a veritable wealth of data. However, the ability of any given researcher to utilize that data is limited by her/his own resources and skills for downloading, storing, and analyzing the data. In this paper, we examine the necessary resources required to engage Big Data, survey the state of modern data analysis pipelines, present a few data repository case studies, and touch on current institutions and programs supporting the work that relies on Big Data.
Tangible lightscapes

The aim of my exploration is to design a vocabulary of light states to show people what their devices are doing. This vocabulary consists of light behaviours and gestures that can be applied to a wide range of contexts where devices (speakers, headphones, memory storage devices, cameras, laptops.) are communicating wirelessly. This "device language" gives a concrete representation of the intangible and invisible events that are taking place. It allows users to feel more in control by providing them with a direct interaction with the objects they are using. The vocabulary is described though 3 main tools: (1) a map of the light states/gestures matched with the most common activities of wireless devices, (2) a set of prototypes which represent three-dimensionally the vocabulary for demonstration and user testing purposes, (3) two scenarios visualizing the light behaviours as applied to different devices in everyday life situations.
Karl Polanyi for Latin America: markets, society and development

Abstract Karl Polanyi can profitably be read as a theorist of markets, society and development for a critical understanding of contemporary Latin America. Polanyi was an early critic of modernisation theory and articulated an alternative structural historical perspective. His work on “primitive” or pre-capitalist societies also has clear resonance in a continent actively rethinking its Amerindian past. Polanyi's searing critique of the effect of an unregulated market economy on humanity and nature adds to our critical understanding of neoliberalism in Latin America. His original theory of a counter-movement to protect society from the effects of the unregulated market greatly illuminates the politics of contemporary Latin America.
Genetic Algorithms: Concepts, Design for Optimization of Process Controllers

Genetic Algorithm is a search heuristic that mimics the process of evaluation. Genetic Algorithms can be applied to process controllers for their optimization using natural operators. This paper discusses the concept and design procedure of Genetic Algorithm as an optimization tool. Further, this paper explores the well established methodologies of the literature to realize the workability and applicability of genetic algorithms for process control applications. Genetic Algorithms are applied to direct torque control of induction motor drive, speed control of gas turbine, speed control of DC servo motor for the optimization of control parameters in this work. The simulations were carried out in simulink package of MATLAB. The simulation results show better optimization of hybrid genetic algorithm controllers than fuzzy standalone and conventional controllers.
Control of Doubly-Fed Induction Generator System Using PIDNNs

An intelligent control stand-alone doubly-fed induction generator (DFIG) system using proportional-integral-derivative neural network (PIDNN) is proposed in this study. This system can be applied as a stand-alone power supply system or as the emergency power system when the electricity grid fails for all sub-synchronous, synchronous and super-synchronous conditions. The rotor side converter is controlled using the field-oriented control to produce three-phase stator voltages with constant magnitude and frequency at different rotor speeds. Moreover, the stator side converter, which is also controlled using field-oriented control, is primarily implemented to maintain the magnitude of the DC-link voltage. Furthermore, the intelligent PIDNN controller is proposed for both the rotor and stator side converters to improve the transient and steady-state responses of the DFIG system for different operating conditions. Both the network structure and on-line learning algorithm are introduced in detail. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed control scheme is verified through experimentation.
Spinning bound states of two and three black holes

Bound states of BPS particles in five-dimensional N = 2 supergravity are counted by a topological index. We compute this bound state index exactly for two and three black holes as a function of the SU(2) L angular momentum. The required regulator for the infrared continuum of near-coincident black holes is chosen in accord with the enhanced superconformal symmetry.
Illumination and device invariant image stitching

We address the problem of compensating color differences in image stitching. We explicitly color correct input images before image stitching by leveraging sparse correspondences. Our approach is twofold. First, for each geometric correspondence, we locally collect and process color information to be robust against low accuracy in geometric correspondences. Second, for all collected colors, we fit a global model that compensates complex color changes. Despite complex cases between input images (changes of illumination condition and imaging devices) qualitative experiments show good stitching of our method compared to recent methods in the literature.
Waist‐to‐Hip Ratio across Cultures: Trade‐Offs between Androgen‐ and Estrogen‐Dependent Traits

A gynoid pattern of fat distribution, with small waist and large hips (low waist‐to‐hip ratio, or WHR) holds significant fitness benefits for women: women with a low WHR of about 0.7 are more fecund, are less prone to chronic disease, and (in most cultures) are considered more attractive. Why, then, do nearly all women have a WHR higher than this putative optimum? Is the marked variation in this trait adaptive? This paper first documents the conundrum by showing that female WHR, especially in non‐Western populations, is higher than the putative optimum even among samples that are young, lean, and dependent on traditional diets. The paper then proposes compensating benefits to a high WHR that can explain both its prevalence and variation in the trait. The evidence indicates that the hormonal profile associated with high WHR (high androgen and cortisol levels, low estrogens) favors success in resource competition, particularly under stressful and difficult circumstances, even though this carries fitness costs in fecundity and health. Adrenal androgens, in particular, may play an important role in enabling women to respond to stressful challenges.
Mobile Applications: The Paradox of Software Estimation

There is a global trend towards the increase of the number of users connected to the network via mobile devices which, consequently, will create an increasing demand for information, applications and content for such equipments. New ways to use existing aplicacoes are emerging. In particular, systems that were once accessed via web interfaces through personal computers physically located in offices, universities or homes are providing new ways to access from mobile devices which, in turn, have different requirements and capabilities than the personal computers. Hence, the main objective of this paper is to present an estimation model for mobile applications. Keywords—Quality, Estimating, Software Engineering, Mobile
Characterization of a Novel Negative Regulator (DOC-2/DAB2) of c-Src in Normal Prostatic Epithelium and Cancer*

DOC-2/DAB2 is a potent tumor suppressor in many cancer types including prostate cancer. In prostate cancer, expression of DOC-2/DAB2 can inhibit its growth. Our recent studies demonstrate that DOC-2/DAB2 can suppress both protein kinase C and peptide growth factor-elicited signal pathways via the Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. In this study, we further showed that the proline-rich domain of DOC-2/DAB2 could also interact with proteins containing the Src homology 3 domain, such as Src and Fgr. The binding of c-Src to DOC-2/DAB2 was enhanced in cells treated with growth factor, and this interaction resulted in c-Src inactivation. The c-Src inactivation was evidenced by the decreased tyrosine 416 phosphorylation of c-Src and reduced downstream effector activation. It appears that DOC-2/DAB2 can bind to Src homology 3 domain of c-Src and maintain it in an inactive conformation. Thus, this study provides a new mechanism for modulating c-Src in prostatic epithelium and cancer.
Preliminary investigations into participation patterns: The case of an iMOOC - an on-line English language learning course

Although content knowledge MOOCs have been launched at a very fast pace on various MOOC platforms, language learning MOOCs are less frequently available. The current f ive week “internal MOOC” (iMOOC) entitled Essentials of Clear Writing (ECW) was designed to address perceived English language learning support needs represented in the undergraduate population at the University and more importantly, to attain insights into student response to and participation patterns in language-related MOOCs. ECW was fashioned after MOOCs’ design principles although its internal circulation meant that the ‘M’ or the ‘massive’ feature was compromised. The aim of the study was to explore possible participation and engagement patterns particular to this community of learners in the absence of student obligations to participate or credit rewards to sign up. Also, the initiative was aimed towards attaining insights into the possibility of harnessing the many purported potential benefits of the MOOC platform relating to connectivism and learning (Siemens, 2012). This study draws on the idea of engagement trajectories (Kizilcec, Piech & Schneider, 2013) in student participation rather than the monolithic notion of completion versus non-completion in participation patterns. Preliminary investigations show that engagement trajectories in this iMOOC are similar to those reported in other content MOOCs, with encouraging levels of video lectures viewership and completion of in-video quizzes and practices. Qualitative data, however, point to weak tendencies in participants’ tapping of connected learning opportunities due to various possible reasons. Preliminary investigations into participation patterns: The case of an iMOOC – an on-line English language learning course
Not All Apps Are Created Equal: Analysis of Spatiotemporal Heterogeneity in Nationwide Mobile Service Usage

We investigate how individual mobile services are consumed at a national scale, by studying data collected in a 3G/4G mobile network deployed over a major European country. Through correlation and clustering analyses, our study unveils a strong heterogeneity in the demand for different mobile services, both in time and space. In particular, we show that: (i) somehow surprisingly, almost all considered services exhibit quite different temporal usage patterns; (ii) in contrast to such temporal behavior, spatial patterns are fairly uniform across all services; (iii) when looking at usage patterns at different locations, the average traffic volume per user is dependent on the urbanization level, yet its temporal dynamics are not. Our findings do not only have sociological implications, but are also relevant to the orchestration of network resources.
Teoria das redes: ambiente favorável para a aquisição de recursos estratégicos como o conhecimento, para a internacionalização das PME.

Nowadays, firms need to engage in a continuous innovation process and constantly restructure their operations to meet the requirements of national but, most of all, international competition. Failure to act internationally may lead to a loss of market opportunities, but also to a more severe inability to survive in the long run. Firms must find new ways to develop a competitive advantage which entails searching for and acquiring new skills, resources and capabilities. Knowledge is an important strategic resource due to its impact on firms’ competitive capacity. In many instances, firms, including international new ventures, may access those resources, including the market –specific knowledge, through alternative ways of governance, such as “industrial networks”. Integrating a network may facilitate access to market-specific knowledge that an isolated firm would not be able to get hold of otherwise. In our work, through an empirical study with 320 Portuguese international firms we found evidence of the importance of Networks to Portuguese entrepreneurs, as well of the importance of “Specific Skills of its workers”, “International Experience of its workers” and of “Entrepreneurial Propensity and to take risks from workers and top management team”, in accordance to Human Capital Theory, International New Ventures Theory, Population Ecology Approach.
KIFC3, a microtubule minus end–directed motor for the apical transport of annexin XIIIb–associated Triton-insoluble membranes

We have identified and characterized a COOH-terminal motor domain–type kinesin superfamily protein (KIFC), KIFC3, in the kidney. KIFC3 is a minus end–directed microtubule motor protein, therefore it accumulates in regions where minus ends of microtubules assemble. In polarized epithelial cells, KIFC3 is localized on membrane organelles immediately beneath the apical plasma membrane of renal tubular epithelial cells in vivo and polarized MDCK II cells in vitro. Flotation assay, coupled with detergent extraction, demonstrated that KIFC3 is associated with Triton X-100–insoluble membrane organelles, and that it overlaps with apically transported TGN-derived vesicles. This was confirmed by immunoprecipitation and by GST pulldown experiments showing the specific colocalization of KIFC3 and annexin XIIIb, a previously characterized membrane protein for apically transported vesicles (Lafont, F., S. Lecat, P. Verkade, and K. Simons. 1998. J. Cell Biol. 142:1413–1427). Furthermore, we proved that the apical transport of both influenza hemagglutinin and annexin XIIIb was partially inhibited or accelerated by overexpression of motor-domainless (dominant negative) or full-length KIFC3, respectively. Absence of cytoplasmic dynein on these annexin XIIIb–associated vesicles and distinct distribution of the two motors on the EM level verified the existence of KIFC3-driven transport in epithelial cells.
Treatment for adult HIV infection: 2004 recommendations of the International AIDS Society-USA Panel.

CONTEXT Substantial changes in the field of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) treatment have occurred in the last 2 years, prompting revision of the guidelines for antiretroviral management of adults with established HIV infection. OBJECTIVE To update recommendations for physicians who provide HIV care regarding when to start antiretroviral therapy, what drugs to start with, when to change drug regimens, and what drug regimens to switch to after therapy fails. DATA SOURCES Evidence was identified and reviewed by a 16-member noncompensated panel of physicians with expertise in HIV-related basic science and clinical research, antiretroviral therapy, and HIV patient care. The panel was designed to have broad US and international representation for areas with adequate access to antiretroviral management. STUDY SELECTION Evidence considered included published basic science, clinical research, and epidemiological data (identified by experts in the field or extracted through MEDLINE searches using terms relevant to antiretroviral therapy) and abstracts from HIV-oriented scientific conferences between July 2002 and May 2004. DATA EXTRACTION Data were reviewed to identify any information that might change previous guidelines. Based on panel discussion, guidelines were drafted by a writing committee and discussed by the panel until consensus was reached. DATA SYNTHESIS Four antiretroviral drugs recently have been made available and have broadened the options for initial and subsequent regimens. New data allow more definitive recommendations for specific drugs or regimens to include or avoid, particularly with regard to initial therapy. Recommendations are rated according to 7 evidence categories, ranging from I (data from prospective randomized clinical trials) to VII (expert opinion of the panel). CONCLUSION Further insights into the roles of drug toxic effects, drug resistance, and pharmacological interactions have resulted in additional guidance for strategic approaches to antiretroviral management.
Respiratory involvement in IgG4-related Mikulicz’s disease

Abstract‘Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease’ is a new clinical concept of multi-organ diseases, with Mikulicz’s disease (MD) being a clinical phenotype of IgG4-related disease. To clarify the clinical characteristics of respiratory involvement associated with IgG4-related MD, we retrospectively assessed 25 patients with MD, 11 (44%) of whom had allergic symptoms, and 7 (28%) of whom complained of respiratory problems. Thirteen patients (52%) presented with pulmonary and/or mediastinal lesions (P-MD) on chest computed tomography (CT), and 11 (44%) had lesions limited to the lacrimal and/or salivary glands (L-MD). Mean serum total protein, IgG, and IgG4 concentrations were significantly higher and CH50 was significantly lower in the P-MD than in the L-MD group. Immune complex was present only in the P-MD group. Chest CT images showed bronchial wall thickening, consolidation, nodule(s), interlobular thickening, ground glass opacity, pleural thickening/effusion, and mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Five of seven patients who underwent histological examination of the lungs had abundant IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltrates (IgG4/IgG-positive plasma cells >40%), but the other two did not. These findings suggest that respiratory lesions are not rare in patients with IgG4-related MD, and that they present with various manifestations. IgG4-related MD should be differentiated from similar diseases, such as sarcoidosis, bronchial asthma, Sjögren’s syndrome, and malignant lymphoma.
Early autism symptoms in infants with tuberous sclerosis complex

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare, autosomal dominant genetic syndrome that confers significantly increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with 50–60% of infants with TSC meeting criteria for ASD by 3 years of age. In a previous study of the current longitudinal cohort, we found that infants with TSC who develop ASD (TSC/ASD) evidence decreased cognitive abilities that diverge from infants with TSC and no ASD (TSC/no ASD). We extended this work by asking whether TSC/ASD infants (n = 13) differed from TSC/no ASD infants (n = 10) and infants with low developmental risk and no ASD (LR; n = 21) in their social communication functioning during the first year of life. We measured early ASD symptoms with the Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) at 9 and 12 months of age. At both ages, infants in the TSC/ASD group had significantly higher AOSI total scores than infants in the TSC/no ASD and LR groups, which were not fully explained by differences in cognitive abilities. Several items on the AOSI at both ages were predictive of ASD outcome, particularly those representing core social communication deficits (e.g., social referencing). Our findings signal the need for further study of this population within the first year and provide strong justification for early identification and early intervention targeting social communication skills in infants with TSC. Autism Res 2017, 10: 1981–1990. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.