Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Language independent phoneme mapping for foreign TTS

This note describes a tentative solution to the problem of mixed language texts in TTS applications. The multilanguage modular architecture of Loquendo TTS has been exploited to provide a range of user options, allowing to guess the language of paragraphs/phrase/words and to switch between voices in different languages, or between foreign accents of the same voice. This note focuses on a Phoneme Mapping algorithm enabling any TTS voice to speak all the languages provided by the system. The approach is quite general and language independent, entirely phonetics-based. The obtained foreign pronunciation is by definition approximated but plausible and suitable to reading foreign words or phrases embedded in a text.
Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers and smart pixels for optical interconnection systems

Though TDM (and recently WDM) are generally adopted to increase the total throughput in optical communication systems, SDM must be more effective in most optical interconnection systems. This is because SDM has more advantage in cost and power consumption than TDM, when the transmission distance is rather short, i.e. less than a few hundred meters. VCSEL and smart pixel arrays are very important for constructing optical interconnection systems because they can emit, switch and process a number of broadband optical signals simultaneously. This paper reviews VCSELs and VCSEL-based smart pixels, and discusses the issues for their application to optical interconnections. VCSELs and smart pixels are applicable to three types of parallel optical interconnections: 1) parallel optical fiber link-the optical signals from the SEL array are transmitted through a fiber ribbon for distances less than a few hundred meters; 2) free-space optical interconnects-high-density optical signals from a two-dimensional SEL array are distributed into several ports for distance shorter than one meter; 3) reconfigurable optical interconnects nterconnect patterns among processors are changed dynamically by means of free-space photonic switching networks.
Activation of protease calpain by oxidized and glycated LDL increases the degradation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase

Oxidation and glycation of low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) promote vascular injury in diabetes; however, the mechanisms underlying this effect remain poorly defined. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of ‘heavily oxidized’ glycated LDL (HOG‐LDL) on endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) function. Exposure of bovine aortic endothelial cells with HOG‐LDL reduced eNOS protein levels in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner, without altering eNOS mRNA levels. Reduced eNOS protein levels were accompanied by an increase in intracellular Ca2+, augmented production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and induction of Ca2+‐dependent calpain activity. Neither eNOS reduction nor any of these other effects were observed in cells exposed to native LDL. Reduction of intracellular Ca2+ levels abolished eNOS reduction by HOG‐LDL, as did pharmacological or genetic through calcium channel blockers or calcium chelator BAPTA or inhibition of NAD(P)H oxidase (with apocynin) or inhibition of calpain (calpain 1‐specific siRNA). Consistent with these results, HOG‐LDL impaired acetylcholine‐induced endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation of isolated mouse aortas, and pharmacological inhibition of calpain prevented this effect. HOG‐LDL may impair endothelial function by inducing calpain‐mediated eNOS degradation in a ROS‐ and Ca2+‐dependent manner.
The effects of compensator and imaging geometry on the distribution of x-ray scatter in CBCT.

PURPOSE X-ray scatter contributes significantly to image degradation in cone-beam CT (CBCT) reconstructed images in the form of CT number inaccuracy image artifacts and loss of contrast. The need for an understanding of the relationship between the scatter distribution and common imaging parameters (cone angle, air gap, filtration, object size) is an essential element to developing methods for efficiently correcting for the effects of scatter in CBCT. The first objective of this study is to validate the scatter distributions calculated using a CBCT Monte Carlo (MC) model against measured scatter estimates. The second objective is to use the CBCT MC model to investigate the effects of common imaging parameters and bowtie compensators on the resulting scatter distribution. METHODS This investigation employs the use of a CBCT MC model, developed using the EGSnrc code, to simulate the primary and scatter fluence arriving at the detector. The simulation is validated against projection images, scatter-to-open field ratio (SOR), and scatter-to-primary ratio (SPR) measurements taken using a bench-top CBCT system. The CBCT MC model is used to simulate the scatter distribution arriving at the detector for different cone angles {1.4 degrees, 2.8 degrees, 5.7 degrees, and 11.3 degrees}, source-to-axis distances (SADs) {50, 75 and 100 cm}, and axis-to-detector distances (ADDs) {9, 18, 30, 44, 56 cm} for both a 16.4 and 30.6 cm diameter water cylinder. The effects of different bowtie filters are also simulated using the CBCT MC model for the aforementioned cylinder sizes. RESULTS Profiles of the simulated and measured projection images agree within 6%. The measurements of the SOR and SPR, taken using beam stop techniques, show good agreement with the simulated results. Limitations of current beam stop techniques in estimating scatter profiles of objects with varying thickness are also demonstrated. A functional relationship between scatter (SOR, SPR) and air gap, cone angle is reported. The bowtie filter was found to have the beneficial effect of decreasing the magnitude of scatter in the projection images (SPR decreased by 56%) as well as altering the spatial distribution of the scatter. CONCLUSIONS The CBCT MC model accurately simulates scatter and primary fluences in the CBCT imaging components and geometry. The CBCT MC model provides a useful tool in investigating the effects of varying CBCT imaging parameters on the scatter distribution. Increasing the air gap, decreasing the cone angle, and the use of bowtie filtration were all found to be effective ways to minimize scatter in CBCT. The bowtie filter was particularly effective in both minimizing the magnitude and modifying the spatial distribution of the scattered photons. This observation directs further research in optimizing bowtie filter design in an effort to minimize scatter induced artifacts.
A classification of dynamic multi-objective optimization problems

A classification of dynamic multi-objective optimization problems is proposed in this article. As compared to previous studies, we focus not on the changes or the effects that are induced in the Pareto optimal front or set but on the components that lead to the observed dynamic behaviour. Four main classes are identified, including parameter and function time-dependent evolution as well as state-dependent parameter and function transforms or environment changes.
Tracking, erosion and thermal distribution of micro‐AlN + nano‐SiO
 2
 co‐filled silicone rubber for high‐voltage outdoor insulation

Thermal depolymerisation induced tracking and erosion of polymeric insulators is one of the key insulation failure modes and this process adversely affects the reliability of power delivery networks. This study reports the tracking, erosion and thermal distribution of micron-AlN and micron-AlN + nano-SiO2 co-filled silicone rubber composites. A tracking-erosion model is presented to explain how the co-filled set of particles directly affects such mechanisms. Aluminium nitride (AlN: 5–10 μm) and silica (SiO2: 20 nm) particles were procured for fabricating test samples. The inclined plane test according to IEC 60587 was carried out using tracking voltage method 2 with an initial applied voltage of 3 kV and a ramping rate of 0.25 kV/h over the duration of 240 min. Measurement results show co-filled composites exhibit significantly lower physical tracking and erosion as compared to micron-AlN filled composites. Thermal accumulation and average leakage current in co-filled composites are found noticeably lower than micron-filled counterparts. Moreover, the increased surface area of the combined co-filled particles in the composites provides better scattering and reduce secondary electron collision. This may impede the release of high energy causing thermal degradation.
As we may perceive: finding the boundaries of compound documents on the web

This paper considers the problem of identifying on the Web compound documents (cDocs) -- groups of web pages that in aggregate constitute semantically coherent information entities. Examples of cDocs are a news article consisting of several html pages, or a set of pages describing specifications, price, and reviews of a digital camera. Being able to identify cDocs would be useful in many applications including web and intranet search, user navigation, automated collection generation, and information extraction. In the past, several heuristic approaches have been proposed to identify cDocs [1][5]. However, heuristics fail to capture the variety of types, styles and goals of information on the web, and do not account for the fact that the definition of a cDoc often depends on the context. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of three machine learning-based algorithms for cDoc discovery. These algorithms are responsive to the varying structure of cDocs and adaptive to their application-specific nature. Based on our previous work [4], this paper proposes a different scenario for discovering cDocs, and compares in this new setting the local machine learned clustering algorithm from [4] to a global purely graph based approach [3] and a Conditional Markov Network approach previously applied to noun coreference task [6]. The results show that the approach of [4] outperforms the other algorithms, suggesting that global relational characteristics of web sites are too noisy for cDoc identification purposes.
Effect of amygdaloid complex inhibition on nicotine-induced conditioned place preference in rats

Article history: Received on: 09/11/2016 Accepted on: 10/02/2017 Available online: 30/03/2017 Nicotine dependence is the major cause of cigarette smoking. The dependence occurred in the brain mesolimbic system and the amygdala has an important role in its initiation. Nicotine can activate dopaminergic neurons within the amygdaloid complex However, there is no evidence about complete inhibition of amygdala on nicotine dependence, thus in the present study we used conditioned-place preference (CPP) method to study the effect of transient inhibition of left and/or right side of the amygdala by lidocaine on nicotine reward properties in male Wistar rats. One week after two side cannulation and recovery the rats were conditioned to nicotine. Lidocaine hydrochloride (2%) was injected in amygdaloid complex, five min before each nicotine intraperitoneal (IP) injection for transient inhibition. On the test day, the animals were placed in the apparatus and their behaviors were recorded by a camera for 600 seconds. Then the records were analysis off line for sniffing, rearing, locomotion and compartment crossing. Three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for statistical analysis. Our results showed that intra-peritoneal injection of nicotine (1 and 1.5 mg/kg) induced place preference. Transient inhibition of left or /and right side of the amygdaloid complex reduces nicotine place conditioning. In addition, rearing and compartment crossing also were reduced. However, when left side of the nucleus was inhibited, sniffing was increased, but when the right side was inhibited the sniffing was decreased. In conclusion, these results confirmed the involvement of both left and right sides of the amygdaloid complex in nicotine place conditioning.
Cognitive Status, Stroke Symptom Reports, and Modifiable Risk Factors Among Individuals With No Diagnosis of Stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack in the REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study

Background and Purpose— Vascular disorders that increase risk for stroke may be accompanied by decrements in cognitive functioning and by stroke symptoms in the absence of diagnosed stroke or transient ischemic attack. This study evaluates relationships among cognitive status, stroke symptom reports, and cardiovascular and behavioral factors. Methods— REasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS), a prospective population study of stroke incidence, assesses stroke risk with telephone interviews and in-home physicals. Excluding subjects with a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, this analysis includes 14 566 black and white men and women ≥45 years of age. Incremental logistic models examine baseline relationships among cognitive status (Six-item Screener scores), stroke symptom reports, demographics, health behaviors, cardiovascular indices, and depressive symptoms. Results— A history of stroke symptoms was related to impaired cognitive status after adjusting for age, gender, race, and education but not after adjusting for poor health behaviors, vascular risk factors, and depressive symptoms. Odds of experiencing a stroke symptom increased 35% with each of five modifiable factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, lack of exercise, depressive symptoms), and odds of cognitive impairment increased an additional 12% with each modifiable factor. Lifelong abstinence from alcohol, lack of exercise, and depressive symptoms were independently related to impaired cognitive status. Conclusions— The increased likelihood of cognitive impairment among subjects reporting stroke symptoms in the absence of a diagnosed stroke or transient ischemic attack suggests that such symptoms are not benign and may warrant clinical evaluation that includes a cognitive assessment. Future studies that include brain imaging may clarify the etiology of these symptoms.
Mapping and Exome Sequencing Identifies a Mutation in the IARS Gene as the Cause of Hereditary Perinatal Weak Calf Syndrome

We identified an IARS (isoleucyl-tRNA synthetase) c.235G>C (p.Val79Leu) substitution as the causative mutation for neonatal weakness with intrauterine growth retardation (perinatal weak calf syndrome). In Japanese Black cattle, the syndrome was frequently found in calves sired by Bull A. Hence, we employed homozygosity mapping and linkage analysis. In order to identify the perinatal weak calf syndrome locus in a 4.04-Mb region of BTA 8, we analysed a paternal half-sibling family with a BovineSNP50 BeadChip and microsatellites. In this critical region, we performed exome sequencing to identify a causative mutation. Three variants were detected as possible candidates for causative mutations that were predicted to disrupt the protein function, including a G>C (p.Val79Leu) mutation in IARS c.235. The IARS c.235G>C mutation was not a homozygous risk allele in the 36 healthy offspring of Bull A. Moreover, the IARS Val79 residue and its flanking regions were evolutionarily and highly conserved. The IARS mutant (Leu79) had decreased aminoacylation activity. Additionally, the homozygous mutation was not found in any of 1526 healthy cattle. Therefore, we concluded that the IARS c.235G>C mutation was the cause of hereditary perinatal weak calf syndrome.
Analog Cochlea Filter using FINFET

This paper mainly presents the design of cochlea filter using FINFET. There are mainly three specialized stages using floating active inductors which provide passive response in lower frequencies, active tunable response in mid-band frequencies and ultra-steep roll-off at transition frequencies from pass-band to stop-band. FinFET devices has higher controllability, reduced short channel effects (SCEs), higher trans-conductance, and ideal sub threshold voltage. By replacing CMOS by FINFET results in increased operational speed and reduces device area. Keywords—Analog VLSI; CMOS Cochlea; Floating Active Inductor; FinFET
Cluster-Indistinguishability: A practical differential privacy mechanism for trajectory clustering

An important method of spatial-temporal data mining, trajectory clustering can mine valuable information in trajectories. However, cluster results without special sanitization pose serious threats to individual location privacy. Existing privacy preserving mechanisms for trajectory clustering still contend with the problems of narrow applicability, low-level utility, and difficulty in being applied to real scenarios. In this paper, we therefore propose a differential privacy preserving mechanism, Cluster-Indistinguishability, to support trajectory clustering. Firstly, a general model of typical trajectory clustering algorithms is given, and the definition of differential privacy is introduced according to the model. Then, we derive the probability density function of two-dimensional Laplace noise, which satisfies the above definition. Finally, we transform the noise from a Cartesian coordinate system to a Polar coordinate system to efficiently apply it in real scenarios. Experimental results show that Cluster-Indistinguishability has general applicability and better performance compared to existing methods.
Quantifying evolutionary constraints on B-cell affinity maturation

The antibody repertoire of each individual is continuously updated by the evolutionary process of B-cell receptor (BCR) mutation and selection. It has recently become possible to gain detailed information concerning this process through high-throughput sequencing. Here, we develop modern statistical molecular evolution methods for the analysis of B-cell sequence data, and then apply them to a very deep short-read dataset of BCRs. We find that the substitution process is conserved across individuals but varies significantly across gene segments. We investigate selection on BCRs using a novel method that side-steps the difficulties encountered by previous work in differentiating between selection and motif-driven mutation; this is done through stochastic mapping and empirical Bayes estimators that compare the evolution of in-frame and out-of-frame rearrangements. We use this new method to derive a per-residue map of selection, which provides a more nuanced view of the constraints on framework and variable regions.
What Drives the S&P 500 Inclusion Effect? An Analytical Survey

We present an analytical survey of the explanations—price pressure, downward-sloping demand curves, improved liquidity, improved operating performance, and increased investor awareness—for the increase in stock value associated with inclusion in the S&P 500 Index. We find that increased investor awareness is the primary factor behind the cross-section ofabnormal announcement returns. We also find some evidence of temporary price pressure around the inclusion date. We find no evidence that long-run downward-sloping demand curves for stocks, anticipated improvements in operating performance, or increased liquidity are related to the cross-section of announcement or inclusion returns.
Robust multilane detection and tracking in urban scenarios based on LIDAR and mono-vision

Lane detection and tracking is the basic component of many intelligent vehicle systems. In this study, a robust multilane detection and tracking method is proposed. Using the measurements provided by an in-vehicle mono-camera and a forward-looking LIDAR, this algorithm can address challenging scenarios in real urban driving situations. The proposed approach makes use of steerable filters for lane feature detection, LIDAR-based image drivable space segmentation for lane marking points validations and the RANdom SAmple Consensus technique for robust lane model fitting. To improve the robustness of the fitting further, the parallel lanes hypothesis is introduced. The detected lanes initialise particle filters for tracking, without knowing the ego-motion information. The image processing procedures are carried out in inverse perspective mapping image, because of its convenience for multilane detection. Experimental results indicate that the algorithm in this study has robustness against various driving situations.
eview urkitt ’ s lymphoma : The Rosetta Stone deciphering Epstein-Barr virus biology

pstein-Barr virus urkitt’s lymphoma ancer pathogenesis -myc poptosis Epstein-Barr virus was originally identified in the tumour cells of a Burkitt’s lymphoma, and was the first virus to be associated with the pathogenesis of a human cancer. Studies on the relationship of EBV with Burkitt’s lymphoma have revealed important general principles that are relevant to other virus-associated cancers. In addition, the impact of such studies on the knowledge of EBV biology has been enormous. Here, we review some of the key historical observations arising from studies on Burkitt’s lymphoma that have informed our understanding of EBV, and we summarise the current hypotheses regarding the role of EBV rkitt’ in the pathogenesis of Bu
Children with Autism and Attention Difficulties: A Pilot Study of the Association between Sensory, Motor, and Adaptive Behaviors.

OBJECTIVES This pilot study aimed to compare sensory processing, motor skills and adaptive behaviors in children with a double diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (ASD+ADHD) with children with ADHD alone and to examine the association of sensory processing and motor skills with adaptive behaviors (self-care). METHOD Thirty children aged 5-14 years diagnosed with ASD+ADHD (n = 13) or ADHD (n = 17) were evaluated on their sensory processing and motor skills and adaptive behaviors. Analysis of covariance compared the groups on these dimensions. Correlation analyses examined the association between sensory processing and motor skills and adaptive behaviors. RESULTS Compared to children with ADHD alone, children with ASD+ADHD had poorer skills in sensory processing (p < 0.001), motor (p = 0.001) and adaptive behaviors (p < 0.001). For all children, increased autonomy in self-care was correlated with better sensory processing (p < 0.001) and motor skills (p = 0.002). CONCLUSION Children with ASD+ADHD have poorer sensory processing, motor and adaptive skills than those with ADHD alone. Sensory processing and motor deficits were negatively associated with autonomy in self-care. Interventions aiming to improve sensory processing and motor skills and autonomy in self-care should become important targets for these children.
Pulp microenvironment and mechanisms of pain arising from the dental pulp: From an endodontic perspective

The dental pulp has a rich microvasculature and a dense innervation to maintain homoeostasis of the pulp microenvironment and to preserve the integrity of the pulpo-dentine complex. In a hostile oral environment, the dental pulp is equipped with its neurovascular and cellular mechanisms to face the challenges of bacteria, trauma and functions, despite its lack of collateral blood supply and its low-compliance microenvironment. Dentine sensitivity and inflammatory pain are the two mechanisms involved in pain arising from the dental pulp and they are mediated by different types of pulp nerve fibres with their own characteristics. Clinicians are often faced with patients who have toothaches that are elusive and evade accurate diagnosis. This review aims to help clinicians gain insights into the dynamic interaction of the pulp nerves, microvasculature and cells in the pulp microenvironment, and to offer clinicians valuable aids in understanding the mechanisms that cause and modulate pain arising from the dental pulp. Various connections are made between biological science and clinical scenarios in relation to diagnosis of painful pulp conditions.