Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A 50-Year Retrospective on Speech and Language Processing

This talk is a retrospective of speech and language processing as witnessed by the speaker during the last 50 years. From exploratory scientific beginnings that emphasized the discovery of how speech is produced and perceived by humans to today’s plethora of applications using our technology, our field has witnessed explosive growth. The talk will review the historical development of our community and some of the key technical ideas that have shaped our field. Some of the ideas were influenced by developments in other fields, while some of the developments in our field have been instrumental in key advances in other fields, such as optical character recognition and machine translation. Important developments include the source-filter model, digital signal processing, linear prediction, vector quantization, deep neural networks, and statistical modeling methods, especially hidden Markov models (HMMs), with primary applications to speech analysis, synthesis, coding, and recognition. The talk will be sprinkled with lessons learned in the importance of various factors in performing our research, and will be peppered with interesting tidbits about key moments in the development of our technology. The talk will end with a brief prospective peek at the next 50 years. Copyright © 2016 ISCA INTERSPEECH 2016 September 8–12, 2016, San Francisco, USA
An acoustic study of fricatives in Temirgoy Adyghe

This paper presents an acoustic study of voiceless fricatives in the Temirgoy dialect of the Adyghe language (North West Caucasian, Circassian). The Circassian languages are well-known for their large consonant inventories. Using data gathered on a field trip to the Caucasus, the analysis focusses on three acoustic properties: centre of gravity, standard deviation and general slope pattern. Results show that while most fricative pairs can be reliably distinguished via centre of gravity alone, the spectral characteristics of some pairs (most notably /S, Sj/, /ŝw, Xw/ and /è, X(w)/) are highly similar. For the typologically rare closed postalveolar fricatives /ŝ, ŝw/, both centre of gravity and standard deviation were found to be decisive acoustic cues.
Bounded distance+1 soft-decision Reed-Solomon decoding

We present a new Reed-Solomon decoding algorithm, which embodies several refinements of an earlier algorithm. Some portions of this new decoding algorithm operate on symbols of length lgq bits; other portions operate on somewhat longer symbols. In the worst case, the total number of calculations required by the new decoding algorithm is proportional to nr, where n is the code's block length and r is its redundancy. This worst case workload is very similar to prior algorithms. But in many applications, average-case workload and error-correcting performance are both much better. The input to the new algorithm consists of n received symbols from GF(q), and n nonnegative real numbers, each of which is the reliability of the corresponding received symbol. Any conceivable errata pattern has a "score" equal to the sum of the reliabilities of its locations with nonzero errata values. A max-likelihood decoder would find the minimum score over all possible errata patterns. Our new decoding algorithm finds the minimum score only over a subset of these possible errata patterns. The errata within any candidate errata pattern may be partitioned into "errors" and "erasures," depending on whether the corresponding reliabilities are above or below an "erasure threshold. " Different candidate errata patterns may have different thresholds, each chosen to minimize its corresponding ERRATA COUNT, which is defined as 2/spl middot/(number of errors)+(number of erasures). The new algorithm finds an errata pattern with minimum score among all errata patterns for which ERRATA COUNT/spl les/r+1 where r is the redundancy of the RS code. Conventional algorithms also require that the erasure threshold be set a priori; the new algorithm obtains the best answer over all possible settings of the erasure threshold. Conventional cyclic RS codes have length n=q-1, and their locations correspond to the nonzero elements of GF(q). The new algorithm also applies very naturally to RS codes which have been doubly extended by the inclusion of 0 and /spl infin/ as additional locations.
Bis(2,3,5,6-tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine-κ3 N 2,N 1,N 6)iron(II) bis(dicyanamidate) 4.5-hydrate

In the title compound, [Fe(C24H16N6)2][N(CN)2]2·4.5H2O, the central iron(II) ion is hexacoordinated by six N atoms of two tridentate 2,3,5,6-tetra-2-pyridylpyrazine (tppz) ligands. Two dicyanamide anions [dca or N(CN)2 −] act as counter-ions, and 4.5 water molecules act as solvation agents. The structure contains isolated cationic iron(II)–tppz complexes and the final neutrality is obtained with the two dicyanamide anions. One of the dicyanamide anions and a water molecule are disordered with an occupancy ratio of 0.614 (8):0.386 (8). O—H⋯O, O—H⋯N and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving dca, water and tppz molecules are observed.
Treatment of severe clozapine-induced neutropenia with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)

Background A 17-year-old boy suffering from a severe schizophrenic disorder of the paranoid type and mental retardation did not respond to treatment with typical antipsychotics, whereas under clozapine treatment he showed a favourable response. Discontinuation of clozapine led to an acute psychotic relapse. During clozapine treatment the patient developed severe neutropenia. Method and Results Due to the history of unsatisfactory response to traditional antipsychotics, clozapine treatment was continued despite white blood cell (WBC) decline. Concomitant treatment with G-CSF was followed by a rapid normalisation of WBC. Conclusions This case report is not intended to challenge the clinical practice of discontinuing clozapine upon the development of neutropenia/agranulocytosis, but rather to stimulate further research in the pathophysiology and clinical consequences of a clozapine rechallenge after a WBC decline, especially in patients with a rather complex symptomatology where no sufficient therapeutic results can be achieved with any other pharmacological intervention than clozapine.
Haemochromatosis Gene (HFE) Polymorphisms and Migraine: An Association Study

Several studies have suggested that iron metabolism may be involved in the pathogenesis of migraine. Using a case-control design, we performed an association study in a cohort of Italian migraine patients to evaluate whether a particular allele or genotype of the haemochromatosis gene (HFE) would modify the occurrence and clinical features of the disease. We genotyped 256 migraine patients and 237 healthy age-, sex- and ethnicity-matched controls for the C282Y and H63D polymorphisms of the HFE gene. Phenotype and allele frequencies of both polymorphisms were similarly distributed in migraine patients and controls. The patients carrying the DD genotype of the H63D polymorphism showed a later age at onset of the disease and an increased number of migraine attacks. Our data suggest that the HFE gene is not a major disease gene for migraine. However, the H63D polymorphism of the HFE gene may be considered a modifying genetic factor in migraine.
Clostridium difficile antibodies: a patent evaluation (WO2013028810)

Introduction: Incidence and severity of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) are increasing worldwide. Toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) and host immune response are the major determinates of CD pathogenesis and represent a new, stimulating therapeutic target to control CDI. Areas covered: The present patent and literature on the pathogenesis and treatment of CD were critically reviewed. The patent was described and put into clinical context, highlighting possible advantages and barriers to use. It consists of a blend of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and antigen-binding portions that neutralize TcdA, targeting the enterocyte-binding domain. It demonstrated good efficacy in in vivo models and seems promising in clinical practice. However, recent evidence reshaped the central role of TcdA. Expert opinion: Current treatments are inadequate to control CDI and recurrence. Toxin-targeted mAbs are one of the most promising approaches for CDI, including infection by hypervirulent strains. At-risk subjects and those experiencing recurrence are the ideal targets for this second-line treatment; however CDI epidemiology is fast-changing and mAbs may represent a powerful option also for other patients. The re-evaluation of the pathogenic role of TcdA may potentially limit the use of this product; however, the possible administration in combination with other therapeutic agents may optimize its efficacy.
(2+1)-dimensional spacetimes containing closed timelike curves.

We investigate the global geometries of (2+1)-dimensional spacetimes as characterized by the transformations undergone by tangent spaces upon parallel transport around closed curves. We critically discuss the use of the term ``total energy-momentum'' as a label for such parallel-transport transformations, pointing out several problems with it. We then investigate parallel-transport transformations in the known (2+1)-dimensional spacetimes containing closed timelike curves (CTC's), and introduce a few new such spacetimes. Using the more specific concept of the holonomy of a closed curve, applicable in simply connected spacetimes, we emphasize that Gott's two-particle CTC-containing spacetime does not have a tachyonic geometry. Finally, we prove the following modified version of Kabat's conjecture: if a CTC is deformable to spacelike or null infinity while remaining a CTC, then its parallel-transport transformation cannot be a rotation; therefore its holonomy, if defined, cannot be a rotation other than through a multiple of 2\ensuremath{\pi}.
Selectivity of the effects of hypothalamic lesions on pituitary trophic hormone secretion in the rat.

IN THE rat, hypothalamic lesions may result in testicular atrophy (1, 2, 3), disturbances of the estrus cycle (4, 5), and “goiter block” (impairment of the hyperplastic-hypertrophic thyroid response to goitrogen treatment) (6, 3, 7, 8, 9). These effects have been interpreted as sequelae of depressed gonadotrophin and thyrotrophin secretion (3, 5, 7, 8). Although such lesions may appear virtually to abolish gonadotrophin secretion, producing a degree of testicular atrophy approaching that found after hypophysectomy, they have not (in the rat) been found to eliminate thyrotrophin secretion completely (8, 9). Evidence that they may depress corticotrophin secretion severely enough to permit marked atrophy of the adrenal cortex has not been abundant, but this effect has been noted also (8, 10). Further observations on lesion-induced adrenal atrophy are included in the present report.
Binding of a High Affinity Phosphotyrosyl Peptide to the Src SH 2 Domain : Crystal Structures of the Complexed and Peptide

New York, New York 10021 al., 1990; Birge et al., 1992; Fantl et al., 1992; Kashishian Joslin Diabetes Center and Department of Medicine et al., 1992; Klippel et al., 1992; Rotin et al., 1992; EsBrigham and Women’s Hospital cobedo et al., 1991). The general architecture of SH2 doHarvard Medical School mains and the mechanism of phosphotyrosine recognition Boston, Massachusetts 02215 have been clarified by crystal structures of Src SH2 do-
Effects of N-trifluoroacetyladriamycin-14-O-hemiadipate and radiation on L1210 cells.

N-Trifluoroacetyladriamycin-14-O-hemiadipate (AD 143) is the most active among the 14-O-hemiester adriamycin-trifluoroacetamide derivatives and has been selected for preclinical studies. We now report its ability to enhance the kill by ionizing radiation of murine leukemic cells in culture. A 1-h exposure to either 1.28-12.8 micrograms/ml of AD 143 or to 0.16-1.62 micrograms/ml of adriamycin (ADR) was followed at 0 h by graded doses (0-1 Krad) of radiation, and cell viability was assessed by soft agar cloning technique. Regression analyses of the dose-response curve have shown that both compounds, at the concentrations employed, decrease the reciprocal of the slope D0 from 97 rad for radiation alone, to 66-56 rad for AD 143 (1.28-5.12 micrograms/ml) plus radiation, or to 85-61 rad for ADR (0.16-0.65 micrograms/ml) when used with radiation. ADR, however, had a significant "shoulder"-modifying effect. The Dq remained essentially unchanged after AD 143 pretreatment. Quantitation of synergism (superadditivity), additivity, and antagonism was performed by isobologram analysis and by a computerized method based on the "median effect principle. " Both approaches have shown that synergism of AD 143 or ADR with radiation becomes apparent with dose escalation. This effect is discernible at significantly lower levels of AD 143 than of ADR, corresponding to less than LD50 measured by the clonogenic assay.
Design and Implementation of a High-Efficiency Multiple-Output Resonant Converter for Induction Heating Applications Featuring Wide Bandgap Devices

Efficiency is a key design parameter when designing the power converters for domestic induction heating applications, since it determines not only the environmental impact of the power converter but also its final performance and reliability. In this paper, the design of high-efficiency converters for induction heating applications is discussed, focusing on the advantages of using wide bandgap devices. As a conclusion, a multiple-output boost resonant ac-ac converter is proposed, significantly improving current state-of-the-art efficiency and achieving a reduced component-count solution for multiple-load systems. The proposed converter has been tested through a dual-output boost resonant inverter for domestic induction heating applications. The design procedure is detailed, including the design of an optimized gate drive circuit for this application. Experimental results show significant improvements in efficiency in the whole operating range, and an accurate output power control, proving the benefits and feasibility of the proposed SiC-based converter.
Cytokine production by peripheral lymphocytes in melanoma.

BACKGROUND The differentiation of T cells towards a T helper 1 (Th1) or Th2 phenotype based on their profile of cytokine production, is of great relevance in the regulation of immune responses. We have determined by flow cytometry, the expression of selected Th1 and Th2 cytokines by activated T cells in whole blood samples (WB) from normal donors and from patients with different clinical stages of melanoma in different clinical stages. METHODS WB samples from 6 normal donors and 19 patients with melanoma were activated over 4 hours with PMA + ionomycin in presence or absence of a protein secretion inhibitor. Following surface staining (CD3-Cy5+CD8-FITC), fixation and permeabilization, cells were stained with PE-labelled antibodies against Th1 cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha) and Th2 cytokines (IL-4, IL-10). RESULTS The most relevant results were related to IFN-gamma and IL-10 production. The percentage of IFN-gamma producer cells was significantly lower in melanoma patients, independent of the stage, than in controls. IL-10 production was significantly increased in melanoma patients with respect to normal donors. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the notion that the pattern of cytokines produced by lymphocytes from melanoma patients may help to explain the impairment in their T cell immune response. More extensive studies regarding the pattern of cytokines, not only in peripheral blood, but also in tumour tissue and sentinel lymph nodes, are needed to confirm these data.
Mode of action of adenosine 3':5'-cyclic monophosphate in insulin secretion.

that the control may be effected via phosphorylation of a membrane protein. We have therefore investigated the phosphorylation of the erythrocyte membrane and its stimulation by cyclic AMP on isolated membranes, erythrocyte 'ghosts' and intact erythrocytes. Membrane phosphorylation in the presence or in the absence of cyclic AMP was measured by the transfer of 32p from [y-32P]ATP to membrane components. Erythrocyte membranes were prepared by the method of Hoogeveen et al. (1970). Cyclic AMP and [y-32P]ATP were incorporated into erythrocyte 'ghosts' by the reversed-haemolysis method of Whittam (1962). Intact erythrocytes were allowed to synthesize endogenous [y-32P]ATP by incubating fresh citrated blood with [32p]pl for 45min. Dibutyryl cyclic AMP (6-N,2'-O-dibutyryladenosine 3': 5'cyclic monophosphate) was used in experiments with intact erythrocytes. In all experiments phosphorylation of the membrane was stimulated by cyclic AMP in intact erythrocytes, 'ghosts' or isolated membranes. Noradrenaline and prostaglandin, which had been shown to enhance the synthesis ofcyclic AMP in rat erythrocytes (Sheppard & Burghardt, 1970), also stimulated the incorporation of 32p into components of the membrane. Inhibition ofphosphodiesterase enhanced the cyclic-AMP-stimulated phosphorylation. Separation of the membrane lipid and protein (Boyer & Bieber, 1967) showed that 80% of the bound 32p was in the latter fraction and that the stimulatory effect ofcyclicAMP on 32p incorporation was confined to the protein. Hydrolysis of the membrane protein, followed by high-voltage paper electrophoresis and radioautography, yielded phosphoserine and phosphothreonine as the only amino acids containing 32p. On fractionation of the membrane proteins by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulphate, six or seven discrete bands were obtained. The three bands representing the highest-molecular-weight proteins contained most of the 32P, and the additional label resulting from stimulation by cyclic AMP was mainly in band 3 (mol.wt. approx. 100000). Our findings indicate that human erythrocytes are capable of responding to cyclic AMP by increased incorporation of 32p in membrane protein. Whether this observation is of physiological significance and whether it is a property of mature erythrocytes or of reticulocytes remains to be established. This research was supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Research Trust.
Comparability of the death certificate and the 1986 National Mortality Followback Survey.

This is "a comparison of information on demographic items on death certificates [in the United States] with responses obtained in the 1986 National Mortality Followback Survey. This survey included a national sample of persons 25 years of age and over who died in 1986. " The results indicated that "consistency in reporting between the death certificate and the followup questionnaire was excellent for race Hispanic origin marital status and veteran status. " (EXCERPT)
Effect of dextrothyroxine on metabolism of C-14-labeled cholesterol and tripalmitin.

THE POSSIBLE RELATIONSHIP of hypercholesteremia to atherosclerosis had led to consideration of thyroxine as a useful agent in lowering serum cholesterol. 1,3 Since the dose of L-thyroxine required for this purpose usually produces hypermetabolic effects, 3 many analogues of thyroxine have been tested in an attempt to find one with a predominantly cholesterol-lowering action. 4,5 This study was undertaken to determine the effect of oral dextrothyroxine (D-T 4 ) on the metabolism of intravenously administered C 14 -labeled cholesterol and tripalmitin. Materials and Methods Twenty-two euthyroid male patients with high serum cholesterol levels, various arteriosclerotic disorders, or both were studied. No changes were made in any patient's program other than addition of the drug. The biological half-life of C 14 -labeled cholesterol and tripalmitin in serum was determined for each patient for 30 days before and after the administration of 8 mg. of D-T 4 daily. Respiratory quotient, oxygen uptake,
Potential involvement of IL-10 in suppressing tumor-associated macrophages. Colon-26-derived prostaglandin E2 inhibits TNF-alpha release via a mechanism involving IL-10.

The administration of murine TNF-alpha to colon (C)-26 bearing mice, significantly protects the host against the catabolic effects of the tumor. This effect of exogenous TNF-alpha can be primarily attributed to tumor lysis rather than to a direct anticachectic action. Murine peritoneal macrophages cultured with the C-26 line or with C-26 culture supernatant do not release TNF-alpha in response to LPS stimulation. The reduction in TNF-alpha levels is associated with a significant increase in IL-10 levels. Single cell suspension of freshly disaggregated C-26 tumor (which contains host macrophages), do not produce TNF-alpha but contain significant levels of PGE2 and IL-10. In contrast, PGE2 but not TNF-alpha or IL-10 can be detected in the C-26.IVX cell line that is used to generate tumors in vivo. Neutralizing anti IL-10 Ab but not isotype-matched Ab, significantly reverses the inhibitory effect of the tumor cells and their culture supernatant on macrophage TNF-alpha release. Additional evidence is presented to indicate that the C-26-derived inhibitory activity is related to PGE2. Taken together, these results support the hypothesis that tumor-derived PGE2 prevents tumor-infiltrating macrophages from producing TNF-alpha, in part by augmenting macrophage IL-10 synthesis.
Evaluation of Adaptive Logic Networks for control of walking in paralyzed patients

An Adaptive Logic Network (ALN), a type of Neural Network (NN), as evaluated for the control of walking in Spinal Cord Injured (SCI patients. The motivation behind this research was to explore more reliable methods for control of simple Functional Neuromuscular Stimulation (FNS) systems in incomplete SCI patients. The ALN was used to recognize a patient's intention to make a step by stimulating muscles in a partially paralyzed leg. Signals from four force sensors, installed under the toes and heels, have been used as inputs and a gating pulse associated with the stimulation as an output for learning and testing the function of the control system. Manual control, by either the patient or a physiotherapist, has been used as a template to be matched by the ALN. Generalization of the learned functions by the· ALN to previously unseen data was also tested. Finally, we manipulated the number of input channels, the inclusion of information from past samples and prediction of future events. The ALN is capable of generating the same time series of output pulses as those generated by “human experts. ” Furthermore, it can predict the stimulation event early enough so that the requirement for stimulation can be verified and the patient informed to prepare for stimulation.