Neuron Digest V97 #6
Neuron-Digest Moderator
Neuron Digest Thursday, 13 Feb 1997
Volume 97 : Issue 6
Today's Topics:
research associate position
Motorola NN Speech Synthesizer Article
CFP: IV Brazilian Symposium on Neural Networks SBRN'97
JAIR article - connectionist natural language learning
Student Position: Learning for Agents and Multi-Agent Systems
CARGESE SUMMER SCHOOL - 1st annoucement
Send submissions to "neu...@psych.upenn.edu". Send administrative
questions and [un]subscribe requests to "neuron-...@psych.upenn.edu".
The ftp archives (including back issues) are available from
psych.upenn.edu in pub/Neuron-Digest or by sending a message to
"archive...@psych.upenn.edu".
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Subject: research associate position
From: Claude Meunier <meu...@orphee.polytechnique.fr>
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 10:02:01 +0100
Research associate
Center for Theoretical Physics
Ecole Polytechnique, France
The Center for Theoretical Physics invites applications for a possible one
year position of research associate (no teaching duties), starting Fall
1997. Six month stays may also be considered. Candidates are expected to
carry out their research in the framework of our existing research programs
in:
- - computational neurosciences
- - condensed matter
- - field theory and particle physics
- - plasma physics
Applicants should submit a resume with publications list, statement of
research interests, and two letters of references to:
Dr. M.-N. Bussac
Centre de Physique Th=E9orique
Ecole Polytechnique
91128 Palaiseau cedex France
fax: 00 33 01 69 33 30 08
E-mail: bus...@cpth.polytechnique.fr
Send requests of information on this temporary position and post doctoral
positions in theoretical physics at Ecole Polytechnique to the same
address.
The closing date for the receipt of applications is March 15, 1997.
------------------------------
Subject: Motorola NN Speech Synthesizer Article
From: Orhan Karaali <kar...@ukraine.corp.mot.com>
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 11:34:16 -0600
FTP-host: archive.cis.ohio-state.edu
FTP-filename: /pub/neuroprose/karaali.synthesis_wcnn96.ps.Z
Motorola Neural Network Speech Synthesizer Article
A new neural network based speech synthesizer has been developed here at
Motorola Chicago Corporate Research Laboratories by the Speech Synthesis and
Machine Learning Group. We believe that the quality of the synthesized
speech it produces surpasses the current state of the art, particularly in
naturalness.
An invited paper describing this neural network speech synthesizer
was presented in the Speech Session of the World Congress on Neural
Networks 96 in San Diego. This paper is now available in the NEUROPROSE
archive as karaali.synthesis_wcnn96.ps.Z.
If you have a problem getting the paper from NEUROPROSE, I can email
it to you.
Orhan Karaali
email: kar...@mot.com
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
Speech Synthesis with Neural Networks
Orhan Karaali, Gerald Corrigan, and Ira Gerson
Motorola, Inc., 1301 E. Algonquin Road, Schaumburg, IL 60196
kar...@mot.com, corr...@mot.com, ger...@mot.com
ABSTRACT
Text-to-speech conversion has traditionally been performed either by
concatenating short samples of speech or by using rule-based systems to convert
a phonetic representation of speech into an acoustic representation, which is
then converted into speech. This paper describes a system that uses a
time-delay neural network (TDNN) to perform this phonetic-to-acoustic mapping,
with another neural network to control the timing of the generated speech.
The neural network system requires less memory than a concatenation system,
and performed well in tests comparing it to commercial systems using other
technologies.
------------------------------
Subject: CFP: IV Brazilian Symposium on Neural Networks SBRN'97
From: Valeriu Beiu <be...@lanl.gov>
Date: Tue, 11 Feb 1997 20:50:18 -0700
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
I V t h B R A Z I L I A N S Y M P O S I U M O N
N E U R A L N E T W O R K S
SBRN'97
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Goiania, GO, Brazil, December 03 - 05, 1997
Sponsored by: Brazilian Computer Society (SBC)
International Neural Networks Society (INNS)
Organized by the School of Electrical Engineering (EEE)
Federal University of Goias (UFG)
Conference Chairmen: Weber Martins (EEE-UFG)
Dibio Leandro Borges (EEE-UFG)
=======================================================================
Latest information will be placed at the conference WWW-page
http://www.eee.ufg.br/sbrn97/
=======================================================================
P u r p o s e
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
The fourth Brazilian Symposium on Neural Networks will be held at the
School of Electrical Engineering, Federal University of Goias (UFG),
Goiania, GO (Brazil), on 3rd, 4th, and 5th December, 1997. The
Brazilian Symposia on Neural Networks are organized by the interest
group in Neural Networks of the Brazilian Computer Society. In order to
promote research in Neural Networks and Evolutionary Computation, and
scientific interchange among Brazilian AI researchers and practitioners,
and their counterparts worldwide, papers from the international
community are most welcome. The papers will be reviewed by an
international program committee.
T o p i c s o f I n t e r e s t
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Submissions are invited on substantial, original, and previously
unpublished research in all aspects of Neural Networks, including, but
not limited to:
* Biological Perspectives
* Cognitive Modeling
* Dynamic Systems
* Evolutionary Computation
* Fuzzy Logic
* Hardware Implementation
* Hybrid Systems
* Learning Models
* Neural Network Algorithms and Architectures
* Neural Network Applications
* Optimization
* Pattern Recognition and Image Processing
* Robotics and Control
* Signal Processing
* Theoretical Models
P r o g r a m C o m m i t t e e
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nigel M. Allinson (Univ. Manchester Institute of Technology - UK)
Jose Nelson Amaral (Pontificia Catholic University, RS - BRAZIL)
William Armstrong (University of Alberta - CANADA)
Valeriu Beiu (Los Alamos National Laboratory - USA)
Dibio Leandro Borges * (Federal University of Goias - BRAZIL)
Antonio de Padua Braga (Federal University of Minas Gerais - BRAZIL)
Andre L.P. de Carvalho (University of Sao Paulo, S. Carlos - BRAZIL)
Weber Martins * (Federal University of Goias - BRAZIL)
Edilberto P. Teixeira (Federal University of Uberlandia - BRAZIL)
Harold Szu (University of Southwestern Louisiana - USA)
Germano C. Vasconcelos (Federal University of Pernambuco - BRAZIL)
* Program Chairmen
T i m e t a b l e
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Submissions due May 2nd, 1997
Notification of acceptance July 5th, 1997
Final manuscript due August 5th, 1997
Conference date December 3rd-5th, 1997
P a p e r S u b m i s s i o n s
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
We invite submissions of scientific papers to any topic related to
Neural Networks and Evolutionary Computation. Authors should submit
four (4) copies of their papers in hard copy form. Neither computer
files nor fax submission are acceptable. Submissions must be printed
on 8 1/2 x 11 inch (21.59 x 27.94 cm) or A4 paper using 12 point type,
and they must be a maximum of twenty (20) pages long, double space,
including all figures and references. The reviewing process will be
blind to the identities of the authors, please note that this requires
that authors exercise some care not to identify themselves in their
papers.
Title page and paper body
- -------------------------
Each copy of the paper must include a title page, separate from the body
of the paper, containing the title of the paper, the names and addresses
of all authors (please, complete addresses including also e-mail and
FAX), a short abstract of less than 200 words, and a list of keywords
giving the area/subarea of the paper.
The second page, on which the paper body begins, should include the same
title, abstract, keywords, but not the names and affiliations of the
authors.
All paper submissions should be to the following address:
- ---------------------------------------------------------
IVth Brazilian Symposium on Neural Networks (SBRN'97)
(PAPER SUBMISSION)
School of Electrical Engineering (EEE)
Federal University of Goias (UFG)
Pca. Universitaria s/n
Setor Universitario
74605-220 Goiania, GO (BRAZIL)
FAX: +55 62 202 - 0325
E-mail: sbr...@eee.ufg.br
Review criteria
- ---------------
Papers will be subject to peer review by an international program
committee. Selection criteria include accuracy and originality of ideas,
clarity and significance of results and the quality of the presentation.
P u b l i c a t i o n
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
We are planning to publish the international proceedings with a major
publishing house, and details will be available soon. Papers submitted
in Portuguese or Spanish will be published in a separate volume. Both
proceedings will be available at the conference. Please, note that at
least one author should attend the conference for presentation of the
accepted paper.
I n q u i r i e s
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
Inquiries regarding any aspect of the conference may be sent to the
internet address: sbr...@eee.ufg.br
or to the Conference Chairmen:
Weber Martins and Dibio Leandro Borges
both at:
School of Electrical Engineering
Federal University of Goias
Pca. Universitaria s/n
Setor Universitario
74605-220 Goiania, GO (BRAZIL)
\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
------------------------------
Subject: JAIR article - connectionist natural language learning
From: Stefan Wermter <wer...@nats5.informatik.uni-hamburg.de>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 1997 13:45:25 +0100
- ----- Begin Included Message -----
From: jai...@ptolemy.arc.nasa.gov
JAIR is pleased to announce the publication of the following article, which
may be of interest to readers of this mailing list:
Wermter, S. and Weber, V. (1997)
"SCREEN: Learning a Flat Syntactic and Semantic Spoken Language Analysis
Using Artificial Neural Networks", Volume 6, pages 35-85.
Available in HTML, Postscript (1.1M) and compressed Postscript (290K).
For quick access via your WWW browser, use this URL:
http://www.cs.washington.edu/research/jair/abstracts/wermter97a.html
More detailed instructions are below.
Abstract: Previous approaches of analyzing spontaneously spoken
language often have been based on encoding syntactic and semantic
knowledge manually and symbolically. While there has been some
progress using statistical or connectionist language models, many
current spoken- language systems still use a relatively brittle,
hand-coded symbolic grammar or symbolic semantic component.<p>
In contrast, we describe a so-called screening approach for learning
robust processing of spontaneously spoken language. A screening
approach is a flat analysis which uses shallow sequences of category
representations for analyzing an utterance at various syntactic,
semantic and dialog levels. Rather than using a deeply structured
symbolic analysis, we use a flat connectionist analysis. This
screening approach aims at supporting speech and language processing
by using (1) data-driven learning and (2) robustness of connectionist
networks. In order to test this approach, we have developed the
SCREEN system which is based on this new robust, learned and flat
analysis.<p>
In this paper, we focus on a detailed description of SCREEN's
architecture, the flat syntactic and semantic analysis, the
interaction with a speech recognizer, and a detailed evaluation
analysis of the robustness under the influence of noisy or incomplete
input. The main result of this paper is that flat representations
allow more robust processing of spontaneous spoken language than
deeply structured representations. In particular, we show how the
fault-tolerance and learning capability of connectionist networks can
support a flat analysis for providing more robust spoken-language
processing within an overall hybrid symbolic/connectionist framework.
The article is available via:
-- comp.ai.jair.papers (also see comp.ai.jair.announce)
-- World Wide Web: The URL for our World Wide Web server is
http://www.cs.washington.edu/research/jair/home.html
For direct access to this article and related files try:
http://www.cs.washington.edu/research/jair/abstracts/wermter97a.html
-- Anonymous FTP from either of the two sites below.
Carnegie-Mellon University (USA):
ftp://ftp.cs.cmu.edu/project/jair/volume6/wermter97a.ps
The University of Genoa (Italy):
ftp://ftp.mrg.dist.unige.it/pub/jair/pub/volume6/wermter97a.ps
The compressed PostScript file is named wermter97a.ps.Z (290K)
-- automated email. Send mail to ja...@cs.cmu.edu or ja...@ftp.mrg.dist.unige.it
with the subject AUTORESPOND and our automailer will respond. To
get the Postscript file, use the message body GET volume6/wermter97a.ps
(Note: Your mailer might find this file too large to handle.)
Only one can file be requested in each message.
For more information about JAIR, visit our WWW or FTP sites, or
send electronic mail to ja...@cs.cmu.edu with the subject AUTORESPOND
and the message body HELP, or contact jai...@ptolemy.arc.nasa.gov.
- ----- End Included Message -----
*****************************************************************
Dr. Stefan Wermter
University of Hamburg
Dept. of Computer Science
Vogt-Koelln-Str. 30
D-22527 Hamburg
Germany
Email: wer...@informatik.uni-hamburg.de
Phone: +49-5494 2531
Fax: +49-5494 2515
http://www.informatik.uni-hamburg.de/NATS/staff/wermter.html
------------------------------
Subject: Student Position: Learning for Agents and Multi-Agent Systems
From: Steve Lawrence <lawr...@research.nj.nec.com>
Date: Wed, 12 Feb 1997 13:05:43 -0500
The NEC Research Institute in Princeton, NJ has an immediate opening
for a student research position in the area of learning for agents and
multi-agent systems.
Candidates must have experience in research and be able to effectively
communicate research results. Ideal candidates will have knowledge of
one or more machine learning techniques (e.g. neural networks,
decision trees, rule based systems, and nearest neighbor techniques),
and be proficient in the software implementation of algorithms.
NEC Research provides an outstanding research environment with many
recognized experts and excellent resources including several
multiprocessor machines.
Interested applicants should apply by email, mail or fax including
their resumes and any specific interests in learning for agents and
multi-agent systems to:
Dr. C. Lee Giles
NEC Research Institute
4 Independence Way
Princeton NJ 08540
Phone: (609) 951 2642
Fax: (609) 951 2482
Email: gi...@research.nj.nec.com
- --
Steve Lawrence <*> http://www.neci.nj.nec.com/homepages/lawrence
------------------------------
Subject: CARGESE SUMMER SCHOOL - 1st annoucement
From: par...@cptsu2.univ-mrs.fr (Olivier Parodi)
Date: Mon, 10 Feb 1997 15:54:07 +0100
SUMMER SCHOOL
on
NEURONAL INFORMATION PROCESSING :
FROM BIOLOGICAL DATA TO MODELLING AND APPLICATIONS
Cargese -- Corse du Sud (France)
June 30 -- July 12, 1997
organized at the
INSTITUT D'ETUDES SCIENTIFIQUES DE CARGESE
CNRS (UMS 820)
Universite de Nice-Sophia Antipolis - Universite de Corte
F 20130 CARGESE
Sponsored by
Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
DGA-DRET (French Ministry of Defence)
Conseil Executif de la Corse
THEME
In the past ten years, statistical mechanics and dynamics of neuronal
automata have been extensively studied. Most of the work has been based on
over-simplified models of neurons. Recent developments in Neurosciences have,
however, considerably modified our knowledge of both the operating modes of
neurons and information processing in the cortex.
Multi-unit recordings have allowed precise temporal correlations to be
detected, within temporal windows of the order of 1 ms. Simultaneously,
oscillations corresponding to a quasi-periodic spike-firing, synchronized over
several visual cortical areas, have been observed with anaesthesied cats and
with monkeys. Last but not least, recent work on the neuronal operating modes
have emphasized the role played by the dendritic arborization.
These developments have led to considerable interest for coding scheme
relying on precise spatio-temporal patterns both from the theoretical and
experimental points of view. This prompts us to consider, for information
processing, new models which would proceed, e.g., from a synchronous detection
of correlated spike firing, and could be particularly robust against noise.
Such models might bring about original technical applications for information
processing and control.
Further developments in this field may be of major importance for our
understanding of the basic mechanisms of perception and cognition. They should
also lead to new concepts in applications directed towards artificial
perception and pattern recognition. Up to now, artificial systems for pattern
recognition are far from reaching the standards of human vision. Systems based
on a temporal coding by spikes may now be expected to bring about major
improvements in this field.
The aim of the school is to provide students and people engaged in both
applied and basic research with state of the art in every relevant field
(Neurosciences, Physics, Mathematics, Information and Control Theory) and to
encourage further interdisciplinary and international exchanges.
PRELIMINARY PROGRAM
Pr. M. Abeles (Jerusalem) - Spike Correlations and synfire chains,
Pr. P. Combe (Marseille) - Learning: a geometrical approach,
Pr. J. Demongeot (Grenoble) - Dynamics of modular architectures,
Pr. L. van Hemmen (Munchen) - Coding by spikes,
Pr. J. Herault (Grenoble) - Information processing in the retina,
Pr. J. Hertz (Copenhague) - Temporal coding and learning,
Pr. A. Holley (Lyon) - Information processing in the olfactory
mammalian system,
Pr. C. von der Malsburg (Bochum) - Binding and Synchrony,
Dr. C. Masson (Paris) - Cellular mechanism of odor discrimination,
Dr. J. P. Nadal (Paris) - Information theory and neuronal
architecture,
Dr. O. Parodi (Marseille) - Temporal coding and correlation detection,
Pr. S. Solla (ATT) - Dynamics of on-line learning processes.
OFFICIAL LANGUAGES
The official languages of the School are English and French. Lectures will
given in English.
DIRECTOR OF THE SCHOOL
Olivier PARODI, Centre de Physique Theorique
CNRS-Luminy, case 907, F 13288 MARSEILLE CEDEX 09, France
Tel. (33) 4 91 26 95 30 Fax (33) 4 91 26 95 53
e-mail par...@cpt.univ-mrs.fr
REGISTRATION FEES
Students: free
CNRS and members of CNRS institutes: free
University: 1500 FF
Industry: 2500 FF
ACCOMMODATION GRANTS
1 - The School is sponsored by the Formation Permanente du CNRS, which can
support accomodation expenses of at least 16 CNRS participants.
2 - The Organizing Committee will consider grants for students and young
participants.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The school will be held at the Institut d'Etudes Scientifiques
de Cargese. Lectures and Seminars will be given from 9 am to 12:30 pm and
from 4 to 7:15 pm.(except on Sunday) from July 1 to 11 included. All
participants are expected to arrive on June 30 and leave on July 12.
TRAVEL : Cargese is located approximatively 60 kms North of Ajaccio. The best
way to get to Cargese is to reach Ajaccio. You are asked to make your own
travelling arrangements. However, in order to reduce the cost of your travel,
two groups will be organized on regular flights between Paris and Ajaccio and
Marseille and Ajaccio on June 30 and July 12 (approx. 1200-1400 FF for a Paris-
Ajaccio return ticket). We also consider renting buses for the Ajaccio-Cargese
and return journeys. Details will be sent later.
ACCOMODATION : The Institute is located 2 km south of the village, on the
sea shore. On working days, lunches will be served at the Institute (800 FF for
the session, including refreshment and coffe breaks). There are various housing
possibilities:
- - shared room at the Institute or in apartments in the village - 1920 FF
(per person for the session)
- - single room in shared apartments in the village - 2640 FF for the session
- - rented apartment in the village for your family - 270 to 500 FF per day
- - hotels in the village - 250 to 400 FF per person per day
- - camping on the grounds of the Institute - 20 FF per person per day. You have
to bring your own equipment, showers are at your disposal. Breakfast will be
served at the Institute for people staying on the grounds.
WARNING: There are no banks nor cash machines in Cargese and credit cards
are not accepted everywhere. Think to bring enough French cash before leaving
Paris, Marseille or Ajaccio.
NOTE : We cannot provide accomodation before or after the dates of the School.
POSTER SESSION : One or several poster sessions will be organized.
Participants are encouraged to prepare posters on their own work.
REGISTRATION :
You have to fill the enclosed application and return it by e-mail to
car...@cpt.univ-mrs.fr
BEFORE MARCH 31, 1997 with, if necessary, a letter justifying your grant
request.
The School will accept up to 50 students, including those supported by the
Formation Permanente of CNRS. In case of over-demand, participants will be
selected by the Scientific Committee, with a balance between junior
and senior students, and a preference for students carrying an active
research in the field.
***************************************************************************
***************************************************************************
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REGISTRATION FORM
BULLETIN D'INSCRIPTION
NEURONAL INFORMATION PROCESSING
TRAITEMENT NEURONAL DE L'INFORMATION
NAME / NOM
First name / Prenom (Ms/Mr)
Nationality/Nationalite
date of birth / date
INSTITUTE ADDRESS / LABORATOIRE
Tel.
Fax
e-mail
HOME ADDRESS / Adresse personnelle
Tel.
Next of kin / Personne a prevenir en cas d'accident :
DIPLOMA /Niveau Universitaire
PRESENT POSITION / EMPLOI ACTUEL ?
PRESENT RESEARCH / RECHERCHES ACTUELLES
MAIN PUBLICATIONS / Publications Principales
(up to five recent publications)
Will your Institution pay for / Votre Laboratoire subventionne-t-il:
your travel (Yes/No) ?
votre voyage (Oui/Non) ?
your accommodation expenses (Yes/No) ?
vos frais de sejour ? (Oui/Non) ?
Only for members of the CNRS /
Pour les participants CNRS, ou relevant d'un laboratoire soutenu par le CNRS,
demandez-vous la prise en charge de vos frais de sejour et de transport par
la Formation Permanente du CNRS ?
For Junior applicants, do you request a grant ? (Yes/No) ?
Pour les jeunes chercheurs, etes-vous candidat a une bourse ? (Oui/Non)
RECOMMENDATION : Junior applicants should arrange for a letter of
recommendation from a senior scientist who had the oppotunity to judge their
work. This letter should be sent by e-mail to car...@cpt.univ-mrs.fr.
RECOMMANDATION: Les jeunes chercheurs doivent fournir une lettre de
recommandation d'un chercheur confirme. Cette lettre doit etre envoyee par
courrier electronique a car...@cpt.univ-mrs.fr
YOU ARE RECOMMENDED BY / Vous etes recommande par ?
TRAVEL/VOYAGE:
Will you take a group flight / Prendrez-vous un vol de groupe ?
Paris-Ajaccio-Paris : Number/Nombre ?
Marseille-Ajaccio-Marseille : Number/Nombre ?
HOUSING (Specify your choice):
LOGEMENT (Precisez votre choix):
Pour les participants francophones:
Etes-vous capable de suivre un cours en anglais ?
De participer a une discussion en anglais ?
DEADLINE / DATE LIMITE D'INSCRIPTION :
THIS APPLICATION HAS TO BE SENT BY E-MAIL NOT LATER THAN MARCH 31, 1997 TO
car...@cpt.univ-mrs.fr
CE FORMULAIRE DOIT ETRE RENVOYE PAR COURRIER ELECTRONIQUE AU PLUS TARD LE
31 MARS 1997 A car...@cpt.univ-mrs.fr
You will receive an answer by e-mail before April 30.
Vous recevrez une reponse avant le 30 avril.
e-mail contact for special requests only / contact par courrier electronique
pour des problemes particuliers:
car...@cpt.univ-mrs.fr
------------------------------
End of Neuron Digest [Volume 97 Issue 6]
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