Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TRIXcell+, a new long-term boar semen extender containing whey protein with higher preservation capacity and litter size

It was the aim of the present study to test whey as protective protein for the sperm cell in the long-term boar semen preservation medium TRIXcell. Analyses of sperm cell motility using computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) indicated that the whey protein Porex has a similar protective effect as bovine serum albumin (BSA) in maintaining viability of stored boar sperm. Boar sperm diluted in TRIXcell+ maintains commercially acceptable motility (>60%) for 10 days, while swine sperm diluted in the semen preservation medium Beltsville Thawing Solution (BTS) maintains commercially acceptable motility (>60%) for 3-5 days for most boars. To test the on-farm fertility performance of TRIXcell+ compared to BTS, inseminations were started on 35 commercial pig production farms in the summer of 2006. During the period of July 2006 until July 2012 for each farm and each calendar year the mean farrowing rate and litter size for semen diluted in TRIXcell+ and stored for 3-5 days was found higher than that of semen stored for 1-2 days in BTS. Based on data gained from a total of 583.749 sows inseminated through the years 2006-2012, the mean farrowing rate for semen diluted in TRIXcell+ and BTS was 90.4 ± 4.0 and 87.9 ± 3.6, respectively, which is not significantly different. Based on the same data, the mean total number of piglets born alive for semen diluted in TRIXcell+ and BTS was 14.2 ± 0.7 and 13.6 ± 0.6, respectively, which is significantly different. We conclude that whey protein can effectively be used in the long-term preservation medium TRIXcell resulting in a higher litter size.
Synaptic Responses to Whisker Deflections in Rat Barrel Cortex as a Function of Cortical Layer and Stimulus Intensity

To study the synaptic and spike responses of barrel cortex neurons as a function of cortical layer and stimulus intensity, we recorded intracellularly in vivo from barbiturate anesthetized rats while increasing the velocity-acceleration of the whisker deflection. Granular (Gr; layer 4) cells had the EPSP with the shortest peak and onset latency, whereas supragranular (SGr; layers 2-3) cells had the EPSP with longest duration and slowest rate of rise. Infragranular (Igr; layers 5-6) cells had intermediate values, and thus each layer was unique. The spike response peak of Gr cells was followed by IGr and then by SGr cells. In all cells, depolarization reduced the duration and amplitude of the response, but only in Gr cells did it reveal an early IPSP that cut short the EPSP. This early IPSP was associated with a large decrease in input resistance and an apparent reversal potential below spike threshold; consequently, synaptic integration in Gr cells was limited to the initial 5-7 msec of the response. In contrast, in SGr and IGr cells, results suggest an overlap in time of the EPSP and IPSP, with a small drop in input resistance and an apparent reversal potential above spike threshold, facilitating input integration for up to 20 msec. Decreasing stimulus intensity (velocity-acceleration) reduced the amplitude and increased the peak latency of the response without altering its synaptic composition. We propose that layer 4 circuits are better suited to perform coincidence detection, whereas supra and infragranular circuits are better designed for input integration.
Exploring teachers' knowledge of, attitudes towards and needs in the use of new literacies in the secondary English language arts classroom

This study explored secondary English Language Arts teachers' knowledge of, attitudes towards and needs in the use of new literacies in the classroom. Using a mixed method research design, secondary I-IV teachers were asked to complete a questionnaire containing both open- and closed-ended questions exploring the central phenomenon: What do teachers already know and still need to learn about using new literacies comfortably in their classrooms? Following analysis, four questionnaire participants were selected using typical sampling procedures, to participate in one unstructured interview in order to gain a deeper understanding about the trends and themes that emerged in the questionnaire. Implications of the findings for teachers, administrators, policymakers and researchers are discussed
How Is RAN Related to Reading Fluency? A Comprehensive Examination of the Prominent Theoretical Accounts

We examined the prominent theoretical explanations of the RAN-reading relationship in a relatively transparent language (Greek) in a sample of children (n = 286) followed from Grade 1 to Grade 2. Specifically, we tested the fit of eight different models, as defined by the type of reading performance predicted (oral vs. silent word reading fluency), the type of RAN tasks (non-alphanumeric vs. alphanumeric), and the RAN effects (direct vs. indirect). Working memory, attention, processing speed, and motor skills were used as “common cause” variables predicting both RAN and reading fluency and phonological awareness and orthographic processing were used as mediators of RAN's effects on reading fluency. The findings of both concurrent and longitudinal analyses indicated that RAN is a unique predictor of oral reading fluency, but not silent reading fluency. Using alphanumeric or non-alphanumeric RAN did not particularly affect the RAN-reading relationship. Both phonological awareness and orthographic processing partly mediated RAN's effects on reading fluency. Theoretical implications of these findings are discussed.
Low-Delay Low-Complexity Bandwidth-Constrained Wireless Video Transmission Using SVC Over MIMO Systems

We propose an efficient strategy for the transmission of scalable video over multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless systems. In this paper, we use the latest scalable H.264 codec (SVC), which provides combined temporal, quality and spatial scalability. At the transmitter, we estimate the decoded video distortion for given channel conditions taking into account the effects of quantization, packet loss and error concealment. The proposed scalable decoder distortion algorithm offers low delay and low complexity. The performance of this method is validated using experimental results. In our proposed system, we use a MIMO system with orthogonal space-time block codes (O-STBC) that provides spatial diversity and guarantees independent transmission of different symbols within the block code. The bandwidth constrained allocation problem considered here is simplified and solved for one O-STBC symbol at a time. Furthermore, we take the advantage of the hierarchical structure of SVC to attain the optimal solution for each group of pictures (GOP) of the video sequence. We incorporate the estimated decoder distortion to optimally select the application layer parameter, i.e., quantization parameter (QP), and physical layer parameters, i.e., channel coding rate and modulation type for wireless video transmission.
Redetection of cervical human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) in women with a history of HPV16.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to examine the rate of and risks for cervical human papillomavirus type 16 (HPV16) redetection in women with documented or suspected HPV16 infection. METHODS A convenience sample of women aged 13-21 years were seen at 4-month intervals for HPV DNA testing and cytology. Serum samples were obtained at baseline and annually. RESULTS A total of 1543 women entered the study. Of the 295 women with detection of HPV16 DNA and subsequent clearance, 18.1% had HPV16 redetected by 8.5 years (88% cleared this second detection by 3 years). Of the 247 women who had antibodies to HPV16 and were HPV16 DNA negative at baseline, 15.3% had HPV16 redetected by year 5. Risks for redetection included douching, current use of medroxyprogesterone, reporting >1 sex partner or having a new sex partner, and having a sexually transmitted infection. Development of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2/3 was rare in women with redetection, except for those with prevalent HPV16 infection. CONCLUSIONS Reappearance of HPV16 DNA was observed in 18% of women. Most are associated with sexual exposure and appear benign. Interpretation of the studies is more complex in women with prevalent infections as it appears that this small subset reflects women with persistence already present at entry.
MIMO Linear Equalization With an Criterion

In this paper, we study the problem of linearly equalizing the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communications channels from an point of view. estimation theory has been recently introduced as a method for designing filters that have acceptable performance in the face of model uncertainty and lack of statistical information on the exogenous signals. In this paper, we obtain a closed-form solution to the square MIMO linear equalization problem and parameterize all possible -optimal equalizers. In particular, we show that, for minimum phase channels, a scaled version of the zero-forcing equalizer is -optimal. The results also indicate an interesting dichotomy between minimum phase and nonminimum phase channels: for minimum phase channels the best causal equalizer performs as well as the best noncausal equalizer, whereas for nonminimum phase channels, causal equalizers cannot reduce the estimation error bounds from their a priori values. Our analysis also suggests certain remedies in the nonminimum phase case, namely, allowing for finite delay, oversampling, or using multiple sensors. For example, we show that equalization of nonminimum phase channels requires a time delay of at least units, where is the number of nonminimum phase zeros of the channel.
EXTREMAL METRICS AND GEOMETRIC STABILITY

This paper grew out of my lectures at Nankai Institute as well as a few other conferences in the last few years. The purpose of this paper is to describe some of my works on extremal Kahler metrics in the last ‹fteen years in a more uni‹ed way. In (Ti4), (Ti2), the author developed a method of relating certain stability of underlying manifolds to Kahler-Einstein metrics. A necessary and new condition was derived in terms of the stability for a Kahler manifold to admit Kahler-Einstein metrics with positive scalar curvature. It was clear then that similar results should also hold for general extremal Kahler metrics. Extremal Kahler metrics were introduced by Calabi (Ca). Extremal Kahler metrics are critical points of the K-energy introduced by T. Mabuchi. Most extremal metrics are Kahler metrics of constant scalar curvature. It was conjectured by the author before that the existence of Kahler metrics with constant scalar curvature is equivalent to the properness of the K-energy. This has been veri‹ed for the case of Kahler-Einstein metrics ((Ti2)). We will explain how extremal metrics are related to the stability of the underlying manifolds and compare it with the standard picture from sym- plectic geometry. We will outline the proof of the Calabi's conjecture for complex surfaces. We will also list a few problems and indicate the dificul- ties in solving them.
The Extent and Consequences of Job Turnover

EMPIRICAL STUDIES OF LABOR TURNOVER play an important role in improving our understanding of the labor market. For example, theories of frictional unemployment increase in significance if total turnover is found to be large. If a dominant form of turnover is temporary separations without a permanent job change, theories of temporary layoff unemployment (based on a view of the labor market in which firms and workers form long-term attachments) gain importance. Similarly, the problems associated with structural unemployment are most likely to be of concern if permanent separations due to plant closings or cutbacks make up a large part of turnover. Additionally, separations are likely to result in larger earnings losses if a high-quality job match is destroyed, or if the worker had accumulated firm-specific human capital. Because such losses are likely to be high, and because firms also incur losses in the form of hiring and training costs when turnover occurs, both parties have an incentive to reduce turnover in these cases. Thus turnover patterns can be informative on the nature of the matching of workers to jobs and on the accumulation of firm-specific human capital. ' Despite the importance of turnover,
Open Source Software Collaboration: Foundational Concepts and an Empirical Analysis

Draft – Please do not cite or quote without permission " Public managers now find themselves not as unitary leaders of unitary organizations. Instead, they find themselves facilitating and operating in multi-organizational arrangements to solve problems that cannot be solved, or solved easily, by single organizations. In many instances, the needed skill set of public managers has changed to one that heavily emphasizes collaborative problem solving and negotiation. These skills have become increasingly important both for network management purposes and as public managers strive to become more deliberative and inclusive. "-Minnowbrook III Conference Website (our emphasis) Introduction One of the reasons we were particularly excited about participating in the Minnowbrook III conference is that, as the title of the conference suggests, the central overarching theme is the future of public administration and public management. The research that we present in this paper is not about what was, or even really what is; rather, it is about what could be as it relates to the Internet and collaboration. These days we often hear phrases like " the Network Society, " Networked Governance, " " Collaborative Public Management, " the " Conductive " public organization, etc., which signals real interest in collaboration in general, and Internet-based collaboration more specifically. This paper has three primary goals. First, we provide an overview on some foundational concepts – " peer-production, " " user-centric innovation, " " crowdsourcing, " " task granularity, " and yes, open source and open content – for they are key elements of Internet-based collaboration we see today. Second, through this discussion on foundational concepts, we hope to make it clear why people interested in collaborative public management and administration should care about open source and open source-like collaboration. After this argument is made, we provide a very condensed summary of where we are to date on open source collaboration research. The goal of that research is to learn about the factors that lead 1 Draft – Please do not cite or quote without permission to successful or abandoned collaborations in the open source domain, in part to help us understand how " open source-like " collaborations can be deployed in areas outside of software. We have a lot to cover. Let's get right to it. For a number of years, I (the lead author) have been trying to " wrap my head around " the rapidly changing phenomena we call the …
Life and times of dwarf spheroidal galaxies

We propose a cosmological scenario for the formation and evolution of dwarf spheroidal galaxies (dSphs), satellites of the Milky Way (MW). An improved version of the semi-analytical code GAMETE (GAlaxy Merger Tree and Evolution) is used to follow the dSphs evolution simultaneously with the MW formation, matching the observed properties of both. In this scenario dSph galaxies represent fossil objects virializing at z = 7.2 ± 0.7 (i.e. in the prereionization era z > zrei = 6) in the MW environment which at that epoch has already been pre-enriched up to [Fe/H] ∼− 3; their dynamical masses are in the narrow range M = (1.6 ± 0.7) × 10 8 M� , although a larger spread might be introduced by a more refined treatment of reionization. Mechanical feedback effects are dramatic in such low-mass objects, causing the complete blow-away of the gas ∼100 Myr after the formation epoch: 99 per cent of the present-day stellar mass, M∗ = (3 ± 0.7) × 10 6 M� , forms during this evolutionary phase, i.e. their age is >13 Gyr. Later on, star formation is re-ignited by returned gas from evolved stars and a second blow-away occurs. The cycle continues for about 1 Gyr during which star formation is intermittent. At z = 0 the dSph gas content is Mg = (2.68 ± 0.97) × 10 4 M� . Our results match several observed properties of Sculptor, used as a template of dSphs: (i) the metallicity distribution function; (ii) the colour‐magnitude diagram; (iii) the decrement of the stellar [O/Fe] abundance ratio for [Fe/H] > −1.5; (iv) the dark matter content and the light-to-mass ratio; (v) the H I gas mass content.
Mice lacking C1q or C3 show accelerated rejection of minor H disparate skin grafts and resistance to induction of tolerance

Complement activation is known to have deleterious effects on organ transplantation. On the other hand, the complement system is also known to have an important role in regulating immune responses. The balance between these two opposing effects is critical in the context of transplantation. Here, we report that female mice deficient in C1q (C1qa−/−) or C3 (C3−/−) reject male syngeneic grafts (HY incompatible) at an accelerated rate compared with WT mice. Intranasal HY peptide administration, which induces tolerance to syngeneic male grafts in WT mice, fails to induce tolerance in C1qa−/− or C3−/− mice. The rejection of the male grafts correlated with the presence of HY DbUty‐specific CD8+ T cells. Consistent with this, peptide‐treated C1qa−/− and C3−/− female mice rejecting male grafts exhibited more antigen‐specific CD8+IFN‐γ+ and CD8+IL‐10+ cells compared with WT females. This suggests that accumulation of IFN‐γ‐ and IL‐10‐producing T cells may play a key role in mediating the ongoing inflammatory process and graft rejection. Interestingly, within the tolerized male skin grafts of peptide‐treated WT mice, IFN‐γ, C1q and C3 mRNA levels were higher compared to control female grafts. These results suggest that C1q and C3 facilitate the induction of intranasal tolerance.
Clock skew based remote device fingerprinting demystified

Commonly used identifiers for IEEE 802.11 access points (APs), such as network name (SSID), MAC, or IP address can be easily spoofed. This allows an attacker to fake a real AP and intercept, collect, or alter (potentially even encrypted) data. In this paper, we address the aforementioned problem by studying limits of unique remote physical device identification based on their clock skew—an unavoidable phenomenon that causes clocks to run at marginal but measurably different speed. To this end, we propose an algorithm for passive fingerprinting using timestamps regularly sent by APs in beacon frames. The major advantages of our method are that it is online and that we are able to eliminate the influence of clock skew of the measurement device. Hence, fingerprints performed by different devices become comparable. We calculate the precision of our clock skew measurement algorithm and provide a termination criterion for estimation of the clock skew with arbitrary precision. Moreover, conducting a large scale evaluation, we study the stability and uniqueness of clock skew as a means for remote wireless device identification.
Which ostensive stimuli can be used for a robot to detect and maintain tutoring situations?

In developmental research, tutoring behavior has been identified as scaffolding infants' learning processes. Infants seem sensitive to tutoring situations and they detect these by ostensive cues [4]. Some social signals such as eye-gaze, child-directed speech (Motherese), child-directed motion (Motionese), and contingency have been shown to serve as ostensive cues. The concept of contingency describes exchanges in which two agents interact with each other reciprocally. Csibra and Gergely argued that contingency is a characteristic ostensive stimulus of a tutoring situation [4]. In order for a robot to be treated similar to an infant, it has to both, be sensitive to the ostensive stimuli on the one hand and induce tutoring behavior by its feedback about its capabilities on the other hand. In this paper, we raise the question whether a robot can be treated similar to an infant in an interaction. We present results concerning the acceptance of a robotic agent in a social learning scenario, which we obtained via comparison to interactions with 8–11 months old infants and adults in equal conditions. We applied measurements for motion modifications (Motionese) and eye-gaze behavior. Our results reveal significant differences between Adult-Child Interaction (ACI), Adult-Adult Interaction (AAI) and Adult-Robot Interaction (ARI) suggesting that in ARI, robot-directed tutoring behavior is even more accentuated in terms of Motionese, but contingent responsivity is impaired. Our results confirm previous findings [14] concerning the differences between ACI, AAI, and ARI and constitute an important empirical basis for making use of ostensive stimuli as social signals for tutoring behavior in social robotics.
Perceptual Learning Selectively Refines Orientation Representations in Early Visual Cortex

Although practice has long been known to improve perceptual performance, the neural basis of this improvement in humans remains unclear. Using fMRI in conjunction with a novel signal detection-based analysis, we show that extensive practice selectively enhances the neural representation of trained orientations in the human visual cortex. Twelve observers practiced discriminating small changes in the orientation of a laterally presented grating over 20 or more daily 1 h training sessions. Training on average led to a twofold improvement in discrimination sensitivity, specific to the trained orientation and the trained location, with minimal improvement found for untrained orthogonal orientations or for orientations presented in the untrained hemifield. We measured the strength of orientation-selective responses in individual voxels in early visual areas (V1–V4) using signal detection measures, both before and after training. Although the overall amplitude of the BOLD response was no greater after training, practice nonetheless specifically enhanced the neural representation of the trained orientation at the trained location. This training-specific enhancement of orientation-selective responses was observed in the primary visual cortex (V1) as well as higher extrastriate visual areas V2–V4, and moreover, reliably predicted individual differences in the behavioral effects of perceptual learning. These results demonstrate that extensive training can lead to targeted functional reorganization of the human visual cortex, refining the cortical representation of behaviorally relevant information.