Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fas receptor is not present on ejaculated human sperm.

BACKGROUND Apoptosis appears to have an essential role in the control of testis germ cell number and Fas expression has been reported in apoptotic spermatocytes and spermatids. We investigated if Fas (CD95) was present on ejaculated human sperm and any relationship between Fas on sperm and the apoptotic marker Syto16. METHODS Semen samples from 77 male partners of infertile couples were evaluated. Each sample was analysed both before and after semen preparation by conventional microscopical procedures and by flow cytometry (FC). A multiparameter FC analysis to assess simultaneously sperm concentration, sperm viability, sperm apoptosis, CD45 positive (leukocyte) and CD95 (Fas) positive cell concentration was carried out. A further 10 samples were studied by indirect immunofluorescence to confirm results. RESULTS The mean concentration of CD95 positive cells was very low (<1%), with no significant difference between normozoospermic and non-normozoospermic men. There was no correlation between apoptotic sperm and CD95 positive cell concentration. A linear correlation was found between CD95 positive cell and leukocyte (CD45 positive) concentration (r = 0.9946, P < 0.0001). CD95 mean fluorescence intensity of leukocytes was 10-fold greater than that of sperm and of isotypic control. Both incubation with activating anti-Fas antibody and betulinic acid induced apoptosis in leukocytes. Incubation with betulinic acid, but not with activating anti-Fas antibody, induced apoptosis in sperm. Pre-incubation with neutralizing anti-Fas antibody suppressed CD95 expression on leukocytes, whereas it did not change sperm CD95 peak fluorescence. CONCLUSIONS There is no detectable quantity of Fas on human ejaculated sperm.
Longitudinal and Lateral Control for Unmanned Ground Vehicles

This research aims to develop an autonomous control system of an unmanned ground vehicle by using a battery-powered car and focuses on longitudinal and lateral control of the car with fuzzy logic. Fuzzy control rules are derived by modelling a man’s driving actions. Experiments are performed using the battery-powered car equipped with sensing devices and a microcontroller. The vehicle is a common battery-powered car, provided with automatic actuators operating on the car controls: steering & accelerator. These actuators work commanded by a fuzzy logic based control system. The input information of the control system comes from ultrasonic distance sensors, tachometer and the pot connected to the steering wheel. The speeds of electric motors are controlled by PWM signals. The desired position of the steering wheel is positioned by a servo motor connected to the steering shaft with appropriate rate gears. The environment information is taken by ultrasonic sensors. And the velocity information comes from encoder based on right rear wheel. Longitudinally and laterally motions are guided by actuators controlled by a microcontroller. The control architecture was tested at different vehicle speeds. Successful results were obtained after many experiments.
Relating Network Structure to Diffusion Properties through Stochastic Dominance

We examine the spread of a disease or behavior through a social network. In particular, we analyze how infection rates depend on the distribution of degrees (numbers of links) among the nodes in the network. We introduce new techniques using first- and second order stochastic dominance relationships of the degree distribution in order to compare infection rates across different social networks.
When the Smoke Clears : Interstate vs . Intrastate Diffusion of Youth Access Policies

In federal systems, governments can learn from the external policy experiments of other governments or from the internal experiments of lower levels of government. In this paper we explore the degree to which states traded off these two forms of learning in their youth access antismoking adoptions between 1996 and 2005. Using a dyad-year event history analysis, we find that states were more likely to imitate states that successfully limited youth smoking, as well as states that were similar in their producers and consumers of cigarettes. States with extensive local experimentation with antismoking policies aimed at youths are less likely to simply copy other similar states but are still as likely to learn from others’ successes. Finally, state politics influenced these relationships, as states with more professional legislatures were more likely to learn from both internal experimentation and external successes than were less professional legislatures. * Prepared for presentation at the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Political Science Association, Chicago. The authors thank the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation for financial support and Jamie Chriqui for providing us with the updated version of the National Cancer Institute’s State Cancer Legislative Database. In addition, local tobacco control ordinance data was provided by the American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation Local Tobacco Control Ordinance Database©.
Epigenetic regulation of hematopoiesis by DNA methylation

During embryonic development, cell type-specific transcription factors promote cell identities, while epigenetic modifications are thought to contribute to maintain these cell fates. Our understanding of how genetic and epigenetic modes of regulation work together to establish and maintain cellular identity is still limited, however. Here, we show that DNA methyltransferase 3bb.1 (dnmt3bb.1) is essential for maintenance of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) fate as part of an early Notch-runx1-cmyb HSPC specification pathway in the zebrafish. Dnmt3bb.1 is expressed in HSPC downstream from Notch1 and runx1, and loss of Dnmt3bb.1 activity leads to reduced cmyb locus methylation, reduced cmyb expression, and gradual reduction in HSPCs. Ectopic overexpression of dnmt3bb.1 in non-hematopoietic cells is sufficient to methylate the cmyb locus, promote cmyb expression, and promote hematopoietic development. Our results reveal an epigenetic mechanism supporting the maintenance of hematopoietic cell fate via DNA methylation-mediated perdurance of a key transcription factor in HSPCs. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.11813. 001
ParTes. Test Suite for Parsing Evaluation

on cualitativa, analizador sint actico, espa~ nol, catal an Abstract: This paper presents ParTes, the rst test suite in Spanish and Catalan for parsing qualitative evaluation. This resource is a hierarchical test suite of the representative syntactic structure and argument order phenomena. ParTes proposes a simplication of the qualitative evaluation by contributing to the automatization
Removal of electrocardiogram artifacts in surface electromyography using a moving average method

This paper presents a moving average method for estimating and removing electrocardiogram (ECG) artifact in surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings. This method does not require an ECG-only recording (e.g., with muscles relaxed), which is often required by other methods. The moving average method is compared to a common template subtraction method using sEMG recordings that were contaminated by adding ECG recordings. The performance of the moving average method is comparable to the template subtraction method. It provides superior performance at low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and is less sensitive to SNR.
The Personality of Venues: Places and the Five-Factors ('Big Five') Model of Personality

Venues are often described by their type and characteristics, while their level of appreciation by users is indicated through a score (star rating). However the judgement on a particular venue by an individual may more influenced by the individual's experience and personality. In psychology, the five-factor model of personality, or 'Big Five' model, describes an individual's personality in terms of openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. This work explores the notion of 'personality of a venue' by reference to personality traits research in psychology. To determine the personality of a venue, keywords are extracted from reviews of venues, and matched to terms indicative of personality traits dimensions. The work is completed with a human experiment where participants qualify venues according to a set of personality descriptors. Correlations are found between the human annotators and the automated extraction approach.
First-year at university: the effect of academic employability skills and physical quality of life on students' well-being.

BACKGROUND With increasing access at European universities, supporting and promoting the high education, students' mental well-being and generic employability capacities have become priorities, but their respective influences, after an adaptation period of seven months, remain unclear. OBJECTIVE Our aims were to analyse the relationships between students' well-being and self-perceived academic employability skills, and other social and environmental factors. METHODS Three hundred and twenty-one freshmen students at the end of their first year completed an online questionnaire. Two instruments were used to assess well-being: the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), which explores psychological suffering, and the psychological quality of life subdomain of the Whoqol-bref. RESULTS Psychological Whoqol-bref scores are linked to the academic employability skills (AES) items of drafting, critical spirit, problem-solving, teamwork, and supervision/direction of others, and has positive effects on AES score and on the following Whoqol-bref domains: physical, social relationships and environmental. Although three of six psychological Whoqol-bref items (ability to concentrate, satisfaction with self, negative feelings) are correlated with GHQ-12 items (sleeping, decision-making, feeling under strain, problem-solving, depression, self-confidence, thinking about self, feeling happy). GHQ-12 score is negatively linked with Whoqol-bref physical. CONCLUSIONS For better quality of life, and improved employability skills, innovative activities should be developed to ascertain the sustainable academic's abilities of students.
Efficiently Estimating Motif Statistics of Large Networks

Exploring statistics of locally connected subgraph patterns (also known as network motifs) has helped researchers better understand the structure and function of biological and Online Social Networks (OSNs). Nowadays, the massive size of some critical networks—often stored in already overloaded relational databases—effectively limits the rate at which nodes and edges can be explored, making it a challenge to accurately discover subgraph statistics. In this work, we propose sampling methods to accurately estimate subgraph statistics from as few queried nodes as possible. We present sampling algorithms that efficiently and accurately estimate subgraph properties of massive networks. Our algorithms require no precomputation or complete network topology information. At the same time, we provide theoretical guarantees of convergence. We perform experiments using widely known datasets and show that, for the same accuracy, our algorithms require an order of magnitude less queries (samples) than the current state-of-the-art algorithms.
Consistency of weighted majority votes

We revisit the classical decision-theoretic problem of weighted expert voting from a statistical learning perspective. In particular, we examine the consistency (both asymptotic and finitary) of the optimal Nitzan-Paroush weighted majority and related rules. In the case of known expert competence levels, we give sharp error estimates for the optimal rule. When the competence levels are unknown, they must be empirically estimated. We provide frequentist and Bayesian analyses for this situation. Some of our proof techniques are non-standard and may be of independent interest. The bounds we derive are nearly optimal, and several challenging open problems are posed. Experimental results are provided to illustrate the theory.
New Trend in Space Time Error Correcting Codes

A new trend in space time error correcting codes denoted by Block turbo code space time error correcting (BTCSTECC) is proposed. This scheme overcomes the complexity of the detection stage in Space time error correcting code (STECC) by using the simple and familiar Alamouti STBC for transmission and detection. Also it uses the properties of BTC and its decoding procedures to make diversity in space, time and code. This provides a better performance than STECC in Rayleigh fading channels. BTC-STECC uses the Chase decoder algorithm to decode the BTC rows and column data. As MAP decoder is the optimal decoder, Chase decoder is a sub-optimal decoder with a high performance close to the optimal one but with less complexity which it is a drawback in STECC.
Empirical Study of ERP Systems Implementation Costs in Swiss SMEs

Based on sparse literature investigating the cost of ERP systems implementation, our research uses data from a survey of Swiss SMEs having implemented ERP in order to test cost drivers. The main innovation is the proposition of a new classification of cost drivers that depend on the enterprise itself, rather than on ERP. Particular attention is given to consulting fees as a major factor of implementation cost and a new major cost driver has come to light. "Consultant experience", not previously mentioned as such in literature, appears as an important aspect of ERP implementation cost. Particular attention must be paid to this factor by the ERP implementation project manager.
An improved memory management scheme for large scale graph computing engine GraphChi

GraphChi is the first reported disk-based graph engine that can handle billion-scale graphs on a single PC efficiently. GraphChi is able to execute several advanced data mining, graph mining and machine learning algorithms on very large graphs. With the novel technique of parallel sliding windows (PSW) to load subgraph from disk to memory for vertices and edges updating, it can achieve data processing performance close to and even better than those of mainstream distributed graph engines. GraphChi mentioned that its memory is not effectively utilized with large dataset, which leads to suboptimal computation performances. In this paper we are motivated by the concepts of “pin ” from TurboGraph and “ghost” from GraphLab to propose a new memory utilization mode for GraphChi, which is called Part-in-memory mode, to improve the GraphChi algorithm performance. The main idea is to pin a fixed part of data inside the memory during the whole computing process. Part-in-memory mode is successfully implemented with only about 40 additional lines of code to the original GraphChi engine. Extensive experiments are performed with large real datasets (including Twitter graph with 1.4 billion edges). The preliminary results show that Part-in-memory mode memory management approach effectively reduces the GraphChi running time by up to 60% in PageRank algorithm. Interestingly it is found that a larger portion of data pinned in memory does not always lead to better performance in the case that the whole dataset cannot be fitted in memory. There exists an optimal portion of data which should be kept in the memory to achieve the best computational performance.
Split-CreERT2: Temporal Control of DNA Recombination Mediated by Split-Cre Protein Fragment Complementation

Background DNA recombination technologies such as the Cre/LoxP system advance modern biological research by allowing conditional gene regulation in vivo. However, the precise targeting of a particular cell type at a given time point has remained challenging since spatial specificity has so far depended exclusively on the promoter driving Cre recombinase expression. We have recently established split-Cre that allows DNA recombination to be controlled by coincidental activity of two promoters, thereby increasing spatial specificity of Cre-mediated DNA recombination. To allow temporal control of split-Cre-mediated DNA recombination we have now extended split-Cre by fusing split-Cre proteins with the tamoxifen inducible ERT2 domain derived from CreERT2. Methodology/Principal Findings In the split-CreERT2 system, Cre-mediated DNA recombination is controlled by two expression cassettes as well as the time of tamoxifen application. By using two independent Cre-dependent reporters in cultured cells, the combination of NCre-ERT2+ERT2-CCre was identified as having the most favorable properties of all constructs tested, showing an induction ratio of about 10 and EC50-values for 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen of 10 nM to 70 nM. Conclusions/Significance These characteristics of split-CreERT2 in vitro indicate that split-CreERT2 will be well suited for inducing DNA recombination in living mice harboring LoxP-flanked alleles. In this way, split-CreERT2 will provide a new tool of modern genetics allowing spatial and temporal precise genetic access to cell populations defined by the simultaneous activity of two promoters.
ESEML: empirical software engineering modeling language

New processes, patterns, structures, tools, languages, and practices are being proposed for software development, but technology transfer is hard to achieve. One of the objectives of empirical studies is easing technology transfer from academy to industry. On the other hand, there are a number of issues that hinder the application of empirical studies, more specifically, controlled experiments. This paper defines a visual DSL for modeling controlled experiments supporting researchers that are not experts in such study. By using the language, the researcher is guided to define the elements of an experimental plan and connections, which is automatically generated, resulting a complete document of experimental plan. The proposed environment assists the definition of controlled experiments, increasing empirical evaluation of the proposed technologies. More specifically, the current version of our proposal generates the experimental plan from the experiment model defined using the DSL.
Analysis of kinesin-2 function in photoreceptor cells using synchronous Cre-loxP knockout of Kif3a with RHO-Cre.

PURPOSE To determine the relationship between the presence of kinesin-2 and photoreceptor cell viability and opsin transport, by generating RHO-Cre transgenic mice and breeding them to mice with a floxed kinesin-2 motor gene. METHODS Different lines of RHO-Cre transgenic mice were generated and characterized by transgene expression, histology, and electrophysiology. Mice from one line, showing uniform transgene expression, were crossed with Kif3a(flox)/Kif3a(flox) mice. The time courses of photoreceptor Cre expression, KIF3A loss, ectopic opsin accumulation, and photoreceptor cell death were determined by Western blot analysis and microscopy. RESULTS One of the RHO-Cre lines effected synchronous expression of Cre and thus uniform excision of Kif3a(flox) in rod photoreceptors across the retina. After the neonatal production of CRE and the initiation of KIF3A loss, ectopic accumulation of opsin was detected by postnatal day (P)7, and ensuing photoreceptor cell death was evident after P10 and almost complete by P28. Of importance, the photoreceptor cilium formed normally, and the disc membranes of the nascent outer segment remained normal until P10. CONCLUSIONS The RHO-Cre-8 mice provide an improved tool for studying gene ablation in rod photoreceptor cells. Regarding kinesin-2 function in photoreceptor cells, the relatively precise timing of events after CRE excision of Kif3a(flox) allows us to conclude that ectopic opsin is a primary cellular lesion of KIF3A loss, consistent with the hypothesis that opsin is a cargo of kinesin-2. Moreover, it demonstrates that KIF3A loss results in very rapid photoreceptor cell degeneration.
Speech-driven face synthesis from 3D video

We present a framework for speech-driven synthesis of real faces from a corpus of 3D video of a person speaking. Video-rate capture of dynamic 3D face shape and colour appearance provides the basis for a visual speech synthesis model. A displacement map representation combines face shape and colour into a 3D video. This representation is used to efficiently register and integrate shape and colour information captured from multiple views. To allow visual speech synthesis viseme primitives are identified from the corpus using automatic speech recognition. A novel nonrigid alignment algorithm is introduced to estimate dense correspondence between 3D face shape and appearance for different visemes. The registered displacement map representation together with a novel optical flow optimisation using both shape and colour, enables accurate and efficient nonrigid alignment. Face synthesis from speech is performed by concatenation of the corresponding viseme sequence using the nonrigid correspondence to reproduce both 3D face shape and colour appearance. Concatenative synthesis reproduces both viseme timing and co-articulation. Face capture and synthesis has been performed for a database of 51 people. Results demonstrate synthesis of 3D visual speech animation with a quality comparable to the captured video of a person.
Factors Affecting Pre-Service Teachers ’ Intentions to Use Web 2 . 0 Technologies to Supplement Student Learning in K-12 Classrooms

This study investigated pre-service teachers’ views and factors that influence their intentions to integrate Web 2.0 technologies in their future classrooms. A mixed methods research design was used; qualitative interview data were used to triangulate quantitative survey data. Data were analyzed using the Decomposed theory of planned behavior (DTPB) as the theoretical framework (Taylor & Todd, 1995). Results suggest that pre-service teachers’ attitude and their perceived usefulness of Web 2.0 technologies are strong indicators of their intention to use Web 2.0 tools. Additional findings indicate that pre-service teachers intend to use blogs, wikis, and social networking tools in their future classrooms. This study has implications for teacher educators who are preparing pre-service teachers to use Web 2.0 technologies in their classrooms.
Short-Range Temporal Interactions in Sleep; Hippocampal Spike Avalanches Support a Large Milieu of Sequential Activity Including Replay

Hippocampal neural systems consolidate multiple complex behaviors into memory. However, the temporal structure of neural firing supporting complex memory consolidation is unknown. Replay of hippocampal place cells during sleep supports the view that a simple repetitive behavior modifies sleep firing dynamics, but does not explain how multiple episodes could be integrated into associative networks for recollection during future cognition. Here we decode sequential firing structure within spike avalanches of all pyramidal cells recorded in sleeping rats after running in a circular track. We find that short sequences that combine into multiple long sequences capture the majority of the sequential structure during sleep, including replay of hippocampal place cells. The ensemble, however, is not optimized for maximally producing the behavior-enriched episode. Thus behavioral programming of sequential correlations occurs at the level of short-range interactions, not whole behavioral sequences and these short sequences are assembled into a large and complex milieu that could support complex memory consolidation.