Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Regulates Trophoblast Cell Differentiation in Mink (Mustela vison)1

Abstract Nuclear receptors of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family are implicated in implantation and early placental formation. In carnivores, the trophoblast invades to develop intimate contact with the endothelial cells of the maternal circulation, resulting in an endothelio-chorial form of placentation. Spatio-temporal investigation demonstrated that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG) was strongly and specifically expressed in the mink trophoblast at the time of formation of the syncytiotrophoblast during early implantation, and in trophoblast of the placental labyrinth. The retinoid-X-receptor alpha (RXRA), the heterodimeric partner of PPARG in transcriptional regulation, is, with very few exceptions, co-expressed with PPARG in mink trophoblast. We used mink trophoblast cell lines together with a natural (15-deoxy-delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 ) or a synthetic (troglitazone) PPARG ligand to demonstrate that PPARG is an authentic regulator of gene expression in this tissue. Ligand-activated PPARG stimulated transcription of the PPRE-luc reporter gene transfected into these cell lines. The prostaglandin-induced morphologic changes were accompanied by attenuation in cell proliferation, an increase in PPARG mRNA and protein levels, and the appearance of enlarged and multinuclear cells. Furthermore, 15-deoxy-delta12,14-prostaglandin J2 stimulated the expression of invasion-related genes in trophoblast cells, namely, adipophilin and osteopontin. The results demonstrate that PPARG ligands attenuate proliferation and induce differentiation of mink trophoblast cells to the multlinuclear phenotype. The upregulation of differentiation-specific genes in the placenta under the influence of PPARG ligands provides a mechanism by which blastocyst and endometrial prostanoids regulate implantation, as well as the formation and maintenance of the placenta.
YAM/sup 2/ (yet another multidimensional model): an extension of UML

This paper presents a multidimensional conceptual object-oriented model, its structures, integrity constraints and query operations. It has been developed as an extension of UML core metaclasses to facilitate its usage, as well as to avoid the introduction of completely new concepts. YAM/sup 2/ allows the representation of several semantically related star schemas, as well as summarizability and identification constraints.
ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW REGIMES BASED ON NATURAL FLOW REGIME: MYTH OR REALITY FOR TROUT POPULATION DYNAMICS?

Before and after relicensing of Pont-Haut hydropower station on the Roizonne (in the French Alps), fish monitoring surveys were conducted over a fifteen-year period, complemented by measurement of discharge and characterization of habitat. A model of the dynamics of the trout population (MODYPOP) was calibrated for the period to analyze the fluctuations in the different age classes upstream and downstream of the power plant. Several hydrological scenarios were developed over a twenty-year period on the basis of random picking from the available daily natural discharge time series. For the bypassed reach, four management modes were reconstituted, with MIF(i) constant throughout the year, (ii) varying in accordance with the discharge upstream of the water intake, and (iii) varying in accordance with the season (high in winter and low in summer, or the opposite). The corresponding habitat time series were reconstituted and compared. The response of the population to these different scenarios and dam operation options was tested with the aid of MODYPOP imulations, combining two hypotheses of population regulation as a function of the habitat: i) density-dependent mortality, which tends to push the population toward a size compatible with the local carrying capacity in a hydrologically typical year under low-flow conditions, and ii) adjustment of the adult biomass to the local carrying capacity using a one-month time step. The results of the simulations of population dynamics are compared with the results obtained on the upstream reach under natural flow conditions. This comparison is helpful to a discussion of the natural flow regime paradigm adopted in global instream flow methodologies that are based essentially on hydrology.
DUAL-TREE COMPLEX WAVELET TRANSFORM FOR ROBUST VISUAL TRACKING OF MULTIPLE OBJECTS IN VIDEO

We developed a robust multiscale visual tracker of multiple objects in video using the Dual-tree Complex Wavelet Transform (DT-CWT). Real-valued wavelet transforms were previously used for visual tracking, but most suffer from shift variance and lack of directional selectivity. Therefore, we used DT-CWT to avoid such shortcomings. In our tracker, a captured video frame was represented as different subbands using DT-CWT. Then we applied N independent particle filters to a small subset of these subbands, where the choice of these subbands changed adaptively with each captured frame.Finally, we fused the position tracks resulting from these particle filters to obtain final position tracks of multiple moving objects in the video. To demonstrate robustness of our visual tracker, we compared the performance of our multiscale tracker to a standard particle filter full resolution-based tracker and a single wavelet subband (LL)2 based tracker, our multiscale tracker demonstrates significantly better tracking performance.
Modeling and Optimization of Resource Allocation in Supply Chain Management Problems

Resource allocation in supply chain management studies how to allocate the limited available resources economically/optimally to satisfy the demands. It is an important research area in operations research. This dissertation focuses on the modeling and optimization of three problems. The first part of the dissertation investigates an important and unique problem in a supply chain distribution network, namely minimum cost network flow with variable lower bounds (MCNF-VLB). This type of network can be used to optimize the utilization of distribution channels (i.e., resources) in a large supply network, in order to minimize the total cost while satisfying flow conservation, lower and upper bounds, and demand/supply constraints. The second part of the dissertation introduces a novel method adopted from multi-product inventory control to optimally allocate the cache space and the frequency (i.e., resources) for multi-stream data prefetching in computer science. The objective is to minimize the cache miss level (backorder level), while satisfying the cache space (inventory space) and the total prefetching frequency (total order frequency) constraints. Also, efforts have also been made to extend the model for a multi-level, multi-stream prefetching system. The third part of the dissertation studies the joint capacity (i.e., resources) and demand allocation problem
Energy efficiency of a two-stage relaying scheme in wireless sensor networks

This paper deals with a wireless relay system consisting of one source node, a number of relay nodes and one destination node. The relay nodes amplify and then encode their received signals using a distributed space-time code. Under a non-restrictive asymptotic assumption, we prove some upper bounds on the pairwise error probability for different transmission scenarios. These bounds suggest that significant diversity gains can be achieved in such cooperative systems. Moreover, they can be used to optimize the allocation of transmit powers to the nodes. In wireless sensor networks, however, the energy consumption associated with the hardware cannot be neglected. Therefore, we introduce a simple but realistic hardware model to numerically evaluate the overall energy-efficiency of the analyzed space-time coded cooperative relaying scheme. The numerical results show that, for a large range of path losses between the source and destination, direct transmission provides the best performance in terms of the overall energy consumption.
Simplifying routine tasks using contactless smartcards

Routine tasks are identified as a key-area to develop assistive systems. A new concept of a secure, flexible, decentralized, multi-user and multi-application approach for such systems is introduced. With the help of radio-frequency identification (RFID) smartcards users are provided with a new possibility of assistance in their daily tasks. Recommendations for a specific control decision are provided to users, based on previous decisions made in the same application context. The higher the level of routine, the better the recommendations can be presented to the user. The authors derive a generic system model and present a possible implementation based on Java RFID smartcards.
Light-Induced Indeterminacy Alters Shade-Avoiding Tomato Leaf Morphology1[OPEN]

Shade avoidance increases indeterminacy in the initiating leaf primordium, increasing leaf complexity and serration through a heteroblasty-independent mechanism. Plants sense the foliar shade of competitors and alter their developmental programs through the shade-avoidance response. Internode and petiole elongation, and changes in overall leaf area and leaf mass per area, are the stereotypical architectural responses to foliar shade in the shoot. However, changes in leaf shape and complexity in response to shade remain incompletely, and qualitatively, described. Using a meta-analysis of more than 18,000 previously published leaflet outlines, we demonstrate that shade avoidance alters leaf shape in domesticated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and wild relatives. The effects of shade avoidance on leaf shape are subtle with respect to individual traits but are combinatorially strong. We then seek to describe the developmental origins of shade-induced changes in leaf shape by swapping plants between light treatments. Leaf size is light responsive late into development, but patterning events, such as stomatal index, are irrevocably specified earlier. Observing that shade induces increases in shoot apical meristem size, we then describe gene expression changes in early leaf primordia and the meristem using laser microdissection. We find that in leaf primordia, shade avoidance is not mediated through canonical pathways described in mature organs but rather through the expression of KNOTTED1-LIKE HOMEOBOX and other indeterminacy genes, altering known developmental pathways responsible for patterning leaf shape. We also demonstrate that shade-induced changes in leaf primordium gene expression largely do not overlap with those found in successively initiated leaf primordia, providing evidence against classic hypotheses that shaded leaf morphology results from the prolonged production of juvenile leaf types.
Non-sparse linear representations for visual tracking with online reservoir metric learning

Most sparse linear representation-based trackers need to solve a computationally expensive li-regularized optimization problem. To address this problem, we propose a visual tracker based on non-sparse linear representations, which admit an efficient closed-form solution without sacrificing accuracy. Moreover, in order to capture the correlation information between different feature dimensions, we learn a Mahalanobis distance metric in an online fashion and incorporate the learned metric into the optimization problem for obtaining the linear representation. We show that online metric learning using proximity comparison significantly improves the robustness of the tracking, especially on those sequences exhibiting drastic appearance changes. Furthermore, in order to prevent the unbounded growth in the number of training samples for the metric learning, we design a time-weighted reservoir sampling method to maintain and update limited-sized foreground and background sample buffers for balancing sample diversity and adaptability. Experimental results on challenging videos demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed tracker.
Food Science of Animal Resources

Fish oil consists of omega-3 fatty acids which play an important role in human health. Its susceptibility to oxidation causes considerable degradation during the processing and storage of food products. Accordingly, encapsulation of this ingredient through freeze drying was studied with the aim of protecting it against environmental conditions. Gum arabic (GA) was used as the wall material for fish oil nanoencapsulation where tween 80 was applied as the emulsifier. A water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion was prepared by sonication, containing 6% fish oil dispersed in aqueous solutions including 20% and 25% total wall material. The emulsion was sonicated at 24 kHz for 120 s. The emulsion was then freeze-dried and the nanocapsules were incorporated into probiotic fermented milk, with the effects of nanocapsules examined on the milk. The results showed that the nanoparticles encapsulated with 25% gum arabic and 4% emulsifier had the highest encapsulation efficiency (EE) (87.17%) and the lowest surface oil (31.66 mg/100 kg). Using nanoencapsulated fish oil in fermented milk significantly (p<0.05) increased the viability of Lactobacillus plantarum as well as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents. The fermented milk sample containing fish oil nanoencapsulated with 25% wall material and 4% emulsifier yielded the greatest probiotic bacterial count (8.41 Log CFU/mL) and the lowest peroxide value (0.57 mEq/kg). Moreover, this sample had the highest EPA and DHA contents. Utilizing this nanoencapsulated fish oil did not adversely affect fermented milk overall acceptance. Therefore, it can be used for fortification of low fat probiotic fermented milk.
Space-Time-Frequency Spreading and Coding for Multi-User MIMO-OFDM Systems

In this paper, we propose a multiple input multiple output, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing, code-division multiple-access (MIMO OFDM-CDMA) scheme. The main objective is to provide extra flexibility in user multiplexing, and offer better diversity/multi-user-multiplexing tradeoff. This is done by spreading on all the signal domains; i.e, space-time-frequency spreading is employed to transmit users' signals. Our study and simulation results show that MIMO OFDM-CDMA is capable of flexible data rates and easy user multiplexing, while simultaneously suppressing the multi-user interfering signals. In addition, our scheme achieve a diversity gain significantly larger than that of the conventional 2-D CDMA OFDM scheme.
Transcatheter closure of patent foramen ovale: an updated meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Dear Editor, The association between patent foramen ovale (PFO) and unexplained cryptogenic stroke has been well established in multiple studies. [1] Over ensuing years, PFO has been considered as a source of the paradoxical thromboembolic phenomenon that could increase the risk of stroke. Closing the shunt between the right and left atrium via transcatheter closure devices was suggested as a treatment to decrease the risk of stroke recurrence. Numerous randomized control trials (RCTs) and meta-analysis compared medical therapy alone (antiplatelet and/or anticoagulation) with transcatheter closure. The majority of these studies favored closure of PFO over medical therapy. [2-9] Initial RCTs such as CLOSURE I, PC, and RESPECT[10-12] did not show significant benefit in reducing stroke recurrence when compared with medical therapy alone. However, the extended follow-up of the RESPECT study, in addition to CLOSE and Gore REDUCE, showed reduction in stroke recurrence with PFO closure combined with antiplatelet therapy compared with medical therapy alone. [13-15] Recently, the DEFENSE-PFO trial was published and we sought to update a recently published meta-analysis [9] to include all of these RCTs.
CHATR: a generic speech synthesis system

This paper describes a generic speech synthesis system called CHATR which is being developed at ATR. CHATR is designed in a modular way so that module parameters and even which modules are actually used may be set and selected at runtime. Although some interdependencies exist between modules, CHATR offers a useful research tool in which functionally equivalent modules may be easily compared. It also acts as a simple system for those less interested in the internals of speech synthesis but just wish their computer to talk.
Statistical Wind Power Forecasting Models: Results for U.S. Wind Farms; Preprint

Electricity markets in the United States are evolving. Accurate wind power forecasts are beneficial for wind plant operators, utility operators, and utility customers. An accurate forecast makes it possible for grid operators to schedule the economically efficient generation to meet the demand of electrical customers. In the evolving markets, some form of auction is held for various forward markets, such as hour ahead or day ahead. This paper develops several statistical forecasting models that can be useful in hour-ahead markets that have a similar tariff. Although longer-term forecasting relies on numerical weather models, the statistical models used here focus on the short-term forecasts that can be useful in the hour-ahead markets. We investigate the extent to which time-series analysis can improve on simplistic persistence forecasts. This project applied a class of models known as autoregressive moving average (ARMA) models to both wind speed and wind power output.
Phenotypic assortment in wild primate networks: implications for the dissemination of information

Individuals' access to social information can depend on their social network. Homophily—a preference to associate with similar phenotypes—may cause assortment within social networks that could preclude information transfer from individuals who generate information to those who would benefit from acquiring it. Thus, understanding phenotypic assortment may lead to a greater understanding of the factors that could limit the transfer of information between individuals. We tested whether there was assortment in wild baboon (Papio ursinus) networks, using data collected from two troops over 6 years for six phenotypic traits—boldness, age, dominance rank, sex and the propensity to generate/exploit information—using two methods for defining a connection between individuals—time spent in proximity and grooming. Our analysis indicated that assortment was more common in grooming than proximity networks. In general, there was homophily for boldness, age, rank and the propensity to both generate and exploit information, but heterophily for sex. However, there was considerable variability both between troops and years. The patterns of homophily we observed for these phenotypes may impede information transfer between them. However, the inconsistency in the strength of assortment between troops and years suggests that the limitations to information flow may be quite variable.
Brain and Circulating Levels of A&bgr;1–40 Differentially Contribute to Vasomotor Dysfunction in the Mouse Brain

Background and Purpose— Amyloid-&bgr; (A&bgr;), a peptide that accumulates in the brain and circulates in the blood of patients with Alzheimer disease, alters the regulation of cerebral blood flow and may contribute to the brain dysfunction underlying the dementia. However, the contributions of brain and circulating A&bgr;1–40 to the vascular dysfunction have not been elucidated. Methods— We used transgenic mice overexpressing mutated forms of the amyloid precursor protein in which A&bgr;1–40 is elevated in blood and brain (Tg-2576) or only in brain (Tg-SwDI). Mice were equipped with a cranial window, and the increase in cerebral blood flow induced by neural activity (whisker stimulation), or by topical application of endothelium-dependent vasodilators, was assessed by laser-Doppler flowmetry. Results— The cerebrovascular dysfunction was observed also in Tg-SwDI mice, but despite ≈40% higher levels of brain A&bgr;1–40, the effect was less marked than in Tg-2576 mice. Intravascular administration of A&bgr;1–40 elevated plasma A&bgr;1–40 and enhanced the dysfunction in Tg-SwDI mice, but not in Tg-2576 mice. Conclusions— The results provide evidence that A&bgr;1–40 acts on distinct luminal and abluminal vascular targets, the deleterious cerebrovascular effects of which are additive. Furthermore, the findings highlight the importance of circulating A&bgr;1–40 in the cerebrovascular dysfunction and may provide insight into the cerebrovascular alterations in conditions in which elevations in plasma A&bgr;1–40 occur.
Fiber-reinforced composite substructure: load-bearing capacity of an onlay restoration and flexural properties of the material.

AIM The aim of this study was to determine the static load-bearing capacity of composite resin onlay restorations made of particulate filler composite (PFC) with two different types of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) substructures. In addition, flexural properties of the material combination and the effect of polymerization devices were tested. METHODS AND MATERIALS Specimens were prepared to simulate an onlay restoration, which consisted of 2 to 3 mm of FRC layer as a substructure (short random and continuous bidirectional fiber orientation) and a 1 mm surface layer of PFC. Control specimens were prepared from plain PFC. In Group A the specimens were incrementally polymerized only with a hand-light curing unit for 40 s, while in Group B the specimens were post-cured in a light-curing oven for 15 min before they were statically loaded with a steel ball. Bar-shaped test specimens were prepared to measure the flexural properties of material combination using a three-point bending test (ISO 10477). RESULTS Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed all specimens with a FRC substructure have higher values of static load-bearing capacity and flexural properties than those obtained with plain PFC (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The load-bearing capacity of all the specimens decreased after post-curing and water storage. Restorations made from a material combination of FRC and PFC showed better mechanical properties than those obtained with plain PFC.