Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of miRNA 219 and miRNA Clusters 338 and 17-92 in Oligodendrocytes

MicroRNAs (miRs) regulate diverse molecular and cellular processes including oligodendrocyte (OL) precursor cell (OPC) proliferation and differentiation in rodents. However, the role of miRs in human OPCs is poorly understood. To identify miRs that may regulate these processes in humans, we isolated OL lineage cells from human white matter and analyzed their miR profile. Using endpoint RT-PCR assays and quantitative real-time PCR, we demonstrate that miR-219, miR-338, and miR-17-92 are enriched in human white matter and expressed in acutely isolated human OLs. In addition, we report the expression of closely related miRs (miR-219-1-3p, miR-219-2-3p, miR-1250, miR-657, miR-3065-5p, miR-3065-3p) in both rodent and human OLs. Our findings demonstrate that miRs implicated in rodent OPC proliferation and differentiation are regulated in human OLs and may regulate myelination program in humans. Thus, these miRs should be recognized as potential therapeutic targets in demyelinating disorders.
Mining Enterprise Websites for Association Thesaurus Construction

Enterprise websites are useful resources for obtaining information about products and services of companies. Typically on these websites, a product is associated to a Web page, and related products are connected by hyperlinks. As a result, the connectivity graph of an enterprise website exposes the company’s products (nodes) and how they are associated (links). This paper presents a novel approach that mines these graphs in order to build association thesauri for enterprises. An association thesaurus represents implicit associations between concepts (company-related information in the context of this work). To perform this task, our approach rst executes a breadth-search crawl in the website, building an initial thesaurus. Next, it employs probabilistic modelling to remove non-relevant content and assign weights to the associations in the thesaurus. We evaluated the association thesauri produced by our technique in the query suggestion scenario. We measured the quality and the diversity of the suggestions obtained from the thesauri, and compared it against suggestions from two commercial search engines. The results show that in both aspects our method obtained better performance.
Sparse representation based on redundant dictionary and basis pursuit denoising for wind turbine gearbox fault diagnosis

Due to the dramatic growth of total installation and individual capacity make the failures of wind turbines costly or even unacceptable. Therefore, wind turbine fault diagnosis, which is considered as a useful tool to ensuring the safety of wind turbines and reducing costly system maintenances, is attracting increasing attention. In this paper, a novel fault diagnosis for wind turbine gearbox based on basis pursuit denoising (BPDN) and the union of redundant dictionary is proposed. The union of redundant dictionary is constructed based on the underlying prior information of vibrations signal with multicomponent coupling effect. Within the frame work of BPDN, sparse coefficient and corresponding time-frequency atoms can be obtained. By time-frequency representation of the reconstructed signal, fault information can be displayed. Finally, an engineering application of a wind turbine gearbox is used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Learnability and Cognition: The Acquisition of Argument Structure

In his new book, Leanlability and Cognition: The Acquisitioii of Argunient Structure, Steven Pinker addresses the problem of structural generalization in Language Acquisition: How d o children know when they can go beyond imitation and use words in sentence structures that are unattested for those words? That is, say a child has heard the verb “give” in both of its possible forms: “John gave the ball to Mary”, “John gave Mary the ball”. In addition, say that the child has heard the verbs “bring” and “pull” in only the first form: “John brought the ball to Mary”, “John pulled the wagon to Mary”, how is the child to figure out that “bring” can also appear in the second form, but that “pull” cannot? Pinker’s solution involves both an extension and refinement of his theory of Semantic Bootstrapping (Pinker, 1984); namely, that semantics can help children learn about the syntax of their language. His focus is on a specific aspect of syntax, namely, how children acquire the argument structures of certain classes of verbs, and his solution rests on detailed analyses of the meanings of those verbs. In describing this solution, Pinker presents a detailed theory of verb representation, numerous learning procedures, and some experimental data concerning children’s abilities to make syntactic predictions based on semantics. Pinker’s technique of using recurring examples throughout the book, as he moves from representation to learning to developmental evidence, allows the reader to form a coherent picture of how the entire theory applies. Yet for all its depth and detail, there are some surprising gaps with regards to theory-internal validity and theory-external evidence. Careful scrutiny suggests that the core of his proposed solution, the Narrow-Range level of semantic representation, is extraordinarily difficult to capture in the adult lexicon, and may be unlearnable b y
Relación entre aprendizaje competencial percibido y aprendizaje medido en TIMSS 2015: comparación de alumnado español y alemán

espanolEl objetivo de la presente investigacion fue conocer si existio relacion entre el aprendizaje competencial percibido y el aprendizaje medido en TIMSS 2015, por una muestra de alumnado espanol y aleman. Con el proposito de determinar si existio algun tipo de relacion estadistica significativa (positiva o negativa) entre el aprendizaje competencial percibido y el aprendizaje medido en TIMSS 2015, se realizo analisis de regresion lineal de forma comparativa entre ambos paises. Participaron 878 estudiantes, 523 de Espana y 355 de Alemania, de tercer a sexto curso de Educacion Primaria. Los resultados mostraron una alta relacion positiva entre el aprendizaje percibido, y el aprendizaje medido en TIMSS-Matematicas y Ciencias 2015, por el alumnado de ambas nacionalidades. Atendiendo a los resultados de aprendizaje competencial percibido, el alumnado espanol presento puntuaciones mas elevadas de percepcion en las competencias social y ciudadana, y aprender a aprender que el alumnado aleman. Sin embargo, no se manifestaron diferencias de rendimiento academico entre los resultados de aprendizaje medido en ambos paises. Estos resultados podrian afirmar que el aprendizaje percibido podria ser entendido como factor influyente (que no unico) en el aprendizaje medido y, al contrario, tendencia que podria relacionar los altos valores de aprendizaje percibido, segun estos resultados, y el incremento de rendimiento academico reportado en los informes de evaluacion internacional. EnglishThe purpose of this study was to know if there was a relation between the perceived competency-based learning and measured learning in TIMSS 2015, by a sample of Spanish and German students. To determine if there was any significant statistical relationship (positive or negative) between the perceived learning of competencies and the learning measured in TIMSS 2015, binary logistic regression analysis was performed in a comparative way between both countries. Participants were 878 students, 523 from Spain and 355 from Germany, from third to sixth school year of primary school. The results showed a high relation between the perceived competency-based learning and the measured learning in TIMSS Mathematics and Sciences, by students of both nationalities. According to the perceived competency-based learning results, the Spanish students presented higher scores of perception in the social and citizenship competencies and learning to learn competencies than the German students. However, no significant statistical differences were found in measured learning in both countries. These results could affirm that the perceived learning could be understood as an influential (and not unique) factor in the measured learning and, on the contrary, a tendency that could relate the high values of perceived learning, according to these results, and the increase in academic performance reported in the international evaluation reports.
Cladribine with prednisone versus chlorambucil with prednisone as first-line therapy in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: report of a prospective, randomized, multicenter trial.

The efficacy and toxicity of cladribine (2-CdA) + prednisone (P) versus chlorambucil (Chl) + P were compared in previously untreated patients with progressive or symptomatic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in a randomized, multicenter prospective trial. Eligible patients were assigned to either 2-CdA 0.12 mg/kg per day in 2-hour infusions and P 30 mg/m(2) per day for 5 consecutive days or Chl 12 mg/m(2) per day and P 30 mg/m(2) per day for 7 consecutive days. Three courses were administered at 28-day intervals or longer if myelosuppression developed. The therapy was finished if complete response (CR) was achieved. Of 229 available patients 126 received 2-CdA+P and 103 received Chl+P as a first-line treatment. CR and overall response rates were significantly higher in the patients treated with 2-CdA+P (47% and 87%, respectively) than in the patients treated with Chl+P (12% and 57%, respectively) (P = .001). Progression-free survival was significantly longer in the 2-CdA-treated group (P = .01), but event-free survival was not statistically different. Thirteen percent of patients were refractory to 2-CdA+P and 43% to Chl+P (P = .001). Drug-induced neutropenia was more frequently observed during 2-CdA+P (23%) than Chl+P therapy (11%) (P = .02), but thrombocytopenia occurred with similar frequency in both groups (36% and 27%, respectively). Infections were seen more frequently in the 2-CdA+P-treated group (56%) than in the Chl+P-treated group (40%; P = .02). Death rates have so far been similar in patients treated with 2-CdA (20%) and with Chl (17%). The probability of overall survival calculated from Kaplan-Meier curves at 24 months was also similar for both groups (78% and 82%, respectively). (Blood. 2000;96:2723-2729)
Discovery of Multiply Imaged Galaxies behind the Cluster and Lensed Quasar SDSS J1004+4112

We have identified three multiply imaged galaxies in Hubble Space Telescope images of the redshift z = 0.68 cluster responsible for the large-separation quadruply lensed quasar, SDSS J1004+4112. Spectroscopic redshifts have been secured for two of these systems using the Keck I 10 m telescope. The most distant lensed galaxy, at z = 3.332, forms at least four images, and an Einstein ring encompassing 3.1 times more area than the Einstein ring of the lensed QSO images at z = 1.74, due to the greater source distance. For a second multiply imaged galaxy, we identify Lyα emission at a redshift of z = 2.74. The cluster mass profile can be constrained from near the center of the brightest cluster galaxy, where we observe both a radial arc and the fifth image of the lensed quasar, to the Einstein radius of the highest redshift galaxy, ~110 kpc. Our preliminary modeling indicates that the mass approximates an elliptical body, with an average projected logarithmic gradient of ≃-0.5. The system is potentially useful for a direct measurement of world models in a previously untested redshift range.
Virtual private supercomputer: Design and evaluation

Virtual private supercomputer is an efficient way of conducting experiments on high-performance computational environment and the main role in this approach is played by virtualization and data consolidation. During experiment virtualization is used to abstract application from underlying hardware and also from operating system offering consistent API for distributed computations. In between experiments data consolidation is used to store initial data and results in a distributed storage system and offers API for distributed data processing. Combined, these APIs form solid basis of a distributed system shifting user focus from supercomputing technologies to problem being solved.
The Formin DAAM Functions as Molecular Effector of the Planar Cell Polarity Pathway during Axonal Development in Drosophila

Recent studies established that the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is critical for various aspects of nervous system development and function, including axonal guidance. Although it seems clear that PCP signaling regulates actin dynamics, the mechanisms through which this occurs remain elusive. Here, we establish a functional link between the PCP system and one specific actin regulator, the formin DAAM, which has previously been shown to be required for embryonic axonal morphogenesis and filopodia formation in the growth cone. We show that dDAAM also plays a pivotal role during axonal growth and guidance in the adult Drosophila mushroom body, a brain center for learning and memory. By using a combination of genetic and biochemical assays, we demonstrate that Wnt5 and the PCP signaling proteins Frizzled, Strabismus, and Dishevelled act in concert with the small GTPase Rac1 to activate the actin assembly functions of dDAAM essential for correct targeting of mushroom body axons. Collectively, these data suggest that dDAAM is used as a major molecular effector of the PCP guidance pathway. By uncovering a signaling system from the Wnt5 guidance cue to an actin assembly factor, we propose that the Wnt5/PCP navigation system is linked by dDAAM to the regulation of the growth cone actin cytoskeleton, and thereby growth cone behavior, in a direct way.
Designing and Evaluating a Semantic Annotation Scheme for Compound Nouns

There is no standard set of semantic relations for classifying noun-noun compounds. This paper describes the development of a new annotation scheme which fulfils a number of desirable criteria. A rigorous dual-annotator experiment indicates that reasonably good agreement can be achieved but that the task remains a very difficult one. Analysis of the annotators' disagreements suggests which categories are most problematic and identifies specific cases for which the annotation guidelines could be further refined. Nonetheless there is a very long tail of disagreement patterns which render infeasible the production of fully exhaustive guidelines.
Histone deacetylase inhibitors suppress RSV infection and alleviate virus-induced airway inflammation

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. However, the majority of RSV-infected patients only show mild symptoms. Different severities of infection and responses among the RSV-infected population indicate that epigenetic regulation as well as personal genetic background may affect RSV infectivity. Histone deacetylase (HDAC) is an important epigenetic regulator in lung diseases. The present study aimed to explore the possible connection between HDAC expression and RSV-induced lung inflammation. To address this question, RSV-infected airway epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were prepared and a mouse model of RSV infection was established, and then treated with various concentrations of HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), namely trichostatin A (TSA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA). Viral replication and markers of virus-induced airway inflammation or oxidative stress were assessed. The activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathways was evaluated by western blot analysis. Our results showed that RSV infection in airway epithelial cells (AECs) significantly decreased histone acetylation levels by altering HDAC2 expression. The treatment of RSV-infected AECs with HDACis significantly restricted RSV replication by upregulating the interferon-α (IFN-α) related signaling pathways. The treatment of RSV-infected AECs with HDACis also significantly inhibited RSV-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine release [interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8] and oxidative stress-related molecule production [malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitrogen monoxide (NO)]. The activation of NF-κB, COX-2, MAPK and Stat3, which orchestrate pro-inflammatory gene expression and oxidative stress injury, was also significantly inhibited. Our in vivo study using a mouse model of RSV infection validated these results. Treatment with HDACis alleviated airway inflammation and reduced in vivo RSV replication. Our data demonstrated that RSV reduced histone acetylation by enhancing HDAC2 expression. Treatment with HDACis (TSA/SAHA) significantly inhibited RSV replication and decreased RSV-induced airway inflammation and oxidative stress. Therefore, the inhibition of HDACs represents a novel therapeutic approach in modulating RSV-induced lung disease.
Improving energy efficiency of data communication in a hybrid PKI-based approach for WSNs

Securing communications in wireless sensor networks is increasingly important, as the diversity of applications increases. In this paper, we analyze the performance and power efficiency of bulk user data communications in a simple, secure PKI-based communication scheme employing a hybrid cryptographic approach. Detailed benchmarks of the involved cryptographic primitives are performed. The results are used to determine how the necessary computing ressources can be reduced from the current implementation, without compromising and even increasing security. At the same time, the special circumstances of the PKI-based framework on memory constrained sensor motes, such as IRIS or MICA2 motes, are considered. An improved set of cryptographic primitives is determined and implemented, improving execution speed and thus energy efficiency.
Word-based Arabic handwritten recognition using SVM classifier with a reject option

Arabic handwritten recognition is a challenging task due to high variability of Arabic script and its intrinsic characteristics such as cursiveness, ligatures and diacritics. This paper presents a word-based off-line Arabic handwritten recognition system based on discrete cosine transform features and SVM classifier enhanced using a reject option. The latter is based on the number of sub-words in the input word image calculated using a novel segmentation algorithm. To evaluate our proposed system, we used the IFN/ENIT database of Arabic handwritten words and the results has shown the effectiveness of our approach in enhancing the recognition performance.
An evolutionary algorithm using two-stage non-dominated sorting and directed mating for constrained multi-objective optimization

When multi-objective optimization problems (MOPs) include several constraints, MOEAs need to introduce a mechanism to obtain feasible solutions from infeasible ones. CNSGA-II, a representative constrained MOEA, evolves infeasible solutions into feasible ones by using the concept of constrain-dominance based on the sum of constraint violation values. However, since the conventional CNSGA-II considers only the sum of constraint violation values in the evolution process of infeasible solutions, objective function values of obtained feasible solutions would be worse. Also, since infeasible solutions have less chance to generate offspring than feasible ones, valuable genetic information of infeasible solutions would not be utilized in the solutions search. To overcome these problems and improve the search performance of MOEAs on constrained MOPs, in this work we propose a novel constrained MOEA introducing a parents selection based on two-stage non-dominated sorting of solutions and a directed mating in objective space. We compare the search performance of the proposed algorithm with CNSGA-II on BNH, SRN, TNK, OSY and m objectives k knapsacks problems, and we show that the proposed algorithm achieves higher search performance than CNSGA-II on all benchmark problems.
Reversibility analysis for Petri nets by using T-invariants

In this work, we propose a method, based on T-invariants, to analyse reversibility of Petri nets. Proposed method determines all possible transition sequences, corresponding to minimal T-invariants. Then a reversible set is constructed by using these sequences. A corresponding pseudo-code algorithm of the method is written and it is implemented by using Matlab.
Progressive cache replacement for massive peer-to-peer WebVR worlds

As the popularity of WebVR applications rises in recent years, a great disparity exists between the huge 3D content on servers and the limited cache capacity on clients. In order to alleviate server loading, peer-to-peer (P2P)-based 3D content distribution has been proposed recently. However, given the limited cache sizes at clients, how to maintain and replace the cache content effectively becomes an important issue. We present a progressive scene replacement mechanism (PSRM) in this paper to support interactive walkthrough in P2P-based large-scale WebVR worlds. First, we define a new metric called preservation degree, based on both the visual attention paid by the user and the content's potential relevance for sharing. Second, cached objects are replaced progressively with ascending order in terms of their preservation degrees. Experimental results have shown that PSRM enables users with limited cache to walkthrough a large-scale WebVR world with high visual quality; while download requests handled by the servers are reduced significantly.
The NMDA receptor antagonist memantine as a symptomatological and neuroprotective treatment for Alzheimer's disease: preclinical evidence

There is increasing evidence for the involvement of glutamate‐mediated neurotoxicity in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We suggest that glutamate receptors of the N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) type are overactivated in a tonic rather than a phasic manner in this disorder. This continuous mild activation may lead to neuronal damage and impairment of synaptic plasticity (learning). It is likely that under such conditions Mg2+ ions, which block NMDA receptors under normal resting conditions, can no longer do so. We found that overactivation of NMDA receptors using a direct agonist or a decrease in Mg2+ concentration produced deficits in synaptic plasticity (in vivo: passive avoidance test and/or in vitro: LTP in the CA1 region). In both cases, memantine—an uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists with features of an ‘improved’ Mg2+ (voltage‐dependency, kinetics, affinity)—attenuated this deficit. Synaptic plasticity was restored by therapeutically‐relevant concentrations of memantine (1 μM). Moreover, doses leading to similar brain/serum levels provided neuroprotection in animal models relevant for neurodegeneration in AD such as neurotoxicity produced by inflammation in the NBM or β‐amyloid injection to the hippocampus. As such, if overactivation of NMDA receptors is present in AD, memantine would be expected to improve both symptoms (cognition) and to slow down disease progression because it takes over the physiological function of magnesium. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting Attainable Region of Vehicle Using Trajectory Clustering

Some traffic monitoring systems have been proposed for predicting behaviors of vehicles. However, a few attempts have been made at estimating how vehicles influence each other at some time point in the near future. In order to estimate such interactions, we introduce a concept of Attainable Region to predict future behaviors of vehicles. Attainable Region is efficient to estimate interactions between vehicles in the near future. Through evaluation experiments, we show the feasibility of prediction with Attainable Region.