Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Claudin-9–Based Ion Permeability Barrier Is Essential for Hearing

Hereditary hearing loss is one of the most common birth defects, yet the majority of genes required for audition is thought to remain unidentified. Ethylnitrosourea (ENU)–mutagenesis has been a valuable approach for generating new animal models of deafness and discovering previously unrecognized gene functions. Here we report on the characterization of a new ENU–induced mouse mutant (nmf329) that exhibits recessively inherited deafness. We found a widespread loss of sensory hair cells in the hearing organs of nmf329 mice after the second week of life. Positional cloning revealed that the nmf329 strain carries a missense mutation in the claudin-9 gene, which encodes a tight junction protein with unknown biological function. In an epithelial cell line, heterologous expression of wild-type claudin-9 reduced the paracellular permeability to Na+ and K+, and the nmf329 mutation eliminated this ion barrier function without affecting the plasma membrane localization of claudin-9. In the nmf329 mouse line, the perilymphatic K+ concentration was found to be elevated, suggesting that the cochlear tight junctions were dysfunctional. Furthermore, the hair-cell loss in the claudin-9–defective cochlea was rescued in vitro when the explanted hearing organs were cultured in a low-K+ milieu and in vivo when the endocochlear K+-driving force was diminished by deletion of the pou3f4 gene. Overall, our data indicate that claudin-9 is required for the preservation of sensory cells in the hearing organ because claudin-9–defective tight junctions fail to shield the basolateral side of hair cells from the K+-rich endolymph. In the tight-junction complexes of hair cells, claudin-9 is localized specifically to a subdomain that is underneath more apical tight-junction strands formed by other claudins. Thus, the analysis of claudin-9 mutant mice suggests that even the deeper (subapical) tight-junction strands have biologically important ion barrier function.
Building in an Evaluation Component for Active Labor Market Programs: A Practitioner's Guide

The guide outlines the main evaluation challenges associated with ALMP’s, and shows how to obtain rigorous impact estimates using two leading evaluation approaches. The most credible and straightforward evaluation method is a randomized design, in which a group of potential participants is randomly divided into a treatment and a control group. Random assignment ensures that the two groups would have had similar experiences in the post-program period in the absence of the program intervention. The observed post-program difference therefore yields a reliable estimate of the program impact. The second approach is a difference in differences design that compares the change in outcomes between the participant group and a selected comparison group from before to after the completion of the program. In general the outcomes of the comparison group may differ from the outcomes of the participant group, even in the absence of the program intervention. If the difference observed prior to the program would have persisted in the absence of the program, however, then the change in the outcome gap between the two groups yields a reliable estimate of the program impact. This guideline reviews the various steps in the design and implementation of ALMP’s, and in subsequent analysis of the program data, that will ensure a rigorous and informative impact evaluation using either of these two techniques.
Chronic Arterial Responses to Polymer-Controlled Paclitaxel-Eluting Stents: Comparison With Bare Metal Stents by Serial Intravascular Ultrasound Analyses: Data From the Randomized TAXUS-II Trial

Background—Polymer-controlled paclitaxel-eluting stents have shown a pronounced reduction in neointimal hyperplasia compared with bare metal stents (BMS). The aim of this substudy was to evaluate local arterial responses through the use of serial quantitative intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) analyses in the TAXUS II trial. Methods and Results—TAXUS II was a randomized, double-blind study with 536 patients in 2 consecutive cohorts comparing slow-release (SR; 131 patients) and moderate-release (MR; 135 patients) paclitaxel-eluting stents with BMS (270 patients). This IVUS substudy included patients treated with one study stent who underwent serial IVUS examination after the procedure and at 6-month follow-up (BMS, 152 patients; SR, 81; MR, 81). The analyzed stented segment (15 mm) was divided into 5 subsegments in which mean vessel area (VA), stent area (SA), lumen area (LA), intrastent neointimal hyperplasia area (NIHA), and peristent area (VA−SA) were measured. NIHA was significantly reduced in SR (0.7±0.9 mm2, P <0.001) and MR (0.6±0.8 mm2, P <0.001) compared with BMS (1.9±1.5 mm2), with no differences between the two paclitaxel-eluting release formulations. Longitudinal distribution of neointimal hyperplasia throughout the paclitaxel-eluting stent was uniform. Neointimal growth was independent of peristent area at postprocedure examination in all groups. There were progressive increases in peristent area from BMS to SR to MR (0.5±1.7, 1.0±1.8, and 1.4±2.0 mm2, respectively; P <0.001). The increase in peristent area was directly correlated with increases in VA. Conclusions—Both SR and MR paclitaxel-eluting stents prevent neointimal formation to the same degree compared with BMS. However, the difference in peristent remodeling suggests a release-dependent effect between SR and MR.
A Supporting Hand in Dealing with Interpersonal Conflicts: The Role of Interactional Justice

Studying the styles in managing conflicts is critical in preventing the detrimental effects of interpersonal conflicts on employees’ well-being. In a sample of 390 Malaysian public sector subordinates, the relationships between conflict management styles (bargaining and problem solving) and psychological strain (somatic strain and depressive symptoms) was explored. Based on social exchange theory, it was further expected interactional justice to work as a moderator in this relationship, buffering the negative consequences of bargaining styles for subordinates with supervisors whom are having high rather than low interactional justice. Results indicate that bargaining was positively associated with somatic strain, while problem-solving was negatively associated with both somatic strain and depressive symptoms. As hypothesised, the PLS-SEM product moderator indicator approach analysis revealed that perceived interactional justice buffered the negative consequences of bargaining styles on somatic strain and depressive symptoms. This study’s primary novelty is to highlight interactional justice as a “helping hand” protecting against the negative consequences of bargaining styles among subordinates. Consequently, it has a main practical implication for organisational management aimed at sustaining the wellbeing for their manpower.
Convergence analysis of blind image deconvolution via dispersion minimization

A new non‐linear adaptive filter called blind image deconvolution via dispersion minimization has recently been proposed for restoring noisy blurred images blindly. This is essentially a two‐dimensional version of the constant modulus algorithm that is well known in the field of blind equalization. The two‐dimensional extension has been shown capable of reconstructing noisy blurred images using partial a priori information about the true image and the point spread function in a variety of situations by means of simulations. This paper analyses the behaviour of the algorithm by investigating the static properties of the cost function and the dynamic convergence of the parameter estimates. The theoretical results are supported with computer simulations. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Optimal Resource Allocation for CoMP based Cellular Systems with Base Station Switching

Base station switching (BSS) can results in significant reduction in energy consumption of cellular networks during low traffic conditions. We show that the coverage loss due to BSS can be compensated via coordinated multi-point (CoMP) based transmission in a cluster of base stations. For a BSS with CoMP based system, we propose various BSS patterns to achieve suitable trade-off between energy efficiency and throughput. We formulate the CoMP resource allocation and α-Fair user scheduling as a joint optimization problem. We derive the optimal time fraction and user scheduling for this problem. We utilize these results to formulate the BSS with CoMP as an optimization problem. A heuristic that solves this problem for a given rate threshold is presented. Through extensive simulations, we show that suitable trade-offs among energy, coverage, and rate can be achieved by appropriately selecting the BSS pattern, CoMP cluster, and rate threshold.
An Adaptive Information Retrieval Assistant: AIRA

To assist a user in an information search on the web, an agent needs a model of the user’s interests and mechanisms to interpret queries and evaluate the relevance of documents. This paper presents a system where a user profile is built from a personal document archive managed by the user and a task context is computed when a user submits a query, from her/his profile and an action log built by tracking the user’s activity. A query is then interpreted through a vocabulary learning step, where terms in the context are selected, and a query learning step, where new queries are built by the conjunction of terms of the initial query with terms of the vocabulary. First results are presented and future directions, concerning the relative evaluation of this system, are considered.
Early feature stream integration versus decision level combination in a multiple classifier system for text line recognition

This paper compares two different methods to combine feature streams to improve the performance of offline handwritten text line recognition systems. In both methods a pixel-based and a geometric feature stream are combined. The first method integrates the feature streams at an early stage whereas in the second method a combination step at the decision level is applied. In the experiments, the early integration approach outperforms the decision level combination as well as recognisers built from the individual feature streams
DCTune: A TECHNIQUE FOR VISUAL OPTIMIZATION OF DCT QUANTIZATION MATRICES FOR INDIVIDUAL IMAGES.

Many image compression standards (JPEG, MPEG, H.261) are based on the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT). However, these standards do not specify the actual DCT quantization matrix. We have previously provided mathematical formulae to compute a perceptually lossless quantization matrix. Here I show how to compute a matrix that is optimized for a particular image. The method treats each DCT coefficient as an approximation to the local response of a visual "channel. " For a given quantization matrix, the DCT quantization errors are adjusted by contrast sensitivity, light adaptation, and contrast masking, and are pooled non-linearly over the blocks of the image. This yields an 8x8 "perceptual error matrix. " A second non-linear pooling over the perceptual error matrix yields total perceptual error. With this model we may estimate the quantization matrix for a particular image that yields minimum bit rate for a given total perceptual error, or minimum perceptual error for a given bit rate. Custom matrices for a number of images show clear improvement over image-independent matrices. Custom matrices are compatible with the JPEG standard, which requires transmission of the quantization matrix.
New advances in regularized inversion of gravity and electromagnetic data

The interpretation of potential and electromagnetic fields observed over 3D geological structures remains one of the most challenging problems of exploration geophysics. In this paper I present an overview of novel methods of inversion and imaging of gravity and electromagnetic data, which are based on new advances in the regularization theory related to the application of special stabilizing functionals, which allow the reconstruction of both smooth images of the underground geological structures and models with sharp geological boundaries. I demonstrate that sharp‐boundary geophysical inversion can improve the efficiency and resolution of the inverse problem solution. The methods are illustrated with synthetic and practical examples of the 3D inversion of potential and electromagnetic field data.
A non-iterative algorithm to estimate the modes of univariate mixtures with well separated components

This paper deals with the estimation of the modes of an univariate mixture when the number of components is known and when the component density are well separated. We propose an algorithm based on the minimization of the "kp" criterion we introduced in a previous work. In this paper we show that the global minimum of this criterion can be reached with a linear least square minimization followed by a roots finding algorithm. This is a major advantage compared to classical iterative algorithms such as K-means or EM which suffer from the potential convergence to some local extrema of the cost function they use. Our algorithm performances are finally illustrated through simulations of a five components mixture.
TransactiveDB: Tapping into Collective Human Memories

Database Management Systems (DBMSs) have been rapidly evolving in the recent years, exploring ways to store multi-structured data or to involve human processes during query execution. In this paper, we outline a future avenue for DBMSs supporting transactive memory queries that can only be answered by a collection of individuals connected through a given interaction graph. We present TransactiveDB and its ecosystem, which allow users to pose queries in order to reconstruct collective human memories. We describe a set of new transactive operators including TUnion, TFill, TJoin, and TProjection. We also describe how TransactiveDB leverages transactive operators---by mixing query execution, social network analysis and human computation---in order to effectively and efficiently tap into the memories of all targeted users.
Effect of Different Micronutrient Treatments on Rice (Oriza sativa L.) Growth and Yield under Saline Soil Conditions

2 Abstract: Field trials were conducted in El Serw Agricultural Research Station, Agriculture Research Center, Egypt during 2009 and 2010 summer seasons to study the effect of Zn , Fe and Mn as single or combined +2 +2 +2 (DAT) as foliar spray. The main results of the study showed that the application of the three tested micronutrients as single or a combination significantly improved rice growth of Sakha 101 rice variety in both seasons. Dry matter production, leaf area index and chlorophyll content (SPAD value) as well as plant height and panicle length were significantly higher when rice plant received the micronutrient rather compared to the control. Rice grain yield, straw yield, harvest index and yield components; panicle numbers, panicle weight, filled grains/panicle and 1000-grain weight were significantly increased by application of micronutrients application. The combination of Zn +Fe + Mn gave the highest values of most studied traits without any +2 +2 +2
Computing LFP from biophysical models of neurons and neural microcircuits

Local Field Potentials (LFP) allow interpretations of patterns of information generated by neuronal populations. LFPs are Low frequency (<;300 Hz) population signals recorded with glass or metal electrodes and are known to be generated by complex spatiotemporal interactions of synaptic stimuli in combination with sink-source behavior in the circuit. Computational reconstruction of local field potentials allows to constrain detailed neuronal models and network microcircuits and study the function and dysfunctions via simulations. In this paper, we present a comparison of various methods and tools available for LFP computations in single neurons and populations of cells. We compare our LFPsim and ReConv methods to LFPy, VERTEX while mathematically computing local field potentials in single neurons and network models made with detailed multi-compartmental models and available through databases like ModelDB.
Genome-Wide Analysis of ZmDREB Genes and Their Association with Natural Variation in Drought Tolerance at Seedling Stage of Zea mays L

The worldwide production of maize (Zea mays L.) is frequently impacted by water scarcity and as a result, increased drought tolerance is a priority target in maize breeding programs. While DREB transcription factors have been demonstrated to play a central role in desiccation tolerance, whether or not natural sequence variations in these genes are associated with the phenotypic variability of this trait is largely unknown. In the present study, eighteen ZmDREB genes present in the maize B73 genome were cloned and systematically analyzed to determine their phylogenetic relationship, synteny with rice, maize and sorghum genomes; pattern of drought-responsive gene expression, and protein transactivation activity. Importantly, the association between the nucleic acid variation of each ZmDREB gene with drought tolerance was evaluated using a diverse population of maize consisting of 368 varieties from tropical and temperate regions. A significant association between the genetic variation of ZmDREB2.7 and drought tolerance at seedling stage was identified. Further analysis found that the DNA polymorphisms in the promoter region of ZmDREB2.7, but not the protein coding region itself, was associated with different levels of drought tolerance among maize varieties, likely due to distinct patterns of gene expression in response to drought stress. In vitro, protein-DNA binding assay demonstrated that ZmDREB2.7 protein could specifically interact with the target DNA sequences. The transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing ZmDREB2.7 displayed enhanced tolerance to drought stress. Moreover, a favorable allele of ZmDREB2.7, identified in the drought-tolerant maize varieties, was effective in imparting plant tolerance to drought stress. Based upon these findings, we conclude that natural variation in the promoter of ZmDREB2.7 contributes to maize drought tolerance, and that the gene and its favorable allele may be an important genetic resource for the genetic improvement of drought tolerance in maize.
Adaptive Multilevel Finite Elements for Mesh Optimization and Visualization

Multilevel representations and mesh reduction techniques have been used for accelerating the processing and the rendering of large datasets representing scalar or vector valued functions defined on complex 2 or 3 dimensional meshes. We present a method based on finite elements and hierarchical bases which combines these two approaches in a new and unique way that is conceptually simple and theoretically sound. Starting with a very coarse triangulation of the functional domain a hierarchy of highly non-uniform tetrahedral (or triangular in 2D) meshes is generated adaptively by local refinement. This process is driven by controlling the local error of the piecewise linear finite element approximation of the function (in the least-squares sense) on each mesh element. Flexibility in choosing the underlying error norm allows for gradient information to be included. A reliable and efficient a posteriori estimate of the global approximation error combined with a preconditioned conjugate gradient solver are the key components of the implementation. Many areas where the proposed method can by applied successfully are envisioned, such as mesh reduction of parameterized grids, visualization of scalar and vector volume data, physically based computer animation of extended bodies and global illumination algorithms. The example application we implemented in order to analyze the properties and advantages of the generated tetrahedral mesh is an iso-surface algorithm which combines the so far separated tasks of extraction acceleration and polygonal decimation in one single processing step. The quality of the iso-surface is measured based on a special geometric norm which does not require the full resolution surface.
Quantitative Boundary Support Characterization for Cantilever MEMS

Microfabrication limitations are of concern especially for suspended Micro-Electro-Mechanical-Systems (MEMS) microstructures such as cantilevers. The static and dynamic qualities of such microscale devices are directly related to the invariant and variant properties of the microsystem. Among the invariant properties, microfabrication limitations can be quantified only after the fabrication of the device through testing. However, MEMS are batch fabricated in large numbers where individual testing is neither possible nor cost effective. Hence, a suitable test algorithm needs to be developed where the test results obtained for a few devices can be applied to the whole fabrication batch, and also to the foundry process in general. In this regard, this paper proposes a method to test MEMS cantilevers under variant electro-thermal influences in order to quantify the effective boundary support condition obtained for a foundry process. A non-contact optical sensing approach is employed for the dynamic testing. The Rayleigh-Ritz energy method using boundary characteristic orthogonal polynomials is employed for the modeling and theoretical analysis.
FUNCTIONAL MODULES OF A SEMI-AUTOMATIC QUESTION GENERATING SYSTEM

In the last decade different applications of computer science (data mining, text mining) have been recognised. Presently an automatic question generation is a current research area. The elaborated system generates multi-choice questions from textbooks without using an external semantic database. Main demands made for the implemented automatic question generation system: supporting the Hungarian language, using a free grammar analytic, generating test questions from annotated texts, implementing potential answers from an internal, own developed semantic data base, supporting multi-choice problems, a possibility of implementing electronic and printable test papers. During planning the framework among the applied methods, clustering on the base of distances, a classification algorithm on the base of a neural net, in the case of generating questions and answer alternatives an own developed semantic data base was implemented. To prove the practical applicability of the automated question generating method, Java-language software was developed.
Using relationships for matching textual domain models with existing code

We address the task of mapping a given textual domain model (e.g., an industry-standard reference model) for a given domain (e.g., ERP), with the source code of an independently developed application in the same domain. This has applications in improving the understandability of an existing application, migrating it to a more flexible architecture, or integrating it with other related applications. We use the vector-space model to abstractly represent domain model elements as well as source-code artifacts. The key novelty in our approach is to leverage the relationships between source-code artifacts in a principled way to improve the mapping process. We describe experiments wherein we apply our approach to the task of matching two real, open-source applications to corresponding industry-standard domain models. We demonstrate the overall usefulness of our approach, as well as the role of our propagation techniques in improving the precision and recall of the mapping task.