Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Near-Synonym Choice using a 5-gram Language Model

In this work, an unsupervised statistical method for automatic choice of near-synonyms is presented and compared to the stateof-the-art. We use a 5-gram language model built from the Google Web 1T data set. The proposed method works automatically, does not require any human-annotated knowledge resources (e.g., ontologies) and can be applied to different languages. Our evaluation experiments show that this method outperforms two previous methods on the same task. We also show that our proposed unsupervised method is comparable to a supervised method on the same task. This work is applicable to an intelligent thesaurus, machine translation, and natural language generation.
Three Dopamine Pathways Induce Aversive Odor Memories with Different Stability

Animals acquire predictive values of sensory stimuli through reinforcement. In the brain of Drosophila melanogaster, activation of two types of dopamine neurons in the PAM and PPL1 clusters has been shown to induce aversive odor memory. Here, we identified the third cell type and characterized aversive memories induced by these dopamine neurons. These three dopamine pathways all project to the mushroom body but terminate in the spatially segregated subdomains. To understand the functional difference of these dopamine pathways in electric shock reinforcement, we blocked each one of them during memory acquisition. We found that all three pathways partially contribute to electric shock memory. Notably, the memories mediated by these neurons differed in temporal stability. Furthermore, combinatorial activation of two of these pathways revealed significant interaction of individual memory components rather than their simple summation. These results cast light on a cellular mechanism by which a noxious event induces different dopamine signals to a single brain structure to synthesize an aversive memory.
On Smooth Decompositions of Matrices

In this paper we consider smooth orthonormal decompositions of smooth time varying matrices. Among others, we consider QR-, Schur-, and singular value decompositions, and their block-analogues. Sufficient conditions for existence of such decompositions are given and differential equations for the factors are derived. Also generic smoothness of these factors is discussed.
Nearest neighbor sampling for better defect prediction

An important step in building effective predictive models applies one or more sampling techniques. Traditional sampling techniques include random, stratified, systemic, and clustered. The problem with these techniques is that they focus on the class attribute, rather than the non-class attributes. For example, if a test instance's nearest neighbor is from the opposite class of the training set, then it seems doomed to misclassification. To illustrate this problem, this paper conducts 20 experiments on five different NASA defect datasets (CM1, JM1, KC1, KC2, PC1) using two different learners (J48 and Naïve Bayes). Each data set is divided into 3 groups, a training set, and "nice/nasty" neighbor test sets. Using a nearest neighbor approach, "Nice neighbors" consist of those test instances closest to class training instances. "Nasty neighbors" are closest to opposite class training instances. The "Nice" experiments average 94 percent accuracy and the "Nasty" experiments average 20 percent accuracy. Based on these results a new nearest neighbor sampling technique is proposed.
Effects of Higher-Order Cognitive Strategy Training on Gist-Reasoning and Fact-Learning in Adolescents

Improving the reasoning skills of adolescents across the United States has become a major concern for educators and scientists who are dedicated to identifying evidence-based protocols to improve student outcome. This small sample randomized, control pilot study sought to determine the efficacy of higher-order cognitive training on gist-reasoning and fact-learning in an inner-city public middle school. The study compared gist-reasoning and fact-learning performances after training in a smaller sample when tested in Spanish, many of the students’ native language, versus English. The 54 eighth grade students who participated in this pilot study were enroled in an urban middle school, predominantly from lower socio-economic status families, and were primarily of minority descent. The students were randomized into one of three groups, one that learned cognitive strategies promoting abstraction of meaning, a group that learned rote memory strategies, or a control group to ascertain the impact of each program on gist-reasoning and fact-learning from text-based information. We found that the students who had cognitive strategy instruction that entailed abstraction of meaning significantly improved their gist-reasoning and fact-learning ability. The students who learned rote memory strategies significantly improved their fact-learning scores from a text but not gist-reasoning ability. The control group showed no significant change in either gist-reasoning or fact-learning ability. A trend toward significant improvement in overall reading scores for the group that learned to abstract meaning as well as a significant correlation between gist-reasoning ability and the critical thinking on a state-mandated standardized reading test was also found. There were no significant differences between English and Spanish performance of gist-reasoning and fact-learning. Our findings suggest that teaching higher-order cognitive strategies facilitates gist-reasoning ability and student learning.
The Comparison of Stock Contract and Options Contract

This paper compared stock contract and option contract on the basis of principal-agent theory, and discussed the advantages of the two. Despite of the common view that stock contract is a particular option contract without exercise price, we considered two circumstances of stock contract: free given and partial purchase. And stock purchase price is used in our analysis. The calculation results showed that: when the cash part of managers' income is of free variation, stock contract is better than option contract; when the cash part is fixed, superiority of stock option is based on its purchase price. Unit costs of stock contract and option contract are almost the same if stock purchase price equals option exercise price, and the two contracts can be replaced with each other. Besides, when purchase price and exercise price is near stock market price, unit incentive cost of stock contract and option contract is the lowest, which means that the two contracts.
A Simple Converse Proof and a Unified Capacity Formula for Channels with Input Constraints

Given the single-letter capacity formula and the converse proof of a channel without constraints, we provide a simple approach to extend the results for the same channel but with constraints. The resulting capacity formula is the minimum of a Lagrange dual function. It gives an unified formula in the sense that it works regardless whether the problem is convex. If the problem is non-convex, we show that the capacity can be larger than the formula obtained by the naive approach of imposing constraints on the maximization in the capacity formula of the case without the constraints. The extension on the converse proof is simply by adding a term involving the Lagrange multiplier and the constraints. The rest of the proof does not need to be changed. We name the proof method the Lagrangian Converse Proof. In contrast, traditional approaches need to construct a better input distribution for convex problems or need to introduce a time sharing variable for non-convex problems. We illustrate the Lagrangian Converse Proof for three channels, the classic discrete time memoryless channel, the channel with non-causal channel-state information at the transmitter, the channel with limited channel-state feedback. The extension to the rate distortion theory is also provided.
Adaptation of a computerized dictionary for language learning

The objective of this article is to present the first results of a research related to the design of a linguistic resource dedicated to help pupils in their learning process. We intend to show how a dictionary for language specialists can be adapted in order to help children to learn French language. By "linguistic resource" we mean any document (paper and computerized), which presents us with information related to language. Among these documents, we can quote language dictionaries, encyclopaedias, lexicons and glossaries, etc. The use of these documents is recommended for the preparation of the baccalaureate, the exam taken by pupils before leaving high school. Indeed, French teachers are asked by the French Department of Education to integrate dictionaries, encyclopaedias and databases in their courses, as well as documents related to the press [Ministere de l'Education Nationale 2002]. This paper first presents the main computerized dictionary called the TLFi (Tresor de la langue francaise informatise, which can be translated as "Computerized Treasury of the French Language") created by the research laboratory ATILF (Analyse et Traitement Informatique de la Langue Francaise). Then, we will present various uses of this dictionary for French learning in France. We will specifically focus on three didactic situations during which the dictionary is used.
Stress differentially alters mu opioid receptor density and trafficking in parvalbumin‐containing interneurons in the female and male rat hippocampus

Stress differentially affects hippocampal‐dependent learning relevant to addiction and morphology in male and female rats. Mu opioid receptors (MORs), which are located in parvalbumin (PARV)‐containing GABAergic interneurons and are trafficked in response to changes in the hormonal environment, play a critical role in promoting principal cell excitability and long‐term potentiation. Here, we compared the effects of acute and chronic immobilization stress (AIS and CIS) on MOR trafficking in PARV‐containing neurons in the hilus of the dentate gyrus in female and male rats using dual label immunoelectron microscopy. Following AIS, the density of MOR silver‐intensified gold particles (SIGs) in the cytoplasm of PARV‐labeled dendrites was significantly reduced in females (estrus stage). Conversely, AIS significantly increased the proportion of cytoplasmic MOR SIGs in PARV‐labeled dendrites in male rats. CIS significantly reduced the number of PARV‐labeled neurons in the dentate hilus of males but not females. However, MOR/PARV‐labeled dendrites and terminals were significantly smaller in CIS females, but not males, compared with controls. Following CIS, the density of cytoplasmic MOR SIGs increased in PARV‐labeled dendrites and terminals in females. Moreover, the proportion of near‐plasmalemmal MOR SIGs relative to total decreased in large PARV‐labeled dendrites in females. After CIS, no changes in the density or trafficking of MOR SIGs were seen in PARV‐labeled dendrites or terminals in males. These data show that AIS and CIS differentially affect available MOR pools in PARV‐containing interneurons in female and male rats. Furthermore, they suggest that CIS could affect principal cell excitability in a manner that maintains learning processes in females but not males. Synapse 67:757–772, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Impact of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Metabolic and Inflammatory Markers in Consecutive Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Background Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is tightly linked to some components of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS). However, most of the evidence evaluated individual components of the MetS or patients with a diagnosis of OSA that were referred for sleep studies due to sleep complaints. Therefore, it is not clear whether OSA exacerbates the metabolic abnormalities in a representative sample of patients with MetS. Methodology/Principal Findings We studied 152 consecutive patients (age 48±9 years, body mass index 32.3±3.4 Kg/m2) newly diagnosed with MetS (Adult Treatment Panel III). All participants underwent standard polysomnography irrespective of sleep complaints, and laboratory measurements (glucose, lipid profile, uric acid and C-reactive protein). The prevalence of OSA (apnea-hypopnea index ≥15 events per hour of sleep) was 60.5%. Patients with OSA exhibited significantly higher levels of blood pressure, glucose, triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, cholesterol/HDL ratio, triglycerides/HDL ratio, uric acid and C-reactive protein than patients without OSA. OSA was independently associated with 2 MetS criteria: triglycerides: OR: 3.26 (1.47–7.21) and glucose: OR: 2.31 (1.12–4.80). OSA was also independently associated with increased cholesterol/HDL ratio: OR: 2.38 (1.08–5.24), uric acid: OR: 4.19 (1.70–10.35) and C-reactive protein: OR: 6.10 (2.64–14.11). Indices of sleep apnea severity, apnea-hypopnea index and minimum oxygen saturation, were independently associated with increased levels of triglycerides, glucose as well as cholesterol/HDL ratio, uric acid and C-reactive protein. Excessive daytime sleepiness had no effect on the metabolic and inflammatory parameters. Conclusions/Significance Unrecognized OSA is common in consecutive patients with MetS. OSA may contribute to metabolic dysregulation and systemic inflammation in patients with MetS, regardless of symptoms of daytime sleepiness.
Design and CAD for RRAM-based FPGA

Nowadays, Resistive Random Access Memories (RRAMs) are one of the most promising candidates in NonVolatile Memory (NVM) family. RRAMs are two-node devices and can be configured into two stable resistance states, either Low Resistance State (LRS) or High Resistance State (HRS). Compared to Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) not only suffer larger critical delays due to their routing architecture, but also burn more leakage power due to the volatility of SRAMs. RRAMs open an opportunity in giving FPGA non-volatility and high performance routing architecture. The routing architecture can benefit lower on-resistance (down to 75%) from introducing RRAMs to data paths, compared to Static Random Access Memory (SRAM)controlled programmable switches. Previous works [1]–[3] investigate three different methodologies in integrating RRAMs with FPGAs. Yi-Chung Chen et al. simply replace SRAMs with RRAMs and propose a non-volatile 3D FPGA. Jason Cong et al. introduce a transistor-less RRAM-based routing architecture, which has significant delay reduction (55% on average). P.E. Gaillardon et al. propose general RRAM-based multiplexer circuit design, which improves delay by 58% on average. During my PhD study, I plan to (i) optimize the RRAM-based routing architectures with the aid of physical modeling (RRAM-based routing architecture in [3] can be further optimized to achieve area-effiency, with the aid of physical modeling), (ii) improve EDA techniques to exploit RRAM-based routing architecture, and (iii) design a RRAM-based FPGA chip and test its performance.
Characterization of a human homologue of the murine peripheral lymph node homing receptor

Lymphocyte trafficking is a fundamental aspect of the immune system that allows B and T lymphocytes with diverse antigen recognition specificities to be exposed to various antigenic stimuli in spatially distinct regions of an organism. A lymphocyte adhesion molecule that is involved with this trafficking phenomenon has been termed the homing receptor. Previous work (Lasky, L., T. Yednock, M. Singer, D. Dowbenko, C. Fennie, H. Rodriguez, T. Nguyen, S. Stachel, and S. Rosen. 1989. Cell. 56:1045-1055) has characterized a cDNA clone encoding a murine homing receptor that is involved in trafficking of lymphocytes to peripheral lymph nodes. This molecule was found to contain a number of protein motifs, the most intriguing of which was a carbohydrate binding domain, or lectin, that is apparently involved in the adhesive interaction between murine lymphocytes and peripheral lymph node endothelium. In this study, we have used the murine cDNA clone to isolate a human homologue of this peripheral lymph node-specific adhesion molecule. The human receptor was found to be highly homologous to the murine receptor in overall sequence, but showed no sequence similarity to another surface protein that may be involved with human lymphocyte homing, the Hermes glycoprotein. The extracellular region of the human receptor contained an NH2 terminally located carbohydrate binding domain followed by an EGF-like domain and a domain containing two repeats of a complement binding motif. Transient cell transfection assays using the human receptor cDNA showed that it encoded a surface glycoprotein that cross reacted with a polyclonal antibody directed against the murine peripheral lymph node homing receptor. Interestingly, the human receptor showed a high degree of sequence homology to another human cell adhesion glycoprotein, the endothelial cell adhesion molecule ELAM.
THE LINKAGE BETWEEN LIS AND RBV FOR SUSTAINED COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: AN INTEGRATED CONCEPTUAL MODEL

An important factor that guarantees a persistent competitive advantage is the sustainability of the firm’s capabilities or their core competences. These capabilities should form the basic support of firm’s strategy. Several authors point out the importance of the information systems (IS) for firm competitive advantage. The main tenet of this paper is to define a coherent theoretical framework of reference which will lead to a broader understanding of the relationship between Logistics Information Systems (LIS) and RBV in an integrating conceptual model for gaining and sustaining competitive advantages of firms. The paper argues that most failures of firms can be attributed to the fact that resources and capabilities of firms were either not existing or not addresses correctly. Neglecting IS linkage to resources and capabilities is one main reason for the failure. In this sense, a precondition for a sustained competitive advantage is to admit LIS as specific source of firms’ distinctive competences.
Cytoskeletal dynamics underlying collateral membrane protrusions induced by neurotrophins in cultured Xenopus embryonic neurons.

The establishment and refinement of neuronal connections depend on dynamic modification of the morphology and physiology of developing axons in response to extrinsic factors. In embryonic cultures of Xenopus spinal neurons, acute application of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induced rapid collateral protrusion of filopodium-like microspikes and lamellipodia along the neurite processes, leading to a morphologic alternation of the neuron. Both types of membrane protrusions contained high concentrations of actin filaments and depended on the polymerization of the actin cytoskeleton. Immunofluorescent staining, however, revealed the presence of microtubules (MTs) in lamellipodia induced by BDNF. These MTs appeared to have arisen from debundling of MTs in the neurite shaft at the protrusion sites, splaying and extending in the rapidly protruding lamellipodia. Inhibition of microtubule polymerization by nocodazole largely abolished the formation of lamellipodia but not of microspikes. Taken together, our results suggest that collateral sprouting of microspikes and lamellipodia involve distinctly different cytoskeletal mechanisms. Although the actin cytoskeleton is solely responsible for microspike formation, cooperative efforts by microtubules and actin filaments are essential for lamellipodial protrusion in response to extrinsic factors.
Output feedback control of Micro Aerial Vehicle in indoor environment

A novel approach for control of a Micro Air Vehicle in indoor environment (specifically within corridors) using only vision and angular velocity sensors as measuring devices is presented. The suggested controller does not include explicit attitude feedback, thus eliminating the need for accelerometers which are susceptible to vibrations, and complex attitude estimation algorithms. Furthermore, linear velocity measurement which can be difficult to achieve in indoor environment is not required to damp the system. A model for the hovercraft and visual measurements is presented, and stability analysis of the suggested controller is performed and supported by a complete six degrees of freedom simulation.
Transplant Tolerance Induction in Newborn Infants: Mechanisms, Advantages, and Potential Strategies

Although several tolerance induction protocols have been successfully implemented in adult renal transplantation, no tolerance induction approach has, as yet, been defined for solid organ transplantations in young infants. Pediatric transplant recipients have a pressing demand for the elaboration of tolerance induction regimens. Indeed, since they display a longer survival time, they are exposed to a higher level of risks linked to long-term immunosuppression (IS) and to chronic rejection. Interestingly, central tolerance induction may be of great interest in newborns, because of their immunological immaturity and the important role of the thymus at this early stage in life. The present review aims to clarify mechanisms and strategies of tolerance induction in these immunologically premature recipients. We first introduce the discovery and mechanisms of neonatal tolerance in murine experimental models and subsequently analyze tolerance induction in human newborn infants. Hematopoietic mixed chimerism in neonates is also discussed based on in utero hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplant studies. Then, we review the recent advances in tolerance induction approaches in adults, including the infusion of HSCs associated with less toxic conditioning regimens, regulatory T cells/facilitating cells/mesenchymal stem cells transplantation, costimulatory blockade, and thymus manipulation. Finally, IS withdrawal in pediatric solid organ transplant is discussed. In conclusion, the establishment of transplant tolerance induction in infants is promising and deserves further investigations. Future studies could focus on the selection of patients, on less toxic conditioning regimens, and on biomarkers for IS minimization or withdrawal.