Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vitro grown human ovarian follicles from cancer patients support oocyte growth.

BACKGROUND Young female adult and adolescent cancer patients facing life-preserving but fertility-threatening chemo- or radiation-therapy are increasingly seeking options to protect their reproductive potential. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation with transplantation is a promising technique to safeguard fertility in cancer patients. However, this method may risk re-introduction of the original cancer to the survivor of the disease. Thus, developing a method for in vitro growth of immature follicles may provide a method for fertility restoration in the future. METHODS Human secondary follicles were isolated from ovarian tissues obtained from cancer patients and grown in vitro within a bio-engineered culture system for 30 days. RESULTS Human ovarian follicles became steroidogenically active, and developed from the early secondary to antral stage in vitro. The follicles contained healthy, growing oocytes that were connected by transzonal projections between the somatic cells and oocyte. CONCLUSIONS Our data support the notion that human follicle development can be achieved in vitro in a bio-engineered culture system. More studies are required to investigate whether the fully sized oocytes obtained from in vitro grown follicle are competent to resume meiosis and be fertilized.
Shout detection in noise

For the task of detecting shouted speech in a noisy environment, this paper introduces a system based on mel frequency cepstral coefficient (MFCC) feature extraction, unsupervised frame dropping and Gaussian mixture model (GMM) classification. The evaluation material consists of phonemically identical speech and shouting as well as environmental noise of varying levels. The performance of the shout detection system is analyzed by varying the MFCC feature extraction with respect to 1) the feature vector length and 2) the spectrum estimation method. As for feature vector length, the best performance is obtained using 30 MFCC coefficients, which is more than what is conventionally used. In spectrum estimation, a scheme that combines a linear prediction spectrum envelope with spectral fine structure outperforms the conventional FFT.
Adaptive Target Detection With Application to Through-the-Wall Radar Imaging

An adaptive detection scheme is proposed for radar imaging. The proposed detector is a postprocessing scheme derived for one-, two-, and three-dimensional data, and applied to through-the-wall imaging using synthetic aperture radar. The target image statistics depend on the target three-dimensional orientation and position. The statistics can also vary with the standoff distance of the imaging system because of the change in the corresponding scene image resolution. We propose an iterative target detection scheme for the cases in which no or partial a priori knowledge of the target image statistics is available. Properties of the proposed scheme, such as conditions of convergence and optimal configurations are introduced. The detector performance is examined under synthetic and real data. The latter is obtained using a synthetic aperture through-the-wall radar indoor imaging scanner implementing wideband delay and sum beamforming.
Adiponectin Reduces Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E-Deficient Mice

Background—Dysregulation of adipocyte-derived bioactive molecules plays an important role in the development of atherosclerosis. We previously reported that adiponectin, an adipocyte-specific plasma protein, accumulated in the injured artery from the plasma and suppressed endothelial inflammatory response and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, as well as macrophage-to-foam cell transformation in vitro. The current study investigated whether the increased plasma adiponectin could actually reduce atherosclerosis in vivo. Methods and Results—Apolipoprotein E-deficient mice were treated with recombinant adenovirus expressing human adiponectin (Ad-APN) or &bgr;-galactosidase (Ad-&bgr;gal). The plasma adiponectin levels in Ad-APN–treated mice increased 48 times as much as those in Ad-&bgr;gal treated mice. On the 14th day after injection, the lesion formation in aortic sinus was inhibited in Ad-APN–treated mice by 30% compared with Ad-&bgr;gal–treated mice (P <0.05). In the lesions of Ad-APN–treated mice, the lipid droplets became smaller compared with Ad-&bgr;gal–treated mice (P <0.01). Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that the adenovirus-mediated adiponectin migrate to foam cells in the fatty streak lesions. The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that Ad-APN treatment significantly suppressed the mRNA levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 by 29% and class A scavenger receptor by 34%, and tended to reduce levels of tumor necrosis factor-&agr; without affecting those of CD36 in the aortic tissue. Conclusions—These findings documented for the first time that elevated plasma adiponectin suppresses the development of atherosclerosis in vivo.
Background ducking to produce esthetically pleasingaudio for TV with clear speech

In audio production, background ducking facilitates speech intelligibility, while keeping the background track enjoyable. Technical details for recommendable ducking practices are not currently documented in literature. Hence, we first analyze common practices found in TV documentaries. Second, a subjective test investigates the preferences of 22 normal-hearing listeners on the Loudness Difference (LD) between commentary and background during ducking. Highly personal preferences are observed, highlighting the importance of object-based personalization. Statistically significant difference is found between non-expert and expert listeners. On average, non-experts prefer LDs that are 4 LU higher than the ones preferred by experts. Based on the test results, we recommend at least 10 LU difference between commentary and music and at least 15 LU between commentary and ambience.
Emotional response as a measure of human performance

Emotional reactions are a key part of the user experience, and are particularly of interest to the design of systems that consider user emotions. This dissertation studies methods of measuring emotional responses through a novel two-dimensional tool, based on the model of valence and arousal. A study on reactions to storyboard and video prototypes motivated the need for continuous, quantitative, affective self-report. A pilot study with a slider revealed significant differences between the experiences of several video conferencing techniques. Next steps include prototyping two-dimensional affective self-report capture devices, and an experiment to compare relative ease of use and cognitive complexity of different methods of emotional measurement.
Building an automated trust negotiation system

Automated trust negotiation (ATN) is an important means to establish trust between strangers through the exchange of digital credentials and mobile access control policies specifying what combinations of credentials a stranger must submit. While ATN provides a good mechanism to share resources in the distributed environments, there still exist some problems in ATN. A notable issue is that it is difficult to build a practical system. And no guidance is given on how to realize an ATN system. Previous work focused on presenting trust negotiation models or schemes, and most work aimed at protecting privacy and preventing sensitive information from leaking. In this paper, we pay much attention on how to build an ATN system, and design and implement a toy ATN system. We present a new means to implement access control policy, digital credential and its matching. A use case is studied to prove the toy system is sound and reasonable.
Heliomagnetic field near Earth , 1428 – 2005

[1] The cosmic ray record for the interval 1428–2005 has been inverted using the method of Caballero-Lopez et al. (2004) to estimate the annual averages of the heliomagnetic field (HMF) near Earth. There is good agreement with the results obtained by others using two independent methodologies based upon the sunspot and geomagnetic records. This provides confidence in the overall validity of all three methods and supports the use of the cosmogenic record to investigate the HMF prior to the commencement of the sunspot record. There is disagreement with another method based on the geomagnetic record that remains to be resolved. Throughout the 580-year interval studied here, the estimated HMF increased by a factor of 4.5 from an 11-year average of 1.5 nT during the Spoerer Minimum (1420–1540) to 7 nT since 1950. Between the several Grand Minima, it exhibits increasing ‘‘floor’’ values similar to the lower asymptote of 5.2 nT evident in satellite data since 1965. The cosmogenic cosmic ray data exhibit a 2300-year periodicity, and it is proposed that the steadily increasing HMF since the 15th century represents the first quarter cycle of an associated 2300-year periodicity in the HMF. Recent theoretical studies of the origin of the open magnetic field are used to infer that the total magnetic flux of the Sun has increased by a factor of 4.5 since the Spoerer Minimum and might increase further over the next 500 years. In more recent time, the sunspot minimum estimates for the Dalton minimum (1810–1820) and Gleissberg minimum (1889–1901) are 2.5 nT, rising to 4 nT in the vicinity of 1850. The amplitude of the 11-year cycle throughout the Gleissberg cycle (1810–1900) is estimated to be 2 nT. The estimated field is 3.5 nT for each of the sunspot minima 1911–1944, increasing in a stepwise fashion to 5.2 nT between the minima of 1944 and 1954. The cosmic ray and satellite data indicate that the field strength then approximated 5.2 nT for the four sunspot minima, 1965–1996.
Approach for Dimensionality Reduction in Web Page Classification

Dimensionality refers to number of terms in a web page. While classifying web pages high dimensionality of web pages causes problem. The main objective of reducing dimensionality of web pages is improving the performance of classifier. Processing time and accuracy are two parameters which influence the performance of a classifier. To reduce the processing time, less informative and redundant terms have to be removed from web pages. This research describes hybrid approach for dimensionality reduction in web page classification using a rough set and naive Bayesian method. Feature selection and dimensionality reduction methods are used for reducing the dimensionality. Information gain method is used as feature selection method. Rough set based Quick Reduct algorithm is used for dimensionality reduction. Naive Bayesian method is used for classifying web pages to optimal predefined categories. Assignment of web pages to category is based on maximum posterior probability. Words remaining after the process of feature selection and dimensionality reduction will be given to the classifier. Finally the classifier will assign most optimal predefined category to web pages.
Security Policies for WFMS with Rich Business Logic - A Model Suitable for Analysis

This paper introduces a formal metamodel for the specification of security policies for workflows in online service systems designed to be suitable for the modeling and analysis of complex business-related rules as well as traditional access control. A translation of the model into a colored Petri net is shown and an example of policy for an online banking system is described. By writing predicates for querying the resulting state-space of the Petri net, a connection between the formalized model and a higher-level description of the security policy can be made, indicating the feasibility of the intended method for validating such descriptions. Thanks to the independent nature among tasks related to different business services, represented by restrictions in the information flow within the metamodel, the state-space may be fractioned for analysis, avoiding the state-space explosion problem. Related existing models are discussed, pointing the gain in expressiveness of business rules and the analysis of insecure state paths rather than simply insecure states in the proposed model. The successful representation and analysis of the policy from the example combined with reasonings for the general case attest the adequacy of the proposed approach for its intended application.
On Asymptotic Constants Related to Products of Bernoulli Numbers and Factorials

Abstract We discuss the asymptotic expansions of certain products of Bernoulli numbers and factorials, e.g., for integers k ≥ 1 and r ≥ 0. Our main interest is to determine exact expressions, in terms of known constants, for the asymptotic constants of these expansions and to show some relations among them.
Distributed algorithms for k-truss decomposition

k-truss, a type of cohesive subgraphs of a network, is an important measure for a social network graph. However, with the emergence of large online social networks, the running time of the traditional batch algorithms for k-truss decomposition is usually prohibitively long on such a graph with billions of edges and millions of vertices. Moreover, the size of a graph becomes too large to load into the main memory of a single machine. Currently, cloud computing has become an imperative way to process the big data. Thus, our aim is to design a scalable algorithm of k-truss decomposition in the scenario of cloud computing. In this paper, we first improve the existing distributed k-truss decomposition in the MapReduce framework. We then propose a theoretical basis for k-truss and use it to design an algorithm based on graph-parallel abstractions. Our experiment results show that our method in the graph-parallel abstraction significantly outperforms the methods based on MapReduce in terms of running time and disk usage.
Acorn Fall and Weeviling in a Northern Red Oak Seedling Orchard

In 2000, we determined levels of damage by acorn weevils (Curculio spp.) and patterns of acorn fall in a northern red oak (Quercus rubra L.) seedling orchard in eastern Tennessee. The mean (±SE) production of acorns among 43 selected trees was 5,930 ± 586 acorns per tree with a maximum production level of 16,969 acorns for one tree. Trees were selected in the spring of 2000 based on abundance of acornets. The mean (±SE) damage level to acorns was 33 (±2) percent (determined by dissection). The floating method for assessing sound acorns overestimated acorn damage by 36 percent overall. Weevils accounted for approximately 66 percent of all damage to acorns. We found that the percentage of weeviled acorns was negatively correlated to total acorn production per tree. The rate of acorn drop was higher in October and November than in September. However, the percentage of acorns damaged by weevils was higher for acorns falling in September than for acorns falling in October or November.
Automatic target selection for structural genomics on eukaryotes

A central goal of structural genomics is to experimentally determine representative structures for all protein families. At least 14 structural genomics pilot projects are currently investigating the feasibility of high‐throughput structure determination; the National Institutes of Health funded nine of these in the United States. Initiatives differ in the particular subset of “all families” on which they focus. At the NorthEast Structural Genomics consortium (NESG), we target eukaryotic protein domain families. The automatic target selection procedure has three aims: 1) identify all protein domain families from currently five entirely sequenced eukaryotic target organisms based on their sequence homology, 2) discard those families that can be modeled on the basis of structural information already present in the PDB, and 3) target representatives of the remaining families for structure determination. To guarantee that all members of one family share a common foldlike region, we had to begin by dissecting proteins into structural domain‐like regions before clustering. Our hierarchical approach, CHOP, utilizing homology to PrISM, Pfam‐A, and SWISS‐PROT chopped the 103,796 eukaryotic proteins/ORFs into 247,222 fragments. Of these fragments, 122,999 appeared suitable targets that were grouped into >27,000 singletons and >18,000 multifragment clusters. Thus, our results suggested that it might be necessary to determine >40,000 structures to minimally cover the subset of five eukaryotic proteomes. Proteins 2004;55:000–000. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
"I commenced an examination of a game called 'tit-tat-to'": Charles Babbage and the "First" Computer Game

This paper examines Charles Babbage's tic-tac-toe automaton using original notes and sketches taken from Babbage's notebooks. While Babbage's work with games and computers has been mentioned previously by other authors, this is the first attempt to study that work in detail. The paper explains the origins of the automaton, imagines how it would have operated had it been built, describes how it might have functioned, and Babbage's inspirations for building it. The paper concludes with an analysis of Babbage's place in the history of videogames.
Spongy Gels by a Top‐Down Approach from Polymer Fibrous Sponges

Abstract Ultralight cellular sponges offer a unique set of properties. We show here that solvent uptake by these sponges results in new gel‐like materials, which we term spongy gels. The appearance of the spongy gels is very similar to classic organogels. Usually, organogels are formed by a bottom‐up process. In contrast, the spongy gels are formed by a top‐down approach that offers numerous advantages for the design of their properties, reproducibility, and stability. The sponges themselves represent the scaffold of a gel that could be filled with a solvent, and thereby form a mechanically stable gel‐like material. The spongy gels are independent of a time‐consuming or otherwise demanding in situ scaffold formation. As solvent evaporation from gels is a concern for various applications, we also studied solvent evaporation of wetting and non‐wetting liquids dispersed in the sponge.
BluePower - a new distributed multihop scatternet formation protocol for Bluetooth networks

Bluetooth is a promising local area wireless technology designed to establish both personal area and multihop ad hoc networks. In this paper, we present BluePower as a novel and practical distributed scheme for building large multihop scatternets based on device transmitting power. The protocol is executed at each node with no prior knowledge of network topology and constructs the topology simply by enabling each node to alternate between scatternet formation and communication. Different from existing solutions, our design integrates device mobility and network self-healing from partitions with topology formation. Besides, partial loop detection is applied to minimize the redundant links in the network. The simulation results show that BluePower has low scatternet formation latency, decent number of slaves per piconet, short average route length and small connection delay for nodes to establish the first communication links in dynamic environments.
Effects of siRNA-mediated knockdown of jumonji domain containing 2A on proliferation, migration and invasion of the human breast cancer cell line MCF-7

Jumonji domain containing 2A (JMJD2A) is a potential cancer-associated gene that may be involved in human breast cancer. The present study aimed to investigate suppressive effects on the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line by transfection with JMJD2A-specific siRNA. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression levels of JMJD2A. Flow cytometric (FCM) analysis and WST-8 assay were used to evaluate cell proliferation. Boyden chambers were used in cell migration and invasion assays to evaluate the cell exercise capacity. Expression levels of JMJD2A mRNA and protein in the siRNA group were both downregulated successfully by transfection. FCM results showed that the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase in the siRNA group was significantly greater than that in the blank (P<0.05) and negative control groups (P<0.05). Additionally, the mean absorbance in the siRNA group was significantly lower (P<0.05), as observed by WST-8 assay. Moreover, a decreased number of migrated cells in the siRNA group was observed (P<0.05) using a cell migration and invasion assay. These data indicated that knockdown of JMJD2A may cause inhibition of proliferation, migration and invasion of MCF-7 cells. This study provides a new perspective in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the progression of breast cancer and offers a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.
Morphological Process of Devayan: An Analysis of Morphological Tipology

Abstract Purpose – This study aims to determine the roles of technology trough digital democracy in younger generation’s political education. Design/Methodology/Approach – The language is analyzed using the theory of generative morphology which is developed by Morris Hale, Aronoff, Scalise, and Dardjowidjojo. The basic theory is the word formation through affixation process. Findings – It is found that Devayan belongs to agglitunative-type language. Therefore, this language forms its words using prefixes, infixes, and suffixes by managing the process of morphemes compounding in order to get actual and potential words. Potential word formation is classified as language units that do not exist in reality. Research Limitations/Implications – This research limits the scope of attention only on the morphological process. Originality/Value – The findings can be used as references for those concerns in the revitalization of this minority language in the effort of composing a dictionary of Devayan.
SLC38A9: A lysosomal amino acid transporter at the core of the amino acid-sensing machinery that controls MTORC1

ABSTRACT The mechanistic target of rapamycin (serine/threonine kinase) complex 1 (MTORC1) acts as a crucial regulator of cellular metabolism by integrating growth factor presence, energy and nutrient availability to coordinate anabolic and catabolic processes, and controls cell growth and proliferation. Amino acids are critical for MTORC1 activation, but the molecular mechanisms involved in sensing their presence are just beginning to be understood. We recently reported that the previously uncharacterized amino acid transporter SLC38A9 is a member of the lysosomal sensing machinery that signals amino acid availability to MTORC1. SLC38A9 is the first component of this complex shown to physically engage amino acids, suggesting a role at the core of the amino acid-sensing mechanism.
Weighting Wiener and total variation for image denoising

Image denoising is an integral part in computer vision, pattern recognition and medical image analysis, because images are vulnerable to noises during its acquisition, quantization, compression and transition. Moreover, Image denoising influences its follow-up tasks, such as edge detection, object segmentation, scene understanding and image interpretation. A large number of proposed algorithms have shown pros as well as cons in noise removal and our previous study indicates that it is difficult to remove noise while keep edge structures. To address this problem, this paper explored to combine Wiener and total variation (TV) with an optimal weighting for image quality enhancement, aiming to keep the edge information with Wiener and achieve noise removal with TV. An extensive study shows that at different noise level, corresponding optimal weights can be found to improve denoising performance with well kept edge structures and suppressed noise.