Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gray coding planar maps

The idea of (combinatorial) Gray codes is to list objects in question in such a way that two successive objects differ in some pre-specified small way. In this paper, we utilize beta-description trees to cyclicly Gray code three classes of cubic planar maps, namely, bicubic planar maps, 3-connected cubic planar maps, and cubic non-separable planar maps.
The effects of age at cochlear implantation and hearing aid trial on auditory performance of Chinese infants

Abstract Conclusion: Most of the infants demonstrated rapid improvement in the three different auditory skills within the first year after switch-on. Infants undergoing hearing aid trial and habilitation demonstrated a significant positive effect on the development of auditory skills in comparison with infants without trial and habilitation. Objective: This paper aims to evaluate the auditory performance of infants of different age at cochlear implantation, emphasize the importance of the hearing aid trial and habilitation before implant, and provide baseline data of auditory development. Methods: In all, 259 infants with prelingually profound hearing loss participated in this study. The Infant-Toddler Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (IT-MAIS) was used to assess auditory skills in infants at different intervals. Results: The mean scores for the auditory skills improved significantly over time. The mean scores of three skills for each group at each interval were significantly different. The mean scores of the auditory skills were significantly superior for infants undergoing hearing aid trial and habilitation in comparison with those of infants without hearing aid trial and habilitation.
Differential involvement of cell surface sialic acid residues in wheat germ agglutinin binding to parental and wheat germ agglutinin-resistant Chinese hamster ovary cells

Two Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell mutants selected for resistance to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) have been shown to exhibit defective sialylation of membrane glycoproteins and a membrane glycolipid, GM3. The mutants (termed WgaRII and WgaRIII) have been previously shown to belong to different genetic complementation groups and to exhibit different WGA-binding abilities. These mutants and a WGA-resistant CHO cell mutant termed WgaRI (which also possesses a surface sialylation defect arising from a deficient N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase activity), have enabled us to investigate the role of sialic acid in WGA binding at the cell surface. Scatchard plots of the binding of 125I- WGA (1 ng/ml to 1 mg/ml) to parental and WgaR CHO cells before and after a brief treatment with neuraminidase provide evidence for several different groups of sialic acid residues at the CHO cell surface which may be distinquished by their differential involvement in WGA binding to CHO cells.
A transformational product to improve self-control strength: the chocolate machine

Lack of self-control is at the heart of many undesirable behaviors, such as overeating, overspending, and even overworking. While the field of Persuasive Technologies searches for ways to change attitudes and behaviors, it often neglects the science of self-control. We present the Chocolate Machine, an exploratory interactive product to train self-control strength based upon Ego Depletion theory. A field study showed the machine to increase perceived self-control over time, while providing a sustained positive experience. This makes the machine transformational, aiming at facilitating behaviors people find worthwhile, but hard to implement.
Effects of Religiosity on Social Behaviour: Experimental Evidence from a Representative Sample of Spaniards

This study explores the effect of several personal religion-related variables on social behaviour, using three paradigmatic economic games: the dictator (DG), ultimatum (UG), and trust (TG) games. A large carefully designed sample of a Spanish urban adult population (N=766) is employed. From participants’ decisions in these games we obtain measures of altruism, bargaining behaviour and sense of fairness/equality, trust, and positive reciprocity. Three dimensions of religiosity are examined: (i) religious denomination; (ii) the intensity of religiosity, measured by active participation at church services; and (iii) converting out into a different denomination than the one raised in. The major results are: (i) individuals with “no religion” made decisions closer to rational selfish behaviour in the DG and the UG compared to those who affiliate with a “standard” religious denomination; (ii) among Catholics, intensity of religiosity is the key variable that affects social behaviour insofar as religiously-active individuals are generally more pro-social than non-active ones; and (iii) the religion raised in seems to have no effect on pro-sociality, beyond the effect of the current measures of religiosity. Importantly, behaviour in the TG is not predicted by any of the religion-related variables we analyse. Given the accelerating share of “no religion” individuals (in Europe and elsewhere) and the large influx of immigrants – who tend to be more religiously active compared to the native populations – our findings have significant implications for the future pro-sociality patterns in Europe.
Development of a micro accelerometer based MOEMS

MEMS accelerometer sensors have been developed in decade years at various techniques such as piezoelectric, piezo-resistive, and micro capacitive etc. But the optical technology will bring the new activity and potential. In this paper, a accelerometer sensor based on the light transmission measurement and micro electromechanical system (MEMS) technology is proposed and simulated. Light power is coupled into the waveguide cantilever through the fiber. The intensity of comparison demodulation method is presented to analyze the relation between output signals and accelerometers. Theoretical analysis and simulation results are discussed.
Regulation of Proglucagon Transcription by Activated Transcription Factor (ATF) 3 and a Novel Isoform, ATF3b, through the cAMP-response Element/ATF Site of the Proglucagon Gene Promoter*

Glucagon, the second major glucose-regulated hormone in the control of glucose homeostasis, functions as a counter-regulator to insulin and is specifically produced by the pancreatic α cells. Its excessive biosynthesis and secretion is associated with diabetes mellitus. The expression of the proglucagon gene has been demonstrated to be regulated by a cAMP-dependent pathway through cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB) and possibly other transcription factors bound to its cAMP-response element (CRE)/activated transcription factor (ATF) site. Elsewhere we have shown that ATF3, a member of the ATF/CREB subfamily of the basic leucine zipper domain proteins, is expressed predominantly in the α cells of the pancreatic islets. In our attempts to further dissect the role of ATF3 proteins in α cells, we have identified and characterized a novel alternatively spliced form, ATF3b, and have compared the specific binding ability of ATF3 and ATF3b on the CRE/ATF motif of the proglucagon promoter. Our findings indicate the existence of a novel mechanism by which the transcription of the proglucagon gene is regulated in response to cAMP signals, in addition to CREB and in relation to glucose fluctuations in pancreatic α cells.
Eculizumab and renal transplantation in a patient with CAPS.

To the Editor: The catastrophic antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (CAPS) is an episodic, diffuse thrombotic microangiopathy observed in less than 1% of patients with antiphospholipid antibodies and is characterized by vascular occlusions involving three or more organ systems.1 Typically preceded by triggering events, such as infection, trauma, or surgery, CAPS culminates in multiorgan system failure and is fatal in half of those in whom it develops. Although renal failure is common in CAPS survivors, kidney transplantation has traditionally not been considered in these patients because of the lack of specific therapies for preventing recurrent CAPS and a surgical risk of death .
Cost-Benefit Analysis of Cultivating Three Major Crops and Its Implication to Agricultural Extension Service: A Case Study in North-West Ethiopia

The aim of this study is to conduct cost-benefit analysis of major cropsmaize, wheat, and te.fftargeted by agricultural extension service in North-West Ethiopia. Results reveal that Return On Investment (ROI) of major crops ranges from marginal to nil. However, ROI of maize is relatively better than te.ff and wheat. On average agricultural extension program participants generate 37.89 Ethiopian Birr from every 100 Birr invested for maize production, whereas ROI for te.ffis about 3 Birr and even further worse to wheat which has incurred a loss. Therefore, to make the crop production profitable, the current agricultural extension service should give consideration to the associated production costs and introducing affordable labor saving farm technologies remain important.
Interleukin-6-Induced Reciprocal Expression of SERCA and Natriuretic Peptides mRNA in Cultured Rat Ventricular Myocytes

We investigated the effect of interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression on sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) mRNA levels in cultured rat neonatal ventricular myocytes. IL-6 plays a key role in regulating cardiac hypertrophy and the development of heart failure, and SERCA, ANP and BNP are all cardiac hormones with regulatory properties. Compared with baseline measurements, treatment with 50 U/ml IL-6 significantly decreased SERCA gene expression, but significantly increased ANP and BNP gene expression in the cardiac myocytes. These results suggest that the clinical overproduction of IL-6 in response to infection, autoimmune disease and cancer might be responsible for cardiac hypertrophy. Cardiac hypertrophy may result from the imbalance of both natriuretic peptides and SERCA transciption levels, caused by elevated IL-6 expression.
Increased Frequency of Extreme Tropical Deep Convection: AIRS Observations and Climate Model Predictions

Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) data from the tropical oceans (30°N to 30°S) are used to derive the probability of the process resulting in deep convective clouds (DCCs) as function of the sea surface temperature (SST). For DCC at or below the tropopause the onset temperature of this process shifts at the same rate as the increase in the mean SST. For tropopause overshooting DCC, which are associated with extreme rain events, the shift of the onset temperature is slower, causing their frequency to increase by about 21%/K of warming of the oceans. This sensitivity is not inconsistent with the sensitivity of the increase of extreme deep convective rain in the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Atmosphere Model version 5 model for a warmer SST. The mean of the 36 fifth Phase of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project models predicts a 2.7 K warmer tropical SST by the end of this century, resulting in a 60% increases in the frequency of tropopause overshooting DCC.
Observations on Marine Debris at Coastal Areas of Takalar District and Makassar City South Sulawesi

Marine debris is defined as material that is solid, persistent, manufactured or processed, and deliberately or not-deliberately left in the marine environment. Marine debris comes in many shapes and forms, ranging in size from microscopic microplastics to large vessels. Marine debris is a big and growing global problem, pose threats to marine life sustainability. Plastic is a major component of marine debris, and single use packaging accounts for an increasing part of the global marine debris load. Research on marine debris were conducted on coastal areas and Small Island of South Sulawesi destined for local tourism, i.e. Karama beach, Bodia beach and Mandi beach (Galesong, Takalar District), Tanjung Bayang beach, Akkarena beach and Lae-lae island/also known as Bob beach (Makassar City). This research was aimed at identifying marine debris according to its types, size and mass. Debris were collected in a 25 x 60 m transect with 30 m towards land and waters, respectively, with 3 replication transects at every location, whilst collections of debris were conducted during low and high tides. Current (direction and speed) and waves (incoming direction and height) were also measured as supporting parameters. Surrounding sampling location characteristics were also recorded. Result showed that Karama beach is found with highest total marine debris mass in Takalar (36.44 kg), whilst in Makassar the Lae-lae island was found to be the highest with debris mass (43.22 kg). Plastic were predominant debris at all sampling locations with percentages of 62.7 – 86.6%. Lastly, the predominant size was macro-debris (25-100 cm).
Purification and Characterisation of Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxykinase in C. jejuni

Analysis of the Campylobacter jejuni genome showed that it lacks two glycolytic enzymes. It did appear to have a full set of gluconeogenic enzymes [1]. This is consistent with experiments that showed C. jejuni cannot use carbohydrates as a carbon source, and instead uses amino acids. These make gluconeogenesis more important than glycolysis for C. jejuni. Despite this unique feature of the microorganism, to date no study was focused on phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in C. jejuni. The objective of this study was to purify and characterize the gluconeogenic enzyme PEP carboxykinase from enteric pathogen C. jejuni. The data revealed that the protein was purified with single chromatographic step at high purity. It was also concluded that the protein is alpha helical as its homologues in other organisms and the enzyme was stable with a temperature of around 42°C.
Hot Spots and Hot Moments of Soil Moisture Explain Fluctuations in Iron and Carbon Cycling in a Humid Tropical Forest Soil

Soils from humid forests undergo spatial and temporal variations in moisture and oxygen (O2) in response to rainfall, and induce changes in iron (Fe) and carbon (C) biogeochemistry. We hypothesized that high rainfall periods stimulate Fe and C cycling, with the greatest effects in areas of high soil moisture. To test this, we measured Fe and C cycling across three catenas at valley, slope, and ridge positions every two days for a two-month period in a rainforest in Puerto Rico. Over 12 days without rain, soil moisture, FeII, rapidly reducible Fe oxides (FeIIIRR), and dissolved organic C (DOC) declined, but Eh and O2 increased; conversely, during a 10-day period of intense rain (290 mm), we observed the opposite trends. Mixed-effects models suggest precipitation predicted soil moisture, soil redox potential (Eh), and O2, which in turn influenced Fe reduction/oxidation, C dissolution, and mineralization processes. The approximate turnover time for HCl-extractable FeII was four days for both production and consumption, and may be driven by fluctuations in FeIIIRR, which ranged from 42% to 100% of citrate–ascorbate-extractable FeIII (short-range order (SRO)-FeIII) at a given site. Our results demonstrated that periods of high precipitation (hot moments) influenced Fe and C-cycling within day-to-week timescales, and were more pronounced in humid valleys (hot spots).
A Factor Graph Approach to the Iterative Detection of OFDM Signals in the Presence of Carrier Frequency Offset and Phase Noise

This paper provides a new iterative solution to the problem of the joint estimation of phase noise and residual carrier frequency offset in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing transmission over a multipath fading channel, in the presence of known data and channel impulse response. The proposed technique results from the application of the sum-product algorithm to a factor graph representing the joint a posteriori probability density function of the carrier frequency offset and the phase noise vector affecting a given symbol. The resulting algorithm is shown to be exploited in a coherent receiver for both data-aided training and decision-directed tracking. Its performance is assessed by computer simulations and is compared with that provided by other strategies.
Spin-Orbit Alignment for the Eccentric Exoplanet HD 147506b

The short-period exoplanet HD 147506b (also known as HAT-P-2b) has an eccentric orbit, raising the possibility that it migrated through planet-planet scattering or Kozai oscillations accompanied by tidal dissipation. Either of these scenarios could have significantly tilted the orbit relative to the host star's equatorial plane. Here we present spectroscopy of a transit of HD 147506b and assess the spin-orbit alignment via the Rossiter-McLaughlin effect. We find the angle between the sky projections of the stellar spin axis and orbital axis to be aligned within 14°. Thus, we find no corroborating evidence for scattering or Kozai migration, although these scenarios cannot be ruled out with the present data.
Learning from Solution Paths: An Approach to the Credit Assignment Problem

In this article we discuss a method for learning useful conditions on the application of operators during heuristic search. Since learning is not attempted until a complete solution path has been found for a problem, credit for correct moves and blame for incorrect moves is easily assigned. We review four learning systems that have incorporated similar techniques to learn in the domains of algebra, symbolic integration, and puzzle-solving. We conclude that the basic approach of learning from solution paths can be applied to any situation in which problems can be solved by sequential search. Finally, we examine some potential difficulties that may arise in more complex domains, and suggest some possible extensions for dealing with them.
SexualGA: Gender-Specific Selection for Genetic Algorithms

Selection for reproduction in the context of Genetic Algorithms uses only one selection scheme to select parent individuals. When considering the model of sexual selection in the area of population genetics it gets obvious that the process of choosing mating partners in natural populations is different for male and female individuals. In this paper the authors introduce a new selection paradigm for Genetic Algorithms (SexualGA) based upon the concepts of male vigor and female choice of population genetics which provides the possibility to use two different selection schemes simultaneously within one algorithm. By using this new concept it is possible to simulate sexual selection in natural populations more precisely. Furthermore, SexualGA also offers far more flexibility concerning the adaptivity of selection pressure enabling the GA user to tune the algorithm more accurately.
CpG Island Mapping by Epigenome Prediction

CpG islands were originally identified by epigenetic and functional properties, namely, absence of DNA methylation and frequent promoter association. However, this concept was quickly replaced by simple DNA sequence criteria, which allowed for genome-wide annotation of CpG islands in the absence of large-scale epigenetic datasets. Although widely used, the current CpG island criteria incur significant disadvantages: (1) reliance on arbitrary threshold parameters that bear little biological justification, (2) failure to account for widespread heterogeneity among CpG islands, and (3) apparent lack of specificity when applied to the human genome. This study is driven by the idea that a quantitative score of “CpG island strength” that incorporates epigenetic and functional aspects can help resolve these issues. We construct an epigenome prediction pipeline that links the DNA sequence of CpG islands to their epigenetic states, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin accessibility. By training support vector machines on epigenetic data for CpG islands on human Chromosomes 21 and 22, we identify informative DNA attributes that correlate with open versus compact chromatin structures. These DNA attributes are used to predict the epigenetic states of all CpG islands genome-wide. Combining predictions for multiple epigenetic features, we estimate the inherent CpG island strength for each CpG island in the human genome, i.e., its inherent tendency to exhibit an open and transcriptionally competent chromatin structure. We extensively validate our results on independent datasets, showing that the CpG island strength predictions are applicable and informative across different tissues and cell types, and we derive improved maps of predicted “bona fide” CpG islands. The mapping of CpG islands by epigenome prediction is conceptually superior to identifying CpG islands by widely used sequence criteria since it links CpG island detection to their characteristic epigenetic and functional states. And it is superior to purely experimental epigenome mapping for CpG island detection since it abstracts from specific properties that are limited to a single cell type or tissue. In addition, using computational epigenetics methods we could identify high correlation between the epigenome and characteristics of the DNA sequence, a finding which emphasizes the need for a better understanding of the mechanistic links between genome and epigenome.
Differential utilization of beta-tubulin isotypes in differentiating neurites

beta-Tubulin is encoded in vertebrate genomes by a family of six to seven functional genes that produce six different polypeptide isotypes. We now document that although rat PC-12 cells express five of these isotypes, only two (classes II and III) accumulate significantly as a consequence of nerve growth factor-stimulated neurite outgrowth. In contrast to previous efforts that have failed to detect in vivo distinctions among different beta-tubulin isotypes, we demonstrate using immunoblotting with isotype-specific antibodies that three beta- tubulin polypeptides (classes I, II, and IV) are used preferentially for assembly of neurite microtubules (with approximately 70% of types I and II assembled but only approximately 50% of type III in polymer). Immunofluorescence localization shows that an additional isotype (V) is partially excluded from neurites. Distinctions in in vivo localization of the neuron-specific, class III isotype have also been directly observed using immunofluorescence and immunogold electron microscopy. The sum of these efforts documents that some in vivo functional differences between tubulin isotypes do exist.
Estimation of 3D shape of warped document surface for image restoration

While scanning pages from a thick, bound book, there are two sources of distortion in the document images: 1) shade along the book 'spine', and 2) warping of the book surface in the shade area. We propose a fast method to estimate the 3D shape of a book surface. Based on this shape, we remove the shade and correct the warping to restore the document images. The experiments show that the photometric and geometric distortions are mostly removed. The OCR tests on the original and restored document images are also presented.
An adaptive robust regression method: Application to galaxy spectrum baseline estimation

In this paper, a new robust regression method based on the Least Trimmed Squares (LTS) is proposed. The novelty of this approach consists in a simple adaptive estimation of the number of outliers. This method can be applied to baseline estimation, for example to improve the detection of gas spectral signature in astronomical hyperspectral data such as those produced by the new Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE) instrument. To do so a method following the general idea of the LOWESS algorithm, a classical robust smoothing method, is developed. It consists in a windowed local linear regression, the local regression being done here by the new adaptive LTS approach. The developed method is compared with state-of-the art baseline estimated algorithms on simulated data closed to the real data produced by the MUSE instrument.