Fitting the data from embryo implantation prediction: Learning from label proportions

Machine learning techniques have been previously used to assist clinicians to select embryos for human-assisted reproduction. This work aims to show how an appropriate modeling of the problem can contribute to improve machine learning techniques for embryo selection. In this study, a dataset of 330 consecutive cycles (and associated embryos) carried out by the Unit of Assisted Reproduction of the Hospital Donostia (Spain) throughout 18 months has been analyzed. The problem of the embryo selection has been modeled by a novel weakly supervised paradigm, learning from label proportions, which considers all the available data, including embryos whose fate cannot be certainly established. Furthermore, all the collected features, describing cycles and embryos, have been considered in a multi-variate data analysis. Our integral solution has been successfully tested. Experimental results show that the proposed technique consistently outperforms an equivalent approach based on standard supervised classification. Embryos in this study were selected for transference according to the criteria of the Spanish Association for Reproduction Biology Studies. Obtained classification models outperform these criteria, specifically reordering medium-quality embryos

Exploring modulated detection transformer as a tool for action recognition in videos

During recent years transformers architectures have been growing in popularity. Modulated Detection Transformer (MDETR) is an end-to-endmulti-modal understanding model that performs tasks such as phase grounding, referring expression comprehension, referring expression segmentation, andvisual question answering. One remarkable aspect of the model is the capacity to infer over classes that it was not previously trained for. In this work we explore the use of MDETR in a new task, action detection, without any previous training. We obtain quantitative results using the Atomic Visual Actions dataset.Although the model does not report the best performance in the task, we believe that it is an interesting finding. We show that it is possible to use a multi-modal model to tackle a task that it was not designed for. Finally, we believe that this line of research may lead into the generalization of MDETR in additionaldownstream tasks.Sociedad Argentina de Informática e Investigación Operativ

Practicing your English writing skills in a community learning through an Edublog

En esta investigación, combinamos la competencia digital, en este caso el uso de un blog y la competencia cultural con el fin de practicar las habilidades de escritura. A través del blog queremos cuestionar los métodos tradicionales de enseñanza como la teoría del desarrollo social de Vygotsky y se propone un cambio de roles. Los estudiantes ya no escriben sólo para el profesor, sino también para sus compañeros de clase e incluso para cualquier persona que lee el blog. Además, no sólo el profesor da retroalimentación a ellos, sino también sus compañeros de clase. Los resultados muestran que los estudiantes disfrutaron de este cambio de roles. Esta investigación se divide en una introducción de la interacción social de blogs educativos para comprender mejor lo que significa, el método con la explicación de la unidad didáctica y del blog, los resultados y la discusión indican que los estudiantes prefieren trabajar con el blog que con los materiales tradicionales, el uso del blog de practicar las habilidades de escritura motiva a los estudiantes a aprender y la eficacia de la utilización del blog en el aula para crear una comunidad de aprendizaje.In this research, we combine digital competence, in this case the use of a blog and cultural competence in order to practice the writing skills. Through the blog we want to challenge the traditional teaching methods as Vygotsky’ social development theory and we propose a change of roles. Students do not write anymore only for the teacher, but also for their classmates and even for anyone who reads the blog. In addition, not only the teacher gives feedback to them as well as their classmates. Results show that students enjoyed this change of roles and find it interesting and motivating. This research is divided in an introduction from social interaction to Edublogs to understand better what it means. In the method section, we explain the didactic unit and the blog. The results and discussion indicate that students prefer not only working with the blog than with traditional materials, but using the blog to practice the writing skills motivates students to learn. Finally, we show the efficacy of using the blog in the classroom to create a community of learning

Recherches sur un grand versant de l'Himalaya central (Presentation of a research about the slope system in the Himalaya)

Abstract. - A Research is undertaken on a monsoon slope of the south face of the Himalaya in central Nepal. The theme is a best knowledge of the parameters which govern the bioclimatic levels and the geomorphological processes, to study the ecosystems, including production and productivities of vegetation, and to understand the change of the agricultural system. In this paper the methodology of the climatic and gemorphological study is only presented. The first data collected since the middle of 1979 show that air and soil moisture level remains during the whole year at the station located at 2 850 m. There is a larger amount of precipitation on the cultivated terraces (1 400-2 400) than above in the oaks and fir forest.Résumé. - Les recherches entreprises sur un grand versant de mousson du flanc sud de l'Himalaya dans le Népal central visent à préciser la connaissance des paramètres qui commandent l'étagement bioclimatique et les processus géomorphologiques, à étudier les formations végétales, productions et productivités comprises et à comprendre le fonctionnement et l'évolution des systèmes agraires paysans. - Dans cette communication ne sont présentés que les protocoles concernant l'étude climatique et géomorphologique. Les premières données collectées depuis le milieu de 1979 montrent : la permanence de l'humidité de l'air et du sol pendant l'année à la station située à 2 850 m ; une quantité de précipitations plus forte dans les étages cultivés (1 400-2 400 m) qu'au-dessus ; la coïncidence entre ces étages enterrasses et une torrentialité se marquant à différentes échelles ; la faiblesse du ruissellement sous forêt et sur les pâtures d'altitude, marquées par la solifluxion et où, au-dessus de 2 600-2 800 m, la neige intervient en exposition nord.Chemery L., Dollfus Olivier, Serrate C. Recherches sur un grand versant de l'Himalaya central (Presentation of a research about the slope system in the Himalaya). In: Bulletin de l'Association de géographes français, N°470-471, 57e année, Mai-juin 1980. pp. 269-280

A low dose of an organophosphate insecticide causes dysbiosis and sex-dependent responses in the intestinal microbiota of the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica)

Organophosphate insecticides have been directly or indirectly implicated in avian populations declining worldwide. Birds in agricultural environments are commonly exposed to these insecticides, mainly through ingestion of invertebrates after insecticide application. Despite insecticide exposure in birds occurring mostly by ingestion, the impact of organophosphates on the avian digestive system has been poorly researched. In this work we used the Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) as an avian model to study short-term microbial community responses to a single dose of trichlorfon at low concentration in three sample origins of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT): caecum, large intestine and faeces. Using next-generation sequencing of 16S rRNA gene amplicons as bacterial markers, the study showed that ingestion of insecticide caused significant changes in the GIT microbiome. Specifically, microbiota composition and diversity differed between treated and untreated quail. Insecticide-associated responses in the caecum showed differences between sexes which did not occur with the other sample types. In caecal microbiota, only treated females showed significant shifts in a number of genera within the Lachnospiraceae and the Enterobacteriaceae families. The major responses in the large intestine were a significant reduction in the genus Lactobacillus and increases in abundance of a number of Proteobacteria genera. All microbial shifts in faeces occurred in phylotypes that were represented at low relative abundances. In general, changes in microbiota possibly resulted from contrasting responses towards the insecticide, either positive (e.g., biodegrading bacteria) or negative (e.g., insecticide-susceptible bacteria). This study demonstrates the significant impact that organophosphate insecticides have on the avian gut microbiota; showing that a single small dose of trichlorfon caused dysbiosis in the GIT of the Japanese quail

Facilitating biodiversity conservation through partnerships to achieve transformative outcomes

M.L. is grateful to the Wildlife Conservation Network and the Disney Conservation Fund for funding.Conservation biology is a mission-driven discipline that must navigate a new relationship between conservation and science. Because conservation is a social and political as well as an ecological project, conservation biologists must practice interdisciplinarity and collaboration. In a comparative study of 7 cases (Jaguars in the Chaco, Grevy's zebra in Kenya, Beekeeping in Tanzania, Andean cats in Argentina, Jaguars in Mexico, Lobster fishing, and Black bears in Mexico), we examined motivations for collaboration in conservation, who can collaborate in conservation, and how conservation professionals can work well together. In 5 case studies, successful conservation outcomes were prioritized over livelihood benefits. In the other 2 cases, livelihoods were prioritized. All case studies employed participatory approaches. There were multiple external actors, including local and Indigenous communities, nongovernmental organizations, agencies, regional and national governments, and international organizations, which enhanced conservation and wider sustainability outcomes. Key collaboration aspects considered across the case studies were time (mismatch between relationship building and project schedules), trust required for meaningful partnerships, tools employed, and transformative potential for people, nature, and the discipline of conservation biology. We developed guidelines for successful collaboration, including long-term commitment, knowledge integration, multiscalar and plural approaches, cultivation of trust, appropriate engagement, evaluation, supporting students, and efforts for transformation.Publisher PDFPeer reviewe

Facilitating biodiversity conservation through partnerships to achieve transformative outcomes

International audienceConservation biology is a mission-driven discipline that must navigate a new relationship between conservation and science. Because conservation is a social and political as well as an ecological project, conservation biologists must practice interdisciplinarity and collaboration. In a comparative study of 7 cases (Jaguars in the Chaco, Grevy's zebra in Kenya, Beekeeping in Tanzania, Andean cats in Argentina, Jaguars in Mexico, Lobster fishing, and Black bears in Mexico), we examined motivations for collaboration in conservation, who can collaborate in conservation, and how conservation professionals can work well together. In 5 case studies, successful conservation outcomes were prioritized over livelihood benefits. In the other 2 cases, livelihoods were prioritized. All case studies employed participatory approaches. There were multiple external actors, including local and Indigenous communities, nongovernmental organizations, agencies, regional and national governments, and international organizations, which enhanced conservation and wider sustainability outcomes. Key collaboration aspects considered across the case studies were time (mismatch between relationship building and project schedules), trust required for meaningful partnerships, tools employed, and transformative potential for people, nature, and the discipline of conservation biology. We developed guidelines for successful collaboration, including long-term commitment, knowledge integration, multiscalar and plural approaches, cultivation of trust, appropriate engagement, evaluation, supporting students, and efforts for transformation

Facilitating biodiversity conservation through partnerships to achieve transformative outcomes

Conservation biology is a “mission driven discipline” that must navigate a new relationship between conservation and science. Since conservation is a social and political as well as an ecological project, conservation biologists must practise interdisciplinarity and collaboration. In this paper we asked: 1) What motivations do conservation biologists have to work with others? (2) With whom could conservation biologists work? (3) How can conservation biologists work well together with other actors? To answer these questions, we conducted a comparative case study analysis across seven cases (Jaguars in the Chaco, Grevy's zebra in Kenya, Beekeeping in Tanzania, Andean cats in Argentina, Jaguars, Lobster fishing, Black bears in Mexico). In five case studies, conservation biologists primarily sought successful conservation outcomes, with secondary livelihood benefits; in the other two, livelihoods were prioritised. All case studies employed participatory approaches with multiple external actors, including local and indigenous communities, NGOs, agencies, regional and national governments and international institutions, for enhanced conservation and wider sustainability outcomes. Key aspects discussed were time (the mismatch between relationship building and project schedules), the trust required for meaningful partnerships, the tools employed and the transformative potential for people, nature and the discipline of conservation biology. We suggest guidelines for collaboration and conclude that, for a sustainable future, conservation biologists should work in partnership

NAD+ precursor increases aerobic performance in mice

Purpose: Nicotinamide riboside (NR) acts as a potent NAD+ precursor and improves mitochondrial oxidative capacity and mitochondrial biogenesis in several organisms. However, the effects of NR supplementation on aerobic performance remain unclear. Here, we evaluated the effects of NR supplementation on the muscle metabolism and aerobic capacity of sedentary and trained mice. Methods: Male C57BL/6 J mice were supplemented with NR (400 mg/Kg/day) over 5 and 10 weeks. The training protocol consisted of 5 weeks of treadmill aerobic exercise, for 60 min a day, 5 days a week. Bioinformatic and physiological assays were combined with biochemical and molecular assays to evaluate the experimental groups. Results: NR supplementation by itself did not change the aerobic performance, even though 5 weeks of NR supplementation increased NAD+ levels in the skeletal muscle. However, combining NR supplementation and aerobic training increased the aerobic performance compared to the trained group. This was accompanied by an increased protein content of NMNAT3, the rate-limiting enzyme for NAD + biosynthesis and mitochondrial proteins, including MTCO1 and ATP5a. Interestingly, the transcriptomic analysis using a large panel of isogenic strains of BXD mice confirmed that the Nmnat3 gene in the skeletal muscle is correlated with several mitochondrial markers and with different phenotypes related to physical exercise. Finally, NR supplementation during aerobic training markedly increased the amount of type I fibers in the skeletal muscle. Conclusion: Taken together, our results indicate that NR may be an interesting strategy to improve mitochondrial metabolism and aerobic capacity.CONSELHO NACIONAL DE DESENVOLVIMENTO CIENTÍFICO E TECNOLÓGICO - CNPQCOORDENAÇÃO DE APERFEIÇOAMENTO DE PESSOAL DE NÍVEL SUPERIOR - CAPESFUNDAÇÃO DE AMPARO À PESQUISA DO ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO - FAPESP304771/2017-1; 401189/2016-3Sem informação2016/05499-1; 2016/01089-3; 2018/07634-

Development of advanced biantibiotic loaded bone cement spacers for arthroplasty associated infections

The incidence increase of infections in patients with hip or knee implants with resistant pathogens (mainly some S. coagulase-negative and gram positive bacteria) demands advanced antibiotic loaded formulations. In this paper, we report the design of new biantibiotic acrylic bone cements for in situ delivery. They include a last generation antibiotic (daptomycin or linezolid) in combination with vancomycin and are performed based on a novel modification of the Palacos R acrylic bone cement, which is based on two components, a liquid (methyl methacrylate) and a solid (polymeric phase). Hence, the solid component of the experimental formulations include 45 wt% of microparticles of poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid, 55 wt% of poly(methyl methacrylate) beads and supplements (10 wt-% each) of antibiotics. These formulations provide a selective and excellent control of the local release of antibiotics during a long time period (up to 2 months), avoiding systemic dissemination. The antimicrobial activity of the advanced spacers tested against S. aureus shows that single doses would be enough for the control of the infection. In vitro biocompatibility of cements on human osteoblasts is ensured. This paper is mainly focused on the preparation and characterization of cements and the studies of elution kinetics and bactericidal effects. Developed formulations are proposed as spacers for the treatment of infected arthroplasties, but also, they could be applied in other antibiotic devices to treat relevant bone-related infection diseases.Authors thank to The Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitivity (project MAT2014-51918-C2-1-R) and Spanish SECOT Foundation (Project 2015) for financial supportPeer Reviewe