Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Encounters | Materialities | Confrontations: Archaeologies of Social Space and Interaction

This collection of texts is a first step towards providing a theoretical and methodological platform for the study of social encounters. The social encounter is a particular sort of concept, focusing on confusion, tension, trauma, and possibly social change that may emerge in situations of contact when people and things interact. A social encounter is, however, not only about negotiation or contemplating existence, but is rather about what happens when people interact actively, when they involve themselves with people and materialities, when they move around, fetch things, use things, leave things etc. The repeated social encounter is often a confrontation with something, such as an opinion, a performance, or with materialities and the effects are often unpredictable. Encounters may reproduce a social pattern, but also contain potential for transformation and change. Such varied responses to encounters will certainly have effects on the archaeological record. The primary focus of the volume is the effects and processes involved in intra- and inter-societal encounters. The collection hence fills a theoretical and methodological gap in the study of the encounter in archaeology. There is a need for elaborating aspects of postcolonial theory in order to develop new ways of approaching the archaeological record. The articles of this volume include examples from various regions and time periods. They range from Scandinavian Stone Age, through Buddhist social practices of the first millennium AD, Maya warfare and ideology, to Aboriginal-European encounters in 20th century Australia. Per Cornell (PhD, Ass. Prof.) is currently lecturer at the Department of archaeology, University of Gothenburg. Cornell has been involved in extensive field-work in Latin America and current research topics include settlement archaeology, formation processes and social theory. Among his recent books are Local, Regional, Global, co-edited with Per Stenborg (Gotarc, 2004).
Stacks of convolutional Restricted Boltzmann Machines for shift-invariant feature learning

In this paper we present a method for learning class-specific features for recognition. Recently a greedy layer-wise procedure was proposed to initialize weights of deep belief networks, by viewing each layer as a separate restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM). We develop the convolutional RBM (C-RBM), a variant of the RBM model in which weights are shared to respect the spatial structure of images. This framework learns a set of features that can generate the images of a specific object class. Our feature extraction model is a four layer hierarchy of alternating filtering and maximum subsampling. We learn feature parameters of the first and third layers viewing them as separate C-RBMs. The outputs of our feature extraction hierarchy are then fed as input to a discriminative classifier. It is experimentally demonstrated that the extracted features are effective for object detection, using them to obtain performance comparable to the state of the art on handwritten digit recognition and pedestrian detection.
Indoor location using received signal strength of IEEE 802.11b access point

In this paper, the fingerprinting technique is employed to locate a mobile user inside a building. The fingerprint information, collected from real in-building measurements, is formed by three IEEE 802.11b access points' signal strength data received by the mobile user. Three different pattern-matching algorithms have been studied: the multi-layer perceptron (MLP) neural network, the generalized radial neural network (GRNN) and the K-nearest neighbours (KNN) algorithm. Their performances in terms of localization accuracy are compared on both training and testing data. Results show that the K-nearest neighbours gives the best localization accuracy. The effect of the measurement's grid spacing has also been investigated. Experimental results show that the localization accuracy increases when the grid spacing decreases. However, when the spacing reaches a certain threshold value, the accuracy starts to deteriorate. It can be shown that, in reality, the localization accuracy is improved even after the considered threshold value
Stromelysin‐3 expression in the differential diagnosis of dermatofibroma and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: comparison with factor XIIIa and CD34

Background The distinction between dermatofibroma (DF) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a well‐known challenge for dermatopathologists. Immunohistochemical stains have been used to augment routine histological examination to aid in differentiating DF from DFSP. Stromelysin‐3 (ST3) is a member of the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) family, MMP‐11, which is expressed in the skin during wound healing and in the stroma of basal cell carcinoma. Recent studies demonstrated that DFs expressed ST3, whereas DFSPs were only rarely ST3 positive.
EARTH — Energy Aware Radio and Network Technologies

EARTH is a major new European research project starting in 2010 with 15 partners from 10 countries. Its main technical objective is to achieve a reduction of the overall energy consumption of mobile broadband networks by 50%. In contrast to previous efforts, EARTH regards both network aspects and individual radio components from a holistic point of view. Considering that the signal strength strongly decreases with the distance to the base station, small cells are more energy efficient than large cells. EARTH will develop corresponding deployment strategies as well as management algorithms and protocols on the network level. On the component level, the project focuses on base station optimizations as power amplifiers consume the most energy in the system. A power efficient transceiver will be developed that adapts to changing traffic load for an energy efficient operation in mobile radio systems. With these results EARTH will reduce energy costs and carbon dioxide emissions and will thus enable a sustainable increase of mobile data rates.
The association between NT-proBNP levels, functional capacity and stage in patients with heart failure

Objective — Amino-terminal probrain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), a biologically inactive derivative of BNP, is clinically more useful owing to its longer half-life, higher plasma concentrations, lesser variation among individuals, and higher in vitro stability. In this regard, NT-proBNP may be a better indicator of the severity of ventricular dysfunction. In this study, the association of NT-proBNP levels with functional capacity and stage of heart failure was explored in patients with CHF. Also, we particularly focused on the presence and significance of neurohormonal activation in the group of patients classified as stage-A according to ACC/AHA guidelines. Methods and results — 64 patients with CHF (31 men, 33 women; mean age 58.26 ± 10.59 y) and 36 healthy controls (24 men, 12 women; mean age 57.47 ± 10.83) were included in this study.The New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification system (I, II, III, IV) was used to define the functional capacity; and the stage of the heart failure was based on the ACC/AHA guidelines (A, B, C, D). Healthy female participants had higher NT-proBNP levels compared to their male counterparts (p < 0.001). Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) did not correlate significantly with functional capacity and stage of the disease. CHF patients had higher NT-proBNP compared to controls (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between NT-proBNP and functional capacity in patients, and NT-proBNP increased significantly with each increasing class of the disease. Similarly, a positive correlation existed between the stage of heart failure and NT-proBNP levels, which increased significantly with increasing stages of the disease. Patients with NYHA I and stage A disease had higher NT-proBNP levels compared to controls (p = 0.04). Conclusions — The severity of CHF can be objectively assessed by measuring the circulating levels of NT-proBNP. Even in NYHA I and stage A disease, NT-proBNP levels are higher compared to controls (p = 0.04). NT-proBNP can provide objective information regarding the severity of the disease and also aid in treatment decisions in patients with CHF.
An invariant distribution in static granular media

We have discovered an invariant distribution for local packing configurations in static granular media. This distribution holds in experiments for packing fractions covering most of the range from random loose packed to random close packed, for bead packs prepared both in air and in water. Assuming only that there exist elementary cells in which the system volume is subdivided, we derive from statistical mechanics a distribution that is in accord with the observations. This universal distribution function for granular media is analogous to the Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution for molecular gasses.
Face Hallucination Based on Modified Neighbor Embedding and Global Smoothness Constraint

Based on the manifold assumption, some face hallucination methods have been developed. However, since the super-resolution (SR) is an ill-posed problem, the manifold assumption does not hold always. To solve this problem, we modify the assumption using Easy-Partial Least Squares (EZ-PLS) algorithm and present a new face hallucination scheme using the modified assumption. Firstly, the high-resolution (HR) and corresponding low-resolution (LR) images are divided into small patches. Secondly, EZ-PLS is employed to learn two projection matrices simultaneously, via which original HR and LR image patches are mapped onto a unified feature space. Through this method, we guarantee the consistency relationship between the HR representation manifold and corresponding LR representation manifold. Then, we hallucinate the preliminary HR result based on neighbor embedding algorithm using the unified feature space. Moreover, in order to improve the overall smoothness of the preliminary results, the high-frequency parts of the preliminary estimation are extracted and incorporated into the maximum a posteriori (MAP) formulation for SR problem so as to generate the final result. Experimental results show that the proposed method outperforms some state-of-the-art algorithms.
Two High Throughput Screen Assays for Measurement of TNF-α in THP-1 Cells

Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α), a secreted cytokine, plays an important role in inflammatory diseases and immune disorders, and is a potential target for drug development. The traditional assays for detecting TNF-α, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and radioimmunoassay, are not suitable for the large size compound screens. Both assays suffer from a complicated protocol, multiple plate wash steps and/or excessive radioactive waste. A simple and quick measurement of TNF-α production in a cell based assay is needed for high throughput screening to identify the lead compounds from the compound library. We have developed and optimized two homogeneous TNF-α assays using the HTRF (homogeneous time resolved fluorescence) and AlphaLISA assay formats. We have validated the HTRF based TNF-α assay in a 1536-well plate format by screening a library of 1280 pharmacologically active compounds. The active compounds identified from the screen were confirmed in the AlphaLISA TNF-α assay using a bead-based technology. These compounds were also confirmed in a traditional ELISA assay. From this study, several beta adrenergic agonists have been identified as TNF-α inhibitors. We also identified several novel inhibitors of TNF-α, such as BTO-1, CCG-2046, ellipticine, and PD 169316. The results demonstrated that both homogeneous TNF-α assays are robust and suitable for high throughput screening.
On A Nonlinear Generalization of Sparse Coding and Dictionary Learning

Existing dictionary learning algorithms are based on the assumption that the data are vectors in an Euclidean vector space ℝ d , and the dictionary is learned from the training data using the vector space structure of ℝ d and its Euclidean L2-metric. However, in many applications, features and data often originated from a Riemannian manifold that does not support a global linear (vector space) structure. Furthermore, the extrinsic viewpoint of existing dictionary learning algorithms becomes inappropriate for modeling and incorporating the intrinsic geometry of the manifold that is potentially important and critical to the application. This paper proposes a novel framework for sparse coding and dictionary learning for data on a Riemannian manifold, and it shows that the existing sparse coding and dictionary learning methods can be considered as special (Euclidean) cases of the more general framework proposed here. We show that both the dictionary and sparse coding can be effectively computed for several important classes of Riemannian manifolds, and we validate the proposed method using two well-known classification problems in computer vision and medical imaging analysis.
Osteopontin is associated with disease severity and antiphospholipid syndrome in well characterised Swedish cases of SLE

Objective The variety of disease phenotypes among patients with SLE challenges the identification of new biomarkers reflecting disease activity and/or organ damage. Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix protein with immunomodulating properties. Although raised levels have been reported, the pathogenic implications and clinical utility of OPN as a biomarker in SLE are far from clear. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterise OPN in SLE. Methods Sera from 240 well-characterised adult SLE cases classified according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and/or the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) criteria, and 240 population-based controls were immunoassayed for OPN. The SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) was used to evaluate disease activity and the SLICC/ACR Damage Index (SDI) to detect damage accrual. Results Serum OPN levels were in average raised fourfold in SLE cases compared with the controls (p<0.0001). OPN correlated with SLEDAI-2K, especially in patients with a disease duration of <12 months (r=0.666, p=0.028). OPN was highly associated with SDI (p<0.0001), especially in the renal (p<0.0001), cardiovascular (p<0.0001) and malignancy (p=0.012) domains. Finally, OPN associated with coherent antiphospholipid syndrome (APS; p=0.009), and both clinical and laboratory criteria of APS had significant positive impact on OPN levels. Conclusions In this cross-sectional study, circulating OPN correlates with disease activity in recent-onset SLE, reflects global organ damage and associates with APS. Longitudinal studies to dissect whether serum OPN also precedes and predicts future organ damage are most warranted.
A DESCRIPTION OF THE GLOBAL SULFUR CYCLE AND ITS CONTROLLING PROCESSES IN THE NCAR CCM3

We examine the balance between processes that contribute to the global and regional distributions of sulfate aerosol in the Earth’s atmosphere using a set of simulations from the NCAR CCM3. The analysis suggests that the seasonal cycle of SO and SO u0004 are controlled by a complex interplay between transport, chemistry and deposition processes. The seasonal cycle of these species are not strongly controlled by temporal variations in emissions, but by seasonal variations in volume of air processed by clouds, mass of liquid water serving as a site for aqueous chemistry, amount of oxidant available for the conversion from SO to SO u0004 , vertical transport processes, and deposition. A tagging of the sulfate by emission region (Europe, N. America, Asia, and rest of world [ROW]), chemical pathway (gaseous vs. in-cloud), and type of emissions (anthropogenic vs. biogenic) is used to differentiate the balance of processes controlling the production and loading from this material. Significant differences exist in the destiny of SO molecules emitted from the several regions. An SO molecule emitted from the ROW source region has a much greater potential to form sulfate than one emitted from, for example, Europe. A greater fraction of the SO molecules are oxidized that originate from ROW compared with other areas, and once formed, the sulfate has a longer residence time (that is, it is not readily scavenged). The yield of sulfate from ROW sources of SO is a factor of four higher than that of Europe. A substantially higher fraction of the SO emitted over Europe is oxidized to sulfate through the ozone pathway compared to other regions. The analysis suggests that there are significant differences in the vertical distribution, and horizontal extent, of the propagation of sulfate emitted from the several source regions. Sulfate from Asian source regions reaches the farthest from its point of origin, and makes a significant contribution to burdens in both hemispheres, primarily from plumes reaching out in the upper troposphere. Sulfate from other source regions tend to remain trapped in their hemisphere of origin. The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Printed: 27 July 1999 Introduction: Sulfur emissions from industry, and from natural (biogenic and volcanic) sources are believed to influence the earths climate in a num-
Role of Long-Range Protein Dynamics in Different Thymidylate Synthase Catalyzed Reactions

Recent studies of Escherichia coli thymidylate synthase (ecTSase) showed that a highly conserved residue, Y209, that is located 8 Å away from the reaction site, plays a key role in the protein’s dynamics. Those crystallographic studies indicated that Y209W mutant is a structurally identical but dynamically altered relative to the wild type (WT) enzyme, and that its turnover catalytic rate governed by a slow hydride-transfer has been affected. The most challenging test of an examination of a fast chemical conversion that precedes the rate-limiting step has been achieved here. The physical nature of both fast and slow C-H bond activations have been compared between the WT and mutant by means of observed and intrinsic kinetic isotope effects (KIEs) and their temperature dependence. The findings indicate that the proton abstraction step has not been altered as much as the hydride transfer step. Additionally, the comparison indicated that other kinetic steps in the TSase catalyzed reaction were substantially affected, including the order of the substrate binding. Enigmatically, although Y209 is H-bonded to 3'-OH of 2'-deoxyuridine-5'-monophosphate (dUMP), its altered dynamics is more pronounced on the binding of the remote cofactor, (6R)-N5,N10-methylene-5,6,7,8-tetrahydrofolate (CH2H4folate), revealing the importance of long-range dynamics of the enzymatic complex and its catalytic function.
Current Status and Future Prospects of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Applied Clinical Pharmacology in Antiretroviral Therapy

The consensus of current international guidelines for the treatment of HIV infection is that data on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and protease inhibitors provide a framework for the implementation of TDM in certain defined scenarios in clinical practice. However, the utility of TDM is considered to be on an individual basis until more data are obtained from large clinical trials showing the benefit of TDM. In April 2004, a panel of experts met in Rome, Italy. This followed an inaugural meeting in Perugia, Italy, in October 2000, which resulted in the article published in AIDS 2002, 16(Suppl 1):S5–S37. The objectives of this second meeting were to review the questions surrounding TDM of antiretroviral drugs and discuss the clinical utility, current concerns and future prospects of drug concentration monitoring in the care of HIV-1-infected individuals. This report, which has been updated to include material published or presented at international conferences up to the end of September 2004, reviews pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data and reports the issues discussed by the panel, offering advice to clinical care providers who may be currently, or are considering incorporating TDM into the routine care of their patients. In addition, the panel formulated a series of position statements that are relevant to the interpretation of current data and can aid the design of future clinical trials. Part 2 of this Special article, Therapeutic drug monitoring and drug–drug interactions involving antiretroviral drugs, will be published in Antiviral Therapy 10(4).
Interlaboratory evaluation of two reverse-transcriptase Polymeric Chain Reaction-based methods for detection of four fruit tree viruses

Recent technological development of molecular methods has led to the proliferation of new rapid PCR or reverse-transcriptase (RT)-PCR-derived diagnostic tests for plant viruses. Nevertheless, for routine use, the reliability of all these new methods is not widely established and there is still an apprehension to adopt them in official diagnostic for certification of plant material. This is partly because of the lack of confidence in the obtained results and the poor knowledge on the reproducibility and limits of the RT-PCR protocols.There is a lack of information on the adequate risk assessment in the use of this new technology.An interlaboratory evaluation of two RT-PCR duplex protocols for the detection of four different fruit tree viruses was performed to address these questions. Identical samples were sent as crude extract preparation to each of the participant laboratories. Samples were coded to ensure a double-blind test. General principles of result analysis are described, for example calculation of parameters such as specificity, sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility, likelihood ratios and post-test probabilities. These parameters and the integration of the protocols within official certification scheme are discussed. Finally, guidelines for researchers desirous of validating their new plant virus diagnostic protocols through interlaboratory evaluation are suggested.
Neighborhood Street Scale Elements, Sedentary Time and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors in Inactive Ethnic Minority Women

Background Cardiometabolic risk factors such as obesity, excess percent body fat, high blood pressure, elevated resting heart rate and sedentary behavior have increased in recent decades due to changes in the environment and lifestyle. Neighborhood micro-environmental, street scale elements may contribute to health above and beyond individual characteristics of residents. Purpose To investigate the relationship between neighborhood street scale elements and cardiometabolic risk factors among inactive ethnic minority women. Method Women (N = 410) completed measures of BMI, percent body fat, blood pressure, resting heart rate, sedentary behavior and demographics. Trained field assessors completed the Pedestrian Environment Data Scan in participants’ neighborhoods. Data were collected from 2006–2008. Multiple regression models were conducted in 2011 to estimate the effect of environmental factors on cardiometabolic risk factors. Results Adjusted regression models found an inverse association between sidewalk buffers and blood pressure, between traffic control devices and resting heart rate, and a positive association between presence of pedestrian crossing aids and BMI (ps<.05). Neighborhood attractiveness and safety for walking and cycling were related to more time spent in a motor vehicle (ps<.05). Conclusions Findings suggest complex relationships among micro-environmental, street scale elements that may confer important cardiometabolic benefits and risks for residents. Living in the most attractive and safe neighborhoods for physical activity may be associated with longer times spent sitting in the car.