Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
True-MCSA: A Framework for Truthful Double Multi-Channel Spectrum Auctions

Spectrum auctions motivate existing spectrum owners (as sellers) to lease their selected idle channels to new spectrum users (as buyers) who need the spectrum desperately. The most significant requirement is how to make the auctions economic-robust (truthful in particular) while enabling spectrum reuse. Furthermore, in practice, both sellers and buyers would require to trade multiple channels at one time, while guaranteeing their individual profitability. Unfortunately, existing designs can not meet all these requirements simultaneously. We address these requirements by proposing True-MCSA, a framework for truthful double multi-channel spectrum auctions. True-MCSA introduces novel virtual buyer group (VBG) splitting and bidding algorithms, and applies a proper winner determination and pricing mechanism to achieve truthfulness and other economic properties, meanwhile successfully dealing with multi-channel requests from both buyers and sellers and improving spectrum utilization. Our experiments show that the auction efficiency is impacted by the economic factors with efficiency degradations within 30%, under different settings. Furthermore, the experimental results indicate that we can improve the auction efficiency by choosing a proper bidding algorithm and using a positive base bid. True-MCSA makes an important contribution on enabling spectrum reuse to improve auction efficiency in multi-channel cases.
A deleterious Nav1.1 mutation selectively impairs telencephalic inhibitory neurons derived from Dravet Syndrome patients

Dravet Syndrome is an intractable form of childhood epilepsy associated with deleterious mutations in SCN1A, the gene encoding neuronal sodium channel Nav1.1. Earlier studies using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have produced mixed results regarding the importance of Nav1.1 in human inhibitory versus excitatory neurons. We studied a Nav1.1 mutation (p.S1328P) identified in a pair of twins with Dravet Syndrome and generated iPSC-derived neurons from these patients. Characterization of the mutant channel revealed a decrease in current amplitude and hypersensitivity to steady-state inactivation. We then differentiated Dravet-Syndrome and control iPSCs into telencephalic excitatory neurons or medial ganglionic eminence (MGE)-like inhibitory neurons. Dravet inhibitory neurons showed deficits in sodium currents and action potential firing, which were rescued by a Nav1.1 transgene, whereas Dravet excitatory neurons were normal. Our study identifies biophysical impairments underlying a deleterious Nav1.1 mutation and supports the hypothesis that Dravet Syndrome arises from defective inhibitory neurons. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.13073. 001
Quantitative Image Analysis of HIV-1 Infection in Lymphoid Tissue

Tracking human immunodeficiency virus-type 1 (HIV-1) infection at the cellular level in tissue reservoirs provides opportunities to better understand the pathogenesis of infection and to rationally design and monitor therapy. A quantitative technique was developed to determine viral burden in two important cellular compartments in lymphoid tissues. Image analysis and in situ hybridization were combined to show that in the presymptomatic stages of infection there is a large, relatively stable pool of virions on the surfaces of follicular dendritic cells and a smaller pool of productively infected cells. Despite evidence of constraints on HIV-1 replication in the infected cell population in lymphoid tissues, estimates of the numbers of these cells and the virus they could produce are consistent with the quantities of virus that have been detected in the bloodstream. The cellular sources of virus production and storage in lymphoid tissues can now be studied with this approach over the course of infection and treatment.
Polyandrous females benefit by producing sons that achieve high reproductive success in a competitive environment

Females of many taxa often copulate with multiple males and incite sperm competition. On the premise that males of high genetic quality are more successful in sperm competition, it has been suggested that females may benefit from polyandry by accruing ‘good genes’ for their offspring. Laboratory studies have shown that multiple mating can increase female fitness through enhanced embryo viability, and have exposed how polyandry influences the evolution of the ejaculate. However, such studies often do not allow for both female mate choice and male–male competition to operate simultaneously. Here, I took house mice (Mus domesticus) from selection lines that had been evolving with (polygamous) and without (monogamous) sperm competition for 16 generations and, by placing them in free-ranging enclosures for 11 weeks, forced them to compete for access to resources and mates. Parentage analyses revealed that female reproductive success was not influenced by selection history, but there was a significant paternity bias towards males from the polygamous selection lines. Therefore, I show that female house mice benefit from polyandry by producing sons that achieve increased fitness in a semi-natural environment.
Explaining the Fear of Crime among International Students from Developing Countries: A Revised Model

This article examines thefear ofstreet crime among international students enrolled in a large urban university. The purpose of the article is to report whetherfactors generallyfound to be associated with thefear of crime in the United States (U.S.) are the samefor international students studying here, or if there are characteristics or experiences unique to international students that add to a model which attempts to explain the fear of cime. The results from a multiple regression analysis show thatfour variables were strongly correlated with feelings of safety in one's neighborhood. Two of them are unique to international students: number of months in the U.S. andfrequency of participation in cultural events and activities. The other two were comparative danger of one's neighborhood and perceived likelihood of local protection.
Occurrence of Lipid Peroxidation in Brain Microsomes in the Presence of NADH and Vanadate

Abstract: Oxidation of NADH by rat brain microsomes was stimulated severalfold on addition of vanadate. During the reaction, vanadate was reduced, oxygen was consumed, and H2O2 was generated with a stoichiometry of 1:1 for NADH/O2, as in the case of other membranes. Extra oxygen was found to be consumed over that needed for H2O2 generation specifically when brain microsomes were used. This appears to be due to the peroxidation of lipids known to be accompanied by a large consumption of oxygen. Occurrence of lipid peroxidation in brain microsomes in the presence of NADH and vanadate has been demonstrated. This activity was obtained specifically with the polymeric form of vanadate and with NADH, and was inhibited by the divalent cations Cu2+, Mn2+, and Ca2+, by dihydroxy‐phenolic compounds, and by hemin in a concentration‐dependent fashion. In the presence of a small concentration of vanadate, addition of an increasing concentration of Fe2+ gave increasing lipid peroxidation. After undergoing lipid peroxidation in the presence of NADH and vanadate, the binding of quinuclidinyl benzylate, a muscarinic antagonist, to brain membranes was decreased.
Precise Speed Estimation From a Low-Resolution Encoder by Dual-Sampling-Rate Observer

This paper describes an effective way to estimate state variables, such as motor speed and disturbance from a low-resolution encoder at low speed by using the dual-sampling-rate observer. The dual-sampling-rate observer estimates the state variables at every DSP control period and correct the estimation error at the instant that the measurement signal is detected. A novel pole assignment method, which considers the relation of the estimation and error correction periods, is proposed to maintain the stability for long error correcting period. Moreover, the dual-sampling-rate observer can be applied for higher order systems since it is generalized in state space. The effectiveness of the observer is verified through various simulations and experiments
Model-driven visual requirements engineering

This paper describes the requirements handling process of a set of research projects, the ATHENA IP, and how this process is supported by modeling and visualizing requirement structures. First, users and external stakeholders register requirements through easy-to-use Web interfaces. Then developers and managers utilize an integrated modeling tool for visual classification, analysis, elicitation, and selection of requirements. In this paper, we show how advanced visualization techniques improve and support state-of-the-art within requirements handling. This requirement handling system was first applied in the UEML project, and a variant of it is in day-today use by a commercial software vendor and its customers. We finally describe the overall experiences from use of the system.
FGF stimulation of the Erk1/2 signalling cascade triggers transition of pluripotent embryonic stem cells from self-renewal to lineage commitment

Pluripotent embryonic stem (ES) cells must select between alternative fates of self-replication and lineage commitment during continuous proliferation. Here, we delineate the role of autocrine production of fibroblast growth factor 4 (Fgf4) and associated activation of the Erk1/2 (Mapk3/1) signalling cascade. Fgf4 is the major stimulus activating Erk in mouse ES cells. Interference with FGF or Erk activity using chemical inhibitors or genetic ablations does not impede propagation of undifferentiated ES cells. Instead, such manipulations restrict the ability of ES cells to commit to differentiation. ES cells lacking Fgf4 or treated with FGF receptor inhibitors resist neural and mesodermal induction, and are refractory to BMP-induced non-neural differentiation. Lineage commitment potential of Fgf4-null cells is restored by provision of FGF protein. Thus, FGF enables rather than antagonises the differentiation activity of BMP. The key downstream role of Erk signalling is revealed by examination of Erk2-null ES cells, which fail to undergo either neural or mesodermal differentiation in adherent culture, and retain expression of pluripotency markers Oct4, Nanog and Rex1. These findings establish that Fgf4 stimulation of Erk1/2 is an autoinductive stimulus for naïve ES cells to exit the self-renewal programme. We propose that the Erk cascade directs transition to a state that is responsive to inductive cues for germ layer segregation. Consideration of Erk signalling as a primary trigger that potentiates lineage commitment provides a context for reconciling disparate views on the contribution of FGF and BMP pathways during germ layer specification in vertebrate embryos.
An Integrated Model of Web Based Information Systems Continuance: Food Traceability System Context

This paper assesses the determinants of users’ continuance of Web based information systems (WIS). Multiple theoretical perspectives are synthesized ranges from prior information systems success, marketing and social psychology literature and extended that literature to the development of an integrated model of WIS continuance. In order to examine the effectiveness of each theoretical perspectives, determinants of individual users’ intention to continue using systems are divided in four different contexts, such as, value context, system context, environment and social context by focusing on the perceived value approach behavior borrowed from marketing literature. The integrated model is then experimentally validated using a field survey of Web based food traceability system (WFTS) users’ in the producers’ perspective. The findings of this study provide important implications to government, producers’, consumers, web developers, support staff, researchers and marketing strategy.
Basic Skills Impediments to Communication Between Management and Hourly Employees

Print-communication demands in most businesses have increased. At the same time, demographic and economic trends are forcing employers to hire employees with lower skill levels. These trends will continue well into the next decade. Increasingly, businesses are recognizing the economic consequences of print communication problems. A first step is realizing that there are a variety of problems that call for differing solutions. A few workers need long-term support to move from virtual illiteracy to productive skill levels. Many more workers need to have basic skills training integrated with regular job training if training is to be effective. Finally, industries are increasingly focusing upon areas where mistakes are made or promotion is blocked. In such areas, solutions range from short-term targeted training to redesigned documents and job performance aids.
Automated Hepatic Steatosis Assessment through Liver Biopsy Image Processing

Hepatic steatosis is the abnormal fat accumulation in the hepatic cells and the liver. The lipids contain triglycerines and other kinds of molecules. Hepatic steatosis appears when there is some defect in the process, during which the free fatty acids are taken by the liver and exuded as lipoproteins. The main reasons which can cause steatosis is alcohol, obesity and diabetes mellitus. In many cases, steatosis can lead to inflammation that is mentioned as steatohepatitis or non-alcoholic steatohepatits (NASH), which can later lead to fibrosis and finally cirrhosis. In this work, a novel methodology for automated detection and quantification of hepatic steatosis is developed. The methodology is based on liver biopsy image analysis and has been tested using 20 liver biopsy images from patients who suffer from hepatitis C, while the obtained results indicate that the proposed methodology can accurately assess liver steatosis.
An Action Learning Perspective on Effective Implementation of Academic Honor Codes

Facing mounting evidence of academic dishonesty on America’s college campuses, many schools in the 1990s implemented academic honor codes to stem the tide. Previous research concerning academic honor codes and other ethics codes highlight the importance of enacting a more ethical organizational culture as well as involving many organizational members in the process. Through the illustrative case of a major public university that struggled to meet this normative goal as it implemented an academic honor code, this article introduces an action learning perspective on how the design and implementation of ethics codes can help effect change in the ethical culture by instilling and reinforcing the values of honesty and integrity. It is argued that codes must be designed with full acknowledgement of the traditions and culture present in the student body, with the involvement of virtuallyall organization members, to elicit a full understanding of the ethical culture system.
Recruiting, Retaining, and Preparing Quality Urban Teachers: The Urban Learning Program (Ulrn)

This study's goals were to describe an urban, blended undergraduate/teacher preparation program and to assess its effectiveness in recruiting, retaining, and preparing diverse teachers to teach in urban schools. Methods used included a 43-item, on-line survey and semi-structured interviews. One hundred nine undergraduates (68%) responded to the survey which was analyzed using descriptive statistics and regression models. Findings show that the cohort system, high-level outside support, and effective faculty advisement contributed to the retention and success of these predominantly first-generation college students. Cohorts were particularly effective for academically struggling students, unrepresented minorities, and students whose native language was not English.
Variable impedance control with an artificial muscle manipulator using instantaneous force and MR brake

Highly rigid actuators such as geared motors or hydraulic actuators are widely used in industrial robots. To obtain high-speed motion, it is necessary to increase the actuator output as the robot weight increases. In contrast, humans perform motions using instantaneous force, such as jumping or throwing, via variable stiffness characteristics. We have developed a one-degree-of-freedom manipulator with a variable rheological joint using a straight-fiber-type artificial muscle and a magnetorheological (MR) brake. With the generation of instantaneous force, the dead and rise times decreased compared to the conventional method. After the generation of an arbitrary instantaneous force, we were able to control the robot's arm position by applying an equilibrium force on the joint. Furthermore, we were able to control the vibrations of the arm by controlling the MR brake using an evaluation function.
A ground-truthed mathematical character and symbol image database

This paper describes the specifications for our ground-truthed mathematical character and symbol image database, called InftyCDB-1. The ground-truth of each character is composed of type, font, quality (touched/broken) and link (relative position), etc. The database includes all the characters and symbols of 467 pages of 30 articles on mathematics, and is organized so that it can be used as word image database or as mathematical formula image database. InftyCDB-1 is a public database that is freely usable for research and development purposes.
Coupling Loss and Delay Differentiation to Enhance TCP Performance within Wireless Multi-hop Ad-hoc Networks

Most existing TCP variants cannot distinguish between different packet loss causes within MANETs. TCP was, mainly, developed to deal with network congestion errors. While within MANETs, there are packet loss causes other than congestion. Studying the behaviour of TCP in front of such losses, we notice that TCP doesn’t have always the optimum behaviour as it reacts, in most cases, without considering the loss cause. This misbehaviour might cause network performance degradation and resources’ waste. To overcome this problem, many LDAs have been designed. However, these LDAs were optimized for data networks where wireless link is only the last hop, meaning that they might be inadequate for MANETs. Also, the proposed LDAs deal only with losses due to wireless channel and/or congestion-induced errors. We show, in this paper, the importance of dealing with a third loss cause that is common in MANETs, which is link failure. We propose a new TCP variant that is called TCP-WELCOME. TCP-WELCOME can: (i) identify the loss cause by coupling loss and delay information, and (ii) trigger the appropriate packet loss recovery according to the identified loss cause. The performance evaluation, through both simulations and experimental tests, shows that TCP-WELCOME optimizes both energy consumption and achievable throughput. TCP-WELCOME does not change the standard and can operate with existing TCP variants.
Modified Taxonomy Based Anita Approach for Dynamic

Organizing text documents is an important task and there exists numbers of strategies in the recent research. A good document clustering approach can assist computers in organizing the document corpus automatically into a meaningful cluster hierarchy for efficient browsing and navigation, which overcomes the drawbacks of traditional information retrieval methods. Through clustering, the documents sharing same topic are grouped together. Hence clustering is also known as unsupervised learning. In case of term based data retrieval, time consumption problem prevails. This paper concentrates on taxonomy based data retrieval. Taxonomies, which facilitates the organization of data in a given domain and make the contents easy access to the user This paper presents the taxonomical approach of clustering data set in a dynamic environment. The existing static ANITA approach has modified for dynamic environment and results are presented.
A space-time semi-blind equalizer based on constant modulus and decision-direction

This paper considers the problem of directly computing inverse filters that can equalize and separate each user in a multi-user multipath environment. Some known but very small number of training symbols, while alone unable to yield a satisfactory filter, provide reasonable initializations that not only may speed up the convergence of an adaptive blind algorithm, but also guide the algorithm to an easier recovery of weak users. Training for each user does not have to be simultaneous. Decision-direction mode can be used to refine the filter coefficients after the phase ambiguity inherent to a blind approach is corrected for. Simulation results are provided to demonstrate the method's effectiveness.
Structural Analysis of Viral Infectivity Factor of HIV Type 1 and Its Interaction with A3G, EloC and EloB

Background The virion infectivity factor (Vif) is an accessory protein, which is essential for HIV replication in host cells. Vif neutralizes the antiviral host protein APOBEC3 through recruitment of the E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Methodology Fifty thousand Vif models were generated using the ab initio relax protocol of the Rosetta algorithm from sets of three- and nine-residue fragments using the fragment Monte Carlo insertion-simulated annealing strategy, which favors protein-like features, followed by an all-atom refinement. In the protocol, a constraints archive was used to define the spatial relationship between the side chains from Cys/His residues and zinc ions that formed the zinc-finger motif that is essential for Vif function. We also performed centroids analysis and structural analysis with respect to the formation of the zinc-finger, and the residue disposal in the protein binding domains. Additionally, molecular docking was used to explore details of Vif-A3G and Vif-EloBC interactions. Furthermore, molecular dynamics simulation was used to evaluate the stability of the complexes Vif-EloBC-A3G and Vif-EloC. Principal Findings The zinc in the HCCH domain significantly alters the folding of Vif and changes the structural dynamics of the HCCH region. Ab initio modeling indicated that the Vif zinc-finger possibly displays tetrahedral geometry as suggested by Mehle et al. (2006). Our model also showed that the residues L146 and L149 of the BC-box motif bind to EloC by hydrophobic interactions, and the residue P162 of the PPLP motif is important to EloB binding. Conclusions/Significance The model presented here is the first complete three-dimensional structure of the Vif. The interaction of Vif with the A3G protein and the EloBC complex is in agreement with empirical data that is currently available in the literature and could therefore provide valuable structural information for advances in rational drug design.
Spatio-temporal characterization in satellite image time series

Last years have witnessed an increased interest in the analysis of evolution of spatio-temporal structures in large data volumes. The current satellite remote sensing missions allow the recording of long Satellite Image Time Series (SITS) with passive and active sensors. However, the spatio-temporal characteristics of SITS imply different approaches. This paper aims at presenting an overview of these issues, and also some recent results based on Gibbs Markov Random Fields models that are used to describe the spatio-temporal patterns. In addition, in order to obtain an automatic analysis of these patterns, the problem of determining the optimal number of spatio-temporal clusters is also discussed. The experiments are carried on Landsat 7 multi-temporal and multi-spectral images and on Envisat ASAR images, both at 30 meters spatial resolution.