Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Automated Web Service Composition: A Decentralised Multi-agent Planning Architecture

Automated composition of Web services has received much interest in the last decade, as it supports B2B applications. It aims at selecting and inter-connecting services provided by different partners in response to client requests.Planning techniques are used widely in the literature to describe Web services composition problem. However, since Web services proliferate day after day, classical planners are no longer well suited to compose Web services in a reasonable time. This weakness is due to the explosion of the search space caused by the large number of services and the broad range of data exchanged among services. In this paper, we propose a decentralised multi-agent approach to solve the Web services composition problem at runtime. Our model consists of a set of Web service agents where each agent has a set of services organised in a graph. Responding to a request, agents propose partial plans which are partial paths in the graph, then they coordinate their partial plans to provide the best global plan for the submitted request. The analysis of the complexity and results of the implementation show the ability of our approach to scale up when compared to the of state-of-the-art techniques for automated web service composition.
Subjective Wellbeing and Institutions: The Case of Rural Ethiopia

This study focuses on the role of religiosity, general and political trust, local participation, and welfare metrics on wellbeing in rural areas using the Ethiopian Rural Household Survey. Ordered probit methods that account for Heteroscedasticity reveal distinctive correlates of overall life satisfaction and momentary happiness. Broader socio-economic factors such as religiosity and political governance strongly predict life satisfaction, while largely welfare metrics drive momentary happiness. The differential role of institutions on life satisfaction and momentary happiness is in comport with Deaton’s (2008) and Stevenson and Wolfers’s (2008) proposition that life satisfaction and happiness are not synonymous.
A Parallel Remeshing Method

This paper presents a parallel algorithm to improve the quality of surface meshes representing models obtained from surface reconstruction, as well as models generated by the application of the Boolean and assembly operations to predefined primitives, such as spheres and blocks. The smooth surface approximation is generated in parallel, the faces are distributed evenly among the processors. Then, the surface mesh is divided into sections, which are refined first, and intersections for remeshing at the end.
Population-scale sequencing reveals genetic differentiation due to local adaptation in Atlantic herring

The Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), one of the most abundant marine fishes in the world, has historically been a critical food source in Northern Europe. It is one of the few marine species that can reproduce throughout the brackish salinity gradient of the Baltic Sea. Previous studies based on few genetic markers have revealed a conspicuous lack of genetic differentiation between geographic regions, consistent with huge population sizes and minute genetic drift. Here, we present a cost-effective genome-wide study in a species that lacks a genome sequence. We first assembled a muscle transcriptome and then aligned genomic reads to the transcripts, creating an “exome assembly,” capturing both exons and flanking sequences. We then resequenced pools of fish from a wide geographic range, including the Northeast Atlantic, as well as different regions in the Baltic Sea, aligned the reads to the exome assembly, and identified 440,817 SNPs. The great majority of SNPs showed no appreciable differences in allele frequency among populations; however, several thousand SNPs showed striking differences, some approaching fixation for different alleles. The contrast between low genetic differentiation at most loci and striking differences at others implies that the latter category primarily reflects natural selection. A simulation study confirmed that the distribution of the fixation index FST deviated significantly from expectation for selectively neutral loci. This study provides insights concerning the population structure of an important marine fish and establishes the Atlantic herring as a model for population genetic studies of adaptation and natural selection.
Alteration in the IL‐2 signal peptide affects secretion of proteins in vitro and in vivo

Although hundreds of different signal peptides have now been identified, few studies have examined the factors enabling signal peptides to augment secretion of mature proteins. Signal peptides, located at the N‐terminus of nascent secreted proteins, characteristically have three domains: (1) a basic domain at the N‐terminus, (2) a central hydrophobic core, and (3) a carboxy‐terminal cleavage region. In this study, we investigated whether alterations in the basic and/or the hydrophobic domains of a commonly used signal peptide from interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) affected secretion of two proteins: placental alkaline phosphatase (AP) and endostatin.
United Kingdom’s exports following Brexit

This paper investigates the effects of Brexit on export performance of the United Kingdom towards the rest of the EU15. It does so by first establishing a “hard Brexit” as the probable outcome. Using the gravity model it then establishes the effect of variables such as distance and GDP per capita on exports. These effects are found by running the regression on a sample of four non-EU countries during the period 1995-2012. This regression results in fitted values that when adapted to the United Kingdom estimates potential exports. These potential exports are significantly lower on average than actual exports during the time period. If the trend continues the United Kingdom would face a 2% reduction of relative trade on average due to trade effects of Brexit.
3D microprobes for deep brain stimulation and recording

A new generation of three dimensional (3D) multi channel microprobes is reported for deep brain stimulation (DBS) applications offering both stimulation and recording capabilities. The devices are comprised of planar flexible microprobes assembled or folded over cylindrical polyurethane shafts with radiuses as low as 350 µm. As a direct benefit of this approach, the dimensions and density of the electrode sites are precisely defined by the sub-micrometer resolution of the lithography processes employed for fabrication of planar devices. This work presents a microprobe with 16 stimulating and 16 recording channels. The stimulation sites are 100 µm × 1.5 mm while the recording sites are 20 µm × 20 µm.
Modified gram-schmidt orthogonalization and QR decompositon extraction for digital predistorter

Digital baseband predistorter modeled by a memory polynomial and implemented by an indirect learning architecture is among the most cost effective method for linearizing power amplifier. Due to high correlation between each element of polynomial, general parameter extraction algorithms, e.g. Cholesky decomposition combined with linear least square method, have worse numerical stability when higher order terms are included. Orthogonal polynomials are good substitutes, but finding closed-form expressions for orthogonal polynomials for an arbitrary distribution is generally a difficult problem, and the derivations are not easily generalized. Based on modified Gram-Schmidt (MGS) orthogonalization method, the article put forward an easy, novel method to find orthogonal basis for random input signal with distribution function of uniformly distributed between 0 and 1. At same time, we use QR decomposition not linear least squares to obtain coefficients of predistorter. The method guarantees good numerical stability from above two aspects, and can be easily realized in real engineering. Simulation exhibits the effective of the methods.
Development of a DNA Vaccine Designed to Induce Cytotoxic T Lymphocyte Responses to Multiple Conserved Epitopes in HIV-1 1

Epitope-based vaccines designed to induce CTL responses specific for HIV-1 are being developed as a means for addressing vaccine potency and viral heterogeneity. We identified a set of 21 HLA-A2, HLA-A3, and HLA-B7 restricted supertype epitopes from conserved regions of HIV-1 to develop such a vaccine. Based on peptide-binding studies and phenotypic frequencies of HLA-A2, HLA-A3, and HLA-B7 allelic variants, these epitopes are predicted to be immunogenic in greater than 85% of individuals. Immunological recognition of all but one of the vaccine candidate epitopes was demonstrated by IFN-γ ELISPOT assays in PBMC from HIV-1-infected subjects. The HLA supertypes of the subjects was a very strong predictor of epitope-specific responses, but some subjects responded to epitopes outside of the predicted HLA type. A DNA plasmid vaccine, EP HIV-1090, was designed to express the 21 CTL epitopes as a single Ag and tested for immunogenicity using HLA transgenic mice. Immunization of HLA transgenic mice with this vaccine was sufficient to induce CTL responses to multiple HIV-1 epitopes, comparable in magnitude to those induced by immunization with peptides. The CTL induced by the vaccine recognized target cells pulsed with peptide or cells transfected with HIV-1 env or gag genes. There was no indication of immunodominance, as the vaccine induced CTL responses specific for multiple epitopes in individual mice. These data indicate that the EP HIV-1090 DNA vaccine may be suitable for inducing relevant HIV-1-specific CTL responses in humans.
An embryonic stem cell‐based system for rapid analysis of transcriptional enhancers

With the growing use of genome‐wide screens for cis‐regulatory elements, there is a pressing need for platforms that enable fast and cost‐effective experimental validation of identified hits in relevant developmental and tissue contexts. Here, we describe a murine embryonic stem cell (ESC)‐based system that facilitates rapid analysis of putative transcriptional enhancers. Candidate enhancers are targeted with high efficiency to a defined genomic locus via recombinase‐mediated cassette exchange. Targeted ESCs are subsequently differentiated in vitro into desired cell types, where enhancer activity is monitored by reporter gene expression. As a proof of principle, we analyzed a previously characterized, Sonic hedgehog (Shh)‐dependent, V3 interneuron progenitor (pV3)‐specific enhancer for the Nkx2.2 gene, and observed highly specific enhancer activity. Given the broad potential of ESCs to generate a spectrum of cell types, this system can serve as an effective platform for the characterization of gene regulatory networks controlling cell fate specification and cell function. genesis 50: 443–450, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cecal Ligation and Puncture

The cecum contains a high concentration of microbes, which are a combination of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive flora. These bacteria range from anaerobic to facultative aerobic to aerobic organisms. In the procedure described in this unit, the ligation of the cecum produces a source of ischemic tissue as well as polymicrobial infection. This combination of ischemic/necrotic tissue and microbial infection distinguishes this multifactorial model from a number of other bacterial sepsis models, including but not limited to: bacteremia secondary to intravenous or intraperitoneal administration; fecal administration or intraperitoneal administration of fecal or bacterial plugs; colonic stents; and bacterial abscess formation. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 91:19.13. 1‐19.13. 11. © 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
DSM-5 Trichotillomania: Perception of Adults With Trichotillomania After Psychosocial Treatment

Objective: Trichotillomania (TTM) is associated with significant embarrassment and is viewed negatively by others. A potentially important outcome variable that is often overlooked in treatment for TTM is appearance and social perception. Method: The present study tested whether participants in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of psychotherapy for TTM are viewed more positively by others. All participants in the trial were photographed at baseline and posttreatment. Three treatment responders and three treatment nonresponders were selected randomly for the present study. Several healthy controls were also photographed in a similar manner. Undergraduate college students (N = 245) assessed whether they would reject the person socially, whether the individual has a psychological or medical problem, and attractiveness. Results: Individuals with TTM were viewed more negatively than healthy controls at baseline, but treatment responders showed positive improvements on all perceptions relative to nonresponders. While treatment responders were still perceived more poorly than controls on social rejection and perceptions of problems at posttreatment, responders where rated no differently than controls on attractiveness at posttreatment. Conclusions: The results suggest that persons with TTM who respond to treatment are rated by others as significantly improved in appearance, but they might be still stigmatized or socially rejected.
A prospective open trial of guanfacine in children with pervasive developmental disorders.

OBJECTIVE A common complaint for children with pervasive developmental disorder (PDD) is hyperactivity. The purpose of this pilot study was to gather preliminary information on the efficacy of guanfacine in children with PDD and hyperactivity. METHODS Children with PDD accompanied by hyperactivity entered the open-label trial if there was a recent history of failed treatment with methylphenidate or the child did not improve on methylphenidate in a multisite, placebo-controlled trial. RESULTS Children (23 boys and 2 girls) with a mean age of 9.03 (+/-3.14) years entered the open-label trial. After 8 weeks of treatment, the parent-rated Hyperactivity subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) went from a mean of 31.3 (+/-8.89) at baseline to 18.9 (+/-10.37) (effect size = 1.4; p < 0.001). The teacher-rated Hyperactivity subscale decreased from a mean of 29.9 (+/-9.12) at baseline to 22.3 (+/-9.44) (effect size = 0.83; p < 0.01). Twelve children (48%) were rated as Much Improved or Very Much Improved on the Clinical Global Impressions- Improvement. Doses ranged from 1.0 to 3.0 mg/day in two or three divided doses. Common adverse effects included irritability, sedation, sleep disturbance (insomnia or midsleep awakening), and constipation. Irritability led to discontinuation in 3 subjects. There were no significant changes in pulse, blood pressure, or electrocardiogram. CONCLUSIONS Guanfacine may be useful for the treatment of hyperactivity in children with PDD. Placebo-controlled studies are needed to guide clinical practice.
Detection of DNA alterations using gold nanoparticles exploiting the LSP phenomenon

In this paper we propose the theoretical possibility to use plasmonic nanoparticles to investigate alternative gene splicing. Nanoparticle flows are transmitted by a nanomachine, and diffuse in a biological environment, till reaching a receiver. The detection process of DNA alterations is accomplished when nanoparticles are captured at the receiver, through ligand-receptor bindings. A sensing platform, consisting of a silica substraste with an array of thin gold patches, is used for the immobilization of DNA capture sequence. The colloidal particles are functionalized with specific splice junctions of gene sequences (particularly, we considered the breast cancer susceptibility gene 1), to reveal alterations that could be associated to an early disease condition. A sandwich structure occurs only if the mutation (i.e., a target sequence) is present. To test this scheme, the electromagnetic analysis of the sensing platform is derived through full-wave numerical simulations. The Extinction-Cross Section is evaluated, in the case of synchronous and asynchronous nanoparticles detection.
Everyday practice and sustainable HCI: understanding and learning from cultures of (un)sustainability

Within the CHI community we have witnessed a broadening of concerns to include various everyday contexts such as the domestic, rural and urban, as well as diverse, underrepresented, and marginalized communities. Such everyday contexts have also emerged as key areas of focus for sustainable HCI. Not only is everyday life a critical area in which material resources are exchanged, transformed, consumed and disposed, but everyday life is a site for the formation of values, attitudes, routines and habits. This workshop will bring together individuals interested in everyday practice as both a critical site and a critical lens for sustainable HCI research and professional practice. The focus of the workshop is exploring and investigating how descriptions and theories of everyday practice can be employed in order to critically and creatively rethink how HCI frames research and design issues of sustainability - both collectively as a field and individually in participants' own work.
The mixed acid-base disturbances of severe canine babesiosis.

Thirty-four dogs suffering from severe babesiosis caused by Babesia canis rossi were included in this study to evaluate acid-base imbalances with the quantitative clinical approach proposed by Stewart. All but 3 dogs were severely anemic (hematocrit <12%). Arterial pH varied from severe acidemia to alkalemia. Most animals (31 of 34; 91%) had inappropriate hypocapnia with the partial pressure of CO2 < 10 mm Hg in 12 of 34 dogs (35%). All dogs had a negative base excess (BE; mean of - 16.5 mEq/L) and it was below the lower normal limit in 25. Hypoxemia was present in 3 dogs. Most dogs (28 of 34; 82%) were hyperlactatemic. Seventy percent of dogs (23 of 33) were hypoalbuminemic. Anion gap (AG) was widely distributed, being high in 15, low in 12, and normal in 6 of the 33 dogs. The strong ion difference (SID; difference between the sodium and chloride concentrations) was low in 20 of 33 dogs, chiefly because of hyperchloremia. Dilutional acidosis was present in 23 of 34 dogs. Hypoalbuminemic alkalosis was present in all dogs. Increase in unmeasured strong anions resulted in a negative BE in all dogs. Concurrent metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis was identified in 31 of 34 dogs. A high AG metabolic acidosis was present in 15 of 33 dogs. The lack of an AG increase in the remaining dogs was attributed to concurrent hypoalbuminemia, which is common in this disease. Significant contributors to BE were the SID, free water abnormalities, and AG (all with P < .01). Mixed metabolic and respiratory acid-base imbalances are common in severe canine babesiosis, and resemble imbalances described in canine endotoxemia and human malaria.
Changes in the allocation of endogenous strigolactone improve plant biomass production on phosphate‐poor soils

Summary Strigolactones (SLs) are carotenoid‐derived phytohormones shaping plant architecture and inducing the symbiosis with endomycorrhizal fungi. In Petunia hybrida, SL transport within the plant and towards the rhizosphere is driven by the ABCG‐class protein PDR1. PDR1 expression is regulated by phytohormones and by the soil phosphate abundance, and thus SL transport integrates plant development with nutrient conditions. We overexpressed PDR1 (PDR1 OE) to investigate whether increased endogenous SL transport is sufficient to improve plant nutrition and productivity. Phosphorus quantification and nondestructive X‐ray computed tomography were applied. Morphological and gene expression changes were quantified at cellular and whole tissue levels via time‐lapse microscopy and quantitative PCR. PDR1 OE significantly enhanced phosphate uptake and plant biomass production on phosphate‐poor soils. PDR1 OE plants showed increased lateral root formation, extended root hair elongation, faster mycorrhization and reduced leaf senescence. PDR1 overexpression allowed considerable SL biosynthesis by releasing SL biosynthetic genes from an SL‐dependent negative feedback. The increased endogenous SL transport/biosynthesis in PDR1 OE plants is a powerful tool to improve plant growth on phosphate‐poor soils. We propose PDR1 as an as yet unexplored trait to be investigated for crop production. The overexpression of PDR1 is a valuable strategy to investigate SL functions and transport routes.
One-class Collective Anomaly Detection based on Long Short-Term Memory Recurrent Neural Networks

Intrusion detection for computer network systems has been becoming one of the most critical tasks for network administrators today. It has an important role for organizations, governments and our society due to the valuable resources hosted on computer networks. Traditional misuse detection strategies are unable to detect new and unknown intrusion types. In contrast, anomaly detection in network security aims to distinguish between illegal or malicious events and normal behavior of network systems. Anomaly detection can be considered as a classification problem where it builds models of normal network behavior, of which it uses to detect new patterns that significantly deviate from the model. Most of the current approaches on anomaly detection is based on the learning of normal behavior and anomalous actions. They do not include memory that is they do not take into account previous events classify new ones. In this paper, we propose a one class collective anomaly detection model based on neural network learning. Normally a Long Short Term Memory Recurrent Neural Network (LSTM RNN) is trained only on normal data, and it is capable of predicting several time steps ahead of an input. In our approach, a LSTM RNN is trained on normal time series data before performing a prediction for each time step. Instead of considering each time-step separately, the observation of prediction errors from a certain number of time-steps is now proposed as a new idea for detecting collective anomalies. The prediction errors of a certain number of the latest time-steps above a threshold will indicate a collective anomaly. The model is evaluated on a time series version of the KDD 1999 dataset. The experiments demonstrate that the proposed model is capable to detect collective anomaly efficiently
A Novel Subunit of Yeast RNA Polymerase III Interacts with the TFIIB-Related Domain of TFIIIB70

ABSTRACT There is limited information on how eukaryotic RNA polymerases (Pol) recognize their cognate preinitiation complex. We have characterized a polypeptide copurifying with yeast Pol III. This protein, C17, was found to be homologous to a mammalian protein described as a hormone receptor. Deletion of the corresponding gene,RPC17, was lethal and its regulated extinction caused a selective defect in transcription of class III genes in vivo. Two-hybrid and coimmunoprecipitation experiments indicated that C17 interacts with two Pol III subunits, one of which, C31, is important for the initiation reaction. C17 also interacted with TFIIIB70, the TFIIB-related component of TFIIIB. The interaction domain was found to be in the N-terminal, TFIIB-like half of TFIIIB70, downstream of the zinc ribbon and first imperfect repeat. Although Pol II similarly interacts with TFIIB, it is notable that C17 has no similarity to any Pol II subunit. The data indicate that C17 is a novel specific subunit of Pol III which participates together with C34 in the recruitment of Pol III by the preinitiation complex.
Modified Gysel Power Divider for Dual-Band Applications

This letter presents a modified Gysel power divider for dual-band applications. A short-stub and an open-stub has been attached to the conventional Gysel structure. Closed-form design equations are derived. Power operation analysis shows that the new dual-band circuit maintains Gysel divider's high power handling advantage over Wilkinson divider. The measured results show that good matching, isolation and power transmission can be achieved at two operating frequency bands.