Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DIVERGING CONVERGENCES

Nanotechnology has become an important topic in public research programs in developed countries, especially with regards to its convergence with other emerging technologies. Based on the case of Grenoble, France, where nanoelectronics and nano-biotechnology research projects have been led since the late 1990s, and have been opposed by activist groups, this paper explores the construction of meanings granted to nanotechnology and, more generally, to the convergence of technologies. I describe two opposed visions of converging technologies, and show that these visions are constructed in the context of pre-existing oppositions in the local context, and larger scientific and political issues. These two visions articulate different meanings of convergence. I then turn to the mechanisms that were designed to engage a dialogue with the public in Grenoble. I show that these engagement mechanisms actually reinforced the oppositions, and that potential intermediaries (including social scientists) failed to act as mediators.
Hierarchical Analysis of Short Defects between Metal Lines in CMOS IC

Current paper proposes a new hierarchical approach to defect-oriented testing of CMOS circuits. The method is based on critical area extraction for identifying the possible shorted pairs of nets on the basis of the chip layout information, combined with logic-level test pattern generation. The novel contributions of the paper are a new bridging fault simulator and a test pattern generator, which are able to handle defects creating feedbacks into the circuit. As a preprocessing step, a combined stuck-at test set from two different test pattern generators implementing alternative strategies (pseudorandom and deterministic) were created. Nevertheless, many short defects were not covered by this extended stuck-at approach. Analyses carried out in this paper show that the stuck-at tests are not covering up to 4% of the shorts (both testable and untestable). The test coverage (fault efficiency) can be increased by the new generator by up to 0.4% in comparison to full stuck-at test. Layout analysis for a set of benchmarks has been performed. The experiments indicate how the number of bridging faults of non-zero probability is dependent on the circuit size.
Advanced Development of the rF1V and rBV A/B Vaccines: Progress and Challenges

The development of vaccines for microorganisms and bacterial toxins with the potential to be used as biowarfare and bioterrorism agents is an important component of the US biodefense program. DVC is developing two vaccines, one against inhalational exposure to botulinum neurotoxins A1 and B1 and a second for Yersinia pestis, with the ultimate goal of licensure by the FDA under the Animal Rule. Progress has been made in all technical areas, including manufacturing, nonclinical, and clinical development and testing of the vaccines, and in assay development. The current status of development of these vaccines, and remaining challenges are described in this chapter.
Efficient Repeated Implementation

This paper examines repeated implementation of a social choice function (SCF) with infinitely-lived agents whose preferences are determined randomly in each period. An SCF is repeated-implementable in (Bayesian) Nash equilibrium if there exists a sequence of (possibly history-dependent) mechanisms such that (i) its equilibrium set is non-empty and (ii) every equilibrium outcome corresponds to the desired social choice at every possible history of past play and realizations of uncer- tainty. We first show, with minor qualifications, that in the complete information environment an SCF is repeated-implementable if and only if it is effcient. We then extend this result to the incomplete information setup. In particular, it is shown that in this case efficiency is sufficient to ensure the characterization part of repeated implementation. For the existence part, incentive compatibility is sufficient but not necessary. In the case of interdependent values, existence can also be established with an intuitive condition stipulating that deviations can be detected by at least one agent other than the deviator. Our incomplete information analysis can be extended to incorporate the notion of ex post equilibrium.
Personality Traits: Business versus Technical Graduates

Effective interactions depend largely on personality traits, which is a consistent and longlasting tendency in behavior. In psychology, five major trait factors (Big Five personality traits) have been generally used to assess personality of people. The study highlights the practicality of importance-performance analysis as a means to assessing the importance of personality traits dimension that should be possessed by Malaysian graduates. The importanceperformance analysis is used to evaluate the gap in personality traits possessed by Business and Technical Graduates. The study is carried out in two phases: Phase 1 which involves a focus group session and Phase 2 which focus on establishing a questionnaire appropriate to the study across a diverse range of industries. The questionnaires were distributed to managers selected from a sampling frame. Graduates’ personality attributes are analysed in terms of big five personality traits which include openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness and emotional stability traits. The findings of this study suggest that Higher Education Institutions in Malaysia should target improvements on a specific personality development component pertaining to openness and extroversion personality for business management graduates, and conscientiousness personality for technical graduates as part of the curriculum development strategies of these Higher Education Institutions.
Anthelmintic properties of traditional African and Caribbean medicinal plants: identification of extracts with potent activity against Ascaris suum in vitro

Ascariasis affects more than 1 billion people worldwide, mainly in developing countries, causing substantial morbidity. Current treatments for Ascaris infection are based on mass drug administration (MDA) with synthetic anthelmintic drugs such as albendazole, however continual re-infection and the threat of drug resistance mean that complementary treatment options would be highly valuable. Here, we screened ethanolic extracts from 29 medicinal plants used in Africa (Ghana) and the Caribbean (US Virgin Islands) for in vitro anthelmintic properties against Ascaris suum, a swine parasite that is very closely related to the human A. lumbricoides. A wide variety of activities were seen in the extracts, from negligible to potent. Extracts from Clausena anisata, Zanthoxylum zanthoxyloides and Punica granatum were identified as the most potent with EC50 values of 74, 97 and 164 μg/mL, respectively. Our results encourage further investigation of their use as complementary treatment options for ascariasis, alongside MDA.
Accretion and ejection properties of embedded protostars: the case of HH26, HH34, and HH46 IRS

Aims. We present the results of a spectroscopic analysis of three young embedded sources (HH26 IRS, HH34 IRS, and HH46 IRS) belonging to different star-forming regions and displaying well-developed jet structures. The aim is to investigate the source accretion and ejection properties and their connection. Methods. We used VLT-ISAAC near-IR medium resolution (R ∼ 9000) spectra (H and K bands) to derive, in a self-consistent way, parameters like the star luminosity, accretion luminosity, and the mass accretion rate. Mass ejection rates have also been estimated from analysing different emission features. Results. The spectra present several emission lines but no photospheric features in absorption, indicating a large veiling in both the H and K bands. In addition to features commonly observed in jet driving sources ([Fe ii], H2 ,H i, CO), we detect a number of emission lines due to permitted atomic transitions, such as Na i and Ti i that are only 2−5 times weaker than the Brγ line. Some of these features remain unidentified. Emission from Na i 2.2 µm doublet is observed along with CO(2−0) band-head emission, indicating a common origin in an inner gaseous disc heated by accretion. We find that accretion provides about 50% and 80% of the bolometric luminosity
Dirichlet Mixtures for Query Estimation in Information Retrieval

Treated as small samples of text, user queries require smoothing to better estimate the probabilities of their true model. Traditional techniques to perform this smoothing include automatic query expansion and local feedback. This paper applies the bioinformatics smoothing technique, Dirichlet mixtures, to the task of query estimation. We discuss Dirichlet mixtures’ relation to relevance models, probabilistic latent semantic indexing, and other information retrieval techniques. We describe how Dirichlet mixtures give insight into the value of retaining the original query in query expansion. On the task of adhoc retrieval, query estimation by Dirichlet mixtures generally does not perform well, but aspects of its behavior show promise. Experiments where the original query is mixed with the models estimated by relevance models and Dirichlet mixtures confirms that query estimation methods should not fully discount the prior information held in a query.
Review of Universal Modulator using Cordic Structure

4 Abstract: - In digital communication, there is a need of different modulation technique (such as ASK FSK PSK) to convey a message signal. A Universal modulation is the solution to obtain different modulation techniques. For the implementation of Universal Modulator on FPGA, different architecture have been proposed. One of the technique way to realize the Universal Modulator is Look up table (LUT). Here the CORDIC architecture is used for efficient realization of Universal Modulator. The coordinate rotation digital computer (CORDIC) algorithm is widely used in various technological fields such as digital signal processing (DSP), biomedical signal processing, robotics, communication systems, image processing etc. For simple shift and add operation, CORDIC based systems are increased drastically. For the realization of Amplitude modulation, Frequency modulation and Phase modulation, this Universal Modulation is used. The generation of SIN and COS output values will are tested for a given input angle (θ) value. The universal modulator will be designed around the CORDIC algorithms which can generate all most all digital modulation schemes such as ASK, PSK, FSK.
All eyes on the monitor: gaze based interaction in zoomable, multi-scaled information-spaces

The experiment described in this paper, shows a test environment constructed with two information spaces; one large with 2000 nodes ordered in semi-structured groups in which participants performed search and browse tasks; the other was smaller and designed for precision zooming, where subjects performed target selection simulation tasks. For both tasks, modes of gaze- and mouse-controlled navigation were compared. The results of the browse and search tasks showed that the performances of the most efficient mouse and gaze implementations were indistinguishable. However, in the target selection simulation tasks the most efficient gazecontrol proved to be about 16% faster than the most efficient mouse-control. The results indicate that gaze-controlled pan/zoom navigation is a viable alternative to mouse control in inspection and target exploration of large, multi-scale environments. However, supplementing mouse control with gaze navigation also holds interesting potential for interface and interaction design.
The Teamsters' UPS Strike of 1997: Building a New Labor Movement

At a time when the American labor movement is struggling to re verse its decline in membership and strength, the Teamsters' nine-month contract campaign at United Parcel Service in 1997 demonstrated that labor can rebuild its power by involving its members, reaching out for public support, and challenging corporate power on behalf of all working people.
In vivo transgenic expression of collybistin in neurons of the rat cerebral cortex

Collybistin (CB) is a guanine nucleotide exchange factor selectively localized to γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glycinergic postsynapses. Active CB interacts with gephyrin, inducing the submembranous clustering and the postsynaptic accumulation of gephyrin, which is a scaffold protein that recruits GABAA receptors (GABAARs) at the postsynapse. CB is expressed with or without a src homology 3 (SH3) domain. We have previously reported the effects on GABAergic synapses of the acute overexpression of CBSH3− or CBSH3+ in cultured hippocampal (HP) neurons. In the present communication, we are studying the effects on GABAergic synapses after chronic in vivo transgenic expression of CB2SH3− or CB2SH3+ in neurons of the adult rat cerebral cortex. The embryonic precursors of these cortical neurons were in utero electroporated with CBSH3− or CBSH3+ DNAs, migrated to the appropriate cortical layer, and became integrated in cortical circuits. The results show that: 1) the strength of inhibitory synapses in vivo can be enhanced by increasing the expression of CB in neurons; and 2) there are significant differences in the results between in vivo and in culture studies. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1291–1311, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Slicing as a Distributed Systems Primitive

Large-scale distributed systems appear as the major infrastructures for supporting planet-scale services. These systems call for appropriate management mechanisms and protocols. Slicing is an example of an autonomous, fully decentralized protocol suitable for large-scale environments. It aims at organizing the system into groups of nodes, called slices, according to an application-specific criteria where the size of each slice is relative to the size of the full system. This allows assigning a certain fraction of nodes to different task, according to their capabilities. Although useful, current slicing techniques lack some features of considerable practical importance. This paper proposes a slicing protocol, that builds on existing solutions, and addresses some of their frailties. We present novel solutions to deal with non-uniform slices and to perform online and dynamic slices schema reconfiguration. Moreover, we describe how to provision a slice-local Peer Sampling Service for upper protocol layers and how to enhance slicing protocols with the capability of slicing over more than one attribute. Slicing is presented as a complete, dependable and integrated distributed systems primitive for large-scale systems.
Metabonomics Combined with UPLC-MS Chemical Profile for Discovery of Antidepressant Ingredients of a Traditional Chinese Medicines Formula, Chaihu-Shu-Gan-San

This study proposed a new strategy for uncovering the active chemical constituents of a traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) formula, Chaihu-Shu-Gan-San (CSGS). Metabonomics and chemical profile were integrated in combination with the multivariate statistical analysis (MVA) to discover the chemical constituents which contribute to the antidepressant effect of CSGS. Based upon the difference between CSGS and QZ (CSGS without Zhi-Qiao) extracts in the chemical profiles and the regulations of metabolic disturbances induced by CUMS, synephrine, naringin, hesperidin, and neohesperidin were recognized as the active constituents of CSGS from Zhi-qiao responsible for those missing regulations of CSGS when Zhi-Qiao was subtracted from the whole formula. They participated in the regulations of the deviated metabolites 2–4, 10–14, and 22–25, involved in metabolic pathways of ketone bodies synthesis, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, valine, aspartate, glutamate metabolism, and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, the assay of MAO-A activity confirmed the potential antidepressant effect of naringin and its active sites on the MAO-A was inferred by molecular docking study. The integration of metabonomics and chemical profile was proved to be a useful strategy for uncovering what the active chemical constituents in TCM formula are and how they make contributions for the efficacy of the formula.
Exploiting Antitumor Immunotherapeutic Novel Strategies by Deciphering the Cross Talk between Invariant NKT Cells and Dendritic Cells

Immune checkpoint blockade therapy has prevailed for several types of cancer; however, its effectiveness as a single therapy is still limited. In principle, dendritic cells (DCs) should be able to control the post-therapy immune response, in particular since they can link the two major arms of the immune system: innate and adaptive immunity. Therefore, DCs would be a logical and ideal target for the development of immunotherapies. Since DCs are not activated in the steady state, an adjuvant to convert their function from tolerogenic to immunogenic would be desirable. Upon ligand activation, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells simultaneously activate NK cells and also energize the DCs, resulting in their full maturation. To utilize such iNKT-licensed “fully” matured DCs as adjuvants, mechanisms of both intercellular communication between DC subsets and iNKT cells and intracellular molecular signaling in DCs have to be clarified and optimized. To generate both innate and adaptive immunity against cancer, a variety of strategies with the potential to target iNKT-licensed DCs in situ have been studied. The benchmark of success in these studies, each with distinct approaches, will be the development of functional NK cells and cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) as well as generation of long-term, memory CTL. In this review, we provide a framework for NKT-mediated immunotherapy through selective DC targeting in situ, describe progress in the design of licensed therapies for iNKT cell targeting of DCs, and highlight the challenge to provide maximal benefit to patients.
Parallel solutions of indexed recurrence equations

A new type of recurrence equations called "indexed recurrences" (IR) is defined in which the common notion of X[i]=op(X[i],X[i-1]) i=1.n is generalized to X[g(i)]=op(X[f(i)],X[h(i)]) f,g,h:{1.n}/spl rarr/{1.m}. This enables us to model sequential loops of the form for i=1 to n do begin X[g(i)]:=op(X[f(i)],X[h(i)];) as IR equations. Thus, a parallel algorithm that solves a set of IR equations is in fact a way to transform sequential loops into parallel ones. Note that the circuit evaluation problem (CVP) can also be expressed as a set of IR equations. Therefore an efficient parallel solution to the general IR problem is not likely to be found. As such solution would also solve the CVP, showing that P/spl sube/NC. In this paper we introduce parallel algorithms for two variants of the IR equations problem: An O(log n) greedy algorithm for solving IR equations where g(i) is distinct and h(i)=g(i) using O(n) processors. An O(log/sup 2/ n) algorithm with no restriction on f, g or h, using up to O(n/sup 2/) processors. However we show that for general IR, op must be commutative so that a parallel computation can be used.
Context over Time: Modeling Context Evolution in Social Media

The rise of online social media has led to an explosion in user-generated content. However, user-generated content is difficult to analyze in isolation from its context. Accordingly, context detection and tracking its evolution is essential to understanding social media. This paper presents a statistical model that can detect interpretable topics along with their contexts. A topic is represented by a cluster of words that frequently occur together, and a context is represented by a cluster of hashtags that frequently occur with a topic. The model combines a context with a related topic by jointly modeling words with hashtags and time. Experiments on real datasets demonstrate that the proposed model successfully discovers both meaningful topics and contexts, and tracks their evolution.
Effector memory CD4+ T cells are associated with cognitive performance in a senior population

Objective: Immunosenescence and cognitive decline are common markers of the aging process. Taking into consideration the heterogeneity observed in aging processes and the recently described link between lymphocytes and cognition, we herein explored the possibility of an association between alterations in lymphocytic populations and cognitive performance. Methods: In a cohort of cognitively healthy adults (n = 114), previously characterized by diverse neurocognitive/psychological performance patterns, detailed peripheral blood immunophenotyping of both the innate and adaptive immune systems was performed by flow cytometry. Results: Better cognitive performance was associated with lower numbers of effector memory CD4+ T cells and higher numbers of naive CD8+ T cells and B cells. Furthermore, effector memory CD4+ T cells were found to be predictors of general and executive function and memory, even when factors known to influence cognitive performance in older individuals (e.g., age, sex, education, and mood) were taken into account. Conclusions: This is the first study in humans associating specific phenotypes of the immune system with distinct cognitive performance in healthy aging.
Selection for Secondary Education and Achievement in Four Grammar Schools

r NHE ENGLISH educational system has close histoncal connection with the social class structure. In the last fifty years it has played > . an increasingly important part as an agent of selection for social mobility. This has been due, not so much to conscious educational policy, though the idea of the educational ladder has done much to shape the present school system, but rather to far-reaching changes in the occupational structure. The development of large-scale industry has reduced the importance of accumulating small capital as a means of social ascent and at the same time created a new class of salaried managerial and technical occupations. Entry to the new " salariat " has increasingly involved the acquisition of formal educational qualiScations obtainable, for the most part, through selective secondary education of the " Grammar School" type.3 A good deal of interest has recently been taken in the general problem of the relation between education and social mobility, particularly since the Education Act of I944 introduced radical changes into the conditions of entry into the Grammar Schools. Some data relevant to two aspects of the problem are presented below. They are based on material collected from a sample of some 700 boys, aged I3-I4 years, in four Grammar and five Secondary Modern Schools in Greater London. It should be noted that the sample was not chosen speciScally for the purpose of the present discussion
Side effects evaluation of switching frequency modulation in power converters

The switching frequency modulation applied to power converters as EMI reduction technique has been explored during the last years. However, there is some lack in the evaluation of side effects in the converter performance produced by this technique. In this paper we present an evaluation of these undesired effects by measuring the output voltage ripple. To carry out this work we have used a buck converter with a digital controller that implements switching frequency modulation according to periodic (deterministic) patterns. The interaction between the modulation process and the controller is evaluated. On the other hand, we also present a first comparison between other kind of modulation techniques, such as pulse width and pulse position modulations, pinpointing their potentialities