Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estimation of dynamic parameters from NMR relaxation data using the Lipari-Szabo model-free approach and Bayesian statistical methods.

In order to analyze NMR relaxation data in terms of parameters which describe internal motion, one must first obtain a description of the overall tumbling of the macromolecule in solution. Methods currently used to estimate these global parameters may not always provide reliable estimates of their values and uncertainties. In this paper, we present a general data analysis formalism based on products of Bayesian marginal probability densities which can be used to efficiently combine the information content from multiple experiments, such as R(1), R(2), and NOE data collected at multiple magnetic field strengths, or data from cross-correlation or rotating frame relaxation dispersion experiments. Our approach allows the estimation of global tumbling and internal dynamical parameters and their uncertainties without some of the assumptions which are made in the commonly-used methods for model-selection and global parameter estimation. Compared to an equivalent classical statistical approach, the Bayesian method not only is more computationally efficient, but also provides greater insight into the information content of the data. We demonstrate that this approach can be used to estimate both the isotropic rotational correlation time in the context of the original and "extended" Lipari-Szabo formalisms [Lipari & Szabo, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1982, 104, 4546; Clore et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1990, 112, 4989], as well as the rotational diffusion coefficients for axially symmetric anisotropic tumbling.
Protein-Protein Interactions in the Complex between the Enhancer Binding Protein NIFA and the Sensor NIFL fromAzotobacter vinelandii

ABSTRACT The enhancer binding protein NIFA and the sensor protein NIFL fromAzotobacter vinelandii comprise an atypical two-component regulatory system in which signal transduction occurs via complex formation between the two proteins rather than by the phosphotransfer mechanism, which is characteristic of orthodox systems. The inhibitory activity of NIFL towards NIFA is stimulated by ADP binding to the C-terminal domain of NIFL, which bears significant homology to the histidine protein kinase transmitter domains. Adenosine nucleotides, particularly MgADP, also stimulate complex formation between NIFL and NIFA in vitro, allowing isolation of the complex by cochromatography. Using limited proteolysis of the purified proteins, we show here that changes in protease sensitivity of the Q linker regions of both NIFA and NIFL occurred when the complex was formed in the presence of MgADP. The N-terminal domain of NIFA adjacent to the Q linker was also protected by NIFL. Experiments with truncated versions of NIFA demonstrate that the central domain of NIFA is sufficient to cause protection of the Q linker of NIFL, although in this case, stable protein complexes are not detectable by cochromatography.
Design Optimization of a High-Speed Synchronous Reluctance Machine

Synchronous reluctance machines, including the permanent-magnet-assisted variants, are competitive motor topologies if the application requires high efficiency and a cost-effective solution with a high flux-weakening capability. However, increasing operating speeds incur challenging design and development decisions, mainly in order to find design solutions that ensure the machine's structural integrity without compromising the overall performance. In this paper, a comprehensive design procedure for high-speed synchronous reluctance machines is presented. In order to validate the procedure, a 5-kW 80 000-r/min machine is considered. The proposed strategy consists of a two-step procedure in which the electromagnetic and structural designs have been properly decoupled, dividing the design space in two subsets. Each subset mainly affects the electromagnetic or the structural performances. Several structural design optimizations have been then performed with the aim of finding the optimal tradeoff between the rotor geometrical complexity (that defines the required computational resources) and the electromagnetic performance. The reported experimental tests of the prototyped machine validate the proposed design strategy, which can be used as general guidelines on the structural design of synchronous reluctance machines.
A comparative study on decomposition-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithms for many-objective optimization

Many-objective optimization problems pose challenges to the Pareto-based multi-objective optimization algorithms. Recent studies have suggested that decomposition is a promising method to improve the performance of multi-objective evolutionary algorithms on many-objective optimization problem. Various methods based on decomposition have been developed to solve many-objective problems in recent years. However, the existing experimental comparative studies are usually limited to only a few methods based on decomposition. This paper offers a systematic comparison of seven representative decomposition-based approaches tested on two groups of widely used problems. The experimental results have demonstrated that none of the compared algorithms has a clear advantage over the others, although different algorithms are competitive on different test problems. Therefore, a careful selection of algorithms is necessary in handling a many-objective problem in hand.
Rear-End Road Crash Characteristics Analysis Based on Chinese In-Depth Crash Study Data

Road crashes are still a big problem for traffic safety. Rear end crashes are one important crash type researchers are trying to mitigate. China’s in-depth crash study collects and analyzes road crashes in order to provide data support for new technologies research. This paper uses data collected by the China in-depth crash study to analyze rear end road crash characteristics in China using three parts: passenger car-to-passenger car rear end crashes, passenger car-to-truck rear end crashes, and truck-to-truck rear end crashes. Results found that driving at night and fatigued driving are main factors for truck rear end crashes. Use of safety belts was found to decrease an occupant’s injury severity. Underrun protection devices and small overlap collision testing are necessary in China.
Psychopathology in Substance Abusing Women Reporting Childhood Sexual Abuse

Abstract This study compared MMPI-2 profiles and evaluated the ability of the MMPI-2 and its two new post-traumatic stress scales (PK and PS) to discriminate women in outpatient substance abuse treatment reporting positive (n = 24) and negative (n = 69) child sexual abuse histories. T-tests revealed significantly higher mean scores for the sexual abuse group for the following scales: F, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, and 8. A discriminant analysis yielded a linear function of L, F, 3, 5, 8, and PK that correctly categorized 75% with positive histories and 77% with negative histories. The optimal cutoff PK score was 17, which correctly classified 75% and 46% of those reporting positive and negative abuse histories, respectively. These findings support early identification of abuse survivors among substance abusing women and suggests that the MMPI-2 may be useful in patient-treatment matching.
Estrogen Receptor α Rapidly Activates the IGF-1 Receptor Pathway*

Estrogen and insulin-like-growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are potent mitogenic stimuli that share important properties in the control of cellular proliferation. However, the coupling between the signaling cascades of estrogen receptors α and β and the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is poorly understood. Therefore, we selectively transfected estrogen receptor α or β in COS7 and HEK293 cells, which contain IGF-1R. In presence of estrogen receptor α but not β, 17β-estradiol (E2) rapidly induces phosphorylation of the IGF-1R and the extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2. Furthermore, upon stimulation with E2, estrogen receptor α but not β bound rapidly to the IGF-1R in COS7 as well as L6 cells, which express all investigated receptors endogenously. Control experiments in the IGF-1R-deficient fibroblast cell line R− showed that after stimulation with E2 only estrogen receptor α bound to the transfected IGF-1R. Overexpression of dominant negative mitogen-activated protein kinases kinase inhibited this effect. Finally, estrogen receptor α but not β is required to induce the activation of the estrogen receptor-responsive reporter ERE-LUC in IGF-1-stimulated cells. Taken together, these data demonstrate that ligand bound estrogen receptor α is required for rapid activation of the IGF-1R signaling cascade.
Mastering Change Management for Successful Supply Chain Transformation

Supply chain transformation is necessary for the survival and growth of an organization; the more effective the transformation, the more likely the company is to thrive. In response to the dramatic changes in the business landscape over the last few years, many companies are launching business transformation programs to drive sweeping changes in their supply chain processes. These transformations are required to match the ever-growing customer demand and drive competition in the market. The supply chain transformation can be evident in exploring new sourcing networks, establishing collaborative forecasting processes, optimizing networks and inventories, reducing supply chain complexities, improving margins, etc. In today’s world, it is no longer an option whether or not to opt for supply chain business transformations. Instead, it is a strategic mandate in order to stay relevant in the industry. This chapter provides the analysis of the most common transformation failures and suggests a practical framework leveraging some of the best practices in change management.
Development and Use of the World Wide Web by U.S. Local Governments

San Carlos, California (www.cityofsancarlos.org) claims to have developed one of the earliest local government Web sites in the world, posted on May 10, 1994 (San Carlos, 2006). From this early effort, United States (U.S.) cities moved rapidly onto the Web. Norris and Moon (2002), for example, report that some 4.4% of U.S. cities in a 2000 survey by the International City Management Association (ICMA) reported developing Web sites before 1995; 27.1% reported developing their Web sites in the 1995-’96 time period, and 68.5% reported their Web site developed after 1997. San Carlos’ original Web site comprised one page; its current Web site now contains some 8,000 pages and uses some of the Web’s most modern technology available, such as really simple syndication (RSS) and Flash Paper.1 This article uses the example of San Carlos’ Web site, along with two surveys of local government Web sites in the U.S., to illustrate the experience that U.S. local governments have had in developing and using Web sites in the pursuit of bettering governance. The article examines four local government Web applications—bulletin boards, promotions, service delivery and citizen input—and assesses their use by U.S. local governments. The article then addresses current issues of outsourcing Web site design and maintenance, and future issues of privacy, security, the digital divide and the possible effects of increased local government Web sites on U.S. civil society.
Citizen-driven dashboards in smart ecosystems: a framework

This position paper is concerned with the research and design of infocommunication technologies for citizen engagement and learning in smart ecosystems. The work assumes a human-centric citizen-driven smart city design approach and also proposes a R&D iterative framework model based on SOA work that goes from citizen inquiry to a front-end dashboard paradigm proposal. A research framework is discussed alongside scientific and public state of the art projects, their methods, techniques and main goals/results that inform smart ecosystem R&D agenda today. The specific contribution of this work concentrates on the proposal of affordant visual personal dashboards to represent selected open data smart ecosystem dimensions to be interpreted by the common citizen, capable of engaging the citizen and supporting in locolearning of real context of need/use situations.
Managing the Soils of Sub-Saharan Africa

Many constraints to intensive food-crop production in tropical Africa are related to tropical soils. Improved technologies are available for different ecological regions. Important technological innovations include manual land clearing, mulch farming, conservation tillage and tiedridges, agroforestry, cover crops, mixed- and relay-cropping, and early sowing for improved and sustained productivity. Irrigation, animal traction or draft animals, and the use of chemical fertilizers are also important. Much of the agrarian stagnation in Africa is caused by neglect and misuse of the most basic of all resources, the soil. In fact, the root cause of the perpetual famine can be traced to the misuse of soil and water resources and issues related to their misuse. Substantial increases in food production are possible if the proven technologies can be effectively transferred and implemented. Priorities lie in both short-term development projects and in initiating long-term research to understand soil and water resources and how to manage them. The agrarian research must address the issue of improving the welfare of resource-poor farmers.
Towards an alternative framework for the evaluation of translational research initiatives

This paper will propose a framework for evaluating translational research by identifying the way in which translational research occurs in practice (rather than the formal linear stages in which the results of such process are typically presented). Following previous work on methods to evaluation science-society interactions, our approach will focus on the processes of TR and the ways in which public initiatives to support new ways of conducting research succeed or fail. Our starting point is that TR is expressed through complex cycles where knowledge is moving back and forth through the bedside-to-bench continuum across various channels, giving rise to complex interactions between research performers and the user of the results of such research. The approach is rooted on empirical context of IDIBAPS, a university-hospital joint institute in Barcelona, one of the European centre of excellence for TR, and a study on social networks and knowledge flows in the Spanish Biomedical Research Networking Centres (CIBERs). Further, we suggest that interactions between biomedical actors are less than optimal because the distances that separate these different groups make the interactions difficult. We end up by stating that learning processes and knowledge exchange interactions are facilitated and strengthened by five forms of proximity: cognitive, social, organisational, institutional and spatial.
Overcoming challenges in mobile UX research methods and tools

Judging by the year-by-year increasing number of CHI publications on mobile research methods and tools, it is clear that the community is currently rapidly innovating on tools, infrastructure, and methods for mobile user experience (UX) research. To reflect on this development, this SIG extends the workshop, "Mobile User Experience Research: Challenges, Methods & Tools" [8], and will open up the discussion to a wider group of practitioners and researchers.
Missing data treatment in administrative fiscal sources for the French Structural Business Statistics production system

Esane rests on the implementation of administrative data (mainly enterprises’ annual tax returns) as much as possible in order to lessen enterprises statistic burden. A survey is also carried out on a sample of firms to collect information on businesses turnover breakdown and some sector specific features not available in other sources. Esane uses specific estimators, named composite estimators, that aim at optimally combining these different sources.
Competitive Strategy, Performance Appraisal and Firm Results

In this study, we address the relationship between performance appraisal and competitive strategy, as well as the impact of this relationship on firm performance. The results indicate that the adoption of developmental performance appraisal and the use of administrative performance appraisal are higher among firms that pursue differentiation strategies compared to those competing on costs. Regarding firm performance, the interaction between a developmental appraisal system and a quality strategy displays higher return on equity and sales per employee. Those firms that combine a focus on innovation with administrative performance appraisal also enjoy higher performance. Finally, when the firm competes on the basis of cost reduction, the use of administrative appraisal increases the sales per employee.
Thin glass substrates development and integration for through glass vias (TGV) with Cu interconnect

Through silicon via (TSV) containing interposers have been widely discussed and applied to Three-Dimensional Stacked Integrated Circuit (3D-IC) integration. Advanced silicon interposers could be derived from three essential technologies: frontside multi-level-metallization, through-substrate-via and backside metallization. The approaches used for these technologies depend upon the application requirements, especially for the TSV technology. Process development, optimization, and cost still remain as the main issue to the industry.
It Ain't Necessarily So: Checking Charts for Robustness

Graphics such as statistical charts are crucial tools for communicating the essence of data, but require care in their construction: a chart for a given data set could appear to tell a range of stories, depending just on parameter values used in generating the chart. We are investigating how providing an interactive history of chart-parameter manipulations could encourage people to check the robustness of any story a chart appears to show. Our hope is that this work will be of value to chart creators and consumers alike.
Collaboration in mature XP teams

3. Team characteristics From the very first team we observed, we have identified clear characteristics of XP teams: 1. Individuals and the team do work which demonstrates respect for each other; 2. Individuals and the team take responsibility – i.e. they are self-managing teams; 3. Individuals and the team actively encourage preservation of sustainable pace in their working practices; 4. Through their everyday actions, individuals and the team demonstrate faith in their own abilities and trust in each other.
Enhancing security and scalability of Virtual Private LAN Services

Ethernet based VPLS (Virtual Private LAN Service) is a transparent, protocol independent, multipoint L2VPN (Layer 2 Virtual Private Network) mechanism to interconnect remote customer sites over IP (Internet Protocol) or MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching) based provider networks. VPLS networks are now becoming attractive in many Enterprise applications, such as DCI (data center interconnect), voice over IP (VoIP) and videoconferencing services due to their simple, protocol-independent and cost efficient operation. However, these new VPLS applications demand additional requirements, such as elevated security, enhanced scalability, optimum utilization of network resources and further reduction in operational costs. Hence, the motivation of this thesis is to develop secure and scalable VPLS architectures for future communication networks. First, a scalable secure flat-VPLS architecture is proposed based on a Host Identity Protocol (HIP). It contains a session key-based security mechanism and an efficient broadcast mechanism that increase the forwarding and security plane scalability of VPLS networks. Second, a secure hierarchical-VPLS architecture is proposed to achieve control plane scalability. A novel encrypted label-based secure frame forwarding mechanism is designed to transport L2 frames over a hierarchical VPLS network. Third, a novel Distributed Spanning Tree Protocol (DSTP) is designed to maintain a loop free Ethernet network over a VPLS network. With DSTP it is proposed to run a modified STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) instance in each remote segment of the VPLS network. In addition, two Redundancy Identification Mechanisms (RIMs) termed Customer Associated RIMs (CARIM) and Provider Associated RIMs (PARIM) are used to mitigate the impact of invisible loops in the provider network. Lastly, a novel SDN (Software Defined Networking) based VPLS (Soft-VPLS) architecture is designed to overcome tunnel management limitations in legacy secure VPLS architectures. Moreover, three new mechanisms are proposed to improve the performance of legacy tunnel management functions: 1) A dynamic tunnel establishment mechanism, 2) a tunnel resumption mechanism and 3) a fast transmission mechanism. The proposed architecture utilizes a centralized controller to command VPLS tunnel establishment based on real-time network behavior. Hence, the results of the thesis will help for more secure, scalable and efficient system design and development of VPLS networks. It will also help to optimize the utilization of network resources and further reduction in operational costs of future VPLS networks.
Selective harmonics elimination: PWM method versus optimized total harmonic distortion

This paper describes two different PWM methods to improve the quality of the output voltage waveform provided from five level inverter. The first one is the selective harmonics elimination (SHEPWM). The purpose is to cancel the 5th, 7th and 11th harmonic row. The second technique is proposed to optimize the total harmonic distortion (OTHD) using the differential evolution method.
Graphical Annotation for Syntax-Semantics Mapping

A potential work item (PWI) for ISO standard (MAP) about linguistic annotation concerning syntax-semantics mapping is discussed. MAP is a framework for graphical linguistic annotation to specify a mapping (set of combinations) between possible syntactic and semantic structures of the annotated linguistic data. Just like a UML diagram, a MAP diagram is formal, in the sense that it accurately specifies such a mapping. MAP provides a diagrammatic sort of concrete syntax for linguistic annotation far easier to understand than textual concrete syntax such as in XML, so that it could better facilitate collaborations among people involved in research, standardization, and practical use of linguistic data. MAP deals with syntactic structures including dependencies, coordinations, ellipses, transsentential constructions, and so on. Semantic structures treated by MAP are argument structures, scopes, coreferences, anaphora, discourse relations, dialogue acts, and so forth. In order to simplify explicit annotations, MAP allows partial descriptions, and assumes a few general rules on correspondence between syntactic and semantic compositions.
Antibacterial Activity of the Essential Oil of Heracleum Sibiricum

The composition and antimicrobial activity of the essential oil of Heracleum sibiricum L. (Apiaceae) was studied. The aerial part of plant was hydro-distilled and chemical composition of the essential oil was analyzed by GC and GC-MS. Forty-six compounds, corresponding to 95.12% of the total oil, were identified. Esters represented the major chemical class (69.55%) while the main constituents were octyl butanoate (36.82%), hexyl butanoate (16.08%), 1-octanol (13.62%) and octyl hexanoate (8.10%). Antibacterial activity of the essential oil and reference antibiotics against nine bacterial strains was tested by the broth microdilution method. The results of the bioassays showed that essential oil had slight antimicrobial activities against all tested microorganisms (MIC and MBC values were in the range of 2431.2 to 9724.8 μg/mL). Reference antibiotics were active in concentrations between 0.5 and 16.0 μg/mL. The results confirm that Gram-positive bacteria were more susceptible to the essential oil of H. sibiricum, in comparison with Gram-negative bacteria.