Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil Moisture Retrieval from Polarimetric SAR Data: A Short Review of Existing Methods and a New One

Soil moisture retrieval from SAR data is not an easy task, especially in presence of vegetation cover. Accordingly, in recent years several methods for soil-moisture retrieval under vegetation cover have been developed, relying on model-based or hybrid polarimetric targetdecomposition techniques. However, most of these decomposition techniques suffer from the so-called negative-power problem, which is mainly related to poor modelling of surfaceand/or volume-scattering contributions. In this paper we, first, analyse the Polarimetric Two-Scale Two-Component Model and the Iterative Generalized Hybrid Decomposition method, proposing a way to combine the estimation results of the methods so that most vegetation conditions can be accounted for. Then, we introduce a method that tries to solve the case of dominant surface scattering and nonnegligible dihedral scattering, which is the case not covered by the abovementioned model combination. Meaningful estimation results are presented and discussed using polarimetric L-band SAR data of the AgriSAR 2006 campaign.
Critical Path Selection for Delay Test Considering Coupling Noise

Identifying the set of real critical paths of a circuit is an important step in delay testing. Since path delays are vector dependent, the set of critical paths selected depends on the vectors assumed when estimating the path delays. To find the real critical paths, it is important to consider the effect of dynamic (vector dependent) delay effects such as coupling noise, supply noise etc. during path selection. In this work a methodology to incorporate the effect of coupling noise during path selection is described. For any given path, both logic and timing constraints are extractedand a constrained optimization problem is formulated to estimate the maximum path delay in the presence of coupling noise.
A parallel and fault tolerant file system based on NFS servers

One important piece of system software for clusters is the parallel file system. All current parallel file systems and parallel I/O libraries for clusters do not use standard servers, thus it is very difficult to use these systems in heterogeneous environments. However why use proprietary or special-purpose servers on the server end of a parallel file system when you have most of the necessary functionality in NFS servers already? This paper describes the fault tolerance implemented in Expand (Expandable Parallel File System), a parallel file system based on NFS servers. Expand allows the transparent use of multiple NFS servers as a single file system, providing a single name space. The different NFS servers are combined to create a distributed partition where files are stripped. Expand requires no changes to the NFS server and uses RPC operations to provide parallel access to the same file. Expand is also independent of the clients, because all operations are implemented using RPC and NFS protocol. Using this system, we can join heterogeneous servers (Linux, Solaris, Windows 2000, etc.) to provide a parallel and distributed partition. Fault tolerance is achieved using RAID techniques applied to parallel files. The paper describes the design of Expand and the evaluation of a prototype of Expand, using the MPI-IO interface. This evaluation has been made in Linux clusters and compares Expand with PVFS.
Performance analysis of effective security algorithm for wireless Ad Hoc Networks

Ad Hoc Networks are a new generation of networks offering unrestricted mobility without any underlying infrastructure. Due to lack of centralized control, secured communication in mobile ad hoc network is a crucial issue due to dynamic nature of the network topology. While the routing aspects of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are already well understood, the research activities about security in MANETs are still at their beginning. MANETs pose a number of new security problems in addition to the problems of regular networks. In this paper, we propose an effective security AODV algorithm called ES-AODV to enhance the data security. Simulation results show that our algorithm provides a reasonably good level of security and performance.
Distinct Effects of Topoisomerase I and RNA Polymerase I Inhibitors Suggest a Dual Mechanism of Nucleolar/Nucleoplasmic Partitioning of Topoisomerase I*

Topoisomerase I is mostly nucleolar, because it plays a preeminent role in ribosomal DNA (rDNA) transcription. It is cleared from nucleoli following exposure to drugs stabilizing covalent DNA intermediates of the enzyme (e.g. camptothecin) or inhibiting RNA polymerases (e.g. actinomycin D), an effect summarily attributed to blockade of rDNA transcription. Here we show that two distinct mechanisms are at work: (i) Both drugs induce inactivation and segregation of the rRNA transcription machinery. With actinomycin D this leads to a co-migration of RNA-polymerase I and topoisomerase I to the nucleolar perimeter. The process has a slow onset (>20 min), is independent of topoisomerase I activity, but requires the N-terminal domain of the enzyme to colocalize with RNA polymerase I. (ii) Camptothecin induces, in addition, immobilization of active topoisomerase I on genomic DNA resulting in rapid nucleolar clearance and spreading of the enzyme to the entire nucleoplasm. This effect is independent of the state of rRNA transcription, involves segregation of topoisomerase I from RNA polymerase I, has a rapid onset (<1 min), and requires catalytic activity but neither the N-terminal domain of topoisomerase I nor its major sumoylation site. Thus, nucleolar/nucleoplasmic partitioning of topoisomerase I is regulated by interactions with RNA polymerase I and DNA but not by sumoylation.
A practical method for approaching the channel capacity of constrained channels

A new coding technique is proposed that translates user information into a constrained sequence using very long codewords. Huge error propagation resulting from the use of long codewords is avoided by reversing the conventional hierarchy of the error control code and the constrained code. The new technique is exemplified by focusing on (d, k)-constrained codes. A storage-effective enumerative encoding scheme is proposed for translating user data into long dk sequences and vice versa. For dk runlength-limited codes, estimates are given of the relationship between coding efficiency versus encoder and decoder complexity. We show that for most common d, k values, a code rate of less than 0.5% below channel capacity can be obtained by using hardware mainly consisting of a ROM lookup table of size 1 kbyte. For selected values of d and k, the size of the lookup table is much smaller. The paper is concluded by an illustrative numerical example of a rate 256/466, (d=2, k=15) code, which provides a serviceable 10% increase in rate with respect to its traditional rate 1/2, (2, 7) counterpart.
Psychometric properties of a Chinese (Cantonese) version of the Tinnitus Questionnaire

The objective of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of a Chinese (Cantonese) version of the Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ), which is a psychometric self-report measure of perceived tinnitus-related distress. The subjects were 114 adults who attended audiology clinics with a primary or secondary complaint of tinnitus. They completed the Chinese versions of the TQ (TQ-CH), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The subjective severity of tinnitus and tinnitus-related problems were scored using rating scales. The TQ-CH and its subscales had good internal consistency reliability estimates (α=0.75–0.94), which were comparable to those of the original version. Significant correlations were observed between the TQ-CH and psychological distress, tinnitus-related problem ratings, and severity ratings. Factor analysis showed the high construct validity of the TQ-CH subscales. High test-retest reliablity (intraclass correlation coefficient=0.96) was observed. The results suggest that the TQ-CH is a reliable and valid measure of general tinnitus-related distress that can be used in clinical settings to quantify the impact of tinnitus on daily living.
Learning improvement after PI3K activation correlates with de novo formation of functional small spines

PI3K activation promotes the formation of synaptic contacts and dendritic spines, morphological features of glutamatergic synapses that are commonly known to be related to learning processes. In this report, we show that in vivo administration of a peptide that activates the PI3K signaling pathway increases spine density in the rat hippocampus and enhances the animals’ cognitive abilities, while in vivo electrophysiological recordings show that PI3K activation results in synaptic enhancement of Schaffer and stratum lacunosum moleculare inputs. Morphological characterization of the spines reveals that subjecting the animals to contextual fear-conditioning training per se promotes the formation of large spines, while PI3K activation reverts this effect and favors a general change toward small head areas. Studies using hippocampal neuronal cultures show that the PI3K spinogenic process is NMDA-dependent and activity-independent. In culture, PI3K activation was followed by mRNA upregulation of glutamate receptor subunits and of the immediate-early gene Arc. Time-lapse studies confirmed the ability of PI3K to induce the formation of small spines. Finally, we demonstrate that the spinogenic effect of PI3K can be induced in the presence of neurodegeneration, such as in the Tg2576 Alzheimer’s mouse model. These findings highlight that the PI3K pathway is an important regulator of neuronal connectivity and stress the relationship between spine size and learning processes.
ALTERATION IN ERYTHROCYTE MEMBRANE FATTY ACIDS COMPOSITION , CHOLESTEROL AND PHOSPHOLIPIDS OF CHRONIC LEAD INTOXICATED MALE RABBITS AND THEIR MODULATION WITH VITAMIN

Membrane lipids specially fatty acids appear to be one of the critical target associated with lead intoxication. The aim of our research was to elucidate the changes in erythrocyte membrane fatty acids composition, cholesterol and phospholipids (that may affect different aspect of cell structure and function) under the effect of chronic lead toxicity and their modulation with vitamin E. For this purpose forty two male new-Zealand rabbits of 2-3 months old, average body weight 2-3 kg were randomly divided into three equal groups, each of 14 animals. The first group (GI) kept as control. The second group ( G II) received orally lead acetate (l/20 of L.D.50) daily for 90 days. The third group (G III) administrated orally (lead acetate + vitamin E) daily for 90 days. Heparinized blood samples were obtained from all groups, plasma was separated and used for determination of lipid peroxidation (L. malondialdehyde). Red blood cells were processed for determination of cholesterol, phospholipids and fatty acid composition in erythrocytes membrane. Our data revealed significant increase in plasma MDA level (P < 0.001) and erythrocyte membrane cholesterol (P < 0.05) in lead intoxicated group, which decreased after vitamine E treatment. Whereas a significant decrease in membrane phospholipids (P < 0.05) and alteration in fatty acid pattern which also modulated by vitamin E supplementation.
Secure Internet Connectivity for Dynamic Source Routing (DSR) based Mobile Ad hoc Networks

— ‘ Secure routing in Mobile Ad hoc networks’ and ‘Internet connectivity to Mobile Ad hoc networks’ have been dealt separately in the past research. This paper proposes a light weight solution for secure routing in integrated Mobile Ad hoc Network (MANET)-Internet. The proposed framework ensures mutual authentication of Mobile Node (MN), Foreign Agent (FA) and Home Agent (HA) to avoid various attacks on global connectivity and employs light weight hop-by-hop authentication and end-to-end integrity to protect the network from most of the potential security attacks. The framework also uses dynamic security monitoring mechanism to monitor the misbehavior of internal nodes. Security and performance analysis show that our proposed framework achieves good security while keeping the overhead and latency minimal.
A case study of micro-blogging in the enterprise: use, value, and related issues

This is a case study about the early adoption and use of micro-blogging in a Fortune 500 company. The study used several independent data sources: five months of empirical micro-blogging data, user demographic information from corporate HR records, a web based survey, and targeted interviews. The results revealed that users vary in their posting activities, reading behaviors, and perceived benefits. The analysis also identified barriers to adoption, such as the noise-to-value ratio paradoxes. The findings can help both practitioners and scholars build an initial understanding of how knowledge workers are likely to use micro-blogging in the enterprise.
Subtle and Personal Workspace Requirements for Visual Search Tasks on Public Displays

We explore how users approach and define personal space on large, public displays. Our results show that users of public displays use one of two strategies for visual search tasks: minimizers create a small window and work up close to the display, and maximizers expand content to its full resolution and work at a distance. We show that these interaction styles match predicted 'personal' and 'subtle' interaction zones, characterize typical width and height requirements for these interactions, and show that these requirements are independent of the on-screen content's dimensions. Finally, we suggest practical guidelines for defining workspaces during personal and subtle interaction on large, public displays.
Hypothalamic–endocrine aspects in Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease (HD) is a hereditary and fatal disorder caused by an expanded CAG triplet repeat in the HD gene, resulting in a mutant form of the protein huntingtin. Wild‐type and mutant huntingtin are expressed in most tissues of the body but the normal function of huntingtin is not fully known. In HD, the neuropathology is characterized by intranuclear and cytoplasmic inclusions of huntingtin aggregates, and cell death primarily in striatum and cerebral cortex. However, hypothalamic atrophy occurs at early stages of HD with loss of orexin‐ and somatostatin‐containing cell populations. Several symptoms of HD such as sleep disturbances, alterations in circadian rhythm, and weight loss may be due to hypothalamic dysfunction. Endocrine changes including increased cortisol levels, reduced testosterone levels and increased prevalence of diabetes are found in HD patients. In HD mice, alterations in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis occurs as well as pancreatic β‐cell and adipocyte dysfunction. Increasing evidence points towards important pathology of the hypothalamus and the endocrine system in HD. As many neuroendocrine factors are secreted into the cerebrospinal fluid, blood and urine, it is possible that their levels may reflect the disease state in the central nervous system. Investigating neuroendocrine changes in HD opens up the possibility of finding biomarkers to evaluate future therapies for HD, as well as of identifying novel targets for therapeutic interventions.
A stochastic discrete event simulator for effects-based planning

In this system oriented paper we describe the architectural framework and information flow model of a stochastic discrete event simulator for evaluating military operational plans. The simulator is tailored for Effect-based Planning where the outcome of a plan is compared with a desired end state. The simulator evaluates several alternative plans and identifies those that are closest to the desired end state. As a test case we use a scenario which has been developed by the Swedish Armed Forces in their Combined Joint Staff Exercises. The scenario is carried out in a fictitious country called Bogaland. The simulator focuses on separation of military scenario data (implemented as an XML-model) and military action logic (implemented as a rule based engine). By separating scenario data from actors' behavior rules the modeling task becomes easier for subject matter experts. The results show that alternative plans can be identified based on efficiency and effectiveness.
Molecular mechanisms of antibody-mediated neutralisation of flavivirus infection

Abstract Flaviviruses are a group of positive-stranded RNA viruses that cause a spectrum of severe illnesses globally in more than 50 million individuals each year. While effective vaccines exist for three members of this group (yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis, and tick-borne encephalitis viruses), safe and effective vaccines for several other flaviviruses of clinical importance, including West Nile and dengue viruses, remain in development. An effective humoral immune response is critical for protection against flaviviruses and an essential goal of vaccine development. The effectiveness of virus-specific antibodies in vivo reflects their capacity to inhibit virus entry and spread through several mechanisms, including the direct neutralisation of virus infection. Recent advances in our understanding of the structural biology of flaviviruses, coupled with the use of small-animal models of flavivirus infection, have promoted significant advances in our appreciation of the factors that govern antibody recognition and inhibition of flaviviruses in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we discuss the properties that define the potency of neutralising antibodies and the molecular mechanisms by which they inhibit virus infection. How recent advances in this area have the potential to improve the development of safe and effective vaccines and immunotherapeutics is also addressed.
Toll-Like Receptor 2 Stimulation of Osteoblasts Mediates Staphylococcus Aureus Induced Bone Resorption and Osteoclastogenesis through Enhanced RANKL

Severe Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infections pose an immense threat to population health and constitute a great burden for the health care worldwide. Inter alia, S. aureus septic arthritis is a disease with high mortality and morbidity caused by destruction of the infected joints and systemic bone loss, osteoporosis. Toll-Like receptors (TLRs) are innate immune cell receptors recognizing a variety of microbial molecules and structures. S. aureus recognition via TLR2 initiates a signaling cascade resulting in production of various cytokines, but the mechanisms by which S. aureus causes rapid and excessive bone loss are still unclear. We, therefore, investigated how S. aureus regulates periosteal/endosteal osteoclast formation and bone resorption. S. aureus stimulation of neonatal mouse parietal bone induced ex vivo bone resorption and osteoclastic gene expression. This effect was associated with increased mRNA and protein expression of receptor activator of NF-kB ligand (RANKL) without significant change in osteoprotegerin (OPG) expression. Bone resorption induced by S. aureus was abolished by OPG. S. aureus increased the expression of osteoclastogenic cytokines and prostaglandins in the parietal bones but the stimulatory effect of S. aureus on bone resorption and Tnfsf11 mRNA expression was independent of these cytokines and prostaglandins. Stimulation of isolated periosteal osteoblasts with S. aureus also resulted in increased expression of Tnfsf11 mRNA, an effect lost in osteoblasts from Tlr2 knockout mice. S. aureus stimulated osteoclastogenesis in isolated periosteal cells without affecting RANKL-stimulated resorption. In contrast, S. aureus inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclast formation in bone marrow macrophages. These data show that S. aureus enhances bone resorption and periosteal osteoclast formation by increasing osteoblast RANKL production through TLR2. Our study indicates the importance of using different in vitro approaches for studies of how S. aureus regulates osteoclastogenesis to obtain better understanding of the complex mechanisms of S. aureus induced bone destruction in vivo.
Cascaded speech enhancement technique in highly nonstationary noise environment

This paper discusses on the enhancement of noisy speech in highly nonstationary noise environment. The concept of Minimum Mean Square Error (MMSE) inspired Data driven noise power (DDNP) estimation and geometrical approach to Spectral Subtraction (GASS) is used in cascade in order to obtain a better Segmental Signal to Noise Ratio (SSNR) and good Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) score. This proposed method gives better results for low SNR speech signals compared to iterative enhancement of the individual GASS and DDNP algorithms.
Analysis/Synthesis of Sounds Generated by Sustained Contact Between Rigid Objects

This paper introduces an analysis/synthesis scheme for the reproduction of sounds generated by sustained contact between rigid bodies. This scheme is rooted in a Source/Filter decomposition of the sound where the filter is described as a set of poles and the source is described as a set of impulses representing the energy transfer between the interacting objects. Compared to single impacts, sustained contact interactions like rolling and sliding make the estimation of the parameters of the Source/Filter model challenging because of two issues. First, the objects are almost continuously interacting. The second is that the source is generally unknown and has therefore to be modeled in a generic way. In an attempt to tackle those issues, the proposed analysis/synthesis scheme combines advanced analysis techniques for the estimation of the filter parameters and a flexible model of the source. It allows the modeling of a wide range of sounds. Examples are presented for objects of various shapes and sizes, rolling or sliding over plates of different materials. In order to demonstrate the versatility of the approach, the system is also considered for the modeling of sounds produced by percussive musical instruments.
An effective routing protocol for energy harvesting wireless sensor networks

In traditional wireless sensor networks (WSNs), the power supply is a limiting factor on the lifetime of sensor nodes. Recently, energy harvesting technology has made it possible to develop autonomous WSNs with theoretical unlimited lifetimes. However, the change of power supply calls for a different version of network protocol. In this paper, we introduce Energy Potential Function which is utilized to measure the node's capability of energy harvesting and extend the traditional protocol LEACH to Energy Potential LEACH which is suitable for energy harvesting WSNs. Energy Potential LEACH can not only extend network lifetimes, but also improve the network throughput in energy harvesting WSNs. We evaluate the proposed protocol analytically and numerically, and find that it exhibits a better performance than previous work in terms of lifetimes and throughput.
Intuitiveness facilitates Rehabilitation: Clinical results

This article presents how an adapted design of a mechatronics system and its control can lead to an intuitive interface for patients performing sit-to-stand motions. We focus on the design of a control based on fuzzy rules obtained by an analysis of external interaction forces subjects during motion. Experiments are done with 10 diseased patients in Bellan hospital and show a good learning rate.