Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Security as a Service in Smart Clouds -- Opportunities and Concerns

The cloud computing paradigm emerged shortly after the introduction of the "invisible" grid concepts but it has taken only a few years for cloud computing to gain enormous momentum within industry and academia alike. However, providing adequate security support by those complex distributed systems is of primary importance for the wide adoption of cloud computing by the end users. This paper gives an overview of the main cloud security issues and challenges. Existing and proposed solutions are also presented with particular attention to the security as a service approach. Some of the available directions for future work are also discussed.
Privacy-Aware Web Service Protocol Replaceability

Business protocols are becoming a necessary part of Web services description [4]. The work presented in [4] investigates mechanisms for analyzing the compatibility and the substitution (i.e., replaceability) of Web services based on their functional properties. In this paper, we focus on the replaceability analysis. Whether a service can replace another depends not only on their functional properties but also on non functional requirements (e.g., privacy policies). We propose a privacy-aware protocol replaceability approach to extend the work presented in [4] by privacy properties. We introduce a rule-based privacy model and we extend business protocols, leading to what we call private business protocols. Finally, a private replaceability analysis of private business protocols is discussed. We mainly investigate compatibility issues, that is whether one private business protocol can support the same set of conversations with respect to the privacy requirements.
A Device-Orientation Independent Method for Activity Recognition

This paper describes an orientation-independent method for detecting activities of daily living based on reference coordinate transformation. With the proposed method, a classification model can be trained using data acquired during a specific sensor orientation and applied to other input signals regardless of the orientation of the device. The technique is validated using activity recognition experiments with four different orientations of a single tri-axial accelerometer placed on the waist of 13 subjects performing a sub-class of activities of daily living. A high subject-independent accuracy of 90.42% has been achieved, reflecting a significant improvement of 11.74% and 16.58%, compared with classification without input transformation and classification with orientation-specific models, respectively.
Applying HMEANT to English-Russian Translations

In this paper we report the results of first experiments with HMEANT (a semiautomatic evaluation metric that assesses translation utility by matching semantic role fillers) on the Russian language. We developed a web-based annotation interface and with its help evaluated practicability of this metric in the MT research and development process. We studied reliability, language independence, labor cost and discriminatory power of HMEANT by evaluating English-Russian translation of several MT systems. Role labeling and alignment were done by two groups of annotators - with linguistic background and without it. Experimental results were not univocal and changed from very high inter-annotator agreement in role labeling to much lower values at role alignment stage, good correlation of HMEANT with human ranking at the system level significantly decreased at the sentence level. Analysis of experimental results and annotators’ feedback suggests that HMEANT annotation guidelines need some adaptation for Russian.
Molecular Pathways Involved in Loss of Kidney Graft Function with Tubular Atrophy and Interstitial Fibrosis

Loss of kidney graft function with tubular atrophy (TA) and interstitial fibrosis (IF) causes most kidney allograft losses. We aimed to identify the molecular pathways involved in IF/TA progression. Kidney biopsies from normal kidneys (n = 24), normal allografts (n = 6), and allografts with IF/TA (n = 17) were analyzed using high-density oligonucleotide microarray. Probe set level tests of hypotheses tests were conducted to identify genes with a significant trend in gene expression across the three groups using Jonckheere-Terpstra test for trend. Interaction networks and functional analysis were used. An unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis showed that all the IF/TA samples were associated with high correlation. Gene ontology classified the differentially expressed genes as related to immune response, inflammation, and matrix deposition. Chemokines (CX), CX receptor (for example, CCL5 and CXCR4), interleukin, and interleukin receptor (for example, IL-8 and IL10RA) genes were overexpressed in IF/TA samples compared with normal allografts and normal kidneys. Genes involved in apoptosis (for example, CASP4 and CASP5) were importantly overexpressed in IF/TA. Genes related to angiogenesis (for example, ANGPTL3, ANGPT2, and VEGF) were downregulated in IF/TA. Genes related to matrix production-deposition were upregulated in IF/TA. A distinctive gene expression pattern was observed in IF/TA samples compared with normal allografts and normal kidneys. We were able to establish a trend in gene expression for genes involved in different pathways among the studied groups. The top-scored networks were related to immune response, inflammation, and cell-to-cell interaction, showing the importance of chronic inflammation in progressive graft deterioration.
Income Dispersion and Counter-Cyclical Markups : Supplementary Material and Technical Appendix

This appendix provides the formal proof of Proposition 1, an analytic calculation showing that indivisible x-goods are not essential for our main results, and a numerical example showing that our results can also be obtained in a random coefficients discrete choice demand system like that of Berry, Levinsohn and Pakes (1995), commonly used in the industrial organization literature. The appendix also outlines how the model with GHH preferences is solved numerically, does sensitivity analysis, and describes the data and calibration procedures in more detail. Finally, the appendix sketches a version of the model with endogenous risk sharing.
( Kopenhagen ) : The Democratic Challenges of the EU Presidency after the Lisbon Treaty : The Case of Denmark

Besides the economic crisis, the Lisbon Treaty challenged and changed Denmark’s seventh Presidency of the Council of the EU (henceforth the EU Council Presidency), introducing the new High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (henceforth The High Representative), i.e. a permanent president for the European Council and the Trio presidencies. Here, we investigate the democratic consequences of the changes of the EU Council Presidency illustrated through the case of the Danish 2012 Presidency. We evaluate the changes in an input-output legitimacy framework, focusing on the European Parliament (EP) and the people’s ability to affect politics during the EU Council Presidency. Based on the Danish case, we argue that the changes of the EU Council Presidency limit people’s ability to influence decision-making, as powers have been transferred to new permanent institutions.
Telomeres and Telomerase in Cardiovascular Diseases

Telomeres are tandem repeat DNA sequences present at the ends of each eukaryotic chromosome to stabilize the genome structure integrity. Telomere lengths progressively shorten with each cell division. Inflammation and oxidative stress, which are implicated as major mechanisms underlying cardiovascular diseases, increase the rate of telomere shortening and lead to cellular senescence. In clinical studies, cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and hypertension have been associated with short leukocyte telomere length. In addition, low telomerase activity and short leukocyte telomere length have been observed in atherosclerotic plaque and associated with plaque instability, thus stroke or acute myocardial infarction. The aging myocardium with telomere shortening and accumulation of senescent cells limits the tissue regenerative capacity, contributing to systolic or diastolic heart failure. In addition, patients with ion-channel defects might have genetic imbalance caused by oxidative stress-related accelerated telomere shortening, which may subsequently cause sudden cardiac death. Telomere length can serve as a marker for the biological status of previous cell divisions and DNA damage with inflammation and oxidative stress. It can be integrated into current risk prediction and stratification models for cardiovascular diseases and can be used in precise personalized treatments. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of telomeres and telomerase in the aging process and their association with cardiovascular diseases. In addition, we discuss therapeutic interventions targeting the telomere system in cardiovascular disease treatments.
Graphical Analysis of Stabilization Loss and Gains for Three-Port Networks

This paper presents the graphical analysis of stabilization loss and gains for three-port networks. The analysis considers the three-port stabilization loss, the three-port maximum available gain and the three-port maximum stable gain, which are functions of three-port S-parameters and third port termination Γ3. Extending its advantages, the three-port quasi-invariant stability parameter is exploited in introducing the new concept of stabilization loss, which corresponds to the loss of maximum available gain for more stabilization. To provide quick and apt representation in the Γ3 plane, a graphical approach is developed using the plots of constant stabilization loss curves and constant maximum stable gain circles. Their constructions are facilitated via explicit quartic polynomial and circle equations. Moreover, constant maximum available gain curves can also be constructed readily with reference to the appropriate curves and circles. All these plots facilitate the selection of proper Γ3 terminations for trade-off between stabilization loss and gains. Applications of graphical analysis for three-port network are illustrated along with measurements using an amplifier paralleled with feedback element.
p140Cap Regulates Memory and Synaptic Plasticity through Src-Mediated and Citron-N-Mediated Actin Reorganization

A major challenge in the neuroscience field is the identification of molecules and pathways that control synaptic plasticity and memory. Dendritic spines play a pivotal role in these processes, as the major sites of excitatory synapses in neuronal communication. Previous studies have shown that the scaffold protein p140Cap localizes into dendritic spines and that its knockdown negatively modulates spine shape in culture. However, so far, there is no information on its in vivo relevance. By using a knock-out mouse model, we here demonstrate that p140Cap is a key element for both learning and synaptic plasticity. Indeed, p140Cap−/− mice are impaired in object recognition test, as well as in LTP and in LTD measurements. The in vivo effects of p140Cap loss are presumably attenuated by noncell-autonomous events, since primary neurons obtained from p140Cap−/− mice show a strong reduction in number of mushroom spines and abnormal organization of synapse-associated F-actin. These phenotypes are most likely caused by a local reduction of the inhibitory control of RhoA and of cortactin toward the actin-depolymerizing factor cofilin. These events can be controlled by p140Cap through its capability to directly inhibit the activation of Src kinase and by its binding to the scaffold protein Citron-N. Altogether, our results provide new insight into how protein associated with dynamic microtubules may regulate spine actin organization through interaction with postsynaptic density components.
A CMOS biologically expansion/contraction motion sensor and its implementation on z-motion direction/velocity detection

In this paper, a CMOS biologically expansion/contraction motion sensor and its implementation on z-motion direction/velocity detection is newly proposed. The proposed method to calculate the z-motion velocity is based on the principle of biconvex lens geometry (BLG). The proposed chip is attractive due to the fact that analog processing circuits and light sensor are integrated robustly and compactly. Different to previous work, the proposed method can be real-time to calculate the velocity of z-axis of an object. The proposed chip consists of 80 pixels, and the sensor array is divided into eight parts in different axes. The chip area is 4×4 mm2. Based upon the device parameters of 0.35 μm 2P4M CMOS technology, all the functions and performance of the proposed expansion/contraction motion sensor and its implementation on z-motion direction/velocity detection are successfully tested and proven through SPICE simulations. The proposed chip is suitable for Z-motion applications, such as surveillance robot and 3D motion applications.
Hetero‐trans‐β‐glucanase, an enzyme unique to Equisetum plants, functionalizes cellulose

Summary Cell walls are metabolically active components of plant cells. They contain diverse enzymes, including transglycanases (endotransglycosylases), enzymes that ‘cut and paste’ certain structural polysaccharide molecules and thus potentially remodel the wall during growth and development. Known transglycanase activities modify several cell‐wall polysaccharides (xyloglucan, mannans, mixed‐linkage β‐glucan and xylans); however, no transglycanases were known to act on cellulose, the principal polysaccharide of biomass. We now report the discovery and characterization of hetero‐trans‐β‐glucanase (HTG), a transglycanase that targets cellulose, in horsetails (Equisetum spp., an early‐diverging genus of monilophytes). HTG is also remarkable in predominantly catalysing hetero‐transglycosylation: its preferred donor substrates (cellulose or mixed‐linkage β‐glucan) differ qualitatively from its acceptor substrate (xyloglucan). HTG thus generates stable cellulose–xyloglucan and mixed‐linkage β‐glucan–xyloglucan covalent bonds, and may therefore strengthen ageing Equisetum tissues by inter‐linking different structural polysaccharides of the cell wall. 3D modelling suggests that only three key amino acid substitutions (Trp → Pro, Gly → Ser and Arg → Leu) are responsible for the evolution of HTG's unique specificity from the better‐known xyloglucan‐acting homo‐transglycanases (xyloglucan endotransglucosylase/hydrolases; XTH). Among land plants, HTG appears to be confined to Equisetum, but its target polysaccharides are widespread, potentially offering opportunities for enhancing crop mechanical properties, such as wind resistance. In addition, by linking cellulose to xyloglucan fragments previously tagged with compounds such as dyes or indicators, HTG may be useful biotechnologically for manufacturing stably functionalized celluloses, thereby potentially offering a commercially valuable ‘green’ technology for industrially manipulating biomass.
Augmenting a window system with speech input

Some necessary background in speech recognition and window systems is given, with an analysis of how they might be combined. Xspeak, a navigation application, and its operation and a field study of its use are described. With Xspeak, window navigation tasks usually performed with a mouse can be controlled by voice. An improved version, Xspeak II, which incorporates a language for translating spoken commands, is introduced. <<ETX>>
Postprandial Triglyceridemia and Carotid Atherosclerosis in Middle‐Aged Subjects

Background and Purpose It has been suggested that a postprandial accumulation of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins promotes the development of atherosclerosis. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that postprandial lipemia is independently associated with intima–media thickening of the extracranial carotid arteries. Methods Forty-seven middle-aged, moderately hypercholesterolemic individuals were recruited for a 1-day study of the lipemic response to a standard high-fat test meal. The formula was fed at a dose of 65 g fat/m2 body surface area, after a 14-hour fast, and blood was obtained for triglyceride analysis hourly for 8 hours. A baseline lipid profile was obtained. Each subject underwent a carotid ultrasound examination. The extent of alimentary lipemia (peak triglyceride response) was correlated with the carotid artery wall thickness as measured by B-mode ultrasound. Results Univariate analyses indicated an inverse correlation between peak triglyceride response and high density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration and a direct correlation with male sex, baseline triglyceride concentration, background fat intake, and waist-to-hip ratio. Of these, the only variable that showed a univariate correlation with B-mode score was peak triglyceride response. Age and cigarette smoking were also correlated with B-mode score in univariate analyses. The correlation coefficient (r=0.52) between peak triglyceride response to a fat-rich meal and B-mode score was significant (p<0.002) and remained so in multivariate analysis. Forward-selection stepwise regression resulted in the inclusion of only peak triglyceride response (p=0.001) and smoking history (p=0.005) as important predictors of carotid wall thickness in a linear model. Conclusions The association between lipemic response and carotid wall thickness suggests that prolonged exposure of arterial wall cells to triglyceride-rich chylomicron remnants enhances the atherogenic process.
Chemical Compositions of Red Giant Stars in Old Large Magellanic Cloud Globular Clusters

We have observed 10 red giant stars in four old Large Magellanic Cloud globular clusters with the high-resolution spectrograph MIKE on the Magellan Landon Clay 6.5 m telescope. The stars in our sample have up to 20 elemental abundance determinations for the α-, iron peak, and neutron-capture element groups. We have also derived abundances for the light odd-Z elements Na and Al. We find NGC 2005 and NGC 2019 to be more metal-rich than previous estimates from the Ca II triplet, and we derive [Fe/H] values closer to those obtained from the slope of the red giant branch. However, we confirm previous determinations for Hodge 11 and NGC 1898 to within 0.2 dex. The LMC cluster [Mg/Fe] and [Si/Fe] ratios are comparable to the values observed in old Galactic globular cluster stars, as are the abundances [Y/Fe], [Ba/Fe], and [Eu/Fe]. The LMC clusters do not share the low-Y behavior observed in some dwarf spheroidal galaxies. [Ca/Fe], [Ti/Fe], and [V/Fe] in the LMC, however, are significantly lower than what is seen in the Galactic globular cluster system. Neither does the behavior of [Cu/Fe] as a function of [Fe/H] in our LMC clusters match the trend seen in the Galaxy, staying instead at a constant value of roughly -0.8. Because not all [α/Fe] ratios are suppressed, these abundance ratios cannot be attributed solely to the injection of Type Ia supernova material and instead reflect the differences in star formation history of the LMC versus the Milky Way. An extensive numerical experimental study was performed, varying both input parameters and stellar atmosphere models, to verify that the unusual abundance ratios derived in this study are not the result of the adopted atomic parameters, stellar atmospheres, or stellar parameters. We conclude that many of the abundances in the LMC globular clusters we observed are distinct from those observed in the Milky Way, and these differences are intrinsic to the stars in those systems.
Relating Values in a Series of Supreme Court Decisions

In recent years it has become quite usual to view legal decisions in terms of consideration of the values affected by deciding the case for or against a particular party. Often deciding for, say, the plaintiff will promote one value at the expense of another. Precedents are then supposed to guide the way in which this conflict is resolved. In this paper we will consider a series of cases exploring the so-called automobile exception to the requirement of the Fourth Amendment protecting against unreasonable search of persons, houses, papers, and effects. These cases highlight a conflict between the value of law enforcement and the value of privacy as protected by the Fourth Amendment, and will be used to illuminate questions about the treatment of value conflicts arising from previous work in AI and Law.
Demodulator based on deep belief networks in communication system

Deep belief network (DBN) has been successfully applied in variety areas such as image recognition and natural language processing. In this paper, we investigate the signal demodulation problems in different types of communication channels. Then, a novel deep belief networks (DBN)-based demodulator is proposed. Since the DBN-based method is just like a black box that can automatically learn how to demodulate the received signals, few manual designs is required in the receiver. Moreover, we also propose a novel mapping method for the communication signals to match the input of DBN. Simulation results with different amounts of training samples and iterations show that the DBN-based demodulator is feasible and efficient.
Shared Vision, Innovational Mechanism and Product Innovation: An Empirical Research in South China

This study combines shared vision theory and innovational mechanism perspectives to develop a general model of product innovation. We analyze this model using a structural equation model approach, with 218 manufacturing and service firms in China are selected as the samples of this study. Our results indicate that internal shared vision positively affects innovational mechanism, and innovational mechanism has significant effect on product innovation, but shared vision does not have direct impact on product innovation. The results suggest that significant benefits can be achieved for the firm's product innovation by fostering innovational mechanism.
Face attribute classification using attribute-aware correlation map and gated convolutional neural networks

This paper proposes a face attribute classification method based on attribute-aware correlation map and gated convolutional neural networks (CNN). The attribute-aware correlation map provides correlation information between pixel-location and attribute label, and each correlation map of an attribute provides information regarding regions where the relevant features should be extracted. Using the correlation maps of all the attributes, a number of most relevant face part regions are discovered. Based on the face part regions, gated columns of CNNs are simultaneously pre-trained on for face representations then fine-tuned for attribute classification. Here, each CNN column takes input from one of the regions discovered. The column of the CNN is gated such that in the backpropagation of the learning process, classification error due to less relevant attributes do not over influence the learning process. In the experiment, we manually labeled each image in the Labeled Faces in the Wild (LFW) benchmark dataset with 40 face attributes and obtained significant performance improvement over other state-of-the art methods.
Staging length, variation and utilization— How do they affect crossdocking performances?

Queueing or congestion effect is an important factor affecting crossdocking performances. In this paper, the author examines features derived from queueing theory and uses simulation methods to analyze staging queueing, a unique queue that pallets would not move forward by themselves. Through the examinations, the author finds that queueing theory still applies to staging queue in general. Further, the author provides several insights for improving crossdocking performance from the simulation results, including smoothing trailer arrivals, installing suitable staging size, balancing demand distribution and avoiding high worker utilization.