Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Asymptotically optimal distributed channel allocation: A competitive game-theoretic approach

In this paper we consider the problem of distributed channel allocation in large networks under the frequency-selective interference channel. Performance is measured by the weighted sum of achievable rates. First we present a natural non-cooperative game theoretic formulation for this problem. It is shown that, when interference is sufficiently strong, this game has a pure price of anarchy approaching infinity with high probability, and there is an asymptotically increasing number of equilibria with the worst performance. Then we propose a novel non-cooperative M Frequency-Selective Interference Game (M-FSIG), where users limit their utility such that it is greater than zero only for their M best channels, and equal for them. We show that the M-FSIG exhibits, with high probability, an increasing number of optimal pure Nash equilibria and no bad equilibria. Consequently, the pure price of anarchy converges to one in probability in any interference regime. In order to exploit these results algorithmically we propose a modified Fictitious Play algorithm that can be implemented distributedly. We carry out simulations that show its fast convergence to the proven pure Nash equilibria.
Demo: An Open-source Software Defined Platform for Collaborative and Energy-aware WiFi Offloading

This demonstration presents a novel software defined platform for achieving collaborative and energy-aware WiFi offloading. The platform consists of an extensible central controller, programmable offloading agents, and offloading extensions on mobile devices. Driven by our extensive measurements of energy consumption on smartphones, we propose an effective energy-aware offloading algorithm and integrate it to our platform. By enabling collaboration between wireless networks and mobile users, our solution can make optimal offloading decisions that improve offloading efficiency for network operators and achieve energy saving for mobile users. To enhance deployability, we have released our platform under open-source licenses on GitHub.
Scalable Solutions for Interactive Virtual Humans that Can Manipulate Objects

This paper presents scalable solutions for achieving virtual humans able to manipulate objects in interactive virtual environments. The scalability trades computational time with the ability of addressing increasingly difficult constraints. In time-critical environments, arm motions are computed in few milliseconds using fast analytical Inverse Kinematics. For other types of applications where collision-free motions are required, a randomized motion planner capable of generating motions of average complexity in about a second of computation time is employed. The steps required for defining and computing different types of manipulations are described in this paper.
Tangible interfaces for manipulating aggregates of digital information

This thesis develops new approaches for people to physically represent and interact with aggregates of digital information. These support the concept of Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs), a genre of human-computer interaction that uses spatially reconfigurable physical objects as representations and controls for digital information. The thesis supports the manipulation of information aggregates through systems of physical tokens and constraints. In these interfaces, physical tokens act as containers and parameters for referencing digital information elements and aggregates. Physical constraints are then used to map structured compositions of tokens onto a variety of computational interpretations. This approach is supported through the design and implementation of several systems. The mediaBlocks system enables people to use physical blocks to “copy and paste” digital media between specialized devices and general-purpose computers, and to physically compose and edit this content (e.g., to build multimedia presentations). This system also contributes new tangible interface techniques for binding, aggregating, and disaggregating sequences of digital information into physical objects. Tangible query interfaces allow people to physically express and manipulate database queries. This system demonstrates ways in which tangible interfaces can manipulate larger aggregates of information. One of these query approaches has been evaluated in a user study, which has compared favorably with a best-practice graphical interface alternative. These projects are used to support the claim that physically constrained tokens can provide an effective approach for interacting with aggregates of digital information. Thesis Supervisor: Hiroshi Ishii Associate Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
Component-Aware System Architecting : A Software Interoperability Perspective

As an emerging discipline, Component-Aware System Architecting (CASA) takes advantage of the composition of reusable heterogenous architectural components developed by different people, at different time. CASA can also collaborate with component-aware requirements elicitation to strengthen component-aware requirements’ claims. However, CASA does not come for free, one of many challenges facing integration of architectural components to form a heterogenous system architecture is interoperability, e.g., the possibility for architectural sub-components to be compatible with each other. More specifically, syntactic interoperability, semantic interoperability, and non-functional concerns of integrating architectural components are all challenging. This paper discusses CASA through model-driven evaluation approach while emphasizing on interoperability issue using a Home Appliance Control System (HACS) example. Keywords—System architecting, component, interoperability.
Novel stem/progenitor cells with neuronal differentiation potential reside in the leptomeningeal niche

Stem cells capable of generating neural differentiated cells are recognized by the expression of nestin and reside in specific regions of the brain, namely, hippocampus, subventricular zone and olfactory bulb. For other brain structures, such as leptomeninges, which contribute to the correct cortex development and functions, there is no evidence so far that they may contain stem/precursor cells. In this work, we show for the first time that nestin‐positive cells are present in rat leptomeninges during development up to adulthood. The newly identified nestin‐positive cells can be extracted and expanded in vitro both as neurospheres, displaying high similarity with subventricular zone–derived neural stem cells, and as homogeneous cell population with stem cell features. In vitro expanded stem cell population can differentiate with high efficiency into excitable cells with neuronal phenotype and morphology. Once injected into the adult brain, these cells survive and differentiate into neurons, thus showing that their neuronal differentiation potential is operational also in vivo. In conclusion, our data provide evidence that a specific population of immature cells endowed of neuronal differentiation potential is resident in the leptomeninges throughout the life. As leptomeninges cover the entire central nervous system, these findings could have relevant implications for studies on cortical development and for regenerative medicine applied to neurological disorders.
SELDI-TOF-MS Proteomic Profiling of Serum, Urine, and Amniotic Fluid in Neural Tube Defects

Neural tube defects (NTDs) are common birth defects, whose specific biomarkers are needed. The purpose of this pilot study is to determine whether protein profiling in NTD-mothers differ from normal controls using SELDI-TOF-MS. ProteinChip Biomarker System was used to evaluate 82 maternal serum samples, 78 urine samples and 76 amniotic fluid samples. The validity of classification tree was then challenged with a blind test set including another 20 NTD-mothers and 18 controls in serum samples, and another 19 NTD-mothers and 17 controls in urine samples, and another 20 NTD-mothers and 17 controls in amniotic fluid samples. Eight proteins detected in serum samples were up-regulated and four proteins were down-regulated in the NTD group. Four proteins detected in urine samples were up-regulated and one protein was down-regulated in the NTD group. Six proteins detected in amniotic fluid samples were up-regulated and one protein was down-regulated in the NTD group. The classification tree for serum samples separated NTDs from healthy individuals, achieving a sensitivity of 91% and a specificity of 97% in the training set, and achieving a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 97% and a positive predictive value of 95% in the test set. The classification tree for urine samples separated NTDs from controls, achieving a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 94% in the training set, and achieving a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 82% and a positive predictive value of 85% in the test set. The classification tree for amniotic fluid samples separated NTDs from controls, achieving a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 89% in the training set, and achieving a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 88% and a positive predictive value of 90% in the test set. These suggest that SELDI-TOF-MS is an additional method for NTDs pregnancies detection.
Derivation of the SLEDAI. A disease activity index for lupus patients. The Committee on Prognosis Studies in SLE.

OBJECTIVE To standardize outcome measures in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Three indices were identified which could adequately describe outcome (disease activity, damage from disease, and health status); we describe here the development of the Disease Activity Index. METHODS Twenty-four variables were identified as important factors in a disease activity index. These were used to generate 574 patient profiles, which were rated on a disease activity scale of 0-10 by 14 rheumatologists. A second rating of 10 of the profiles yielded scores that were not significantly different from the first, indicating that experienced clinicians can reliably make global estimates of disease activity. Multiple regression models were used to estimate the relative importance of the 24 clinical variables in the physicians' global rating of disease activity. These were estimated on a "training set" of 75% of physicians' ratings, and then validated on a "testing set," consisting of the remaining 25% of physicians' ratings. RESULTS The explanatory power of the models in the training set was high (R2 = 0.93). The models' regression coefficients for the organ systems were simplified for easier use in clinical practice. This generated a "weighted" index of 9 organ systems for disease activity in SLE, the SLEDAI, as follows: 8 for central nervous system and vascular, 4 for renal and musculoskeletal, 2 for serosal, dermal, immunologic, and 1 for constitutional and hematologic. The maximum theoretical score is 105, but in practice, few patients have scores greater than 45. The SLEDAI predicted well the physicians' ratings in the testing set (Pearson's correlation coefficients = 0.64-0.79). CONCLUSION The SLEDAI is a validated model of experienced clinicians' global assessments of disease activity in lupus. It represents the consensus of a group of experts in the field of lupus research.
SuVMF: software-defined unified virtual monitoring function for SDN-based large-scale networks

Traffic and resource monitoring is the essential function for large-scale enterprises, service providers, and network operators to ensure reliability, availability, and security of their resources. For this reason, many large-scale enterprises and providers have been investing in various standalone dedicated monitoring solutions. However, they find the cost of a dedicated standalone appliance per-feature prohibitive, inflexible, slow to install and difficult to maintain. Network Function Virtualization (NFV)-based virtualization trends represent an attractive opportunity for such stakeholders trying to meet the above requirements while controlling OPEX and CAPEX. Although there are many advantages that virtualization of monitoring function brings, some challenges remained to be solved are ensuring scalability and performance of single or distributed multiple virtual monitoring functions and flexibility and easiness of virtual functions lifecycle management. In this paper, to address such problems, we propose a novel architecture of software-defined unified virtual monitoring function for SDN-based large-scale networks (SuVMF). SuVMF is an essential component to build a scalable, reliable, secure and high-performance SDN architecture by providing intelligent control and monitoring management abstraction and filtering layer. In this paper, we present design, implementation, and evaluation results of SuVMF.
ugmenting DAF levels in vivo ameliorates experimental autoimmune

Recent studies in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) have found that CNS injury in Daf1−/− mice is much greater than in wild types (WTs), suggesting that upregulating DAF levels in vivo might ameliorate disease. To test this, we generated a Daf1 transgenic (Tg) mouse which had elevated DAF levels on its cell surfaces. In by-stand C3b uptake assays, Daf1 Tg mouse erythrocytes took up less C3b on their surfaces than WT erythrocytes. When co-cultured with OT-II CD4+ T cells together with OVA323–339 peptide, Daf1 Tg mouse bone marrow derived dendritic cells (BM-DCs) produced less C5a and C3a than WT BM-DCs and stimulated a lesser T cell response. In MOG35–55 immunization induced EAE model, Daf1 Tg mice exhibited delayed disease onset and decreased clinical scores cells
Paracoccidioides brasilinsis-Induced Migration of Dendritic Cells and Subsequent T-Cell Activation in the Lung-Draining Lymph Nodes

Paracoccidioidomycosis is a mycotic disease caused by a dimorphic fungus, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb), that starts with inhalation of the fungus; thus, lung cells such as DC are part of the first line of defense against this microorganism. Migration of DC to the lymph nodes is the first step in initiating T cell responses. The mechanisms involved in resistance to Pb infection are poorly understood, but it is likely that DC play a pivotal role in the induction of effector T cells that control Pb infection. In this study, we showed that after Pb Infection, an important modification of lung DC receptor expression occurred. We observed an increased expression of CCR7 and CD103 on lung DC after infection, as well as MHC-II. After Pb infection, bone marrow-derived DC as well lung DC, migrate to lymph nodes. Migration of lung DC could represent an important mechanism of pathogenesis during PCM infection. In resume our data showed that Pb induced DC migration. Furthermore, we demonstrated that bone marrow-derived DC stimulated by Pb migrate to the lymph nodes and activate a T helper (Th) response. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported data showing that Pb induces migration of DC and activate a T helper (Th) response.
Capturing biological information with class?Cresponsibility?Ccollaboration cards

UNLABELLED Class-responsibility-collaboration (CRC) cards have been used extensively in the software industry for defining complex object-oriented software requirements. We have adapted this tool to capture information about biological components, collaborators and responsibilities within these collaborations, which is not captured by current annotation tools. CRC cards should provide a common ground that will facilitate communication between biologist and computer scientists. AVAILABILITY A CRC card template, XML representation and XML schema are freely available at http://people.musc. edu/~zhengw/CRCCard/CRC_Card_Index. html SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplemental Figures 1-4.
Rhinovirus detection using different PCR-based strategies

Human rhinoviruses (HRVs) are the major cause of the common cold. HRVs were recently reclassified into the Enterovirus genus (HEV) in the Picornaviridae family. HRVs and other members of the HEV genus share many common features, including sense RNA genomes and partial nucleotide sequence identity. The aim of this study was to evaluate different HRV detection strategies. Samples from adults with acute respiratory infection (n = 291) who were treated in Sao Paulo Hospital (2001-2003) were tested using three assays. The first assay detected picornaviruses by RT-PCR and hybridization, the second detected rhinoviruses using RT-PCR/sequencing, and the third differentiated HRV from HEV using duplex semi-nested-RT-PCR. Analysis of the results obtained from the first two strategies revealed 83% concordance. Discordant samples were then evaluated by the third protocol, and 82% were negative. The picornavirus detection protocol was more sensitive but less specific than the rhinovirus detection protocols. The semi-nested protocol utilized in the present study was less sensitive and was not useful in differentiating HRV from HEV. Sequencing assays examining different genes would address the best strategy of confirming rhinovirus and enterovirus infections.
A high‐latitude convective cloud feedback and equable climates

A convective cloud feedback on extratropical surface temperatures is identified in a zonally averaged two‐level atmospheric model. The model contains simplified parametrizations for convection, precipitation, and clouds, and a long‐wave radiation scheme that explicitly depends on carbon dioxide, water vapour, and cloud fraction. The convective cloud feedback occurs if the extratropical surface temperature is increased enough to initiate strong atmospheric convection. This results in a change from low to high clouds and from negative to neutral or positive cloud radiative forcing, which further warms the surface and leads to more convection. This positive feedback activates as the CO2 concentration is increased and leads to a climate solution with high boundary‐layer temperatures, convection at mid and high latitudes, and an Equator to Pole temperature difference that is reduced by 8–10 °C. The reduction in Equator to Pole temperature difference is due to changes in high‐latitude local heat balance and occurs despite decreased meridional heat transport. The convective cloud feedback also leads to multiple equilibria and hysteresis with respect to CO2 and other model variables, although these results may be due to the simplicity of the model. The possible connection of the behaviour of the model at high CO2 with equable climates is considered. Copyright © 2008 Royal Meteorological Society
Channel normalisation by using rasta filtering and the dynamic cepstrum for automatic speech recognition over the phone

Human auditory perception is perfectly capable to deal with time-invariant linear filter effects, such as those introduced by telephone handsets and telephone channels. We compared two different schemes for modeling human auditory time-frequency masking: RASTA filtering and the dynamic cepstrum represen­ tation (DCR). We used a small set of context-independent phone hidden Markov models for a recognition task of connected digit strings over the telephone. We found that RASTA filtering out­ performed the Gaussian DCR approach, despite the fact that RASTA represents a more crude approximation of human for­ ward masking. Our results may be influenced by the choice of the mel-frequency cepstral representation that we used. The superiour performance of the RASTA technique may also be ex­ plained by the fact that the frequency response of the RASTA filter is better matched to the region of modulation frequencies where human auditory perception is most sensitive.
Static and Dynamic Analysis of Simply Supported Beams

In this study, two deflection functions due to flexure and shear have been obtained for the global form of composite materials. Two different composite materials are selected for comparison of these deflection functions. These composites are: polymer matrix composite simply supported beam, reinforced by unidirectional fibers; and thermoplastic simply supported beam, reinforced by woven Cr-Ni steel fibers. In accordance with these different material properties, analytical and numerical solutions have been carried out. For 0, 30, 45, 60, and 90 fiber orientation angles, static and dynamic behavior of the two different composite materials are examined. Numerical solutions are given as graphical forms. In addition to modal analysis, two different composite materials have been realized. Natural frequencies and vibration modes are given as graphical forms. ANSYS and MATLAB software are used for numerical analysis of the different composite materials.
Comparison Thermal Conductivity and Cost of Materials Specified for Thermal Insulation of the Building's Facade

Situation on insulation market, not only in Czech Republic, is confused for the general public. This paper tries to streamline this fact. Here are described more than 30 types of thermal insulations divided into 6 categories. Each category is detailed described by physical parameters and each is sequentially selected about 5, which are most frequently using like thermal insulation of the building's façade, without air gap. Elementary parameters, which are most important from investors view, are finances. Like a basic reference value was chosen thermal conductivity of insulation and for economical compare was chosen uniform thickness insulation on building envelope 100 mm. On the basis of these two values are insulation chosen. In this paper are results clearly graphically compiled.From graphs it is clear, that most of thermal insulation's values of thermal conductivity are very similar, bud prices of insulations can be usually substantially different. From this is evident, that some of insulation are so popular, because their producer have excellent marketing and promotion.
Automarking: using computational linguistics to score short‚ free−text responses

Many of UCLES' academic examinations make extensive use of questions that require candidates to write one or two sentences. For example, questions often ask candidates to state, to suggest, to describe, or to explain. These questions are a highly regarded and integral part of the examinations, and are also used extensively by teachers. A system that could partially or wholly automate valid marking of short, free text answers would therefore be valuable, but until  The UCLES Group provides assessment services worldwide through three main business units. • Cambridge-ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) provides examinations in English as a foreign language and qualifications for language teachers throughout the world. • CIE (Cambridge International Examinations) provides international school examinations and international vocational awards. • OCR (Oxford, Cambridge and RSA Examinations) provides general and vocational qualifications to schools, colleges, employers, and training providers in the UK. For more information please visit http://www.ucles. org.uk
A general critical-strain criterion for crazing in amorphous glassy polymers

Abstract The critical stress for craze formation in four different grades of polystyrene has been investigated under conditions of biaxial stress with one principal stress compressive. The results are consistent with the suggestion of Sternstein and Ongchin (1969) that for crazes to form the hydrostatic component of the stress tensor must be tensile. It has further been shown that a convenient way to express the criterion for the formation of crazes is in terms of a critical tensile strain, ∊c, which is a function of the hydrostatic component of the stress tensor. This critical-strain criterion can readily be applied to predict the onset of crazing under a general triaxial state of stress, and it may be possible to interpret the variation of the two parameters in the criterion in terms of two distinct critical processes in the formation of a craze, one process pressure-dependent the other not.