Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Symmetric Data Attachment Terms for Large Deformation Image Registration

Nonrigid medical image registration between images that are linked by an invertible transformation is an inherently symmetric problem. The transformation that registers the image pair should ideally be the inverse of the transformation that registers the pair with the order of images interchanged. This property is referred to as symmetry in registration or inverse consistent registration. However, in practical estimation, the available registration algorithms have tended to produce inverse inconsistent transformations when the template and target images are interchanged. In this paper, we propose two novel cost functions in the large deformation diffeomorphic framework that are inverse consistent. These cost functions have symmetric data-attachment terms; in the first, the matching error is measured at all points along the flow between template and target, and in the second, matching is enforced only at the midpoint of the flow between the template and target. We have implemented these cost functions and present experimental results to validate their inverse consistent property and registration accuracy.
Spectrum Sensing and Signal Identification With Deep Learning Based on Spectral Correlation Function

Spectrum sensing is one of the means of utilizing the scarce source of wireless spectrum efficiently. In this paper, a convolutional neural network (CNN) model employing spectral correlation function (SCF) which is an effective characterization of cyclostationarity property, is proposed for wireless spectrum sensing and signal identification. The proposed method classifies wireless signals without a priori information and it is implemented in two different settings entitled CASE1 and CASE2. In CASE1, signals are jointly sensed and classified. In CASE2, sensing and classification are conducted in a sequential manner. In contrary to the classical spectrum sensing techniques, the proposed CNN method does not require a statistical decision process and does not need to know the distinct features of signals beforehand. Implementation of the method on the measured over-the-air real-world signals in cellular bands indicates important performance gains when compared to the signal classifying deep learning networks available in the literature and against classical sensing methods. Even though the implementation herein is over cellular signals, the proposed approach can be extended to the detection and classification of any signal that exhibits cyclostationary features. Finally, the measurement-based dataset which is utilized to validate the method is shared for the purposes of reproduction of the results and further research and development.
Differential Replication in Machine Learning

When deployed in the wild, machine learning models are usually confronted with data and requirements that constantly vary, either because of changes in the generating distribution or because external constraints change the environment where the model operates. To survive in such an ecosystem, machine learning models need to adapt to new conditions by evolving over time. The idea of model adaptability has been studied from different perspectives. In this paper, we propose a solution based on reusing the knowledge acquired by the already deployed machine learning models and leveraging it to train future generations. This is the idea behind differential replication of machine learning models.
Production and processing of a recombinant Fasciola hepatica cathepsin B-like enzyme (FhcatB1) reveals potential processing mechanisms in the parasite

Abstract The liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica, apparently uses a number of cysteine proteases during its life cycle, most likely for feeding, immune evasion and invasion of tissues. A cathepsin B-like enzyme (herein referred to as FhcatB1) appears to be a major enzyme secreted by the invasive, newly excysted juvenile flukes of this parasite. To examine the processing mechanisms for this enzyme, a recombinant form was expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified to yield a homogenous pool of the enzyme. The purified enzyme could be autoactivated at low pH via a bi-molecular mechanism, a process that was greatly accelerated by the presence of large, negatively charged molecules such as dextran sulfate. The enzyme could also apparently be processed to the correct size by an asparaginyl endopeptidase via cleavage in an unusual insertion N-terminal to the normal cleavage site used to yield the active form of the enzyme. Thus, there appear to be a number of ways in which this enzyme can be processed to its optimally active form prior to secretion by F. hepatica.
Integration of off-line scheduling and optimal control

A novel method for offline scheduling is proposed where the periodic task model does not contain the usual task period parameter. This is possible because the scheduling is integrated with control theory. A slot length defines the granularity of schedule and the optimal control theory tells us what the best offline static cyclic schedule is with respect to the overall system performance. The optimal control theory used here is periodic linear quadratic control and should be comprehensible to the control engineer versed in state space theory. The scheduled resource is fairly divided among the controllers by paying respect to their needs when rejecting disturbances acting on the plant.
Electronic shelf label system employing a visible light identification link

In this paper, we suggest the usage of a visible light identification (VLID) link for an Electronic Shelf Label (ESL) system. The suggested VLID link can provide an accurate individualized identification capacity between customer's smartphone and distant, closely-spaced ESL tags. ESL tag sends its information by switching a liquid crystal display shutter which is located on its surface. A light emitting diode flash that emits visible light and a photodiode are used as the VLID reader. Experiments were conducted to confirm its feasibility. The results show that 500 bps reading speed is possible over a distance of 0.5 m.
Structural basis for the high‐affinity interaction of nidogen‐1 with immunoglobulin‐like domain 3 of perlecan

Nidogen and perlecan are large multifunctional basement membrane (BM) proteins conserved in all metazoa. Their high‐affinity interaction, which is likely to contribute to BM assembly and function, is mediated by the central G2 domain in nidogen and the third immunoglobulin (IG)‐like domain in perlecan, IG3. We have solved the crystal structure at 2.0 Å resolution of the mouse nidogen‐1 G2–perlecan IG3 complex. Perlecan IG3 belongs to the I‐set of the IG superfamily and binds to the wall of the nidogen‐1 G2 β‐barrel using β‐strands C, D and F. Nidogen‐1 residues participating in the extensive interface are highly conserved, whereas the corresponding binding site on perlecan is more variable. We hypothesize that a second, as yet unidentified, activity of nidogen overlaps with perlecan binding and accounts for the unusually high degree of surface conservation in the G2 domain.
Translation, interpretation and common meaning: Victoria Welby's significal perspective

As she worked through the nineteenth century Victoria Welby elaborated a fascinating theory of translation based on her theory of sign and meaning, which she designated with the term significs. This means to say that, on the one hand, Welby’s theory of translation took account of the vastness and variety of the world of signs, therefore of the unbounded nature of translative-interpretive processes which cannot be limited to the mere transition from one language to another. The condition for interlingual translation in the human world is the larger context where translative processes converge with life processes and maybe push beyond in what would seem to be an unbounded cosmic dimension. On the other hand, that Welby should have related her translation theory to her theory of sign and meaning also implies that she founded her translation theory in a theory of value recognizing the inevitable importance of the latter when translating within a single language as much as across different languages in a plurilingual and intercultural world. Ultimately, in the properly human world, to translate means to interpret, that is, to translate transfiguring and transvaluating significance.
Cardiac L‐Type Calcium Channel α1‐Subunit Is Increased by Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate: Messenger RNA and Protein Expression in Intact Bone

L‐type calcium channels have been identified previously in both osteoblast‐like osteosarcoma cell lines and primary cultures of osteoblasts using numerous techniques such as patch clamp recording, drug inhibited45Ca2+ uptake, and Fura‐2 measurements, but intact bone has not been investigated. Using reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) we found that the three major isoforms of the α1‐subunit of L‐type calcium channels, (α1C, α1D, and α1S) are present in RNA extracted from ROS 17/2.8 osteosarcoma cells, rat femur, and rat skull. Sequencing of most of the α1C‐subunit from rat femur and ROS cells revealed that the splice variants in osteosarcoma cells and intact bone differ, but there are no unique sequence variations compared with those found in other tissues. Northern blot analysis of ROS cell RNA indicated that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), but not 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3, increased the messenger RNA (mRNA) of the α1C‐subunit. Western blot of ROS cell lysates revealed a band of more then 220 kDa, the amount of which increased in cells treated with cAMP. Using confocal microscopy combined with immunohistochemistry in ROS cells, intact bone, and cartilage, we found that the α1C‐subunit of this channel is expressed in osteoblasts and chondrocytes suggesting this channel may be a pathway for signal transduction in intact tissue, because it is in osteosarcoma cell lines and primary osteoblasts grown in tissue culture.
Terapía génica antitumoral mediante vacunas con células modificadas genéticamente.

RESUMEN Una de las estrategias mas satisafactorias empleadas en la lucha contra el cancer es la utilizacion de la terapia genica para actuar en la inmunomodulacion, es decir la actuacion sobre el propio sistema inmunitario del paciente para que sea este quien reconozca al tumor como algo foraneo, que no escape a la inmunovigilancia y lograr destruirlo. En esta tesis doctoral hemos explorado bajo este concepto las vacunas por terapia genica no viral, tanto preventivas como terapeuticas, trabajando bien con antigenos aislados y genes como con celulas y genes. Los experimentos en modelo de melanoma murino, se han divido en tres grandes bloques. 1) En las vacunas preventivas con antigenos, se obtuvieron diferentes tasas de reduccion de volumen tumoral, acompanadas de produccion de inmunnoglobulinas G especificas frente al tumor tratado. Se obtuvieron los mejores resultados en modelos de vacunacion con acondicionamiento tisular en los que inicialmente se acondicionaba al animal con los antigenos purificados, transfectando posteriormente con plasmidos desnudos productores del gen de mGM-CSF. 2) En las vacunas preventivas celulares, transfectando celulas B16 con plasmidos portadores de los genes de mGM-CSF, mIL-12, mB7.2 y combinaciones entre ellos, se obtuvo la proteccion total frente al tumor en los animales vacunados con 3 dosis de 2x105 celulas transfectdas, irradiadas, no seleccionadas. Ademas se demostro que la vacunacion habia generado memoria inmunologica, al repetir la exposicion al tumor en los mismos animales un ano despues y volver a lograr la proteccion total. Adicionalmente se realizaron experimentos de vacunacion exclusivamente con las celulas transfectadas, seleccionadas y purificadas mediante bolas magneticas. 3) Por ultimo, se realizaron experimentos de vacunacion terapeutica, en animales portadores de tumor, siguiendo el modelo de celulas transfectadas. Se probaron diferentes dosis celulares y el tratamiento previo con ciclofosfamida. Los mejores resultados de inhibicion tumoral y prolongacion de la supervivencia se obtuvieron en las vacunas con 2 millones de celulas/dosis. Finalmente se realizo una primera aproximacion al estudio del bloqueo del exito de la vacunacion terapeutica, analizando la poblacion de celulas T reguladoras en los animales tratados. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
Meta‐analysis of the comparative efficacy and safety of adjuvant treatment to levodopa in later Parkinson's disease

Levodopa initially provides good symptomatic control of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, but motor complications often develop after long‐term use. Other classes of antiparkinsonian drugs including dopamine agonists, catechol‐O‐methyl transferase inhibitors, or monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors are then added as adjuvant therapy. It is unclear whether one class of drug is more effective than another. This meta‐analysis evaluates the comparative benefits and risks of these agents as adjuvant treatment in Parkinson's disease patients with motor complications.
Aspirin regulates SNARE protein expression and phagocytosis in dendritic cells

Abstract Since being introduced globally as Aspirin in 1899, acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been widely used as an analgesic, immune-regulatory, anti-pyretic and anti-thrombotic drug. ASA and its metabolite, salicylate, were also reported to be able to modulate antigen presenting functions of dendritic cells (DC). However, the intracellular targets of ASA in DC are still poorly understood. Since phagocytosis is the initial step taken by antigen-presenting cells in the uptake of antigens for processing and presentation, ASA might exerts its immune-regulatory effects by regulating phagocytosis. Here we show that ASA inhibits phagocytosis and modulates expression of endosomal SNAREs, such as Vti1a, Vti1b, VAMP-3, VAMP-8 and Syn-8 (but not syn-6 and syn-16) in DC. We further show that the phagocytic inhibitory effect of ASA is dependent on the expression of Vti1a and Vti1b. Consistently, Vti1a and Vti1b localize to the phagosomes and up-regulation of Vti1a and Vti1b inhibits phagocytosis in DC. Our results suggest that ASA modulates phagocytosis in part through the control of endosomal SNARE protein expression and localization in DC. All experiments were performed using either a murine DC line (DC2.4) or primary DC derived from murine bone marrow cells.
Clustering-based Bangla spell checker

Detecting spelling errors and correcting those errors automatically is a great research challenge. Developing a precise spell checker for Bangla language which detects spelling errors and provides suggestions for correcting those errors, is quite difficult because of the complex rules of Bangla spelling. In this paper, a clustering-based spell checking technique is proposed for Bangla language that reduces both search space and search time. Therefore, it improves the performance of a spell checker. The proposed spell checker can handle both typographical errors and phonetic errors. To evaluate the proposed spell checking technique, we use 2,450 misspelled words and the result shows that the proposed approach performs better for checking and correcting spelling errors. The success rate of proposed spell checker is 99.8%. We compare our spell checking technique with two Bangla spell checkers, Avro and Puspa and the proposed system provides relatively better results.
Classroom-Level Adversity: Associations With Children’s Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors Across Elementary School

Concerns regarding the social-behavioral maladjustment of U.S. youth have spurred efforts among educators and policymakers to identify and remedy educational contexts that exacerbate children’s anxiety, depression, aggression, and misconduct. However, investigations of the influence of collective classroom student characteristics on individuals’ social-behavioral functioning are few. The present study examined concurrent and longitudinal relations between adversity factors facing the collective classroom student group and levels of children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors across the elementary school years, and whether the pattern of relations differed for girls and boys. First-, third-, and fifth-grade teachers reported on the extent to which adversity-related factors (e.g., home/family life, academic readiness, social readiness, English proficiency, tardiness/absenteeism, student mobility, health) presented a challenge in their classrooms (i.e., classroom-level adversity [CLA]). Mothers reported on their child’s internalizing and externalizing behavior at each grade. Autoregressive, lagged panel models controlled for prior levels of internalizing and externalizing behavior, mothers’ education, family income-to-needs, and class size. For all children at each grade, CLA was concurrently and positively associated with externalizing behavior. For first-grade girls, but not boys, CLA was also concurrently and positively associated with internalizing behavior. Indirect effects suggested CLA influenced later internalizing and externalizing behavior through its influence on maladjustment in a given year. Discussion highlights possible methods of intervention to reduce CLA or the negative consequences associated with being in a higher-adversity classroom.
Reciprocal effects of IFN‐β and IL‐12 on STAT4 activation and cytokine induction in T cells

IL‐12 is an immunoregulatory cytokine, which promotes Th1 cell differentiation and is a major inducer of IFN‐γ. IFN‐β, a Type I IFN used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, has been shown to significantly increase the expression of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐10, a major suppressor of Th1 cytokines. The beneficial immunomodulatory effects of IFN‐β may in part be a result of its ability to suppress IL‐12. However, IL‐12 and IFN‐β signal via the STAT4 pathway. Our aim was to investigate the relationship between IL‐12 and IFN‐β by observing the effect of prior exposure to IL‐12 or IFN‐β on the ability of T cells to subsequently respond to the other cytokine. We report that IFN‐β increases IL‐12‐induced STAT4 phosphorylation and up‐regulates IL‐12 receptor β1 and β2 expression. However, despite this up‐regulation, IFN‐β suppressed IL‐12‐induced IFN‐γ expression. Our results suggest that this may be a result of the parallel induction of IL‐10 by IFN‐β.
Hanging nodes in the Context of Algebraic Stabilizations for Convection-Diffusion Equations

In this work, we propose an investigation of hanging nodes in the context of a posteriori error estimator for algebraic flux-corrected (AFC) schemes for stationary convection-diffusion equations. Results have also been presented for the handling of grids with hanging nodes for higher-order Lagrange elements. Numerical simulation illustrating the satisfaction and the violation of discrete maximum principle (DMP) for the BJK limiter and the Kuzmin limiter, respectively have been presented in two dimensions.
Baseline stimulated thyroglobulin level as a good predictor of successful ablation after adjuvant radioiodine treatment for differentiated thyroid cancers.

BACKGROUND To determine the predictive value of the baseline stimulated thyroglobulin (STg) level for ablation outcome in patients undergoing adjuvant remnant radioiodine ablation (RRA) for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study accrued 64 patients (23 male and 41 female; mean age of 40±14 years) who had total thyroidectomy followed by RRA for DTC from January 2012 till April 2014. Patients with positive anti-Tg antibodies and distant metastasis on post-ablative whole body iodine scans (TWBIS) were excluded. Baseline STg was used to predict successful ablation (follow-up STg<2 ng/ml, negative diagnostic WBIS and negative ultrasound neck) at 7-12 months follow-up. RESULTS Overall, successful ablation was noted in 37 (58%) patients while ablation failed in 27 (42%). Using the ROC curve, a cut-off level of baseline STg level of ≤14.5 ng/ml was found to be most sensitive and specific for predicting successful ablation. Successful ablation was thus noted in 25/28 (89%) of patients with baseline STg≤14.5 ng/ml and 12/36 (33%) patients with baseline STg>14.5 ng/ml ((p value<0.05). Age>40 years, female gender, PTS>2 cm, papillary histopathology, positive cervical nodes and positive TWBIS were significant predictors of ablation failure. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that in patients with total thyroidectomy followed by I-131 ablation for DTC, the baseline STg level is a good predictor of successful ablation based on a stringent triple negative criteria (i.e. follow-up STg <2 ng/ ml, a negative DWBIS and a negative US neck).
Allocation de processus sur les architectures parallèles à mémoire distribuée

Dans la conception d'environnements de programmation et de systemes d'exploitation pour des architectures paralleles a memoire distribuee, l'allocation des processus qui composent un programme a un impact critique sur les performances du systeme. Nous avons d'abord traite le probleme d'allocation statique de processus sur une architecture statique. Une approche originale basee sur les algorithmes genetiques a ete utilisee pour resoudre ce probleme. Un algorithme genetique massivement parallele a ete propose, evalue et integre dans un systeme parallele. Une comparaison des performances de l'algorithme genetique avec les algorithmes iteratifs de recherche locale et du recuit simule a donner lieu a des resultats encourageants en faveur des algorithmes genetiques. Dans le cas d'architectures reconfigurables, l'allocation est accompagnee de la definition de la configuration la plus adaptee au programme. Ce probleme a ete traite en deux etapes. La premiere etape fait un groupement de processus pour obtenir un graphe dont le nombre de nœuds est egal au nombre de processeurs. Ce probleme se reduit a un probleme de partitionnement de graphes. La deuxieme etape effectue une suppression d'aretes pour obtenir un graphe connnexe de degre inferieur ou egal au nombre de liens disponibles par processeur. Ce probleme se reduit en partie a la recherche d'un c-couplage maximum d'un graphe. Pour des modeles de programmation dynamiques, l'allocation dynamique de processus est inevitable. Un algorithme independant de la taille et de la topologie du reseau a ete propose. L'algorithme presente est distribue, dynamique, stable, non preemptif et simple. Un programme de simulation en vue de l'evaluation de l'algorithme a ete mis en œuvre sur un reseau de transputers, et des resultats preliminaires sont presentes