Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crowds: anonymity for Web transactions

In this paper we introduce a system called Crowds for protecting users' anonymity on the world-wide-web. Crowds, named for the notion of “blending into a crowd,” operates by grouping users into a large and geographically diverse group (crowd) that collectively issues requests on behalf of its members. Web servers are unable to learn the true source of a request because it is equally likely to have originated from any member of the crowd, and even collaborating crowd members cannot distinguish the originator of a request from a member who is merely forwarding the request on behalf of another. We describe the design, implementation, security, performance, and scalability of our system. Our security analysis introduces degrees of anonymity as an important tool for describing and proving anonymity properties.
Tissue damage drives co-localization of NF-κB, Smad3, and Nrf2 to direct Rev-erb sensitive wound repair in mouse macrophages

Although macrophages can be polarized to distinct phenotypes in vitro with individual ligands, in vivo they encounter multiple signals that control their varied functions in homeostasis, immunity, and disease. Here, we identify roles of Rev-erb nuclear receptors in regulating responses of mouse macrophages to complex tissue damage signals and wound repair. Rather than reinforcing a specific program of macrophage polarization, Rev-erbs repress subsets of genes that are activated by TLR ligands, IL4, TGFβ, and damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPS). Unexpectedly, a complex damage signal promotes co-localization of NF-κB, Smad3, and Nrf2 at Rev-erb-sensitive enhancers and drives expression of genes characteristic of multiple polarization states in the same cells. Rev-erb-sensitive enhancers thereby integrate multiple damage-activated signaling pathways to promote a wound repair phenotype. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.13024. 001
The ensemble approach to understand genetic regulatory networks

Understanding the genetic regulatory network comprising genes, RNA, proteins and the network connections andd ynamical control rules among them, is a major task of contemporary systems biology. I focus here on the use of the ensemble approach to /ndone or more well-de/ned ensembles of model networks whose statistical features match those of real cells andorganisms. Such ensembles shouldhelp to explain andpred ict features of real cells and organisms. c 2004 Publishedby Elsevier B.V.
Coordination of Expectations and the Informational Role of Policy

An informational role of policy arises in economies where large fluctuations are triggered by selffulfilling expectation switches between efficient "optimism" and inefficient "pessimism," a feature that is common in many dynamic economies with coordination failures. Policy affects the information about underlying fundamentals contained in aggregate outcomes, and thus affects the timing of switches and expectations of future switches. As an illustration, we study optimal taxation on labor income in an economy with coordination failures, such that wages and output are ultimately determined by agents’ “optimism” or “pessimism”. Taxes could implement a stabilization policy, but such a policy is ineffective after an expectation switch. Instead, policy should anticipate switches with small permanent tax cuts to extend "optimism" and severe transitory tax cuts to break "pessimism. " These tax cuts should be reverted once a switch is triggered, when policy must focus on its short run objectives.
Pediatric neurorehabilitation and the ICF.

INTRODUCTION One of the major intended uses of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is the clinical world of rehabilitation. The intrinsic qualities of ICF, especially in its children and youth version (ICF-CY) seem to perfectly match the needs for the complex process of pediatric neurorehabilitation. OBJECTIVES We here report on the effect that the implementation of ICF-CY had on team members and families when it was used as a guiding structure in framing the rehabilitation project in a pediatric outpatient clinic dealing with adolescents with cerebral palsy and complex needs. The two-year experience was positive and an ad-hoc questionnaire delivered to team members and families returned very positive remarks. CONCLUSION The main messages coming from this experience is on the feasibility of the introduction of ICF-CY language and the bio-psycho-social model in the described setting and on the positive response by the stakeholders.
Infinitesimal Annealing for Training Semi-Supervised Support Vector Machines

The semi-supervised support vector machine (S3VM) is a maximum-margin classification algorithm based on both labeled and unlabeled data. Training S3VM involves either a combinatorial or non-convex optimization problem and thus finding the global optimal solution is intractable in practice. It has been demonstrated that a key to successfully find a good (local) solution of S3VM is to gradually increase the effect of unlabeled data, a la annealing. However, existing algorithms suffer from the trade-off between the resolution of annealing steps and the computation cost. In this paper, we go beyond this trade-off by proposing a novel training algorithm that efficiently performs annealing with an infinitesimal resolution. Through experiments, we demonstrate that the proposed infinitesimal annealing algorithm tends to produce better solutions with less computation time than existing approaches.
CloudMonatt: An architecture for security health monitoring and attestation of virtual machines in cloud computing

Cloud customers need guarantees regarding the security of their virtual machines (VMs), operating within an Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) cloud system. This is complicated by the customer not knowing where his VM is executing, and on the semantic gap between what the customer wants to know versus what can be measured in the cloud. We present an architecture for monitoring a VM's security health, with the ability to attest this to the customer in an unforgeable manner. We show a concrete implementation of property-based attestation and a full prototype based on the OpenStack open source cloud software.
Grader: A review of different methods of grading for fruits and vegetables

Grading of agricultural produce especially the fruits and vegetables has become a perquisite of trading across borders. In India mostly fruit growers grade the fruit manually. Manual grading was carried out by trained operators who considered a number of grading factors and fruit were separated according to their physical quality. Manually grading was costly and grading operation was affected due to shortage of labor in peak seasons. Human operations may be inconsistent, less efficient and time consuming. New trends in marketing as specified by World Trade Organization (WTO) demand high quality graded products. Farmers are looking forward to having an appropriate agricultural produce-grading machine in order to alleviate the labor shortage, save time and improve graded product’s quality. Grading of fruits is a very important operation as it fetches high price to the grower and improves packaging, handling and brings an overall improvement in marketing system. The fruits are generally graded on basis of size and graded fruits are more welcome in export market. Grading could reduce handling losses during transportation. Grading based on size consists of divergent roller type principle having inclination, expanding pitch type, inclined vibrating plate and counter rotating roller having inclination type graders. Weight grading based on density and specific gravity of agricultural commodities. The need to be responsive to market demand places a greater emphasis on quality assessment, resulting in the greater need for improved and more accurate grading and sorting practices. Size variation in vegetables like potatoes, onions provided a base for grading them in different categories. Every vegetable producing country had made their own standards of different grades keeping in view the market requirements. Keywords: grading, handling, packaging, color sensor, specific gravity, India
Elitist Chemical Reaction Optimization for Contour-Based Target Recognition in Aerial Images

Target recognition for aerial images is an important research issue in remote sensing applications. Many feature-based recognition methods have been introduced for target recognition. Nevertheless, these methods have their limitations when considering the large amount of data provided by satellite imagery. In this paper, we explore several techniques for target recognition in aerial images with a contour matching approach. Contours in our approach are detected by a contour grouping strategy and described by edge potential function, which provides an attraction field for edges with similar curves. In this sense, target recognition can be formulated as an optimization problem. An improved chemical reaction optimization (CRO) algorithm is proposed in this paper to deal with the target matching problem. Experimental results demonstrate the robustness and high efficiency of our approach over the state-of-the-art evolutionary algorithms, which include the original CRO, predator-prey biogeography-based optimization, an improved version of brain storm optimization, artificial bee colony, quantum-behaved particle swarm optimization, a self-adaptive differential evolution algorithm, and stud genetic algorithm. In addition, several case studies regarding remote sensing are also presented. The results show that the proposed method is capable of improving the application ability of recognizing target in aerial images.
A numerical parametric study on the plate inclination angle of steel plate shear walls

In this study, tension field inclination angle (α), which forms on thin steel plate of steel plate shear walls, is investigated. For this purpose, nonlinear finite element models of selected experimental steel plate shear wall specimens in literature were created. Afterwards, the results of the nonlinear analyses of finite element models and the results of experimental investigations were compared and a good agreement was attained. After creating and validating the models, the correlation of the inclination angle with different plate parameters such as plate thickness, boundary elements stiffness, width to height ratio of walls were studied. Steel plate shear walls with different aspect ratios were modelled and various boundary element cross sectional areas and plate thicknesses were used. It was observed that inclination angle is not very sensitive to plate thickness and boundary element cross sectional areas, but aspect ratios have an apparent effect on the tension field inclination angle. The analysis results showed that the inclination angle takes almost a constant value above 0.01 drift ratio. Moreover, it is observed that the tension field inclination angle develops mostly between 35° 45°.
Activity theory as a potential framework for human-computer interaction research

During the recent years the mainstream framework for HCI research — the informationprocessing cognitive psychology —has gained more and more criticism because of serious problems in applying it both in research and practical design. In a debate within HCI research the capability of information processing psychology has been questioned and new theoretical frameworks searched. This paper presents an overview of the situation and discusses potentials of Activity Theory as an alternative framework for HCI research and design.
Clinical Foundations A Patient-focused Education Program for Respiratory Care Professionals Free Continuing Education for Respiratory Therapists ( CRCE ) and Nurses ( CNE )

cated to providing respiratory therapists with clinically relevant, evidence-based topics. Clinical Foundations is pleased to announce a webinar series featuring leading respiratory care professionals. To find out more about the current webinar and to register, go to www.clinicalfoundations. org. Each webinar is accredited for CRCEs by the AARC. Richard Branson, MS, RRT, FAARC Professor of Surgery University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Cincinnati, OH
Ectodomain shedding of membrane‐anchored heparin‐binding EGF like growth factor and subcellular localization of the C‐terminal fragment in the cell cycle

Heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor (HB‐EGF) is initially synthesized as a type I transmembrane protein (proHB‐EGF). The proHB‐EGF is shed by specific metalloproteases, releasing the N‐terminal fragment into the extracellular space as a soluble growth factor (HB‐EGF) and the C‐terminal fragment (HB‐EGF‐C) into the intracellular space, where it prevents transcriptional repression by the promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF). The goal of the present study was to characterize regulation of proHB‐EGF shedding and study its temporal variations in HB‐EGF‐C localization throughout the cell cycle. Quantitative combination analyses of cell surface proHB‐EGF and HB‐EGF in conditioned medium showed that proHB‐EGF shedding occurred during the G1 cell cycle phase. Laser scanning cytometry (LSC) revealed that HB‐EGF‐C was internalized into the cytoplasm during the late G1 phase and accumulated in the nucleus beginning in the S phase. Subsequent nuclear export of PLZF occurred during the late S phase. Further, HB‐EGF‐C was localized around the centrosome following breakdown of the nuclear envelope and was localized to the interzonal space with chromosome segregation in the late M phase. Temporal variations in HB‐EGF localization throughout the cell cycle were also characterized by time‐lapse imaging of cells expressing YFP‐tagged proHB‐EGF, and these results were consistent with those obtained in cytometry studies. These results indicate that proHB‐EGF shedding and subsequent HB‐EGF‐C signaling are related with progression of the cell cycle and may provide a clue to understand the unique biological significance of non‐receptor‐mediated signaling of proHB‐EGF in cell growth. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dendritically Localized Transcripts Are Sorted into Distinct Ribonucleoprotein Particles That Display Fast Directional Motility along Dendrites of Hippocampal Neurons

Localization of mRNAs to postsynaptic sites and their subsequent translation is thought to contribute to synapse-specific plasticity. However, the direct visualization of dendritic RNA transport in living neurons remains a major challenge. Here, we analyze the transport of Alexa-labeled RNAs microinjected into mature hippocampal neurons. We show that microinjected MAP2 and CaMKIIα RNAs form particles that localize into dendrites as their endogenous counterparts. In contrast, nonlocalizing RNAs or truncated CaMKIIα, lacking the dendritic targeting element, remain in the cell body. Furthermore, our microinjection approach allowed us to identify a novel dendritically localized RNA, Septin7. Time-lapse videomicroscopy of neurons injected with CaMKIIα and Septin7 RNAs demonstrates fast directional movement along the dendrites of hippocampal neurons, with similar kinetics to Staufen1 ribonucleoprotein particles (RNPs). Coinjection and simultaneous visualization of two RNAs, as well as double detection of the corresponding endogenous RNAs, reveal that neuronal transcripts are differentially sorted in dendritic RNPs.
FATIGUE AND AGGREGATE FRETTING RESISTANCE OF SURFACE-TEMPERATURE REDUCING PAVEMENT

In the field of road engineering, cool pavements are used to decrease the surface temperature and improve the road environment. A surface-temperature reducing pavement was previously developed using a cement-based grouting material containing cement, ceramic waste powder, and natural zeolite. From the temperature measurements, it was revealed that the surface temperature was lower by 15-20°C than the porous asphalt pavement at 60°C. The pavements can undergo rutting under passing traffic loads and aggregate fretting in the hot summer season, lowering serviceability and traffic safety. Fatigue tests under a fixed-point load were conducted to evaluate the fatigue resistance of the surface-temperature reducing pavement at 40°C imitating the hot summer season. In this study, fatigue tests under a fixed-point load at 30°C imitating the spring or autumn season were carried out to evaluate the fatigue resistance against the rutting. Furthermore, the aggregate fretting tests were carried out to evaluate the aggregate fretting resistance at temperatures of 50°C and 30°C. The test results showed that the surface-temperature reducing pavement has higher fatigue and aggregate fretting resistance than the porous asphalt pavement.
Frequency Characteristics in the Visual System of Drosophila Genetic Dissection of Electroretinogram Components

I N T R O D U C T I O N F o r smal l c h a n g e s in l igh t i n t e ns i t y , b o t h v e r t e b r a t e a n d i n v e r t e b r a t e v isual sys tems can be t r e a t e d as l i n e a r sys tems ( d e L a n g e , 1958; D e V o e , 1963; K u i p e r a n d L e u t s c h e r H a z e l h o f f , 1965; C l e l a n d a n d E n r o t h C u g e l l , 1966; P i n t e r , 1966). T h e m a i n a d v a n t a g e o f l i n e a r sys tem analys is is its s imp l i c i ty in m a n i p u l a t i o n a n d i n t e r p r e t a t i o n o f resu l t s . Sma l l s ignal f r e q u e n c y ana lys i s is n o w wide ly THE J O U R N A L OF GENERAL P H Y S I O L O G Y • VOLUME 6 9 , 1 9 7 7 • pages 705-724 705 on Jne 9, 2017 D ow nladed fom Published June 1, 1977
Insertion/deletion-related polymorphisms in the human T cell receptor beta gene complex

Insertion/deletion related polymorphisms (IDRP) involving stretches of 15-30 kb within the human TCR-beta gene complex were revealed by pulse- field gel electrophoresis. Two independent IDRP systems were detected by analysis of Sfi I- and Sal I-digested human DNA samples using probes for TCR C and V region gene segments. The allelic nature of these systems was verified in family studies, and mapping data allowed localization of one area of insertion/deletion among the V gene segments and the other near the C region genes. All but one of 50 individuals tested could be typed for the two allelic systems, and gene frequencies for the two allelic forms were 0.37/0.61 and 0.46/0.54, indicating that these polymorphisms are widespread.
Factors Affecting Instructors' Adoption of Learning Management Systems: A Theoretical Framework

Higher educational institutions have made asubstantial investment in the adoption of LearningManagement Systems to enhance their learning and teachingactivities, however, these systems are not used by the facultymembers with their fullest capabilities. This research mainlyaims to verify the key factors that affect learningmanagement system (LMS) adoption by instructors inPalestinian universities and to develop an integrated modelof instructor adoption of e-learning management systems byincorporating existing literature and multiple empiricallyverified multiple theories. A theoretical framework isproposed based on Delone and McLean information systemsuccess model, Technology Acceptance model, and Self-Determination Theory Model. This framework gives acomprehensive look at the significant factors that controland affect the instructors' adoption to the learningmanagement system. These key factors are related to theinstructor, organization, society, belief, and technology.
An overview of shortest path mechanisms for Metro-Ethernet networks

Providing diverse broadband services economically at all time with high quality of services will be a major challenge for the telecommunication community. Accordingly, this imposes stringent performance requirements that could not be filled by the classical switched Ethernet network. Many key features should be defined to enable the use of Ethernet for constrained applications. In this context, the route selection mechanism impacts the network service delivery performance. Therefore, many recent researches are focalized on proposing new routing mechanisms for Metro-Ethernet networks. This paper describes an overview of several Metro-Ethernet shortest path mechanisms by classifying those mechanisms into distributed and centralized. Furthermore, we analysed and highlighted the advantages and the limitations of each studied mechanism.
Feature selection for object tracking in traffic scenes

This paper describes a motion-analysis system, applied to the problem of vehicle tracking in real-world highway scenes. The system is structured in two stages. In the first one, a motion- detection algorithm performs a figure/ground segmentation, providing binary masks of the moving objects. In the second stage, vehicles are tracked for the rest of the sequence, by using Kalman filters on two state vectors, which represent each target's position and velocity. A vehicle's motion is represented by an affine model, taking into account translations and scale changes. Three types of features have been used for the vehicle's description state vectors. Two of them are contour-based: the bounding box and the centroid of the convex polygon approximating the vehicles contour. The third one is region-based and consists of the 2-D pattern of the vehicle in the image. For each of these features, the performance of the tracking algorithm has been tested, in terms of the position error, stability of the estimated motion parameters, trace of the motion model's covariance matrix, as well as computing time. A comparison of these results appears in favor of the use of the bounding box features.
A novel strain sensor based on 3D printing technology and 3D antenna design

The additive manufacturing technique of 3D printing has become increasingly popular for time-consuming and complex designs. Due to the special mechanical properties of commercial NinjaFlex filament [1] and in-house-made electrically conductive adhesives (ECAs) [2], there is great potential for the 3D printed RF applications, such as strain sensors and flexible, wearable RF devices. This paper presents the flexible 3D printed strain sensor, as a 3D dipole antenna of ECA stretchable conductor on 3D printed Ninjaflex filament.
Signal constellation design for symbol-level rate adaptation in AWGN channels

This paper considers rate adaptation for the additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN)-channel with unknown channel capacity. We show how multi-layer signal constellations can be optimized layer-wise for particular signal-to-noise ratio (SNR)- points, to provide simple and efficient ARQ-based symbol-level rate adaptation with fine granularity. A turbo-coded system is used as an example showing that the proposed design provides actual communication rates that are close to the channel capacity.
Motion classification using epidural electrodes for low-invasive brain-machine interface

Brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) are expected to be used to assist seriously disabled persons’ communications and reintegrate their motor functions. One of the difficult problems to realize practical BMI is how to record neural activity clearly and safely. Conventional invasive methods require electrodes inside the dura mater, and noninvasive methods do not involve surgery but have poor signal quality. Thus a low-invasive method of recording is important for safe and practical BMI. In this study, the authors used epidural electrodes placed between the skull and dura mater to record a rat’s neural activity for low-invasive BMI. The signals were analyzed using a short-time Fourier transform, and the power spectra were classified into rat motions by a support vector machine. Classification accuracies were up to 96% in two-class discrimination, including that when the rat stopped, walked, and rested. The feasibility of a low-invasive BMI based on an epidural neural recording was shown in this study.