Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Positron Emission Tomography Compartmental Models

The current article presents theory for compartmental models used in positron emission tomography (PET). Both plasma input models and reference tissue input models are considered. General theory is derived and the systems are characterized in terms of their impulse response functions. The theory shows that the macro parameters of the system may be determined simply from the coefficients of the impulse response functions. These results are discussed in the context of radioligand binding studies. It is shown that binding potential is simply related to the integral of the impulse response functions for all plasma and reference tissue input models currently used in PET. This article also introduces a general compartmental description for the behavior of the tracer in blood, which then allows for the blood volume-induced bias in reference tissue input models to be assessed.
One step Backpropagation Through Time for learning input mapping in reservoir computing applied to speech recognition

Recurrent neural networks are very powerful engines for processing information that is coded in time, however, many problems with common training algorithms, such as Backpropagation Through Time, remain. Because of this, another important learning setup known as Reservoir Computing has appeared in recent years, where one uses an essentially untrained network to perform computations. Though very successful in many applications, using a random network can be quite inefficient when considering the required number of neurons and the associated computational costs. In this paper we introduce a highly simplified version of Backpropagation Through Time by basically truncating the error backpropagation to one step back in time, and we combine this with the classic Reservoir Computing setup using an instantaneous linear readout. We apply this setup to a spoken digit recognition task and show it to give very good results for small networks.
Degrees of Grounding Based on Evidence of Understanding

We introduce the Degrees of Grounding model, which defines the extent to which material being discussed in a dialogue has been grounded. This model has been developed and evaluated by a corpus analysis, and includes a set of types of evidence of understanding, a set of degrees of groundedness, a set of grounding criteria, and methods for identifying each of these. We describe how this model can be used for dialogue management.
A Tunable Combline Bandpass Filter Loaded With Series Resonator

This paper proposes a varactor-tuned microstrip combline bandpass filter (BPF) that is loaded with lumped series resonators instead of the short-circuited end of combline. This configuration has the advantage of enhancing the tunability of the suggested BPF by varactor diodes in series resonators, which leads to a wide tuning range even with a small capacitance ratio (Cratio) of the varactor. Therefore, a low controlled bias voltage varactor-tuned BPF can be achieved. In addition, due to the controllable slope parameter of the proposed resonator, the coupling between resonators can be controlled. As a result, the proposed tunable BPF can keep nearly constant bandwidth over the wide tuning range. The insertion loss resulting from the varactors is compensated using an active capacitance circuit with negative resistance. Theoretical analysis and design approach are described. Experimental results of a demonstrative BPF show a 500-MHz tuning range (1.7-2.2 GHz) with Cratio of only 2.6 (1-5-V bias voltage) while maintaining nearly constant absolute bandwidth and low insertion loss. The measured performance of the fabricated filter shows good agreement with the simulated one.
Proceedings of the Workshop on Software Engineering Foundations for End-User Programming (SEEUP 2009)

Abstract : The Workshop on Software Engineering Foundations for End-User Programming (SEEUP) was held at the 31st International Conference on Software Engineering (ICSE) in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 23, 2009. This workshop discussed end-user programming with a specific focus on the software engineering that is required to make it a more disciplined process, while still hiding the complexities of greater discipline from the end user. Speakers covered how to understand the problems and needs of the real end users of end-user programming. The discussion focused on the software engineering and supporting technology that would have to be in place to address these problems and needs.
Cracking ShadowCrypt: Exploring the Limitations of Secure I/O Systems in Internet Browsers

Abstract An important line of privacy research is investigating the design of systems for secure input and output (I/O) within Internet browsers. These systems would allow for users’ information to be encrypted and decrypted by the browser, and the specific web applications will only have access to the users’ information in encrypted form. The state-of-the-art approach for a secure I/O system within Internet browsers is a system called ShadowCrypt created by UC Berkeley researchers [23]. This paper will explore the limitations of ShadowCrypt in order to provide a foundation for the general principles that must be followed when designing a secure I/O system within Internet browsers. First, we developed a comprehensive UI attack that cannot be mitigated with popular UI defenses, and tested the efficacy of the attack through a user study administered on Amazon Mechanical Turk. Only 1 of the 59 participants who were under attack successfully noticed the UI attack, which validates the stealthiness of the attack. Second, we present multiple attack vectors against Shadow-Crypt that do not rely upon UI deception. These attack vectors expose the privacy weaknesses of Shadow DOM—the key browser primitive leveraged by ShadowCrypt. Finally, we present a sketch of potential countermeasures that can enable the design of future secure I/O systems within Internet browsers.
Feedback control over lossy channels: Optimal estimation considering data-loss compensation strategies

In this paper we investigate the optimal estimation in feedback loops where communication links are lossy channels. To deal with data loss in the feedback path, the controller embeds a data dropout compensator that replaces the missing measurements with optimal estimates. For control signal loss, we consider a strategy where the controller sends not only the current control input but also a sequence of future control inputs, which is stored in a buffer at the actuator side, to employ in case of data loss. We restrict our attention to controllers in which almost all processing is an affine function of the available data. In this scenario, we obtain optimal estimates of the plant state but also of the buffer state. Given the linear nature of the controller, the optimal estimator is simple to implement. Also, we provide the stationary optimal estimator which is an even simpler and computationally inexpensive alternative.
A Trusted Network Access Protocol for WLAN Mesh Networks

SUMMARY To solve the problems of the existing trusted network access protocols for Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) mesh networks, we propose a new trusted network access protocol for WLAN mesh networks, which is abbreviated as WMN-TNAP. This protocol implements mutual user authentication and Platform-Authentication between the sup-plicant and Mesh Authenticator (MA), and between the supplicant and Au-thentication Server (AS) of a WLAN mesh network, establishes the key management system for the WLAN mesh network, and e ﬀ ectively prevents the platform conﬁguration information of the supplicant, MA and AS from leaking out. Moreover, this protocol is proved secure based on the extended Strand Space Model (SSM) for trusted network access protocols. key words: trusted network access, Platform-Authentication, WLAN mesh networks
Mesenchymal stem cells inhibit T cell activation by releasing TGF-β1 from TGF-β1/GARP complex

Intervention with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) reveals a promising therapeutic tool to treat transplantation and autoimmune disease due to their immunoregulation capability. But the mechanisms of action are not fully investigated yet. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) exhibit multiple effects in migration, differentiation, and immunomodulation of MSCs. Glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) is an important marker of activated Treg (regulatory T cells). GARP binds latent TGF-β1 to regulate its activation, which is the indispensable step in Treg suppressing effector T cells. So far we don’t know whether GARP present on MSCs and its association with MSCs function. Our study show that MSCs express GARP which binds latent TGF-β1 on their cell surface. We also found that TGF-β1+/− MSCs produce less TGF-β1 and exhibit reduced capacity in inhibiting T cells. When TGF-β1 signaling pathway was blocked, MSCs show decreased activity in inhibiting T cells. Importantly, silencing GARP expression distinctively damaged the capacity of MSCs to inhibit IFN-γ production. These findings indicated the expression of GARP on MSCs and its functionality in activating LAP, thus demonstrating GARP as a novel biomarker and new target to improve the therapeutic efficacy of MSCs.
Identifying robust plans through plan diagram reduction

Estimates of predicate selectivities by database query optimizers often differ significantly from those actually encountered during query execution, leading to poor plan choices and inflated response times. In this paper, we investigate mitigating this problem by replacing selectivity error-sensitive plan choices with alternative plans that provide robust performance. Our approach is based on the recent observation that even the complex and dense "plan diagrams" associated with industrial-strength optimizers can be efficiently reduced to "anorexic" equivalents featuring only a few plans, without materially impacting query processing quality. Extensive experimentation with a rich set of TPC-H and TPC-DS-based query templates in a variety of database environments indicate that plan diagram reduction typically retains plans that are substantially resistant to selectivity errors on the base relations. However, it can sometimes also be severely counter-productive, with the replacements performing much worse. We address this problem through a generalized mathematical characterization of plan cost behavior over the parameter space, which lends itself to efficient criteria of when it is safe to reduce. Our strategies are fully non-invasive and have been implemented in the Picasso optimizer visualization tool.
Compositional and Stability Relationships Among the Lithium Aluminosilicates: Eucryptite, Spodumene, and Petalite

The results of a phase-equilibrium study of mixtures lying on the join eucryptite-silica in the system LizO-Al2O3–SiO2 are presented. Hydrother-mal techniques were used to obtain equilibrium relations among the crystalline phases at low temperature. The upper limits of stability of the naturally occurring forms of LiAlSiO, (eucryptite), LiA1SizO6 (spodumene), and LiA1Si4O10 (petalite) were found to be 972°, 500°, and 680°c. , respectively. Each of these minerals (low forms) was synthesized. An approximate diagram depicting equilibria among the phases is presented.
Determining parameters for efficient retrieval in index structures for hybrid data spaces

Different kinds of access methods supporting boolean retrieval in hybrid data spaces exist. We inspect a class of these index structures using a categorization of low and high frequently occurring keywords. This access method uses a basic R*-Tree augmented with bitlists for the representation of a set of terms. Two limits are given for these access methods in realistic environments: the length of the bitlist B Length and the limit separating the set of low and high frequently occurring terms H Limit. This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the setup of H Limit as well as an empirical analysis of the bitlist length for two different corpora in a typical database environment. The final target of this paper is the determination of the free parameters to provide efficient retrieval of data in realistic application domains.
Ultrawideband 3D mmWave channel sounding for 5G

Increasing data rates in mobile networks require new technologies for the next generation of mobile communication systems such as massive MIMO, device-centric architectures, smarter devices, machine-2-machine communication etc. However, one important step to reach the goal of 100 GBit/s will be use of higher bandwidth. Owing to the limitation in bandwidth of currently used frequency bands, future fifth generation (5G) mobile networks will need to operate at higher frequencies. Analysis of the multipath propagation in dynamic single and multi-user scenarios under time-variant shadowing environments with high bandwidth requires a millimetre-wave (mm-wave) channel sounder (CS). It must provide ultra-wideband (UWB) real-time operation with multiple antennas and a high dynamic range. In addition, polarimetric information is needed to fully characterise the wireless channel, e.g. for cases of polarisation misalignment at the mobile device. This paper presents a novel UWB dual-polarised (DP) mm-wave channel sounder architecture for real time measurements in 5G mobile networks to overcome these requirements. We also show measurement data to motivate the need for polarimetric double-directional measurements.
A Survey on Regular Expression Matching for Deep Packet Inspection: Applications, Algorithms, and Hardware Platforms

Deep packet inspection (DPI) is widely used in content-aware network applications such as network intrusion detection systems, traffic billing, load balancing, and government surveillance. Pattern matching is a core and critical step in DPI, which checks the payload of each packet for known signatures (patterns) in order to identify packets with certain characteristics (e.g., malicious packets that carry viruses or worms). Regular expression is the major tool for signature description due to its powerful and flexible expressive ability. However, this flexibility also brings great challenges for efficient implementation in practice. Despite of hundreds to thousands of empirical proposals, wire-speed matching for large scale regular expressions still remains a big challenge. The gap between the matching throughput and the link speed is widening with the ever-increasing network link speed and pattern scale. This survey begins with a full-scale application background of DPI and technical background of regular expression matching in order to provide a global view and essential knowledge for readers. We then analyze the challenges in regular expression matching originated from the state explosion of finite state automaton used for regular expression matching. The nature of state explosion is analyzed in details, and the state-of-the-art solutions are grouped into categories of methods to relieve state expansion and methods to avoid state explosion, suggestions are also provided for building compact and efficient automata in different scenarios. Furthermore, proposals employing parallel platforms, including field-programmable gate array, GPU, general multi-processors, and ternary content addressable memory, to accelerate the matching process are introduced and thoroughly discussed. We also provide guidelines for efficient deployment for each of these platforms.
Parallel integer relation detection: Techniques and applications

Let {x1,x2,···,xn} be a vector of real numbers. An integer relation algorithm is a computational scheme to find the n integers ak, if they exist, such that a1x1 + a2x2 + ··· + anxn = 0. In the past few years, integer relation algorithms have been utilized to discover new results in mathematics and physics. Existing programs for this purpose require very large amounts of computer time, due in part to the requirement for multiprecision arithmetic, yet are poorly suited for parallel processing. This paper presents a new integer relation algorithm designed for parallel computer systems, but as a bonus it also gives superior results on single processor systems. Single- and multi-level implementations of this algorithm are described, together with performance results on a parallel computer system. Several applications of these programs are discussed, including some new results in number theory, quantum field theory and chaos theory.
Combined surface heat treatment: state–of–the–art

Thermal electron beam (EB) technologies, thermochemical surface treatments, and numerous variants of physical and chemical vapour deposition (PVD or CVD) hard coatings are used to treat a wide spectrum of different tools and highly loaded components, and have, to some extent, become successful industrial applications. Specifically, each of these groups of surface technologies is used to enhance surface hardness and wear resistance. The application is restricted, however, by physical, technical and technological characteristics. Special loading conditions present a great challenge, as the load–bearing capacity of each of the surface layers produced is limited. The combination of EB surface treatment with thermochemical treatment and/or PVD or CVD hard coating enables significant further improvement of the relevant properties. This paper presents a survey about the history, the state of the art of development as well as fields of application for these innovative duplex or triplex surface technologies.
Preparation and protective surface coatings for low density C/C composite for harden insulation

Abstract To improve the anti-erosion and anti-oxidation performances is crucial for low density carbon/carbon (LD-C/C) composites to serve as a harden insulation material in high temperature equipment. Surface sealing treatment to the LD-C/C composite is an effective method. In the present study, first, diverse LD-C/C composite samples with different densities were fabricated, and then the effects of high temperature purification process on the density and thermal conductivity of the composites were briefly investigated. Furthermore, two protective coatings (graphite and SiC coatings) were respectively processed on the selected LD-C/C composite by painting graphite or silicon powder plus following heat-treatment, and the gas sealing and oxidation tests were performed on the coated samples. The experimental results indicated that the morphology (size and shape) of graphite powder particle played an important role in the microstructures of the coatings, resulting in varying gas sealing performance. The surface sealing process by using the silicon powder can also obtain a good gas sealing effect due to the effective infiltration of liquid silicon into the porous C/C composite and the formation of SiC, and thus the SiC coated sample presented the best oxidation resistance. However, there was no consistent relationship between the gas sealing performance and the oxidation resistance in the coated composite samples, which are closely related with the microstructural and physical characteristics of the coatings.
An exploratory study of linguistic–colour associations across languages in multilingual synaesthetes

In one of the most common forms of synaesthesia, linguistic–colour synaesthesia, colour is induced by stimuli such as numbers, letters, days of the week, and months of the year. It is not clear, however, whether linguistic–colour synaesthesia is determined more by higher level semantic information—that is, word meaning—or by lower level grapheme or phoneme structure. To explore this issue, we tested whether colour is consistently induced by grapheme or phoneme form or word meaning in bilingual and trilingual linguistic–colour synaesthetes. We reasoned that if the induced colour was related to word meaning, rather than to the acoustic or visual properties of the words, then the induced colours would remain consistent across languages. We found that colours were not consistently related to word meaning across languages. Instead, induced colours were more related to form properties of the word across languages, particularly visual structure. However, the type of inducing stimulus influenced specific colour associations. For example, colours to months of the year were more consistent across languages than were colours to numbers or days of the week. Furthermore, the effect of inducing stimuli was also associated with the age of acquisition of additional languages. Our findings are discussed with reference to a critical period in language acquisition on synaesthesia.
Lipoxins: nature’s way to resolve inflammation

An effective host defense mechanism involves inflammation to eliminate pathogens from the site of infection, followed by the resolution of inflammation and the restoration of tissue homeostasis. Lipoxins are endogenous anti-inflammatory, pro-resolving molecules that play a vital role in reducing excessive tissue injury and chronic inflammation. In this review, the mechanisms of action of lipoxins at the site of inflammation and their interaction with other cellular signaling molecules and transcription factors are discussed. Emphasis has also been placed on immune modulatory role(s) of lipoxins. Lipoxins regulate components of both the innate and adaptive immune systems including neutrophils, macrophages, T-, and B-cells. Lipoxins also modulate levels of various transcription factors such as nuclear factor κB, activator protein-1, nerve growth factor-regulated factor 1A binding protein 1, and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ and control the expression of many inflammatory genes. Since lipoxins and aspirin-triggered lipoxins have clinical relevance, we discuss their important role in clinical research to treat a wide range of diseases like inflammatory disorders, renal fibrosis, cerebral ischemia, and cancer. A brief overview of lipoxins in viral malignancies and viral pathogenesis especially the unexplored role of lipoxins in Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus biology is also presented.
When two-hop meets VoFi

In a paper titled Can I add a VoIP call? (1), the authors calculate the maximum number of VoIP calls that a WiFi (VoFi) network can support. In this paper we extend their analysis to calculate the maximum number of VoFi calls when two-hop forwarding is used in order to avoid rate adaptation at nodes with reduced received signal strength. We calculate this number for different combinations of data rates for slow node transmissions and potential two-hop transmissions. These calculations demonstrate that the use of two-hop forwarding increases the maximum number of VoIP calls in a multi-rate 802.11b network. We validate the analysis by means of simulation of G711 codec sources in a 802.11b network. Even though the earlier discussions focus on specific combinations of high data rate two-hop and low data rate one-hop transmissions in an 802.11b network, we conclude the paper by calculating the maximum number of VoIP calls that can be supported with uniform node distri- bution in 802.11b and 802.11g networks. These calculations show a significant increase in the number of VoIP calls when two-hop forwarding is used in an 802.11g network. This sig- nificant increase is due to the higher data rates and the low PHY overhead of the 802.11g MAC.