Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Identification based on Iris Recognition for Distant Images

Iris Recognition is one of the most powerful biometrically based technologies for human identification and verification that utilizes the iris patterns which exhibits uniqueness for every individual. In this manuscript, a new algorithm is proposed for iris recognition on distant images. The novelty of this algorithm includes recognition through iris patterns based on both the left and right eye of an individual so as to improve the recognition accuracy and computational efficiency. Experimental tests were performed using CASIA Iris Distance Database which a subset of CASIA V4 Database. The methodology found encouraging development in the field of Iris Recognition.
An Empirical Study on Refactoring Objects to Aspects

It has been proclaimed in the literature that AOP allows obtaining better modularized systems than those built with OOP, namely by reducing tangling and scattering. Very few quantitative studies sustaining that claim were published. None is known to contradict it. We brie y describe an assessment process that allows performing paradigmindependent modularity assessments, based on a metamodel driven approach, and a set of paradigm-independent metrics. We use this assessment process upon the 23 GoF design patterns, that were refactored from Java to AspectJ, and then perform a set of statistical tests to answer research questions on the e ect of this refactoring on overall coupling, cohesion and modularity.
N-gram Language Models and POS Distribution for the Identification of Spanish Varieties (Ngrammes et Traits Morphosyntaxiques pour la Identification de Variétés de l’Espagnol) [in French]

R ÉSUMÉ Ngrammes et Traits Morphosyntaxiques pour la Identiﬁcation de Variétés de l’Espagnol Notre article présente expérimentations portant sur la classiﬁcation supervisée de variétés nationales de l’espagnol. Outre les approches classiques, basées sur l’utilisation de ngrammes de caractères ou de mots, nous avons testé des modèles calculés selon des traits morpho-syntaxiques, l’objectif étant de vériﬁer dans quelle mesure il est possible de parvenir à une classiﬁcation automatique des variétés d’une langue en s’appuyant uniquement sur des descripteurs grammaticaux. Les calculs ont été effectués sur la base d’un corpus de textes journalistiques de quatre pays hispanophones (Espagne, Argentine, Mexique et Pérou).
Solution NMR Structure of the Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor-Emerin Complex*

The barrier-to-autointegration factor BAF binds to the LEM domain (EmLEM) of the nuclear envelope protein emerin and plays an essential role in the nuclear architecture of metazoan cells. In addition, the BAF2 dimer bridges and compacts double-stranded DNA nonspecifically via two symmetry-related DNA binding sites. In this article we present biophysical and structural studies on a complex of BAF2 and EmLEM. Light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, and NMR indicate a stoichiometry of one molecule of EmLEM bound per BAF2 dimer. The equilibrium dissociation constant (Kd) for the interaction of the BAF2 dimer and EmLEM, determined by isothermal titration calorimetry, is 0.59 ± 0.03 μm. Z-exchange spectroscopy between corresponding cross-peaks of the magnetically non-equivalent subunits of the BAF2 dimer in the complex yields a dissociation rate constant of 78 ± 2s-1. The solution NMR structure of the BAF2-EmLEM complex reveals that the LEM and DNA binding sites on BAF2 are non-overlapping and that both subunits of the BAF2 dimer contribute approximately equally to the EmLEM binding site. The relevance of the implications of the structural and biophysical data on the complex in the context of the interaction between the BAF2 dimer and EmLEM at the nuclear envelope is discussed.
Entropy-Based Reduction of Traffic Data

This letter proposes an entropy-based methodology to reduce large network traffic data sets obtained by measurements over real networks. The proposed off-line approach, based on the marginal utility concept, reveals interesting results when applied to real data captured over real networks: to show its applicability, results obtained with traffic traces from a popular network game, counter-strike, are presented
Kinematic modeling of stewart-gough platforms

This paper describes a method to solve the direct kinematics of a generic Stewart-Gough manipulators. The method is formulated in terms of a search in the space of rigid body transformations. The underlying idea is that the solutions of the direct kinematics can be obtained by moving the end-effector body according rotations and translations and accounting for the rigidity conditions. The paper presents simulation results for a 6-3 Stewart-Gough robot.
Options and Limitations in Clinical Investigation of Bacterial Biofilms

SUMMARY Bacteria can form single- and multispecies biofilms exhibiting diverse features based upon the microbial composition of their community and microenvironment. The study of bacterial biofilm development has received great interest in the past 20 years and is motivated by the elegant complexity characteristic of these multicellular communities and their role in infectious diseases. Biofilms can thrive on virtually any surface and can be beneficial or detrimental based upon the community's interplay and the surface. Advances in the understanding of structural and functional variations and the roles that biofilms play in disease and host-pathogen interactions have been addressed through comprehensive literature searches. In this review article, a synopsis of the methodological landscape of biofilm analysis is provided, including an evaluation of the current trends in methodological research. We deem this worthwhile because a keyword-oriented bibliographical search reveals that less than 5% of the biofilm literature is devoted to methodology. In this report, we (i) summarize current methodologies for biofilm characterization, monitoring, and quantification; (ii) discuss advances in the discovery of effective imaging and sensing tools and modalities; (iii) provide an overview of tailored animal models that assess features of biofilm infections; and (iv) make recommendations defining the most appropriate methodological tools for clinical settings.
"I was like a rose, now I look like a thorn" An exploratory study of women injecting drug users (WIDU) in Tunisia

Aim: The aim of this master thesis was to explore contexts of initiation of substance use and to describe the social, physical and mental health situation of women injecting drug users (WIDU) in Tunisia.Relevance: In North Africa, people who inject drugs are an important risk group in the HIV epidemic. There is evidence that WIDU are even more vulnerable. However, in Arabic Muslim societies, rehabilitation, treatment for this subpopulation and research on this issue are scarce.Method: A qualitative study was conducted. Six in-depth interviews with WIDU in Tunis were recorded, transcribed and inductivelyanalyzed using thematic analysis.Findings: Four themes were identified. The first theme describes situation of women before dependence. Women were brought up within patriarchal cultural norms where they were victimized. The second theme is related to the circumstances of initiation of drug use characterized by the wish for escape and pursue of pleasures. The third theme describes the dependence, withdrawal and consequences on everyday life. Final and fourth theme is related to the way out of addiction.Conclusion and recommendations: The socio-ecological model and the gender relational theory helped to interpret the findings.WIDU in Tunisia suffer from marginalization and from social and health inequalities due to their gender and to their dependence. This puts them at a higher risk of violence, abuse, health hazards and blood-borne and HIV infections. Thus, awareness and policies should be designed in order to alleviate the stigma and bring services closer to this subpopulation.
Ingestion of the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus by the mixotrophic red tide ciliate Mesodinium rubrum

Copyright © 2015 The Korean Society of Phycology 281 http://e-algae.kr pISSN: 1226-2617 eISSN: 2093-0860 Ingestion of the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus by the mixotrophic red tide ciliate Mesodinium rubrum Yeong Du Yoo, Kyeong Ah Seong, Geumog Myung, Hyung Seop Kim, Hae Jin Jeong, Brian Palenik and Wonho Yih* Department of Marine Biotechnology, College of Ocean Science and Technology, Kunsan National University, Kunsan 54150, Korea Converging Research Division, National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, Chungnam 33662, Korea School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Korea Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0202, USA
Codesign of Electrically Short Antenna–Electronics Interfaces in the Receiving Mode

The aim of this brief is to point out the importance of codesigning electrically short antenna-electronics interfaces as a way to improve the system performance. This can be achieved if both the antenna and electronic circuit designer have a common optimization target. In this brief, the codesign principles are presented for antenna systems in the receiving mode, which includes reception of wireless information and wireless power. A general interface analysis is carried out, suggesting that the choice of interface impedance plays a crucial role in the optimization procedure and depends on the preferred signal quantity of the electronic circuit. This allows to effectively improve design criteria such as noise figure, power efficiency and sensitivity without increasing the power consumption. Finally, two examples are treated to demonstrate the antenna-electronics codesign for the reception of wireless information (low-noise amplifier) and wireless power (radio-frequency energy harvesting).
Integrated analysis of the gene expression profile and DNA methylation profile of obese patients with type 2 diabetes

In order to better understand the etiology of obese type 2 diabetes (T2D) at the molecular level, the present study investigated the gene expression and DNA methylation profiles associated with T2D via systemic analysis. Gene expression (GSE64998) and DNA methylation profiles (GSE65057) from liver tissues of healthy controls and obese patients with T2D were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Differentially-expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially-methylated genes (DMGs) were identified using the Limma package, and their overlapping genes were additionally determined. Enrichment analysis was performed using the BioCloud platform on the DEGs and the overlapping genes. Using Cytoscape software, protein-protein interaction (PPI), transcription factor target networks and microRNA (miRNA) target networks were then constructed in order to determine associated hub genes. In addition, a further GSE15653 dataset was utilized in order to validate the DEGs identified in the GSE64998 dataset analyses. A total of 251 DEGs, including 124 upregulated and 127 downregulated genes, were detected, and a total of 9,698 genes were demonstrated to be differentially methylated in obese patients with T2D compared with non-obese healthy controls. A total of 103 overlapping genes between the two datasets were revealed, including 47 upregulated genes and 56 downregulated genes. The identified overlapping genes were revealed to be strongly associated with fatty acid and glucose metabolic pathways, in addition to oxidation/reduction. The overlapping genes cyclin D1 (CCND1), PPARG coactivator α (PPARGC1A), fatty acid synthase (FASN), glucokinase (GCK), steraroyl-coA desaturase (SCD) and tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) had higher degrees in the PPI, transcription target networks and miRNA target networks. In addition, among the 251 DEGs, a total of 35 DEGs were validated to be being shared genes between the datasets, which included a number of key genes in the PPI network, including CCND1, FASN and TAT. Abnormal gene expression and DNA methylation patterns that were implicated in fatty acid and glucose metabolic pathways and oxidation/reduction reactions were detected in obese patients with T2D. Furthermore, the CCND1, PPARGC1A, FANS, GCK, SCD and TAT genes may serve a role in the development of obesity-associated T2D.
Engaged-Behaviors in Digital Gaming

HAL is a multi-disciplinary open access archive for the deposit and dissemination of scientific research documents, whether they are published or not. The documents may come from teaching and research institutions in France or abroad, or from public or private research centers. L’archive ouverte pluridisciplinaire HAL, est destinée au dépôt et à la diffusion de documents scientifiques de niveau recherche, publiés ou non, émanant des établissements d’enseignement et de recherche français ou étrangers, des laboratoires publics ou privés. Defining Engagement and Characterizing Engaged-Behaviors in Digital Gaming Patrice Bouvier, Elise Lavoué, Karim Sehaba
Laparoscopic exploration can salvage failed endoscopic bile duct stone extraction.

INTRODUCTION Conventionally, patients who failed endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones (CBDS) by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography (ERCP) would be treated with open cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration. Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) is an established option for treating CBDS. The aim of this paper was to look at the feasibility of LCBDE as a salvage procedure after failed endoscopic stone extraction (ESE). The secondary endpoint was to examine the short-term outcomes of our LCBDE series. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed a prospective database to study the feasibility of LCBDE as a salvage procedure for failed ERCP. RESULTS Since its inception in 2006, 43 patients had undergone LCBDE at our centre. This was achieved via a transcystic approach in 25 patients and laparoscopic choledochotomy in 15 patients. There were three conversions. Of these 43 patients, 21 had a pre-operative attempt at ESE, but only six patients had their ducts cleared endoscopically. The 15 patients who failed ESE underwent LCBDE, of which 14 achieved successful stone clearance and one required open conversion. One patient developed a bile leak, which resolved spontaneously. The median length of stay (LOS) for these 15 patients was three days, while the median LOS for the whole cohort was two days. CONCLUSION LCBDE has been shown to be a safe and effective method for treating CBDS, with the added bonus of a short hospital stay. Where the expertise is available, LCBDE is a safe option as a salvage procedure for failed ESE.
On the Poverty and Equity Implications of a Rise in the Value Added Tax

This paper examines the impact of a rise in the Value Added Tax (VAT) on poverty and inequality in Lebanon. The paper develops an empirical model based on consumer demand theory and uses only household survey data on expenditures and spatial price indexes. The simulation results, using own and cross price demand elasticities estimated with an Almost Ideal Demand System, show that the proposed VAT rate increases will have a non-negligible impact on poverty and inequality in Lebanon, despite current VAT exemptions.
Hsp 90-Cdc 37 Chaperone Complex Regulates Ulk 1-and Atg 13-Mediated Mitophagy

Joung Hyuck Joo,1,7 Frank C. Dorsey,3,7,8 Aashish Joshi,1,7 Kristin M. Hennessy-Walters,1,7 Kristie L. Rose,3 Kelly McCastlain,1 Ji Zhang,2 Rekha Iyengar,1 Chang Hwa Jung,4 Der-Fen Suen,5 Meredith A. Steeves,3 Chia-Ying Yang,6,9 Stephanie M. Prater,3 Do-Hyung Kim,4 Craig B. Thompson,6,10 Richard J. Youle,5 Paul A. Ney,2 John L. Cleveland,3 and Mondira Kundu1,* 1Department of Pathology 2Department of Biochemistry St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA 3Department of Cancer Biology, The Scripps Research Institute Florida, Scripps Florida, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA 4Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA 5National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA 6Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA 7These authors contributed equally to this work 8Present address: Lilly Research Laboratories, Indianapolis, IN 46037, USA 9Present address: Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, NY 11790, USA 10Present address: Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA *Correspondence: mondira.kundu@stjude.org DOI 10.1016/j.molcel. 2011.06. 018
Prediction of Load Transfers in Granular Layers Used in Rigid Inclusions Technique—Experimental and Discrete Element Method Analysis

The rigid inclusions technique is based on the use of a network of piles covered by a load transfer granular layer which allows the construction of roads, railways and buildings on very poor subsoil. Today, there are no relevant design methods able to predict the behavior of such structures due to the lack of knowledge about the load transfer mechanisms in the granular layer. Consequently, experimental works and numerical studies based on the Discrete Element Method were carried out. Both experimental and numerical results show that the granular layer can reduce greatly the surface settlement and the load applied to the soft soil. The numerical analysis shows that the load transfer mechanisms take place in a specific area located over the piles and is highly influenced by the rigidity of the soft soil. Thanks to the good agreement obtained with the numerical analysis, a prediction of the load transfer amplitude close to the description of Carlsson was proposed.
Experimental Study on the Mechanical Properties of E-glass Fiber/Epoxy Composite Material

48 specimens with six groups of E-glass fiber/epoxy composite material were tested under monotonously increasing loads.The average result and the discrete coefficient of tensile strength,elasticity modulus and Poisson's ratio were obtained,which will provide a experimental basis for the material to be used in the transmission project.The mechanical properties and cost of the material and common steel used in transmission towers are discussed and compared.The result shows that E-glass fiber/epoxy composite material is applicable to the transmission towers.
Molecular Basis of Unusually High Neutralization Resistance in Tier 3 HIV-1 Strain 253-11

ABSTRACT Understanding the mechanisms used by HIV-1 to evade antibody neutralization may contribute to the design of a high-coverage vaccine. The tier 3 virus 253-11 is poorly neutralized by subtype-matched and subtype C sera, even compared to other tier 3 viruses, and is also recognized poorly by V3/glycan-targeting monoclonal antibodies (MAbs). We found that sequence polymorphisms in the V3 loop and N-linked glycosylation sites contribute only minimally to the high neutralization resistance of 253-11. Interestingly, the 253-11 membrane-proximal external region (MPER) is rarely recognized by sera in the context of the wild-type virus but is commonly recognized in the context of an HIV-2 chimera, suggesting steric or kinetic hindrance of binding to MPER in the native envelope (Env). Mutations in the 253-11 MPER, which were previously reported to increase the lifetime of the prefusion Env conformation, affected the resistance of 253-11 to antibodies targeting various epitopes on HIV-1 Env, presumably destabilizing its otherwise stable, closed trimer structure. To gain insight into the structure of 253-11, we constructed and crystallized a recombinant 253-11 SOSIP trimer. The resulting structure revealed that the heptad repeat helices in gp41 are drawn in close proximity to the trimer axis and that gp120 protomers also showed a relatively compact disposition around the trimer axis. These observations give substantial insight into the molecular features of an envelope spike from a tier 3 virus and into possible mechanisms that may contribute to its unusually high neutralization resistance. IMPORTANCE HIV-1 isolates that are highly resistant to broadly neutralizing antibodies could limit the efficacy of an antibody-based vaccine. We studied 253-11, which is highly resistant to commonly elicited neutralizing antibodies. To further understand its resistance, we made mutations that are known to delay fusion and thus increase the time that the virus spends in the open conformation following CD4 binding. Interestingly, we found that these mutations affect the 253-11 envelope (Env) spike before CD4 binding, presumably by destabilizing the trimer structure. To gain further information about the structure of the 253-11 Env trimer, we generated a recombinant 253-11 SOSIP trimer. The crystal structure of the SOSIP trimer revealed that the gp41 helices and the gp120 protomers were drawn in toward the center of the molecule compared to most solved HIV-1 Env structures. These observations provide insight into the distinct molecular features of a tier 3 envelope spike.
A hierarchical approach for terminal awareness in fog radio access networks

Fog radio access networks have been proposed as a promising architecture to support diverse scenarios, which provide edge computing capabilities. Meanwhile, terminal awareness can enable wireless networks respond proactively and intelligently. However, due to the acquisition of raw data and the execution of computation tasks, centralized approaches for terminal awareness can put heavy burdens on fronthaul and cloud. To alleviate these burdens and infer the terminal type precisely, a hierarchical approach integrating multiple non-linear Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifiers is proposed. The core idea is that the raw data processing and the training of classifiers are shifted to fog access points (F-APs), while the server in the cloud is only responsible for training task allocation and training data dissemination. Further, the training task allocation is formulated as an integer problem to minimize the total training time, which is solved by a branch and bound based method and a low complexity heuristic method. Simulation result shows that the heuristic method can achieve optimal performance, and the impacts of the heterogeneity in F-AP computing capabilities on the training time and the task allocation are demonstrated and analyzed.
MODIFIED ARTIFICIAL BEES COLONY ALGORITHM FOR GLOBAL OPTIMIZATION

Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm is one of the most recent biological-inspired optimization algorithm proposed in year 2005. ABC is inspired by the foraging behavior of honey bee swarm. The exploration and exploitation are two important mechanisms in ABC. Exploitation process starts when the employed bees approach to the food sources. However, there are some insufficiencies regarding the ABC. ABC can performed better during exploration stage but weaker at exploitation stage. In this study, the exploitation search stage has been integrated with Nelder-Mead Simplex Method (NM). A new method called NM-ABC has been developed. The numerical results shown that the NM-ABC can perform better than the original ABC with less colony size and number of cycle allocated.