Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Information Reliability Evaluation

The literature on information retrieval shows the importance of information reliability as a key criterion for relevance judgment. However, information reliability evaluation is discussed in many disciplines such as history, Arabic storytelling, and computer science. Although these disciplines share common principles, they differ in many aspects, which are studied in this article. However, we mainly focus on two disciplines. On the one hand, Arabic storytelling stands by rigid rules for transmitting information and inspecting sources and contents. On the other hand, the characteristics of the Web as a collaborative, open and vast area for information sharing has caused changes in our evaluation of information. This article studies related works to enumerate the main principles and steps that constitute guidelines for automatic information reliability evaluation. Finally, these guidelines are applied to Arabic storytelling, and experimental results are presented.
Assay of trehalose with acid trehalase purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

An enzymatic end‐point assay of trehalose using acid trehalase from yeast is described. After quantitative hydrolysis of trehalose by acid trehalase, the resulting glucose is assayed with the commercially available glucose oxidase/peroxidase dye system. Pre‐existing glucose is determined in a control reaction from which acid trehalase is omitted. When intact cells are analysed for trehalose, pre‐existing glucose can be washed out with ice‐cold water without reducing the trehalose content of the cells. A convenient method for extraction of trehalose from intact yeast cells is heating for 20 min at 95°C followed by centrifugation. The specificity of the assay is determined by the specificity of the acid trehalase preparation used. As described previously (Mittenbühler, K. and Holzer, H., 1988, J. Biol. Chem. 263, 8537–8543; Mittenbühler, K., 1988, Thesis, University of Freiburg), the following sugars and sugar derivatives do not form glucose when incubated with purified acid trehalase: sucrose, cellobiose, mellobiose, raffinose, maltose, lactose, glucose‐6‐phosphate, glucose‐1‐phosphate, galactose. The application of the new trehalose assay to yeast cells grown to different growth stages and at various temperatures is presented.
1 Introduction Parallel Database and KnowledgeBase Systems

Database technology has been extended into many new applications areas such as computer-aided design and manufacture, geographical information systems, and real-time intelligent decision making. Such applications bring with them demands for richer information models and the capability to handle larger quantities of heterogeneous data. Furthermore , increasing numbers of online users are expecting some form of smartness from their information systems. We use the term smart information systems, or knowledge-base systems, to describe computer applications that incorporate nontrivial features such as the ability to adapt and evolve, or to carry out inferencing. All these factors combine to produce a need for improved performance and additional functionality. This book consists of 13 invited papers, chosen to illustrate ways in which novel parallel hardware is being used to provide improved performance and additional functionality for a variety of information systems. Two of the machines described have each sold to well over one hundred customers (see Chapters 8 and 9). Two more are in the final stages of product launch (see Chapters 8 and 11). The rest of the machines described in this book are research prototypes. Overall, they provide a survey of the latest trends in performance-enhancing architectures for smart information systems. The book will thus appeal to all engaged in the design or use of high-performance (parallel) architectures for nonnumeric applications. The machines featured in this book have been designed to support various information systems, ranging from relational databases to semantic networks and other artificial-intelligence paradigms. Knowledge-representation formalisms, as such, are not described in any detail. Although expertise in knowledge representations is not required for an understanding of the hardware architectures in this book, readers wishing for background information on this subject may refer to Frost. The topic of database and knowledge-base machines is a large one, and no single volume can hope to cover the field in a truly comprehensive manner. Particularly, this book does not touch on distributed or federated databases, 2 heterogeneous databases^ or related issues. However, many of the projects we have chosen to emphasize contain generic architectural ideas that may be used to support several sets of higher-level requirements. In other words, some of the machines are based on hardware designs that strive to be semantics-free. For completeness, we list the major review books, conference proceedings, and survey papers that have appeared within the last ten years on the hardware and software of database and knowledge-base …
Multichannel Compressive Sensing MRI Using Noiselet Encoding

The incoherence between measurement and sparsifying transform matrices and the restricted isometry property (RIP) of measurement matrix are two of the key factors in determining the performance of compressive sensing (CS). In CS-MRI, the randomly under-sampled Fourier matrix is used as the measurement matrix and the wavelet transform is usually used as sparsifying transform matrix. However, the incoherence between the randomly under-sampled Fourier matrix and the wavelet matrix is not optimal, which can deteriorate the performance of CS-MRI. Using the mathematical result that noiselets are maximally incoherent with wavelets, this paper introduces the noiselet unitary bases as the measurement matrix to improve the incoherence and RIP in CS-MRI. Based on an empirical RIP analysis that compares the multichannel noiselet and multichannel Fourier measurement matrices in CS-MRI, we propose a multichannel compressive sensing (MCS) framework to take the advantage of multichannel data acquisition used in MRI scanners. Simulations are presented in the MCS framework to compare the performance of noiselet encoding reconstructions and Fourier encoding reconstructions at different acceleration factors. The comparisons indicate that multichannel noiselet measurement matrix has better RIP than that of its Fourier counterpart, and that noiselet encoded MCS-MRI outperforms Fourier encoded MCS-MRI in preserving image resolution and can achieve higher acceleration factors. To demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed noiselet encoding scheme, a pulse sequences with tailored spatially selective RF excitation pulses was designed and implemented on a 3T scanner to acquire the data in the noiselet domain from a phantom and a human brain. The results indicate that noislet encoding preserves image resolution better than Fouirer encoding.
Combining multiple sensors for event recognition of older people

We herein present a hierarchical model-based framework for event recognition using multiple sensors. Event models combine a priori knowledge of the scene (3D geometric and semantic information, such as contextual zones and equipment) with moving objects (e.g., a Person) detected by a monitoring system. The event models follow a generic ontology based on natural language, which allows domain experts to easily adapt them. The framework novelty relies on combining multiple sensors at decision (event) level, and handling their conflict using a probabilistic approach. The proposed approach for event conflict handling computes the event reliability for each sensor, and then combines them using Dempster-Shafer Theory with an alternative combination rule. The proposed framework is evaluated using multi-sensor recording of instrumental daily living activities (e.g., watching TV, writing a check, preparing tea, organizing week intake of prescribed medication) of participants of a clinical trial for Alzheimer's disease. Two evaluation cases are presented: the combination of events (or activities) from heterogeneous sensors (RGB ambient camera and a wearable inertial sensor) by a deterministic fashion, and the combination of conflicting events recognized by video cameras with partially overlapped field of view (a RGB- and a RGB-D-camera, Kinect®). The results show the framework improves the event recognition rate in both cases.
Detecting deceptive reviews using Argumentation

The unstoppable rise of social networks and the web is facing a serious challenge: identifying the truthfulness of online opinions and reviews. In this paper we use Argumentation Frameworks (AFs) extracted from reviews and explore whether the use of these AFs can improve the performance of machine learning techniques in detecting deceptive behaviour, resulting from users lying in order to mislead readers. The AFs represent how arguments from reviews relate to arguments from other reviews as well as to arguments about the goodness of the items being reviewed.
Possible mechanisms of left ventricular torsion evaluated by cardioreparative effects of telmisartan in patients with hypertension.

AIMS Left ventricular (LV) torsion may be an important component of normal LV systolic function. However, its mechanics remain unresolved. Two-dimensional (2-D) strain imaging is increasingly used to quantify LV torsion in the clinical setting. Telmisartan has cardioreparative effects, including attenuation of subendocardial myocardial fibrosis and improvement of LV remodelling. To clarify the mechanisms of LV torsion, in the present study, we evaluated changes in LV longitudinal deformation and torsion after medication with telmisartan using 2-D strain imaging in patients with hypertension (HT). METHODS AND RESULTS Telmisartan (20-40 mg daily) was administered to 37 previously untreated patients with HT. Two-dimensional strain echocardiography was performed after medication had been continued for 1-2 months with normal values for blood pressure (BP) (phase I) and for 12 months (phase II). In the phase II, relative LV wall thickness, LV mass index, LV torsion, and torsional rate were reduced, whereas the mean peak systolic longitudinal strain and strain rate were increased, compared to the phase I. LV torsion correlated well with relative LV wall thickness, but not LV mass index. CONCLUSION Our results obtained from cardioreparative effects of telmisartan suggested that LV torsion is associated with systolic longitudinal deformation related to subendocardial myocardial fibrosis, and/or LV concentric hypertrophy-related difference in torques between the subendocardial and subepicardial sides.
Hierarchical characterization of analog integrated CMOS circuits

This paper presents a new method for hierarchical characterization of analog integrated circuits. For each circuit class, a fundamental set of performances is defined and extracted topology independently. A circuit being characterized is decomposed in general subcircuits. Sizing rules of these topology independent subcircuits are included into the characterization by functional constraints. In this way, bad circuit sizing is detected and located.
Motivational model of problem drinking for men and women

This thesis tested a path model of the relationships of reasons for drinking and reasons for limiting drinking with consumption of alcohol and drinking problems. It was hypothesized that reasons for drinking would be composed of positively and negatively reinforcing reasons, and that reasons for limiting drinking would be composed of personal and social reasons. Problem drinking was operationalized as consisting of two factors, consumption and drinking problems, with a positive relationship between the two. It was predicted that positively and negatively reinforcing reasons for drinking would be associated with heavier consumption and, in turn, more drinking problems, through level of consumption. Negatively reinforcing reasons were also predicted to be associated with drinking problems directly, independent of level of consumption. It was hypothesized that reasons for limiting drinking would be associated with lower levels of consumption and would be related to fewer drinking problems, through level of consumption. Finally, among women, reasons for limiting drinking were expected to be associated with drinking problems directly, independent of level of consumption. The sample, was taken from the second phase of the Niagara Young Aduh Health Study, a community sample ofyoung adult men and women. Measurement models of reasons for drinking, reasons for limiting drinking, and problem drinking were tested using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. After adequate fit of each measurement model was obtained, the complete structural model, with all hypothesized paths, was tested for goodness of fit. Cross-group equality constraints were imposed on all models to test for gender differences. The results provided evidence supporting the hypothesized structure of reasons for drinking and problem drinking. A single factor model of reasons for limiting drinking was used in the analyses because a two-factor model was inadequate. Support was obtained for the structural model. For example, the resuhs revealed independent influences of Positively Reinforcing Reasons for Drinking, Negatively Reinforcing Reasons for Drinking, and Reasons for Limiting Drinking on consumption. In addition. Negatively Reinforcing Reasons helped to account for Drinking Problems independent of the amount of alcohol consumed. Although an additional path from Reasons for Limiting Drinking to Drinking Problems was hypothesized for women, it was of marginal significance and did not improve the model's fit. As a result, no sex differences in the model were found. This may be a result ofthe convergence of drinking patterns for men and women. Furthermore, it is suggested that gender differences may only be found in clinical samples of problem drinkers, where the relative level of consumption for women and men is similar.
Convolutional codes with optimum distance spectrum

New convolutional codes with rates 1/2, 1/3, and 1/4 are presented for constraint lengths ranging from 3 to 15. These new codes are maximum free-distance codes. Furthermore, the codes have optimized information error weights, resulting in a low bit-error rate for binary communication on both additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and Rayleigh fading channels. Improved coding gains of as much as 0.6 dB compared to previously published codes have been observed for coherent BPSK over a Rayleigh fading channel and a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios.
A Multi-Nodes Set Transfer Strategy for Reducing Transmission Unreliability in Wireless Sensor Networks

Recent empirical and theoretical studies have shown that the reliability is one of the inherent properties of low- power wireless links. In this paper, we propose a novel strategy using multi-nodes to realize reliable transmission. Meanwhile, it also can improve the energy efficiency and throughput of networks comparing multi-paths method. We analyze the performance of the strategy theoretically and experimentally. The result shows that it is a good balance between the reliability and energy efficiency.
Performance Optimization of Organic Solar Cells

Organic solar cells (OSCs) have been gaining great popularity in recent years due to their potentials to be low cost, lightweight, and flexible. The performance of OSCs is growing steadily, and they have achieved a power conversion efficiency close to 10% (for single-junction polymer-fullerene OSC). Although there are still limitations and challenges faced by the development of OSCs, in view of the potentials, recent studies have been focusing on the design optimization of OSC layer structure through material engineering, interfacial layer insertion, layer thickness optimization, and morphological control. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review and detailed discussion on the optimization works and development on OSCs, with particular focus on the bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) polymer-fullerene OSCs. We also provide a summary of the performance, in a chronological order, and the future outlook of OSC.
The mitochondrial environment is required for activity of the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme, cytochrome P450scc.

Steroidogenesis is initiated by the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone by mitochondrial cytochrome P450scc [cholesterol, reduced-adrenal-ferredoxin:oxygen oxidoreductase (side-chain-cleaving); EC 1.14. 15.6]. Several subsequent steroidal conversions occur in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but the last step in the production of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids again occurs in the mitochondria. Although cellular compartmentalization of steroidogenic enzymes appears to be a feature of all steroidogenic pathways, some reports indicate that cholesterol can be converted to pregnenolone outside the mitochondria. To investigate whether P450scc can function outside the mitochondria, we constructed vectors producing P450scc and various fusion enzymes of P450scc with electron-transport proteins and directed their expression to either the ER or the mitochondria. Whether targeted to mitochondria or to the ER, plasmid vectors encoding P450scc and fusion proteins of P450scc with either mitochondrial or microsomal electron-transport proteins produced immunodetectable protein. When expressed in mitochondria, all of these constructions converted 22-hydroxycholesterol to pregnenolone, but when expressed in the ER none of them produced pregnenolone. These results show that P450scc can function only in the mitochondria. Furthermore, it appears to be the mitochondrial environment that is required, rather than the specific mitochondrial electron-transport intermediates.
Utilizing Rich Bluetooth Environments for Identity Prediction and Exploring Social Networks as Techniques for Ubiquitous Computing

Personal identification and using that information is in the heart of many ubiquitous systems. We present two complementary techniques, namely personal identification without directly observing the subject, and using that information for understanding the social relations between the subjects. We show that with certain presumptions it is possible to predict one's identity with reasonable certainty only by observing one's Bluetooth neighborhood without the need to directly observe the subject. We also show how this information can be used for exploring the social relations between the subjects
Inhibition of type I natural killer T cells by retinoids or following sulfatide‐mediated activation of type II natural killer T cells attenuates alcoholic liver disease in mice

Innate immune mechanisms leading to liver injury subsequent to chronic alcohol ingestion are poorly understood. Natural killer T (NKT) cells, enriched in the liver and comprised of at least two distinct subsets, type I and II, recognize different lipid antigens presented by CD1d molecules. We have investigated whether differential activation of NKT cell subsets orchestrates inflammatory events leading to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). We found that after chronic plus binge feeding of Lieber‐DeCarli liquid diet in male C57BL/6 mice, type I, but not type II, NKT cells are activated, leading to recruitment of inflammatory Gr‐1highCD11b+ cells into the liver. A central finding is that liver injury after alcohol feeding is dependent upon type I NKT cells. Thus, liver injury is significantly inhibited in Jα18−/− mice deficient in type I NKT cells as well as after their inactivation by sulfatide‐mediated activation of type II NKT cells. Furthermore, we have identified a novel pathway involving all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and its receptor (RARγ) signaling that inhibits type I NKT cells and, consequently, ALD. A semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of hepatic gene expression of some of the key proinflammatory molecules shared in human disease indicated that their up‐regulation in ALD is dependent upon type I NKT cells. Conclusions: Type I, but not type II, NKT cells become activated after alcohol feeding. Type I NKT cell‐induced inflammation and neutrophil recruitment results in liver tissue damage whereas type II NKT cells protect from injury in ALD. Inhibition of type I NKT cells by retinoids or by sulfatide prevents ALD. Given that the CD1d pathway is highly conserved between mice and humans, NKT cell subsets might be targeted for potential therapeutic intervention in ALD. (Hepatology 2015;61:1357–1369)
Development of EOG-Based Communication System Controlled by Eight-Directional Eye Movements

A communication support interface controlled by eye movements and voluntary eye blink has been developed for disabled individuals with motor paralysis who cannot speak. Horizontal and vertical electro-oculograms were measured using two electrodes attached above and beside the dominant eye and referring to an earlobe electrode and amplified with AC-coupling in order to reduce the unnecessary drift. Eight directional cursor movements and one selected operation were realized by logically combining the two detected channel signals based on threshold setting specific to the individuals. As experimental results using a projected screen keyboard, processing speed was improved to 12.1 letters/min. while the accuracy was 90.4%
Genome-scale integrative genotype-phenotype analysis of Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus plantarum

Motivation: Pangenome arrays contain DNA oligomers targeting several sequenced reference genomes from the same species. In microbiology these can be employed to investigate the often high genetic variability within a species by comparative genome hybridization (CGH). The biological interpretation of pangenome CGH data depends on the ability to compare strains at a functional level, particularly by comparing the presence or absence of orthologous genes. Due to the high genetic variability, available genotype-calling algorithms can not be applied to pangenome CGH data. Results: We have developed the algorithm PanCGH that incorporates orthology information about genes to predict the presence or absence of orthologous genes in a query organism. PanCGH was tested and applied in the analysis of genetic diversity among 39 Lactococcus lactis strains from three different subspecies (lactis, cremoris, hordniae) and isolated from two different niches (dairy and plant). Clustering of these strains using the presence/absence data of gene orthologs revealed a clear separation between different subspecies and reflected the niche of the strains.
Deep learning of micro-Doppler features for aided and unaided gait recognition

Remote health monitoring is a topic that has gained increased interest as a way to improve the quality and reduce costs of health care, especially for the elderly. Falling is one of the leading causes for injury and death among the elderly, and gait recognition can be used to detect and monitor neuromuscular diseases as well as emergency events such as heart attack and seizures. In this work, the potential for radar to discriminate a large number of classes of human aided and unaided motion is demonstrated. Deep learning of micro-Doppler features is used with a 3-layer auto-encoder structure to achieve 89% correct classification, a 17% improvement in performance over the benchmark support vector machine classifier supplied with 127 pre-defined features.