Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mimotopes and Proteome Analyses Using Human Genomic and cDNA Epitope Phage Display

In the post-genomic era, validation of candidate gene targets frequently requires proteinbased strategies. Phage display is a powerful tool to define protein-protein interactions by generating peptide binders against target antigens. Epitope phage display libraries have the potential to enrich coding exon sequences from human genomic loci. We evaluated genomic and cDNA phage display strategies to identify genes in the 5q31 Interleukin gene cluster and to enrich cell surface receptor tyrosine kinase genes from a breast cancer cDNA library. A genomic display library containing 2 × 10 6 clones with exon-sized inserts was selected with antibodies specific for human Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and Interleukin-13. The library was enriched significantly after two selection rounds and DNA sequencing revealed unique clones. One clone matched a cognate IL-4 epitope; however, the majority of clone insert sequences corresponded to E. coli genomic DNA. These bacterial sequences act as ‘mimotopes’ (mimetic sequences of the true epitope), correspond to open reading frames, generate displayed peptides, and compete for binding during phage selection. The specificity of these mimotopes for IL-4 was confirmed by competition ELISA. Other E. coli mimotopes were generated using additional antibodies. Mimotopes for a receptor tyrosine kinase gene were also selected using a breast cancer SKBR-3 cDNA phage display library, screened against an anti-erbB2 monoclonal antibody. Identification of mimotopes in genomic and cDNA phage libraries is essential for phage display-based protein validation assays and two-hybrid phage approaches that examine protein-protein interactions. The predominance of E. coli mimotopes suggests that the E. coli genome may be useful to generate peptide diversity biased towards protein coding sequences. Abbreviations used: IL, interleukin; ELISA, enzyme linked immunoabsorbant assay; PBS, phospho-buffered saline; cfu, colony forming units.
The Secrets of Transactional Dismissal in France

The paper explores transactional dismissal (TD), an illegal but common way of dismissing people in France. TD is often used as a means of making redundant senior managers when mergers, outsourcing or restructuring occurs. The paper first describes the procedure from several inputs (juridical, managerial, psychological, social). It further analyses the discourses of concerned actors (employees, employers, remaining employees, union representatives, lawyers) and interprets how the practice is appropriated and legitimized by the parties. Actors display an ambivalent discourse about TD. They acknowledge TD from a managerial perspective and consider it as an injustice with distressing psychological consequences. This ambiguity is interpreted as a consequence of the paradox of the firm: nodes of contracts that, in fact, deal with human beings. The paper also underlines the lack of statistics and quantitative data about TD and the â€œomertaâ€ surrounding the transaction. Such a silence remains essential for the survival of the practice.
Social Policy & U.S. Poverty 1960-1999: An Economic History

Interrogates poverty debate (growth versus redistribution) reignited by underperforming poverty reductions during 1980s' social spending austerity compared to 1960s' "War on Poverty. " Growth and inequality explain 75% 1959-1999 poverty variation; census measurement changes 17%. Significantly, census measurement changes plus overestimated inflation biased-up 1980s measured poverty (deflated 1960s) partly explaining eighties' underperformance. Growth's poverty effect remained constant; rising inequality required 1980's growth 50% higher (1960s) for equivalent poverty reductions. Counterfactual simulations 1959-1999: absent rising earnings inequality, growth drives poverty to 5.4%; increased workerless households offset two-thirds poverty reduction from cash transfers; had Carter and Reagan redistributed like predecessors, poverty reduced one-half.
MACHINE LEARNING AS A SOURCE OF INSIGHT INTO UNIVERSAL GRAMMAR

It is widely believed that the scientific enterprise of theoretical linguistics and the engineering of language applications are separate endeavors with little for their techniques and results to contribute to each other at the moment. In this paper, we explore the possibility that machine learning approaches to natural-language processing (NLP) being developed in engineering-oriented computational linguistics (CL) may be able to provide specific scientific insights into the nature of human language. We argue that, in principle, machine learning (ML) results could inform basic debates about language, in one area at least, and that in practice, existing results may offer initial tentative support for this prospect. A basic conundrum of modern linguistic research is the question of how natural languages can be acquired. It is uncontroversial that the learning of a natural language (or of anything else) requires some assumptions concerning the structure of the phenomena being acquired. So, for example, consider a computer program that is designed to learn to classify emails as spam or non-spam. One could assume that spam is identified by the magnitude of a weighted average over a set of indicator features fi, each of which specifies whether a given word wi appears in the email. We could then use a corpus of email messages, each marked as to their spam status, to train the weights appropriately. Such a learning approach (essentially perceptron learning over the features) assumes (erroneously, of course, but often effectively) that the phenomenon being investigated, spam status, is characterizable independently of any properties of the email but those manifest in the word-existence features, and that their impact on spam status is strictly linear. Alternatively, some other set of features, method for computing their combination, and so forth might be used, reflecting other assumptions about the nature of the phenomenon being investigated. In the field of machine learning, the prior structure imputed to the phenomenon is referred to as the model, which allows for variation in a set of parameters that may be of different sorts—continuous or discrete, fixed or combinatorial. Learning algorithms are procedures for setting these parameters on the basis of samples (observations) of the phenomenon being acquired. The success of the algorithm relative to the observations can be verified by testing to see if it generalizes correctly to unseen instances of the phenomenon. The role of the model and algorithm is to provide a learning bias.1 In linguistics, this prior structure is sometimes referred to as universal grammar (UG), the innate (that is experientially prior) aspect of the human language endowment that allows (biases) language acquisition. In the sequel, we will uniformly use the term learning bias for this model or universal grammar aspect.
Prefix B-trees

Two modifications of <italic>B</italic>-trees are described, simple prefix <italic>B</italic>-trees and prefix <italic>B</italic>-trees. Both store only parts of keys, namely prefixes, in the index part of a <italic>B</italic><supscrpt>*</supscrpt>-tree. In simple prefix <italic>B</italic>-trees those prefixes are selected carefully to minimize their length. In prefix <italic>B</italic>-trees the prefixes need not be fully stored, but are reconstructed as the tree is searched. Prefix <italic>B</italic>-trees are designed to combine some of the advantages of <italic>B</italic>-trees, digital search trees, and key compression techniques while reducing the processing overhead of compression techniques.
The psychological contract and implied contractual terms: Synchronous or asynchronous models?

Purpose – For longer than most people would think, over 40 years, organisational psychologists have been defining and characterising the employment relationship in terms of the psychological contract. Across the same period, judges have through their decisions in legal cases been setting down implied terms that apply to all contracts of employment. Accompanying this development certain commentators, drawn from both academic and practitioner backgrounds have been analysing these terms in considerable detail. The purpose of this paper is to analyse the nature and importance of the concept of the psychological contract and consider its application in the context of the most important implied terms in the contract of employment.Design/methodology/approach – This article was written from a review of the secondary sources of the two disciplines covered. It was only possible to give an overview of the key areas and their influence and given that these two areas had not been analysed together before there was lit.
Sub-microwatt KNN Classifier for Implantable Closed-loop Epileptic Neuromodulation System

The implantable closed-loop system for epileptic seizure detection and neuromodulation is getting more attention in recent years. The architecture design for seizure signal sensing and analyzing has been proposed, but the implementation of the classifier for unsupervised seizure detection is still strongly desired. The k-nearest neighbor (KNN) classification algorithm is one commonly used classifiers in previous researches, yet it needs the training data from both non-seizure and seizure EEG/ECoG states, which are difficult to be collected. Also, the large size of the training set and the concept of the exhaustive search for nearest neighbors make the classification procedure power-consuming. In this paper, we propose a sub-microwatt KNN classifier which only requires the non-seizure EEG/ECoG for training. The size of the training set memory as well as the leakage power is saved by 50%. The processing dynamic power is further reduced by 93.9% due to the early termination scheme. This work achieves the sensitivity of 98.04% and the false alarm rate of 1.97% with optimized power consumption at sub-microwatt, and is suitable for the implantable devices.
Model Checking Assembly Code of an Industrial Knitting Machine

Microcontrollers are used in many embedded systems. The reliability of these embedded systems is of great importance. Model checking is seen as a promising tool for the analysis of the corresponding software. For this purpose, an on-the-fly CTL model checker for microcontroller assembly code called [MC]SQUARE was developed at the RWTH Aachen University. This paper describes a case study that was conducted using [MC]SQUARE. The aim of the case study was to model check the software of an industrial embedded system used for monitoring a knitting machine without manually modifying the code. Using model checking, we found a bug in the communication protocol of the application that was not revealed during testing.
Mammalian Fat and Dachsous cadherins regulate apical membrane organization in the embryonic cerebral cortex

Compartmentalization of the plasma membrane in a cell is fundamental for its proper functions. In this study, we present evidence that mammalian Fat4 and Dachsous1 cadherins regulate the apical plasma membrane organization in the embryonic cerebral cortex. In neural progenitor cells of the cortex, Fat4 and Dachsous1 were concentrated together in a cell–cell contact area positioned more apically than the adherens junction (AJ). These molecules interacted in a heterophilic fashion, affecting their respective protein levels. We further found that Fat4 associated and colocalized with the Pals1 complex. Ultrastructurally, the apical junctions of the progenitor cells comprised the AJ and a stretch of plasma membrane apposition extending apically from the AJ, which positionally corresponded to the Fat4–Dachsous1-positive zone. Depletion of Fat4 or Pals1 abolished this membrane apposition. These results highlight the importance of the Fat4–Dachsous1–Pals1 complex in organizing the apical membrane architecture of neural progenitor cells.
InfoNames: An Information-Based Naming Scheme for Multimedia Content

Recent proposals have argued for data-centric mechanisms that decouple data delivery from the sources of the data and the transfer protocols. We take this idea to its logical completion and argue for enabling content distribution schemes to name and query directly for the underlying information . The motivation for this information-aware design is that we see a proliferation of diverse producers of multimedia content offering varying presentation modes and signiﬁcant heterogeneity in the operating conditions of Internet-enabled devices that seek access to such multimedia content. In addition to decoupling content from available sources and transfer protocols, information-aware names, or InfoN-ames , explicitly decouple the information from content presentation. Thus, it enhances availability and allows users to maximally leverage sources of multimedia content offering diverse presentation formats. Further, users and providers beneﬁt from having additional ﬂexibility to dynamically adapt content delivery depending on application and network constraints. In
Pseudo-Decorrelating Multiuser Receivers for Asynchronous Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Systems in a Rayleigh Fading Environment

A new type of a linear decorrelating receiver, named Pseudo-Decorrelator, for asynchronous code division multiple access systems over a Rayleigh fading multipath channel is presented in this paper. Starting with the analyis of the multiple access components of the decision statistics, the outputs of a bank of matched filters, the (K × 3K) cross-correlation matrix for each bit is obtained. The non-square cross-correlation matrix is then inverted using the concept of Penrose’s generalized inverse of a matrix. In this receiver, the detection process can be started before the whole sequence is received at the receiver, and computing the inverse of a (KN × KN) cross-correlation matrix, generally required for linear decorrelating receivers, can be avoided because it is enough to compute only the generalized inverse of a (K × 3K) cross-correlation matrix for each data bit. Here, K is the number of users and N is the length of input data sequence. Simulation results are also presented for K-user systems over a Rayleigh fading multipath channel. key words: CDMA, decorrelating receiver, multiuser detection
Neuroprotective Effects of Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Transplantation in Combination With Treadmill Exercise Following Traumatic Brain Injury

Purpose: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes cognitive impairments, motor deficits, and neuropsychiatric/behavioral deficits problems. Transplantation of bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) facilitates functional recovery from brain insults. Treadmill exercise increases neurogenesis and inhibits apoptosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of BMSC transplantation in combination with treadmill exercise on memory function, by evaluating its effect on neurogenesis and apoptosis in the hippocampus following TBI. Methods: TBI was induced using an electromagnetic-controlled cortical impact device. BMSCs were transplanted into both sides of traumatic scar region 1 week after TBI induction. One week after transplantation of BMSCs, the rats in the exercise groups were trained to run on a treadmill for 30 minutes once daily for 28 days. Step-down avoidance task and radial 8-arm maze test were conducted. Levels of 5-bromo-2ʹ-deoxyuridine and caspase-3 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Western blot was used to evaluate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), tyrosine kinase B (TrkB), total-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (t-ERK1/2), phosphorylated-ERK1/2 (p-ERK1/2), Bcl-2, and Bax. Results: TBI deteriorated memory function, suppressed neurogenesis, and accelerated apoptosis in the hippocampus. Treadmill exercise and BMSC transplantation independently improved memory function by increasing neurogenesis with suppression of apoptosis through the BDNF-ERK pathway in the TBI-induced rats. Combination of BMSC transplantation with treadmill exercise showed additional enhancement of neurogenesis and suppression of apoptosis in the hippocampus. Conclusions: The present study shows that treadmill exercise may aid the therapeutic effect of BMSC transplantation on TBI in rats.
Biometric co-processor for an authentication system using iris biometrics

Use of biometrics is increasing everyday, as security concerns do. The purpose of biometric systems is finding the identity of the user comparing his biometric data with the one previously stored. The authors propose in this paper a new architecture for an authentication system. This architecture relays on a biometric co-processor, which just performs biometric processes but conferring a higher security rate, than the one obtained with an architecture based on a software design.
Potentiation of Glycine-Gated NR1/NR3A NMDA Receptors Relieves Ca2+-Dependent Outward Rectification

Glycine has diverse functions within the mammalian central nervous system. It inhibits postsynaptic neurons via strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors (GlyRs) and enhances neuronal excitation through co-activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Classical Ca2+-permeable NMDA receptors are composed of glycine-binding NR1 and glutamate-binding NR2 subunits, and hence require both glutamate and glycine for efficient activation. In contrast, recombinant receptors composed of NR1 and the glycine binding NR3A and/or NR3B subunits lack glutamate binding sites and can be activated by glycine alone. Therefore these receptors are also named “excitatory glycine receptors”. Co-application of antagonists of the NR1 glycine-binding site or of the divalent cation Zn2+ markedly enhances the glycine responses of these receptors. To gain further insight into the properties of these glycine-gated NMDA receptors, we investigated their current-voltage (I–V) dependence. Whole-cell current-voltage relations of glycine currents recorded from NR1/NR3B and NR1/NR3A/NR3B expressing oocytes were found to be linear under our recording conditions. In contrast, NR1/NR3A receptors displayed a strong outwardly rectifying I–V relation. Interestingly, the voltage-dependent inward current block was abolished in the presence of NR1 antagonists, Zn2+ or a combination of both. Further analysis revealed that Ca2+ (1.8 mM) present in our recording solutions was responsible for the voltage-dependent inhibition of ion flux through NR1/NR3A receptors. Since physiological concentrations of the divalent cation Mg2+ did not affect the I–V dependence, our data suggest that relief of the voltage-dependent Ca2+ block of NR1/NR3A receptors by Zn2+ may be important for the regulation of excitatory glycinergic transmission, according to the Mg2+-block of conventional NR1/NR2 NMDA receptors.
Lived experiences of everyday life during curative radiotherapy in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer: A phenomenological study

Aim To explore and describe the essential meaning of lived experiences of the phenomenon: Everyday life during curative radiotherapy in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Background Radiotherapy treatment in patients with NSCLC is associated with severe side effects such as fatigue, anxiety, and reduced quality of life. However, little is known about the patients’ experience of everyday life during the care trajectory. Design This study takes a reflective lifeworld approach using an empirical application of phenomenological philosophy described by Dahlberg and colleagues. Method A sample of three patients treated with curative radiotherapy for NSCLC was interviewed 3 weeks after the end of radiotherapy treatment about their experiences of everyday life during their treatment. Data were collected in 2014 and interviews and analysis were conducted within the descriptive phenomenological framework. Findings The essential meaning structure of the phenomenon studied was described as “Hope for recovery serving as a compass in a changed everyday life,” which was a guide for the patients through the radiotherapy treatment to support their efforts in coping with side effects. The constituents of the structure were: Radiotherapy as a life priority, A struggle for acceptance of an altered everyday life, Interpersonal relationships for better or worse, and Meeting the health care system. Conclusion The meaning of hope was essential during radiotherapy treatment and our results suggest that interpersonal relationships can be a prerequisite to the experience of hope. “Hope for recovery serving as a compass in a changed everyday life,” furthermore identifies the essentials in the patients’ assertive approach to believing in recovery and thereby enabling hope in a serious situation.
Opportunities and Verification Challenges of Run-Time Performance Adaptation

Run-time performance adaptation with field delay testing is a promising approach for minimizing design margin while sustaining necessary operational margin in the field. However, run-time performance adaptation has not been adopted in industrial designs since a serious concern on timing error occurrence exists. For putting the run-time performance adaptation in a practical use, we need to verify and optimize the run-time adaptation system in design time, but a straightforward verification with logic simulation could need billion years and is totally insufficient. For this problem, we have developed a stochastic framework for error rate estimation that models adaptive speed control as a continuous-time Markov process. This paper first exemplifies the power reduction thanks to run-time performance adaptation with a 65nm test chip. Then, the proposed stochastic framework is introduced. With this framework, we evaluate MTTF of an embedded processor whose performance is adaptively controlled with online testing and offline testing. This evaluation shows how design parameters affect MTTF as an example.
Inexact spectral projected gradient methods on convex sets

A new method is introduced for large-scale convex constrained optimization. The general model algorithm involves, at each iteration, the approximate minimization of a convex quadratic on the feasible set of the original problem and global convergence is obtained by means of nonmonotone line searches. A specific algorithm, the Inexact Spectral Projected Gradient method (ISPG), is implemented using inexact projections computed by Dykstra's alternating projection method and generates interior iterates. The ISPG method is a generalization of the Spectral Projected Gradient method (SPG), but can be used when projections are difficult to compute. Numerical results for constrained least-squares rectangular matrix problems are presented.
Efficient OMA DRM v2.0 ROAP for Protecting a Rights Object for a Device

Recently, the open mobile alliance (OMA) has been set to define open DRM technologic specifications to protect copyrighted content against piracy, unauthorized use and distribution over mobile networks. This paper proposes an efficient OMA DRM v2.0 ROAP for protecting a rights object for a device. Our proposed ROAP can offer a more efficient DRM system for future mobile networks.
An Analysis of Local Selection Algorithms in a Spatially Structured Evolutionary Algorithm

A critical part of the design of eeective EAs is to obtain a proper balance between exploration and exploitation. A key element of this balance is the selection algorithm used. Although we have for some time now understood the relative diierences between various selection methods for standard centralized EAs, our understanding of decentralized EAs has been less complete. In this paper we present analysis tools and results which provide considerable insight into the properties of various decentralized selection methods, including the selection pressures they induce. Understanding this permits a more informed choice of selection methods when designing and implementing spatially structured EAs.