Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Layered Fault Tolerance for Distributed Embedded Systems

This thesis deals with principles and techniques of fault tolerance for distributed embedded systems. A layered approach is taken to achieve high dependability by structuring error detection and recovery mechanisms into three layers. The first layer consists of mechanisms implemented in hardware, either at the circuit or the micro-architectural level. Many integrated circuits, especially microprocessors, are provided with such mechanisms in order to mask transient hardware faults and to detect permanent ones. To prevent software faults and hardware faults not captured at the hardware layer from causing node failures, it is desirable to introduce node-layer mechanisms. While they may depend on hardware support such as memory protection, they are mostly implemented in software. For this second layer, the thesis proposes techniques for building robust operating systems, addressing software and hardware faults in a comprehensive manner. The goal is to guarantee the integrity of tasks in a multithreaded environment by preventing undesired interactions among tasks and by providing them with recovery services. Some of these techniques were added to an existing real-time kernel and assessed experimentally. To this end, an experimental platform, with an associated fault injection tool, was developed. Following a methodology for fault removal, the tool revealed two design flaws in the kernel extension. Even though the goal of node-layer mechanisms is to make computer nodes highly dependable, nodes may still fail. This motivates the development of system-layer mechanisms that can deal with node failures. Accordingly, the thesis investigates methods for distributed redundancy management and proposes a protocol for guaranteeing consistent diagnosis of node failures in synchronous systems. Due to its importance as a building block, the protocol was formally verified using model checking. An important goal of the proposed framework and the associated node-layer and system-layer mechanisms is to reduce the cost of fault tolerance in distributed embedded systems.
Dissent in Parliament as Reputation Building * August

Dissenting votes in parliamentary systems are overt displays of defiance by individual Members of Parliament (MPs) vis-à-vis their parties. Dissension is particularly surprising as in the vast majority of situations voting against one's party yields no change in legislative outcomes while still generating costs for MPs. This study examines the decisions of elected representatives who face conflicting incentives. A model is developed where MPs choose to dissent in an effort to build reputations with their local constituents. Using all 32,216 observations at MP-bill-vote level for the 39th Parliament of Canada, a reputation building hypothesis is specified and tested. I provide evidence that MPs whose previous election was competitive are 13 percent more likely to cast any dissenting vote and, for a one standard deviation decrease in expected margin of victory, 2.3 percent more likely to defect on any given vote, results which suggest that MPs are actively attempting to build reputations with their local constituents.
Zero voltage switching floating output high gain interleaved DC-DC converter

This paper proposes a non-isolated high efficiency high gain DC-DC converter using zero voltage switching for renewable/green power supply system with photovoltaic (PV) cell or fuel cell. Proposed topology uses interleaved structure of boost converter with winding coupled inductor to offer higher power handling capacity, lower ripple for input current and lower semiconductor voltage stress. The power switches are turned on using zero voltage switching (ZVS) and the switch turned off voltage spike is suppressed by using boost type active clamping technique. This enables the use of lower voltage and RDS-ON MOSFET switch with low switching and conduction losses. Diode turn off current falling rate is controlled by the leakage inductance of coupled inductor and by choosing proper value of leakage inductance, diodes can be turned off using zero current switching (ZCS) and diode reverse recovery problem is alleviated. The significant feature of the proposed topology includes continuous input/output current operation with rid of extreme duty cycle and limited reactive components size. The proposed converter operating modes are analyzed and theoretical waveforms are validated through simulation results.
Construction of linguistic variables from data and domain knowledge

This paper aims at construction of fuzzy linguistic variables by using rule induction and concept hierachy. Since representaiton of linguistic variables can be viewed as a linear combination of components, the algorithm is given as follows. First, domain knowledge (concept hiearchy) is used to transform an original dataset into transformed datasets. Contribution of a generalized concept to representation of an original variable is estimated by using indices obtained from transformed datasets.
The ENZYME data bank in 1995

The ENZYME data bank is a repository of information relative to the nomenclature of enzymes. The current version (October 1995) contains information relevant to 3594 enzymes. It is available from a variety of file and ftp servers as well as through the ExPASy World Wide Web server (http://expasy.hcuge.ch/).
PHASE-I STUDY MEDI-534, OF A LIVE, ATTENUATED INTRANASAL VACCINE AGAINST RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS AND PARAINFLUENZA-3 VIRUS IN SEROPOSITIVE CHILDREN

A live, attenuated respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus type 3 vaccine was evaluated in healthy respiratory syncytial virus/parainfluenza virus type 3 seropositive children aged 1 to 9 years. Three cohorts of 40 children were randomized 1:1 to receive 104, 105, or 106 median tissue culture infectious dose50 MEDI-534 vaccine or placebo. The vaccine’s safety profile was similar to placebo, no viral shedding was detected, and the vaccine was minimally immunogenic.
A Model based Realisation of Actor Model to Conceptualise an Aid for Complex Dynamic Decision-making

Effective decision-making of modern organisation requires deep understanding of various aspects of organisation such as its goals, structure, business-as-usual operational processes etc. The large size and complex structure of organisations, socio-technical characteristics, and fast business dynamics make this decision-making a challenging endeavour. The state-of-practice of decision-making that relies heavily on human experts is often reported as ineffective, imprecise and lacking in agility. This paper evaluates a set of candidate technologies and makes a case for using actor based simulation techniques as an aid for complex dynamic decision-making. The approach is justified by enumeration of basic requirements of complex dynamic decision-making and the conducting a suitability of analysis of state-of-the-art enterprise modelling techniques. The research contributes a conceptual meta-model that represents necessary aspects of organisation for complex dynamic decision-making together with a realisation in terms of a meta model that extends Actor model of computation. The proposed approach is illustrated using a real life case study from business process outsourcing industry
Using Temporal Texture for Content-Based Video Retrieval

Textures evolving over time are called temporal textures and are very common in everyday life. Examples are the smoke flowing or the wavy water of a river. The idea explored in this paper is that image features based on temporal texture could allow a better performance of current content-based video retrieval systems that are mainly based on static characteristics of representative frames, like color and texture. To this aim we analyze the spatio-temporal nature of texture and its application in content-based access to video databases. In particular, we represent temporal texture using the spatio-temporal autoregressive (STAR) model and a variation of self-organizing maps (SOM) where each node is an autoregressive model. These representation schemes have been implemented in a query by example framework to analyze the weaknesses and the strengths of the different approaches. Preliminary experimental results are reported.
Analysis of growth and dose response curves.

SUMMARY A method of analysis of 'growth curves' that utilizes the technique of analysis of covariance is developed and illustrated. The method yields results identical to those obtained by weighting inversely by the sample covariance matrix, but has the additional feature of allowing flexibility in weighting by choosing subsets of covariates that have special properties. Thus, exploitation of Rao's observation that selected subsets of the covariates may in some cases yield 'better' estimates than the complete set is easily implemented. Examples are included to illustrate the calculations and how to determine when it will be advantageous to use all the vectors in the error space as covariates (weight inversely by the sample covariance matrix) or to use only a subset, and how to choose the 'best' subset from examination of sample covariance or correlation matrices.
Dephosphorylation of HuR Protein during Alphavirus Infection Is Associated with HuR Relocalization to the Cytoplasm*

Background: Sindbis virus RNAs bind the cellular HuR protein and cause its relocalization to the cytoplasm. Results: HuR relocalization occurs with other alphaviruses but not with several unrelated RNA viruses. It is associated with altered protein phosphorylation. Conclusion: HuR relocalization is alphavirus-selective and appears to be distinct from other types of HuR shuttling. Significance: This has potential therapeutic and diagnostic implications for alphavirus infections. We have demonstrated previously that the cellular HuR protein binds U-rich elements in the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of Sindbis virus RNA and relocalizes from the nucleus to the cytoplasm upon Sindbis virus infection in 293T cells. In this study, we show that two alphaviruses, Ross River virus and Chikungunya virus, lack the conserved high-affinity U-rich HuR binding element in their 3′ UTRs but still maintain the ability to interact with HuR with nanomolar affinities through alternative binding elements. The relocalization of HuR protein occurs during Sindbis infection of multiple mammalian cell types as well as during infections with three other alphaviruses. Interestingly, the relocalization of HuR is not a general cellular reaction to viral infection, as HuR protein remained largely nuclear during infections with dengue and measles virus. Relocalization of HuR in a Sindbis infection required viral gene expression, was independent of the presence of a high-affinity U-rich HuR binding site in the 3′ UTR of the virus, and was associated with an alteration in the phosphorylation state of HuR. Sindbis virus-induced HuR relocalization was mechanistically distinct from the movement of HuR observed during a cellular stress response, as there was no accumulation of caspase-mediated HuR cleavage products. Collectively, these data indicate that virus-induced HuR relocalization to the cytoplasm is specific to alphavirus infections and is associated with distinct posttranslational modifications of this RNA-binding protein.
First transplantation of isolated murine follicles in alginate.

AIM Our aim is to develop an artificial ovary allowing survival and growth of isolated follicles and ovarian cells, to restore fertility in women diagnosed with pathologies at high risk of ovarian involvement. MATERIALS & METHODS For this, alginate beads containing isolated preantral follicles and ovarian cells were autografted to immunocompetent mice. One week after grafting, the beads were invaded by proliferating murine cells (12.1%) and capillaries. RESULTS The recovery rate of follicles per graft ranged from 0% to 35.5%. Of the analyzed follicles, 77% were Ki67-positive and 81%, TUNEL-negative. Three antral follicles were also identified, evidencing their ability to grow in the matrix. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that an artificial ovary is now conceivable, opening new perspectives to restore fertility in women.
THE EFFECTS OF PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC ENERGY ON PERIPHERAL NERVE REGENERATION *

My interest in pulsed electromagnetic energy a s a form of therapy goes back only 2 years. An initial investigation into its effects on the healing of recent soft tissue injuries demonstrated convincingly that it has a definite biologic action. ’ More recently, 1 have made a comparative study between short-wave diathermy and pulsed electromagnetic energy in the treatment of ankle sprains. The results of this investigation show that in pairs of patients matched for sex, age, weight, and degree of trauma, conventional short-wave diathermy will produce a 44% recession of symptoms in 3 days by giving a total energy transfer of 22 W hr, whereas only 15 W hr of pulsed electromagnetic energy therapy results in a recession of 82% of symptoms during the same period. I consider that attempting to compare short-wave diathermy and pulsed electromagnetic energy is like comparing apples with oranges for sweetness. The value of the study was in demonstrating that when we used pulsed electromagnetic energy, a smaller quantity of energy produced very much better therapeutic results. This finding throws very considerable doubt on the theory that pulsed electromagnetic energy as a means of therapy is merely another method of generating heat i n the tissues. In attempting to find a more precise method of demonstrating the biologic effect of this technique, we decided to investigate its action on the rate of regeneration of peripheral nerves in experimental animals.
Candida albicans β-Glucan Exposure Is Controlled by the Fungal CEK1-Mediated Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway That Modulates Immune Responses Triggered through Dectin-1

ABSTRACT Innate immunity to Candida albicans depends upon the recognition of molecular patterns on the fungal cell wall. However, the masking of major components such as β-glucan seems to be a mechanism that fungi have evolved to avoid immune cell recognition through the dectin-1 receptor. Although the role of C. albicans mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways as virulence determinants has been established previously with animal models, the mechanism involved in this behavior is largely unknown. In this study we demonstrate that a disruption of the C. albicans extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)-like 1 (CEK1)-mediated MAPK pathway causes enhanced cell wall β-glucan exposure, triggering immune responses more efficiently than the wild type, as measured by dectin-1-mediated specific binding and human dendritic cell (hDC)- and macrophage-mediated phagocytosis, killing, and activation of intracellular signaling pathways. At the molecular level, the disruption of CEK1 resulted in altered spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk), Raf-1, and ERK1/2 activations together with IκB degradation on hDCs and increased dectin-1-dependent activator protein 1 (AP-1) activation on transfected cells. In addition, concurring with these altered pathways, we detected increased reactive oxygen species production and cytokine secretion. In conclusion, the CEK1-mediated MAPK pathway is involved in β-glucan exposure in a fungal pathogen, hence influencing dectin-1-dependent immune cell recognition, thus establishing this fungal intracellular signaling route as a promising novel therapeutic target.
Transposition without transposase: a spontaneous mutation in bacteria

Transposition mutations are typically associated with the activities of transposable elements such as transposons and insertion sequences, whose mobility is dependent upon transposase enzymes that catalyze exchanges between element ends and target sites. We describe a single transposition event in which a block of donor sequence is inserted at a target site without the involvement of any known transposase or the ends of any known transposable element. We propose that this is a new type of spontaneous mutation which may be difficult to detect in standard mutant hunts but may be of evolutionary importance.
LytM factors affect the recruitment of autolysins to the cell division site in Caulobacter crescentus

Most bacteria possess a peptidoglycan cell wall that determines their morphology and provides mechanical robustness during osmotic challenges. The biosynthesis of this structure is achieved by a large set of synthetic and lytic enzymes with varying substrate specificities. Although the biochemical functions of these proteins are conserved and well‐investigated, the precise roles of individual factors and the regulatory mechanisms coordinating their activities in time and space remain incompletely understood. Here, we comprehensively analyze the autolytic machinery of the alphaproteobacterial model organism Caulobacter crescentus, with a specific focus on LytM‐like endopeptidases, soluble lytic transglycosylases and amidases. Our data reveal a high degree of redundancy within each protein family but also specialized functions for individual family members under stress conditions. In addition, we identify two lytic transglycosylases and an amidase as new divisome components that are recruited to midcell at distinct stages of the cell cycle. The midcell localization of these proteins is affected by two LytM factors with degenerate catalytic domains, DipM and LdpF, which may serve as regulatory hubs coordinating the activities of multiple autolytic enzymes during cell constriction and fission respectively. These findings set the stage for in‐depth studies of the molecular mechanisms that control peptidoglycan remodeling in C. crescentus.
A pilot study on behavioral and cognitive effects of Cognitive Stimulation Training based on 3R Mental Stimulation. The Treviso Dementia (TREDEM) Study.

OBJECTIVES Cognitive Stimulation (CS) trainings are non-pharmacological treatments widely used in dementia care. 3R Mental Stimulation is a particular type of CS, which consists of sequential association of ROT, Reminiscence and Remotivation during the same session. This pilot study sought to investigate whether CS, based on 3R program, could benefit cognitive functions, autonomy and behavioral disorders. METHOD 3R-CS treatment was applied to 36 patients, which are part of the "TREDEM" study sample, and their caregivers. All patients received a multidimensional assessment consisting of a socio-demographic, clinical and neuropsychological data collection. RESULTS After CS treatment a significant improvement was detected in cognition and autonomy in basic activities of daily living. Caregiver distress was decreased. Behavioral disturbances were reduced even when considering a potential confounding factor such as treatment with anticholinesterase or NMDA receptor antagonist drugs. CONCLUSION The findings demonstrated that 3R-CS can benefit cognitive functions and level of autonomy in the basic activities of daily living and also it can reduce behavioral disorders and caregiver's distress.
Evaluation of in‐memory storage engine for machine learning analysis of security events

Modern security information and event management systems should be capable to store and process high amount of events or log messages in different formats and from different sources. This requirement often prevents such systems from usage of computational heavy algorithms for security analysis. To deal with this issue, we built our system based on an in‐memory database with an integrated machine learning library, namely, SAP HANA. Three approaches, that is, (1) deep normalisation of log messages, (2) storing data in the main memory and (3) running data analysis directly in the database, allow us to increase processing speed in such a way that machine learning analysis of security events becomes possible nearly in real time. Besides that, we developed a universal anomaly detection algorithm, which uses vector space model to represent and cluster textual log messages. Together with deep normalisation approach, this algorithm solves the problem of correlation for heterogenous security events containing many text fields. To prove our concepts, we measured the processing speed for the developed system on the data generated using Active Directory testbed, compared it with classical system architecture based on PostgreSQL database and showed the efficiency of our approach for high‐speed analysis of security events. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A surface definition method for an interfacial energy database

Agreeing on a method to identify interfaces is a desirable step in order to build a database of interfacial energy. So far, the expression Sigma X Interface has been used to identify interfaces. Unfortunately, this conventional method cannot express arbitrary interface geometries. In the present work, we review interface geometries and propose a systematic Orientation Method based purely on geometrical considerations that can express arbitrary twists and slipping of interfaces.
Estimating tree crown dimensions using digital analysis of vertical photographs

The aim of this study was to develop a relatively rapid, simple and repeatable method to characterize the crown architecture of Queensland maple ( Flindersia brayleyanaF. Muell.) by vertical hemispherical photography. Calibration scales were developed to provide horizontal planes of measurement at heights from 15 to 40 m above the camera. Hemispherical images of tree crowns were merged with the specific calibration scale appropriate for the mid-height of the crown in order to adjust for image distortion during measurement. Merged images were analyzed by three procedures to yield measurements of crown diameter and projected area. The most precise measurement of projected crown dimensions was assumed to be provided by a complete analysis of a digital image of the crown, after removal of the trunk image. Crown diameters estimated by tape measurements on the ground were relatively imprecise ( R2 = 0.54). Crowns classified as symmetrical were described much more precisely ( R2 = 0.72) than those classified as asymmetrical ( R2 = 0.37). The precision of estimates of crown dimensions by tape did not alter significantly over the range of crown sizes sampled (2–10 m diameter in trees 15–40 m tall). This novel image analysis method can yield relatively precise and accurate measurements on the relatively shallow crowns of tall trees, often found in rainforests, regardless of the degree of asymmetry in crown shapes. However, the method is slower to apply than conventional tape techniques and additional equipment is required. The principal advantage of the photographic technique is the opportunity for precise measurements of changes in crown size and foliage projected area over time. ©2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Rapid neural differentiation of human cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells

Human umbilical cord blood (UCB) contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), both of which are regarded as valuable sources for cell transplantation and cell therapy. Adherent cells expressing MSCs-related antigens such as SH2, CD13, CD29, and ASMA, have been isolated from a mononuclear cell fraction of human UCB. Under proneurogenic conditions, these UCB-derived adherent cells rapidly assumed the morphology of multipolar neurons. Both immunofluorescence and RT-PCR analyses indicated that the expression of a number of neural markers including Tuj1, TrkA, GFAP and CNPases, was markedly elevated during this acute differentiation. The neurogenic potential of UCB-derived may facilitate stem cell therapeutic approaches to neurodegenerative diseases.