Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SEmantic portAL: The SEAL Approach

The core idea of the Semantic Web is to make information accessible to human and software agents on a semantic basis. Hence, web sites may feed directly from the Semantic Web exploiting the underlying structures for human and machine access. We have developed a generic approach for developing semantic portals, viz. SEAL (SEmantic portAL), that exploits semantics for providing and accessing information at a portal as well as constructing and maintaining the portal. In this paper, we discuss the role that semantic structures make for establishing communication between different agents in general. We elaborate on a number of intelligent means that make semantic web sites accessible from the outside, viz. semantics-based browsing, semantic querying and querying with semantic similarity, semantic personalization, and machine access to semantic information at a semantic portal. As a case study we refer to the AIFB web site — a place that is increasingly driven by Semantic Web technologies.
Adaptive Modulation and Power Allocation Technique for LDPC-Coded MIMO-OFDMA Cellular Systems

An adaptive transmission scheme, in which the work in [3] is extended to multiuser environment, is proposed for LDPC-coded MIMO-OFDMA cellular systems that employ FDD by considering active user selection and sub-channel power allocation. The performance of the proposed scheme is obtained from simulation and compared with that of the conventional scheme using mean SNR only. It is shown that the proposed scheme can provide up to 5.5 dB gain over the conventional scheme at the expense of only 6 more bits in feedback information.
Adaptive Methods for Classification of Biological Microarray Data from Multiple Experiments

We introduce a general classification tool, able to distinguish between two labelled data sets, and which we apply to real biological data as an example. For this, we develop a new normalization procedure integrating data obtained from multiple experiments, then qualitatively identify the candidate genes for differentiating disease states, which are finally used for diagnosing new samples. We demonstrate the algorithm by first training it on real biological data of the immune system obtained from multiple antigen arrays, and then diagnosing the correct disease state of new samples.
Automatic Classification of Palatal and Pharyngeal Wall Shape Categories from Speech Acoustics and Inverted Articulatory Signals

Inter-speaker variability is pervasive in speech, and the ability to predict sources of inter-speaker variability from acoustics can afford scientific and technological advantages. An important source of this variability is vocal tract morphology. This work proposes a statistical model-based approach to classifying the shape of the hard palate and the pharyngeal wall from speech audio. We used principal component analysis for the parameterization of the morphological shape. Analysis using K-means clustering showed that both the palate and the pharyngeal wall shape data group into two major categories. These in turn are used as targets for automatic classification using acoustic features derived at the utterance level with OpenSmile and at the model level using GMM based posterior probability supervectors. Since articulatory motions are dependent on morphological shape, the model uses estimated articulatory features on top of speech acoustics for improving the classification performance. Experimental results showed 70% and 63% unweighted accuracy for binary classifications of palate and pharyngeal wall shapes in the rtMRI database, respectively, and 63% for the palate shape on the X-Ray Microbeam database.
O passar do TEMPO no HAREM

O presente artigo apresenta um estudo contrastivo entre as propostas de analise do tempo na primeira e segunda edicoes do HAREM. Discutimos, entre outros aspectos, as principais vantagens e inconvenientes de uma e outra, tendo em linha de conta os principios teorico-metodologicos subjacentes ao modelo geral do HAREM. A discussao e feita com base nas expressoes temporais compreendidas nas coleccoes douradas do Primeiro e do Segundo HAREM, que reanalisamos de acordo com, respectivamente, as directivas do TEMPO adoptadas no Segundo e no Primeiro HAREM. Em forma de um balanco final, apresentamos algumas sugestoes de melhoria no tratamento do tempo num proximo HAREM.
Pediatric asthma and development of atopy

Cooper P, Mueck B, Yousefi S, et al. cDNA-RDA of genes expressed in fetal and adult lungs identifies factors important in development and function. Am J Physiol 2000; 278:L284±L293. [27] Cornfield DN, Saqueton CB, Porter VA, Herron J, Resnik E, Haddad IY, Reeve HL. Voltage-gated K+-channel activity in ovine pulmonary vasculature is developmentally regulated. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2000; 278:L1297± L1304.
Activation of Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor Type 1 Contributes to Pathophysiology of Spinal Cord Injury

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is an extracellular lipid mediator involved in many physiological functions that signals through six known G-protein-coupled receptors (LPA1–LPA6). A wide range of LPA effects have been identified in the CNS, including neural progenitor cell physiology, astrocyte and microglia activation, neuronal cell death, axonal retraction, and development of neuropathic pain. However, little is known about the involvement of LPA in CNS pathologies. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that LPA signaling via LPA1 contributes to secondary damage after spinal cord injury. LPA levels increase in the contused spinal cord parenchyma during the first 14 d. To model this potential contribution of LPA in the spinal cord, we injected LPA into the normal spinal cord, revealing that LPA induces microglia/macrophage activation and demyelination. Use of a selective LPA1 antagonist or mice lacking LPA1 linked receptor-mediated signaling to demyelination, which was in part mediated by microglia. Finally, we demonstrate that selective blockade of LPA1 after spinal cord injury results in reduced demyelination and improvement in locomotor recovery. Overall, these results support LPA–LPA1 signaling as a novel pathway that contributes to secondary damage after spinal cord contusion in mice and suggest that LPA1 antagonism might be useful for the treatment of acute spinal cord injury. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This study reveals that LPA signaling via LPA receptor type 1 activation causes demyelination and functional deficits after spinal cord injury.
Cognitive performance in people with Parkinson's disease and mild or moderate depression: effects of dopamine agonists in an add‐on to l‐dopa therapy

In a randomized prospective multi‐centre study, we evaluated the cognitive performances of a group of 41 non‐demented patients, all with advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) and a current depressive episode, in whom the effects of pramipexole (PPX) and pergolide (PRG) in an add‐on to l‐dopa therapy were also studied and published with regard to motor symptoms of PD, motor complications and depression. The Trail Making Test, the Stroop test and four subtests (arithmetic, picture completion, digit symbols and similarities) of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale‐Revised were performed prior to and 8 months after the administration of either PPX or PRG. We found no statistically significant difference between the two tested drugs or between the first and the last visit in any of the above‐listed neuropsychological tests. All patients’ motor outcomes significantly improved and we conclusively demonstrated the anti‐depressive effect of PPX. The dissociation of dopaminomimetic effects on the different tested domains indicates that there are different pathological mechanisms of cognitive, motor and affective disturbances in advanced PD patients. In our non‐demented group of fluctuating depressed PD subjects, both PPX and PRG administration in combination with l‐dopa were safe in terms of the effect on cognitive performance.
MEMS based fiber-optical microendoscopy

Fiber-optical microendoscopy has recently been an essential medical diagnostic tool in exploring tissue in vivo due to high-quality imaging performance, compact size, high-speed imaging, and flexible movement. Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) based endoscopes have been playing a key role in miniaturization of fiber-optical endoscopy for over 20 years. In this paper, both review and technology outlook of MEMS based fiber-optical microendoscopy for real-time in vivo disease diagnosis and microsurgery will be provided.
Cellulose‐based Materials for the Removal of Heavy Metals from Wastewater – An Overview

Water pollution due to increase in population and high rates of wastewater generation have become serious concerns since the last few decades. Heavy metals are amongst the main wastewater pollutants due to their ability to persist in the environment. Materials and techniques are being investigated for the treatment of heavy metals in wastewater. Cellulose is one of the materials gaining attention due to its excellent physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. Cellulose-based materials are being widely studied for the adsorption of heavy metals. This overview highlights research efforts to enhance the role of cellulose in wastewater treatment through cellulose-based materials. It also discusses the effects of cellulose modifications such as cellulose gels, cellulose composites, cellulose derivatives, functionalized cellulose, and nanocrystalline cellulose on the capacity of heavy metals adsorption.
The NuRD complex component p66 suppresses photoreceptor neuron regeneration in planarians

Abstract Regeneration involves precise control of cell fate to produce an appropriate complement of tissues formed within a blastema. Several chromatin‐modifying complexes have been identified as required for regeneration in planarians, but it is unclear whether this class of molecules uniformly promotes the production of differentiated cells. We identify a function for p66, encoding a DNA‐binding protein component of the NuRD (nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase) complex, as well as the chromodomain helicase chd4, in suppressing production of photoreceptor neurons (PRNs) in planarians. This suppressive effect appeared restricted to PRNs because p66 inhibition did not influence numbers of eye pigment cup cells (PCCs) and decreased numbers of brain neurons and epidermal progenitors. PRNs from p66(RNAi) animals differentiated with some abnormalities but nonetheless produced arrestin+ projections to the brain. p66 inhibition produced excess ovo+otxA+ PRN progenitors without affecting numbers of ovo+otxA− PCC progenitors, and ovo and otxA were each required for the p66(RNAi) excess PRN phenotype. Together these results suggest that p66 acts through the NuRD complex to suppress PRN production by limiting expression of lineage‐specific transcription factors.
Clathrin-Dependent Targeting of Receptors to the Flagellar Pocket of Procyclic-Form Trypanosoma brucei

ABSTRACT In trypanosomatids, endocytosis and exocytosis occur exclusively at the flagellar pocket, which represents about 0.43% of the pellicle membrane and is a deep invagination of the plasma membrane where the flagellum extends from the cell. Receptor molecules are selectively retained at the flagellar pocket. We studied the function of clathrin heavy chain (TbCLH) in the trafficking of the flagellar pocket receptors in Trypanosoma brucei by using the double-stranded RNA interference approach. It appears that TbCLH is essential for the survival of both the procyclic form and the bloodstream form of T. brucei, even though structures resembling large coated endocytic vesicles are absent in procyclic-form trypanosomes. Down-regulation of TbCLH by RNA interference (RNAi) for 24 h rapidly and drastically reduced the uptake of macromolecules via receptor-mediated endocytosis in procyclic-form trypanosomes. This result suggested the importance of TbCLH in receptor-mediated endocytosis of the procyclic-form trypanosome, in which the formation of large coated endocytic vesicles may not be required. Surprisingly, induction of TbCLH RNAi in the procyclic T. brucei for a period of 48 h prohibited the export of the flagellar pocket-associated transmembrane receptor CRAM from the endoplasmic reticulum to the flagellar pocket, while trafficking of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored procyclin coat was not significantly affected. After 72 h of induction of TbCLH RNAi, procyclics exhibited morphological changes to an apolar round shape without a distinct structure of the flagellar pocket and flagellum. Although trypanosomes, like other eukaryotes, use similar organelles and machinery for protein sorting and transport, our studies reveal a novel role for clathrin in the secretory pathway of trypanosomes. We speculate that the clathrin-dependent trafficking of proteins to the flagellar pocket may be essential for the biogenesis and maintenance of the flagellar pocket in trypanosomes.
An Exploratory Study of the Evolution of Communicated Information about the Execution of Large Software Systems

A great deal of research in software engineering focuses on understanding the dynamic nature of software systems. Such research makes use of automated instrumentation and profiling techniques after fact, i.e., without considering domain knowledge. In this paper, we turn our attention to another source of dynamic information, i.e., the Communicated Information (CI) about the execution of a software system. Major examples of CI are execution logs and system events. They are generated from statements that are inserted intentionally by domain experts (e.g., developers or administrators) to convey crucial points of interest. The accessibility and domain-driven nature of the CI make it a valuable source for studying the evolution of a software system. In a case study on one large open source and one industrial software system, we explore the concept of CI and its evolution by mining the execution logs of these systems. Our study illustrates the need for better trace ability techniques between CI and the Log Processing Apps that analyze the CI. In particular, we find that the CI changes at a rather high rate across versions, leading to fragile Log Processing Apps. 40% to 60% of these changes can be avoided and the impact of 15% to 50% of the changes can be controlled through the use of the robust analysis techniques by Log Processing Apps. We also find that Log Processing Apps that track implementation-level CI (e.g., performance analysis) are more fragile than Log Processing Apps that track domain-level CI (e.g., workload modeling), because the implementation-level CI is often short-lived.
Cooperative Retraction of Bundled Type IV Pili Enables Nanonewton Force Generation

The causative agent of gonorrhea, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, bears retractable filamentous appendages called type IV pili (Tfp). Tfp are used by many pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria to carry out a number of vital functions, including DNA uptake, twitching motility (crawling over surfaces), and attachment to host cells. In N. gonorrhoeae, Tfp binding to epithelial cells and the mechanical forces associated with this binding stimulate signaling cascades and gene expression that enhance infection. Retraction of a single Tfp filament generates forces of 50–100 piconewtons, but nothing is known, thus far, on the retraction force ability of multiple Tfp filaments, even though each bacterium expresses multiple Tfp and multiple bacteria interact during infection. We designed a micropillar assay system to measure Tfp retraction forces. This system consists of an array of force sensors made of elastic pillars that allow quantification of retraction forces from adherent N. gonorrhoeae bacteria. Electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy were used in combination with this novel assay to assess the structures of Tfp. We show that Tfp can form bundles, which contain up to 8–10 Tfp filaments, that act as coordinated retractable units with forces up to 10 times greater than single filament retraction forces. Furthermore, single filament retraction forces are transient, whereas bundled filaments produce retraction forces that can be sustained. Alterations of noncovalent protein–protein interactions between Tfp can inhibit both bundle formation and high-amplitude retraction forces. Retraction forces build over time through the recruitment and bundling of multiple Tfp that pull cooperatively to generate forces in the nanonewton range. We propose that Tfp retraction can be synchronized through bundling, that Tfp bundle retraction can generate forces in the nanonewton range in vivo, and that such high forces could affect infection.
Fair greening for DSL broadband access

Given that broadband access networks are an integral part of the ICT infrastructure and that DSL is the most widely deployed broadband access technology, greening DSL has become important. Our recent work demonstrated a promising tradeoff between data rate performance and energy conservation. However, more greening still implies possibly lower data rate, and allocating this "price of greening" across interfering users needs to be fair. This paper proposes four for- mulations of fair greening in interference-limited networks, unifies them into one general representation, and develops a unified algorithm to solve them effectively. Simulations quantify the intuitions on fairness in greening DSL, as these four alternative approaches offer a range of choices between maintaining a high sum data rate and enforcing various definitions of fairness. Fairness of allocating the price of greening is also interesting in its own right.
N ov 2 00 1 Fundamental time-asymmetry from nontrivial space topology

It is argued that a fundamental time-asymmetry (arrow-of-time) could arise from the global structure of the space manifold. The proposed mechanism relies on the CPT anomaly of chiral gauge theory defined over a nonsimply connected space manifold. The resulting time-asymmetry is illustrated by a simple thought experiment. This effect could, in principle, play a role in determining the initial conditions of the big bang. PACS numbers 11.30. Er; 04.20. Gz; 41.20. Jb; 98.80. Bp Typeset using REVTEX ∗Email address: frans.klinkhamer@physik.uni-karlsruhe.de
Cloud controlled intrusion detection and burglary prevention stratagems in home automation systems

Security surveillance partakes in significant number of home automation systems, deploying digital cameras and sensors to monitor and report intrusion events and thereby reducing damages caused by burglary. In this paper, we present the design, implementation and operation of a cloud connected adhoc wireless home automation system with en suite intrusion detection and burglary prevention stratagems. Along with an improved infrared camera, each node of our home automation system has devised intelligent algorithms for intrusion detection and subsequently reports any event to a location-aware cloud service in real-time. In case of an intrusion event, another cloud service alerts the user with a SMS conversation. The user can then monitor the intrusion from anywhere, on any Internet enable device by accessing the cloud's web interface. If the intrusion is genuine, the user is provided with options to stealthily alert neighbors (who are using our home automation system), play alarm sounds or even report to the police. Using these techniques, burglary can be evaded effectively.
Long-period oscillations of active region patterns: least-squares mapping on second-order curves

Active regions (ARs) are the main sources of variety in solar dynamic events. Automated detection and identification tools need to be developed for solar features for a deeper understanding of the solar cycle. Of particular interest here are the dynamical properties of the ARs, regardless of their internal structure and sunspot distribution. We studied the oscillatory dynamics of two ARs: NOAA 11327 and NOAA 11726 using two different methods of pattern recognition. We developed a novel method of automated AR border detection and compared it to an existing method for the proof-of-concept. The first method uses least-squares fitting on the smallest ellipse enclosing the AR, while the second method applies regression on the convex hull. } After processing the data, we found that the axes and the inclination angle of the ellipse and the convex hull oscillate in time. These oscillations are interpreted as the second harmonic of the standing long-period kink oscillations (with the node at the apex) of the magnetic flux tube connecting the two main sunspots of the ARs. In both ARs we have estimated the distribution of the phase speed magnitude along the magnetic tubes (along the two main spots) by interpreting the obtained oscillation of the inclination angle as the standing second harmonic kink mode. After comparing the obtained results for fast and slow kink modes, we conclude that both of these modes are good candidates to explain the observed oscillations of the AR inclination angles, as in the high plasma $\beta$ regime the phase speeds of these modes are comparable and on the order of the Alfv\'{e}n speed. Based on the properties of the observed oscillations, we detected the appropriate depth of the sunspot patterns, which coincides with estimations made by helioseismic methods. The latter analysis can be used as a basis for developing a magneto-seismological tool for ARs.
The Fracture Resistance of a Toughened Epoxy Adhesive

Abstract The fracture resistance of a rubber-modified epoxy adhesive has been studied using a continuum fracture-mechanics analysis. The fracture energy, G Ic , has been ascertained over a range of test temperatures and rates, both in bulk and in adhesive joints, as a function of specimen geometry. The results obtained are described and a semi-quantitative model discussed for predicting the joint failure behaviour from the bulk adhesive properties.
Effect of Acute Negative and Positive Energy Balance on Basal Very-Low Density Lipoprotein Triglyceride Metabolism in Women

Background Acute reduction in dietary energy intake reduces very low-density lipoprotein triglyceride (VLDL-TG) concentration. Although chronic dietary energy surplus and obesity are associated with hypertriglyceridemia, the effect of acute overfeeding on VLDL-TG metabolism is not known. Objective The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of acute negative and positive energy balance on VLDL-TG metabolism in healthy women. Design Ten healthy women (age: 22.0±2.9 years, BMI: 21.2±1.3 kg/m2) underwent a stable isotopically labeled tracer infusion study to determine basal VLDL-TG kinetics after performing, in random order, three experimental trials on the previous day: i) isocaloric feeding (control) ii) hypocaloric feeding with a dietary energy restriction of 2.89±0.42 MJ and iii) hypercaloric feeding with a dietary energy surplus of 2.91±0.32 MJ. The three diets had the same macronutrient composition. Results Fasting plasma VLDL-TG concentrations decreased by ∼26% after hypocaloric feeding relative to the control trial (P = 0.037), owing to decreased hepatic VLDL-TG secretion rate (by 21%, P = 0.023) and increased VLDL-TG plasma clearance rate (by ∼12%, P = 0.016). Hypercaloric feeding increased plasma glucose concentration (P = 0.042) but had no effect on VLDL-TG concentration and kinetics compared to the control trial. Conclusion Acute dietary energy deficit (∼3MJ) leads to hypotriglyceridemia via a combination of decreased hepatic VLDL-TG secretion and increased VLDL-TG clearance. On the other hand, acute dietary energy surplus (∼3MJ) does not affect basal VLDL-TG metabolism but disrupts glucose homeostasis in healthy women.