Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of primary users on the connectivity of a cognitive radio network

We analyze the impact of primary users on the secondary network connectivity in a cognitive radio network. The analysis is based on the second smallest Laplacian eigenvalue, i.e., the algebraic connectivity, re-elaborated in a cognitive scenario. The contribution of this paper is twofold: first we derive the form of the average Laplacian matrix of the network, averaged over the random activity of the primary users, and compute the second smallest Laplacian eigenvalue of this matrix. We derive in this way the compact cognitive algebraic connectivity and we show that, in the scenarios we are interested in, it represents a valid estimation of the expected value of the cognitive algebraic connectivity. The second contribution is the evaluation of the impact of different topological parameters on the compact cognitive algebraic connectivity.
An automated approach for evaluating spatial correlation in mixed signal designs using synopsys HSpice

With current aggressive down scaling of critical dimensions (CD) in integrated circuits (IC) technologies, the impact of variations on the amount of power and performance variance of a system is growing. At present, in large scale IC designs one of the main concerns is the position dependant variations or simply spatial variation. Using different regions on a chip and defining a correlation matrix is one of the ways to handle spatially correlated variations. Unfortunately, using current versions of HSpice tool is not efficient to handle such variations as explained later. In this paper we present an alternative design flow with focus on including the spatial variations analysis at the design phase. Using a combination of different file-types such as, layout information and hierarchical Spice code using the proposed approach lead to a more effective and efficient way of variability analysis with HSpice tool. Current version of HSpice can support only a Spice code with a single sub-circuit for spatial variations analysis [1] which is entirely on the opposite side of the hierarchical design concept. Therefore, we propose an alternative way to provide an automatic spatial variation compatible Spice code generator module to allow such modelling for a large design.
A framework to diagnose barriers to climate change adaptation

This article presents a systematic framework to identify barriers that may impede the process of adaptation to climate change. The framework targets the process of planned adaptation and focuses on potentially challenging but malleable barriers. Three key sets of components create the architecture for the framework. First, a staged depiction of an idealized, rational approach to adaptation decision-making makes up the process component. Second, a set of interconnected structural elements includes the actors, the larger context in which they function (e.g., governance), and the object on which they act (the system of concern that is exposed to climate change). At each of these stages, we ask (i) what could impede the adaptation process and (ii) how do the actors, context, and system of concern contribute to the barrier. To facilitate the identification of barriers, we provide a series of diagnostic questions. Third, the framework is completed by a simple matrix to help locate points of intervention to overcome a given barrier. It provides a systematic starting point for answering critical questions about how to support climate change adaptation at all levels of decision-making.
Rapamycin Monotherapy in Patients With Type 1 Diabetes Modifies CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ Regulatory T-Cells

OBJECTIVE—Rapamycin is an immunosuppressive drug currently used to prevent graft rejection in humans, which is considered permissive for tolerance induction. Rapamycin allows expansion of both murine and human naturally occurring CD4+CD25+FOXP3+ T regulatory cells (nTregs), which are pivotal for the induction and maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Preclinical murine models have shown that rapamycin enhances nTreg proliferation and regulatory function also in vivo. Objective of this study was to assess whether rapamycin has in vivo effects on human nTregs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—nTreg numbers and function were examined in a unique set of patients with type 1 diabetes who underwent rapamycin monotherapy before islet transplantation. RESULTS—We found that rapamycin monotherapy did not alter the frequency and functional features, namely proliferation and cytokine production, of circulating nTregs. However, nTregs isolated from type 1 diabetic patients under rapamycin treatment had an increased capability to suppress proliferation of CD4+CD25− effector T-cells compared with that before treatment. CONCLUSIONS—These findings demonstrate that rapamycin directly affects human nTreg function in vivo, which consists of refitting their suppressive activity, whereas it does not directly change effector T-cell function.
Validation in model-driven engineering: testing model transformations

The OMG's model-driven architecture is quickly attracting attention as a method of constructing systems that offers advantages over traditional approaches in terms of reliability, consistency, and maintainability. The key concepts in the MDA are models that are related by model transformations. However, for the MDA to provide an adequate alternative to existing approaches, it must offer comparable support for software engineering processes such as requirements analysis, design and testing. This paper attempts to explore the application of the last of these processes, testing, to the most novel part of the MDA, that of model transformation. We present a general view of the roles of testing in the different stages of model-driven development, and a more detailed exploration of approaches to testing model transformations. Based on this, we highlight the particular issues for the different testing tasks, including adequacy criteria, test oracles and automatic test data generation. We also propose possible approaches for the testing tasks, and show how existing functional and structural testing techniques can be adapted for use in this new development context.
Aides techniques, scolarité, élèves à besoins spécifiques

L’integration scolaire des eleves a besoins specifiques passe aujourd’hui par l’utilisation d’aides techniques, particulierement celles qui sont associees aux Tice (Technologies de l’information et de la communication pour l’ecole). Le contexte social, institutionnel et professionnel est complexe et on doit s’interroger sur les liens qui assurent la coherence de cet ensemble. Dans une situation pedagogique, quand les aides techniques sont percues selon une approche anthropo-centree, l’interet est porte sur le developpement des competences plutot que sur l’amelioration des performances. L’enseignant comme l’eleve sont alors dans une dynamique d’apprentissage et les relations a soi, a autrui et au monde s’en trouvent ameliorees.
Conventional kinesin KIF5B mediates insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 movements on microtubules

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake in muscle and adipose cells by mobilizing intracellular membrane vesicles containing GLUT4 glucose transporter proteins to the plasma membrane. Here we show in live cultured adipocytes that intracellular membranes containing GLUT4–yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) move along tubulin–cyan fluorescent protein‐labeled microtubules in response to insulin by a mechanism that is insensitive to the phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)‐kinase inhibitor wortmannin. Insulin increased by several fold the observed frequencies, but not velocities, of long‐range movements of GLUT4–YFP on microtubules, both away from and towards the perinuclear region. Genomics screens show conventional kinesin KIF5B is highly expressed in adipocytes and this kinesin is partially co‐localized with perinuclear GLUT4. Dominant‐negative mutants of conventional kinesin light chain blocked outward GLUT4 vesicle movements and translocation of exofacial Myc‐tagged GLUT4–green fluorescent protein to the plasma membrane in response to insulin. These data reveal that insulin signaling targets the engagement or initiates the movement of GLUT4‐containing membranes on microtubules via conventional kinesin through a PI3‐kinase‐independent mechanism. This insulin signaling pathway regulating KIF5B function appears to be required for GLUT4 translocation to the plasma membrane.
Resistance to the macrolide antibiotic tylosin is conferred by single methylations at 23S rRNA nucleotides G748 and A2058 acting in synergy

The macrolide antibiotic tylosin has been used extensively in veterinary medicine and exerts potent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. Tylosin-synthesizing strains of the Gram-positive bacterium Streptomyces fradiae protect themselves from their own product by differential expression of four resistance determinants, tlrA, tlrB, tlrC, and tlrD. The tlrB and tlrD genes encode methyltransferases that add single methyl groups at 23S rRNA nucleotides G748 and A2058, respectively. Here we show that methylation by neither TlrB nor TlrD is sufficient on its own to give tylosin resistance, and resistance is conferred by the G748 and A2058 methylations acting together in synergy. This synergistic mechanism of resistance is specific for the macrolides tylosin and mycinamycin that possess sugars extending from the 5- and 14-positions of the macrolactone ring and is not observed for macrolides, such as carbomycin, spiramycin, and erythromycin, that have different constellations of sugars. The manner in which the G748 and A2058 methylations coincide with the glycosylation patterns of tylosin and mycinamycin reflects unambiguously how these macrolides fit into their binding site within the bacterial 50S ribosomal subunit.
A Dual Binding Site for Integration Host Factor and the Response Regulator CtrA inside the Caulobacter crescentus Replication Origin

ABSTRACT The response regulator CtrA controls chromosome replication by binding to five sites, a, b, c, d, and e, inside the Caulobacter crescentus replication origin (Cori). In this study, we demonstrate that integration host factor (IHF) binds Cori over the central CtrA binding site c. Surprisingly, IHF and CtrA share DNA recognition sequences. Rather than promoting cooperative binding, IHF binding hinders CtrA binding to site c and nearby site d. Unlike other CtrA binding sites, DNA mutations in the CtrA c/IHF site uniquely impair autonomous Cori plasmid replication. These mutations also alter transcription from distant promoters more than 100 bp away. When the CtrA c/IHF site was deleted from the chromosome, these cells grew slowly and became selectively intolerant to a CtrA phosphor-mimic allele (D51E). Since CtrA protein concentration decreases during the cell cycle as IHF protein concentration increases, we propose a model in which IHF displaces CtrA in order to bend Cori and promote efficient chromosome replication.
Vitamin B12, cognition, and brain MRI measures

Objective: To investigate the interrelations of serum vitamin B12 markers with brain volumes, cerebral infarcts, and performance in different cognitive domains in a biracial population sample cross-sectionally. Methods: In 121 community-dwelling participants of the Chicago Health and Aging Project, serum markers of vitamin B12 status were related to summary measures of neuropsychological tests of 5 cognitive domains and brain MRI measures obtained on average 4.6 years later among 121 older adults. Results: Concentrations of all vitamin B12–related markers, but not serum vitamin B12 itself, were associated with global cognitive function and with total brain volume. Methylmalonate levels were associated with poorer episodic memory and perceptual speed, and cystathionine and 2-methylcitrate with poorer episodic and semantic memory. Homocysteine concentrations were associated with decreased total brain volume. The homocysteine-global cognition effect was modified and no longer statistically significant with adjustment for white matter volume or cerebral infarcts. The methylmalonate-global cognition effect was modified and no longer significant with adjustment for total brain volume. Conclusions: Methylmalonate, a specific marker of B12 deficiency, may affect cognition by reducing total brain volume whereas the effect of homocysteine (nonspecific to vitamin B12 deficiency) on cognitive performance may be mediated through increased white matter hyperintensity and cerebral infarcts. Vitamin B12 status may affect the brain through multiple mechanisms.
Mechanisms of action of and resistance to antitubulin agents: microtubule dynamics, drug transport, and cell death.

PURPOSE To analyze the available data concerning mechanisms of action of and mechanisms of resistance to the antitubulin agents, vinca alkaloids and taxanes, and more recently described compounds. DESIGN We conducted a review of the literature on classic and recent antitubulin agents, focusing particularly on the relationships between antitubulin agents and their intracellular target, the soluble tubulin/microtubule complex. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Although it is widely accepted that antitubulin agents block cell division by inhibition of the mitotic spindle, the mechanism of action of antitubulin agents on microtubules remains to be determined. The classic approach is that vinca alkaloids depolymerize microtubules, thereby increasing the soluble tubulin pool, whereas taxanes stabilize microtubules and increase the microtubular mass. More recent data suggest that both classes of agents have a similar mechanism of action, involving the inhibition of microtubule dynamics. These data suggest that vinca alkaloids and taxanes may act synergistically as antitumor agents and may be administered as combination chemotherapy in the clinic. However, enhanced myeloid and neurologic toxicity, as well as a strong dependence on the sequence of administration, presently exclude these combinations outside the context of clinical trials. Although the multidrug resistance phenotype mediated by Pgp appears to be an important mechanism of resistance to these agents, alterations of microtubule structure resulting in altered microtubule dynamics and/or altered binding of antitubulin agents may constitute a significant mechanism of drug resistance.
The Vaccinia Virus F1L Protein Interacts with the Proapoptotic Protein Bak and Inhibits Bak Activation

ABSTRACT Many viruses have evolved strategies to counteract cellular immune responses, including apoptosis. Vaccinia virus, a member of the poxvirus family, encodes an antiapoptotic protein, F1L. F1L localizes to mitochondria and inhibits apoptosis by preventing the release of cytochrome c by an undetermined mechanism (S. T. Wasilenko, T. L. Stewart, A. F. Meyers, and M. Barry, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 100:14345-14350, 2003; T. L. Stewart, S. T. Wasilenko, and M. Barry, J. Virol. 79:1084-1098, 2005). Here, we show that in the absence of an apoptotic stimulus, F1L associates with Bak, a proapoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family that plays a pivotal role in the release of cytochrome c. Cells infected with vaccinia virus were resistant to Bak oligomerization and the initial N-terminal exposure of Bak following the induction of apoptosis with staurosporine. A mutant vaccinia virus missing F1L was no longer able to inhibit apoptosis or Bak activation. In addition, the expression of F1L was essential to inhibit tBid-induced cytochrome c release in both wild-type murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and Bax-deficient MEFs, indicating that F1L could inhibit apoptosis in the presence and absence of Bax. tBid-induced Bak oligomerization and N-terminal exposure of Bak in Bax-deficient MEFs were inhibited during virus infection, as assessed by cross-linking and limited trypsin proteolysis. Infection with the F1L deletion virus no longer provided protection from tBid-induced Bak activation and apoptosis. Additionally, infection of Jurkat cells with the F1L deletion virus resulted in cellular apoptosis, as measured by loss of the inner mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase 3 activation, and cytochrome c release, indicating that the presence of F1L was pivotal for inhibiting vaccinia virus-induced apoptosis. Our data indicate that F1L expression during infection inhibits apoptosis and interferes with the activation of Bak.
Soil Fertility and Biodiversity in Organic Farming

An understanding of agroecosystems is key to determining effective farming systems. Here we report results from a 21-year study of agronomic and ecological performance of biodynamic, bioorganic, and conventional farming systems in Central Europe. We found crop yields to be 20% lower in the organic systems, although input of fertilizer and energy was reduced by 34 to 53% and pesticide input by 97%. Enhanced soil fertility and higher biodiversity found in organic plots may render these systems less dependent on external inputs.
Vaginal prolapse – perceptions and healthcare‐seeking behavior among women prior to gynecological surgery

Objective. To investigate perceptions of vaginal prolapse and healthcare‐seeking behavior in women prior to gynecological surgery. Design. Prospective, cross‐sectional study using a web‐based questionnaire. Setting. Clinics including patients in the Swedish National Register for Gynecological Surgery (Gynop‐register). Population. 214 women with vaginal prolapse and 347 women without prolapse as reference patients. Methods. A questionnaire was developed for assessment of women's perception of prolapse and their healthcare‐seeking behavior. Data were collected through the Gynop‐register. For comparisons between the study groups, Student's t‐test and the chi‐squared test were used. Main outcome measures. Perceptions of prolapse, healthcare‐seeking behavior, and source of information. Results. The most common definition of prolapse reported by the women was presence of a vaginal bulge. Reasons for seeking healthcare were interference with physical activity and increasing symptoms. One in five women with prolapse could not relate the symptoms to prolapse. Participants in the prolapse group gained less information on their own condition from brochures and public media compared to participants in the reference group (p<0.001). Conclusion. There appeared to be a lack of information on pelvic organ prolapse in the public domain. Healthcare professionals have a significant role to play in informing women about symptoms related to the condition and the available treatment options.
Frustrating the User On Purpose(cid:1) A Step Toward Building an A(cid:2)ective Computer

Using social science methods to induce a state of frustration in users(cid:1) we collected physiologi(cid:2) cal(cid:1) video and behavioral data(cid:1) and developed a strategy for coupling these data with real(cid:2)world events(cid:3) The e(cid:4)ectiveness of the proposed strat(cid:2) egy was tested in a study with thirty(cid:2)six sub(cid:2) jects(cid:1) where the system was shown to reliably synchronize and gather data for a(cid:4)ect analysis(cid:3) Hidden Markov Models were applied to each sub(cid:2) ject(cid:5)s physiological signals of skin conductivity and blood volume pressure in an e(cid:4)ort to see if regimes of likely frustration could be automat(cid:2) ically discriminated from regimes when all was proceeding smoothly(cid:3) This pattern recognition approach correctly classi(cid:6)ed these two regimes (cid:7)(cid:8)(cid:3)(cid:9)(cid:10) of the time(cid:3) Mouse(cid:2)clicking behavior was also synchronized to frustration(cid:2)eliciting events(cid:1) and analyzed(cid:1) revealing NN distinct patterns of clicking responses
Grain setting defect1 (GSD1) function in rice depends on S-acylation and interacts with actin 1 (OsACT1) at its C-terminal

Grain setting defect1 (GSD1), a plant-specific remorin protein specifically localized at the plasma membrane (PM) and plasmodesmata of phloem companion cells, affects grain setting in rice through regulating the transport of photoassimilates. Here, we show new evidence demonstrating that GSD1 is localized at the cytoplasmic face of the PM and a stretch of 45 amino acid residues at its C-terminal is required for its localization. Association with the PM is mediated by S-acylation of cysteine residues Cys-524 and Cys-527, in a sequence of 45 amino acid residues essential for GSD1 function in rice. Furthermore, the coiled-coil domain in GSD1 is necessary for sufficient interaction with OsACT1. Together, these results reveal that GSD1 attaches to the PM through S-acylation and interacts with OsACT1 through its coiled-coil domain structure to regulate plasmodesmata conductance for photoassimilate transport in rice.
Query Decomposition and View Maintenance for Query Languages for Unstructured Data

Recently, several query languages have been proposed for querying information sources whose data is not constrained by a schema, or whose schema is unknown. Examples include: LOREL (for querying data combined from several heterogeneous sources), W3QS (for querying the World Wide Web); and UnQL (for querying unstructured data). The natural data model for such languages is that of a rooted, labeled graph. Their main novelty is the ability to express queries which traverse arbitrarily long paths in the graph, typically described by a regular expression. Such queries however may prove difficult to evaluate in the case when the data is distributed on severalsites, with many edges going between sites. A typical case is that of a collection of WWW sites, with links pointing freely from one site to another (even forming cycles). A naive query shipping strategy may force the query to migrate back and forth between the various sites, leading to poor performance (or even non-termination). We present a technique for query decomposition, under which the query is shipped exactly once to every site, computed locally, then the local results are shipped to the client, and assembled here into the final result. This technique is efficient, in that (a) only data which is part of the final result is shipped from the data sites to the client site, and (b) the total work done locally at all sites does not exceed that needed for computing the (unoptimized) query on a centralized version of the database. Permission to copy without fee 011 or part of this material is granted provided that the copies ore not made or distributed for direct commercial advantage, the VLDB copyright notice and the title of the publication and its date appear, and notice io given that copy’ng is by.permi. vsion of the Very Large Data Bose Endowment. To copy otherwise, or to republish, require8 o fee and/or special permission from the Endowment. Proceedings of the 22nd VLDB Conference Mumbai(Bombay), India, 1996 We also show that the query decomposition technique can be adapted to derive a simple view maintenance method, for two forms of updates which we introduce for the graph data model.
Computing Media and Languages for Space-Oriented Computation, 03.09. - 08.09.2006

From 03.09. 06 to 08.09. 06, the Dagstuhl Seminar 06361 Computing Media and Languages for Space-Oriented Computation was held in the International Conference and Research Center (IBFI), Schloss Dagstuhl. During the seminar, several participants presented their current research, and ongoing work and open problems were discussed. Abstracts of the presentations given during the seminar as well as abstracts of seminar results and ideas are put together in this paper. The rst section describes the seminar topics and goals in general. Links to extended abstracts or full papers are provided, if available.