Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization and pathogenicity potential of novel hantavirus isolates : Greifswald virus from Germany and Sangassou virus , Africa

Dissertation zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades doctor rerum naturalium Summary Hantaviruses are worldwide distributed pathogens which are mainly carried by rodents. When transmitted to humans, they can cause two significant diseases: hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) or hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). Depending on the virus strain, the case fatality rates of hantavirus diseases are ranging from 0.1% up to 50%. In Europe Dobrava-Belgrade virus (DOBV) is the most life-threatening hantavirus leading to HFRS with case fatality rates of up to 12%. According to its natural hosts, mice of the genus Apodemus, DOBV forms distinct phylogenetic lineages. DOBV-Af associated with A. flavicollis (Af) causes severe HFRS cases in the Balkan region. DOBV-Aa, found in A. agrarius (Aa), is typical for Central Europe and Central European Russia where it causes mild/moderate disease. Moderate to severe HFRS cases in South European Russia have been associated with virus strains of the DOBV-Ap lineage, transmitted by A. ponticus (Ap). In Germany, DOBV is endemic in the northern part of the country. Seroepidemiological studies involving fine serotyping by neutralization assay as well as phylogenetic analyses of patient-associated virus sequences showed that strains of DOBV-Aa lineage are responsible for HFRS cases in this geographical region. However, the causative agent of human disease from Germany was not isolated in cell culture. Within the current study, we have generated the first cell culture isolate of DOBV from Germany, called Greifswald virus (GRW/Aa), and determined its complete genomic nucleotide sequence. Phylogenetic analyses revealed close clustering of GRW/Aa with sequences derived from Northern German HFRS patients. Consequently, GRW/Aa can be taken as a representative of DOBV strains causing HFRS in Germany. We have demonstrated that in cultivated host cells GRW/Aa exhibits properties similar to pathogenic Hantaan virus; it recognizes β3 integrins and Decay Accelerating Factor (DAF) as cellular entry receptors and induces late expression of innate immunity markers (IFN-β, IFN-λ1, MxA). Despite hantaviruses being well recognized human pathogens in almost all continents, the first African hantavirus named Sangassou virus (SANGV) has been only very recently isolated in our group. Important to note that SANGV is most closely related to DOBV in molecular phylogenetic analyses. Therefore, it was interesting to investigate if SANGV, a potential human pathogen, displays properties similar to GRW/Aa. Given that an animal model for studying hantavirus-mediated pathogenesis is not available, we used cellular receptor recognition and induction of innate immunity markers as in vitro determinants to 3 …
Effect of Group Delay in RF BPF on Impulse Radio Systems

This paper presents an analysis of the effects of RF filter characteristics on the system performance of an impulse radio. The impulse radio system transmits modulated pulses having very short time duration. Information can be extracted in the receiver side based on the cross-correlation between received and reference pulses. Accordingly, the pulse distortion due to in-band group delay variation can cause serious degradation in system performance. In general, RF band pass filters inevitably cause non-uniform group delays to the signal passing through the filter that are proportional to its skirt characteristic due to its resonance phenomenon. In this work, a small signal scattering parameter, S 21 , which is a frequency domain parameter, and its Fourier transform are utilized to characterize the output pulse waveform under the condition that the input and output ports are matched. The output pulse waveform of the filter is predicted based on the convolution integral between the input pulse and filter transfer function, and the analysis result is compared with previously reported experimental result. The resulting bit error rate performances in a bi-phase modulation and a pulse position modulation based impulse radio system are also calculated. Moreover, improvement of system performance by the pulse shaping method, a potential solution for pulse waveform distortion, is analyzed.
Writing for Comprehension in Prose Fiction Analysis: The Students’ Voices

Literary appreciation and language teaching have long been associated with two different constructs. However, with careful selection and planning, literary study and language teaching can be integrated for the benefits of language learning as well as for literary appreciation. This study is attempted to investigate (i) the students’ opinion in relation to the effective way of understanding the intrinsic elements of prose fiction,(ii) their opinion in relation to analyzing fictions in the form of an essay, and (iii) what they learn in terms of the literary aspects and writing aspects. The design the study is content analysis design through document analysis. The participants of the study were 31 students of English Education Study program who took prose subject in College of Teacher Training and Education of Indonesian Teachers Association (STKIP PGRI) in Pasuruan, East Java, Indonesia. The data was taken from the students reflection writing which was collected in the end of the semester after they joined prose subject class. Thus, the instrument used was mainly documentation. To help the researchers categorized and analyzed the data, some codifications were used. The finding shows the majority of the students believe making an essay to analyze fictions is the effective way to understand the intrinsic elements of prose and help them in sharpening their ability to read and write. The result of the study also shows that writing essays to analyze fictions give some benefits for the students’ knowledge in how to write well as well as in comprehending the literary aspects of a fictions.
Predicting End-to-end Network Load

Due to their limited and fluctuating bandwidth, mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) are inherently resource-constrained. As traffic load increases, we need to decide when to throttle the traffic to maximize user satisfaction while keeping the network operational. The state-of-the-art for making these decisions is based on network measurements and so employs a reactive approach to deteriorating network state by reducing the amount of traffic admitted into the network. However, a better approach is to avoid congestion before it occurs by predicting future network traffic using user and application information from the overlaying social network. We use machine learning methods to predict the source and destination of near future traffic load.
Tabu Search for the Frequency Assignment Problem in Cellular Radio Networks

This paper presents Tabu FAP, a Tabu Search procedure tailored to a real world application: the Frequency Assignment Problem (FAP) in mobile radio networks engineering. The main goal of the FAP consists in assigning frequencies to each radio cell in a cellular radio network while minimizing electromagnetic interference due to the re-use of frequencies by adjacent cells. This problem is of great importance both in practice and in theory. In practice, solving this problem eeciently will allow the telecommunications operator to manage larger cellular networks. In theory, the sim-pliication of the FAP is reduced to the graph coloring problem which is known to be NP-complete. Experiments of Tabu FAP on real size FAP instances (up to 300 cells, 30,000 constraints with 30 frequencies) give good results. Comparative studies using the same FAP instances show that Tabu FAP outperforms largely constraint programming (CP) and graph coloring algorithms (GCA) and is comparable to simulated annealing (SA).
The "presyrinx" state: a reversible myelopathic condition that may precede syringomyelia.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Alteration of CSF flow has been proposed to be an important mechanism leading to the development of syringomyelia. We hypothesize that a "presyrinx" condition attributable to a potentially reversible alteration in normal CSF flow exists and that its appearance may be caused by variations in the competence of the central canal of the spinal cord. METHODS Five patients with clinical evidence of myelopathy, no history of spinal cord trauma, enlargement of the cervical spinal cord with T1 and T2 prolongation but no cavitation, evidence of altered or obstructed CSF flow, and no evidence of intramedullary tumor or a spinal vascular event underwent MR imaging before and after intervention that alleviated obstruction to CSF flow. RESULTS Preoperatively, all patients had enlarged spinal cords and parenchymal T1 and T2 prolongation without cavitation. Results of MR examinations after intervention showed resolution of cord enlargement and normalization or improvement of cord signal abnormalities. In one patient with severe arachnoid adhesions who initially improved after decompression, late evolution into syringomyelia occurred in association with continued CSF obstruction. CONCLUSION Nontraumatic obstruction of the CSF pathways in the spine may result in spinal cord parenchymal T2 prolongation that is reversible after restoration of patency of CSF pathways. We refer to this MR appearance as the "presyrinx" state and stress the importance of timely intervention to limit progression to syringomyelia.
Malliavin Calculus and Skorohod Integration for Quantum Stochastic Processes

A derivation operator and a divergence operator are defined on the algebra of bounded operators on the symmetric Fock space over the complexification of a real Hilbert space and it is shown that they satisfy similar properties as the derivation and divergence operator on the Wiener space over . The derivation operator is then used to give sufficient conditions for the existence of smooth Wigner densities for pairs of operators satisfying the canonical commutation relations. For , the divergence operator is shown to coincide with the Hudson–Parthasarathy quantum stochastic integral for adapted integrable processes and with the noncausal quantum stochastic integrals defined by Lindsay and Belavkin for integrable processes.
The Role of Dynamic Features in Text-Dependent and -Independent Speaker Verification

A segmental hidden Markov model (SHMM) is a hidden Markov model (HMM) whose states are associated with sequences of acoustic feature vectors (or segments), rather than individual vectors. By treating segments as homogeneous units it is possible, for example, to develop better models of speech dynamics. This paper considers the potential benefits of a trajectory-based segmental HMM for speaker recognition. Text-dependent speaker verification (TD-SV) results obtained on YOHO and text-independent speaker verification (TI-SV) results on switchboard are presented. The YOHO results show a 44% reduction in false acceptances using the segmental model compared with a conventional HMM, while the Switchboard results do not show any improvement relative to a conventional Gausian mixture model (GMM) system. Further experiments were conducted to explain these results. They indicate that the priority of a "segmental GMM" is to model stationary regions and shed light on the role of delta parameters in conventional TI-SV
Facial expression analysis for estimating learner's emotional state in intelligent tutoring systems

Intelligent tutoring systems (ITS) provide individualized instruction. They offer many advantages over the traditional classroom scenario: they are always available, nonjudgmental and provide tailored feedback resulting in increased and effective learning. However, they are still not as effective as one-on-one human tutoring. The next generation of intelligent tutors is expected to be able to take into account the cognitive and emotional state of students. We present a proposed contribution of affect to student modeling, and reports on the progress made in the development of a facial expression analysis component for intelligent tutoring systems.
Probabilistic Behaviour Signatures: Feature-based behaviour recognition in data-scarce domains

In this paper we present a new method to provide situation awareness via the automatic recognition of behaviour in video. In contrast to many other approaches, the presented method does not require many training exemplars. We introduce Probabilistic Behaviour Signatures to represent the goals of a person agent as sets of features. We do not assume temporal ordering of observed actions is necessary. Inference is performed using an extension of the Rao-Blackwellised Particle Filter. We validate our approach using simulated image trajectories which represent three high-level behaviours. We compare performance to a trained Hidden Markov Model Particle Filter (HMM PF) and show that our approach achieves 92% accuracy at video frame rate. Our method is also significantly more robust than the HMM PF in the presence of noise.
A Gin4-Like Protein Kinase GIL1 Involvement in Hyphal Growth, Asexual Development, and Pathogenesis in Fusarium graminearum

Fusarium graminearum is the main causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB) on wheat and barley. In a previous study, a GIN4-like protein kinase gene, GIL1, was found to be important for plant infection and sexual reproduction. In this study we further characterized the functions of GIL1 kinase in different developmental processes. The Δgil1 mutants were reduced in growth, conidiation, and virulence, and formed whitish and compact colonies. Although phialide formation was rarely observed in the mutants, deletion of GIL1 resulted in increased hyphal branching and increased tolerance to cell wall and cell membrane stresses. The Δgil1 mutants produced straight, elongated conidia lacking of distinct foot cells and being delayed in germination. Compared with the wild type, some compartments in the vegetative hyphae of Δgil1 mutants had longer septal distances and increased number of nuclei, suggesting GIL1 is related to cytokinesis and septation. Localization of the GIL1-GFP fusion proteins to the septum and hyphal branching and fusion sites further supported its roles in septation and branching. Overall, our results indicate that GIL1 plays a role in vegetative growth and plant infection in F. graminearum, and is involved in septation and hyphal branching.
Image Distance Measure Based on Adaptive Patch Matching

This paper presents a novel approach to measuring distance between images and exploit it for image retrieval. Firstly, each image is presented as a set of patches, integrating both the local appearance feature and spatial information of patches. Secondly, the set of matching costs between all pairs of patches of two images is computed. Then the distance between two images is obtained by minimize the total cost of matching using Hungarian algorithm. Finally, we test our image distance measure method in colorful image retrieval. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method outperforms other existing image distance measure methods.
Rating Companies with Support Vector Machines

The goal of this work is to introduce one of the most successful among recently developed statistical techniques - the support vector machine (SVM) - to the field of corporate bankruptcy analysis. The main emphasis is done on implementing SVMs for analysing predictors in the form of financial ratios. A method is proposed of adapting SVMs to default probability estimation. A survey of practically and commercially applied methods is given. This work proves that support vector machines are capable of extracting useful information from financial data although extensive data sets are required in order to fully utilise their classification power.
Listener reaction to referential form

In a recent paper it has been shown that observers use referential form as an indication of how well acquainted interlocutors are. In the present study it is investigated if the referential form used by the speaker influences the listeners evaluation of the speaker. An experiment with eighty subjects was conducted. Subjects were told to imagine themselves being spoken to by a stranger and to rate how agreeable they would perceive the stranger depending upon the utterances he or she made. Sentences that referred both implicitly and explicitly to a shared experience. were employed in the experiment. The results indicates that listeners are rating speakers as more agreeable when the speaker is using an explicit rather than an implicit form of reference . Two explanations are suggested and the results are discussed in relation to relation formation in text based computer mediated communication. It is suggested that referential form could function as a cue in this context.
A receding horizon scheme for discrete-time polytopic linear parameter varying systems in networked architectures

This paper proposes a Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy to address regulation problems for constrained polytopic Linear Parameter Varying (LPV) systems subject to input and state constraints in which both plant measurements and command signals in the loop are sent through communication channels subject to time-varying delays (Networked Control System (NCS)). The results here proposed represent a significant extension to the LPV framework of a recent Receding Horizon Control (RHC) scheme developed for the so-called robust case. By exploiting the parameter availability, the pre-computed sequences of one- step controllable sets inner approximations are less conservative than the robust counterpart. The resulting framework guarantees asymptotic stability and constraints fulfilment regardless of plant uncertainties and time-delay occurrences. Finally, experimental results on a laboratory two-tank test-bed show the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Domain Kernels for Word Sense Disambiguation

In this paper we present a supervised Word Sense Disambiguation methodology, that exploits kernel methods to model sense distinctions. In particular a combination of kernel functions is adopted to estimate independently both syntagmatic and domain similarity. We defined a kernel function, namely the Domain Kernel, that allowed us to plug "external knowledge" into the supervised learning process. External knowledge is acquired from unlabeled data in a totally unsupervised way, and it is represented by means of Domain Models. We evaluated our methodology on several lexical sample tasks in different languages, outperforming significantly the state-of-the-art for each of them, while reducing the amount of labeled training data required for learning.
Extended SSA with factored use-def chains to support optimization and parallelism

We describe our implementation of the Static Single Assignment (SSA) form of intermediate program representation in our parallelizing Fortran 90 compiler, Nascent. Although the traditional SSA form algorithm renames variables uniquely at every definition point, it is not practical to add new names to the symbol table at all assignments. Thus, most implementations actually provide def-use chains for each definition. In contrast, we provide use-def chains, so that in the intermediate representation the link at each use points to its unique reaching definition. We discuss how our approach improves the implementation and efficiency of optimization and analysis techniques such as induction variable recognition and scalar dependence identification, used in the detection of parallelism. We also support parallelism by extending the traditional SSA form into languages with parallel constructs. <<ETX>>
A Conditional Pan-Neuronal Drosophila Model of Spinocerebellar Ataxia 7 with a Reversible Adult Phenotype Suitable for Identifying Modifier Genes

Spinocerebellar ataxia 7 (SCA7) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by a polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion in the ataxin 7 (ATXN7) protein, a member of a multiprotein complex involved in histone acetylation. We have created a conditional Drosophila model of SCA7 in which expression of truncated ATXN7 (ATXN7T) with a pathogenic polyQ expansion is induced in neurons in adult flies. In this model, mutant ATXN7T accumulated in neuronal intranuclear inclusions containing ubiquitin, the 19S proteasome subunit, and HSP70 (heat shock protein 70), as in patients. Aggregation was accompanied by a decrease in locomotion and lifespan but limited neuronal death. Disaggregation of the inclusions, when expression of expanded ATXN7T was stopped, correlated with improved locomotor function and increased lifespan, suggesting that the pathology may respond to treatment. Lifespan was then used as a quantitative marker in a candidate gene approach to validate the interest of the model and to identify generic modulators of polyQ toxicity and specific modifiers of SCA7. Several molecular pathways identified in this focused screen (proteasome function, unfolded protein stress, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and histone acetylation) were further studied in primary neuronal cultures. Sodium butyrate, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, improved the survival time of the neurons. This model is therefore a powerful tool for studying SCA7 and for the development of potential therapies for polyQ diseases.
Konstruowanie wzajemnych relacji jako element stylu uprawiania polityki PO i PiS

The subject of this paper is an analysis of behavior on the Polish political stage. Its starting point is a reflection on conflict and consensus in a democratic system. This general context requires us to approach these phenomena in terms of a range of aspects which can in turn affect the final assessment of conflict and consensus from the point of view of the quality of the political system. It turns out that the most important communication channels for this interaction are systematically and consistently closed by both sides involved in the conflict. The assumption that this political activity is inspired by marketing suggests that such a strategy has been planned in advance and is rationally implemented.
The Research of Aspect-Oriented Dynamic Analysis Based on Static Analysis

In recent years, the web security events emerge in endlessly, web security has been widely concerned. Among these web security flaws, defects of unchecked input occupy the majority. The unchecked input defect refers to not reasonable verification of input from users and the environment, which will cause the system to be used by attackers. This paper mainly focuses on the XSS defect and SQL injection defects in Java language. XSS refers to the attacker writing malicious data to the program. When other users access to the page, the malicious data will be executed in the browser, and then get to other permissions. SQL injection refers to that an attacker constructs malicious input to access the database. This may result to changes to the database contents, or access to sensitive data in the case of unauthorized. Common defect detection methods include static analysis and dynamic analysis. The dynamic analysis process is mainly concerned with the behavior of the program, that is, the change of the program's behavior and output caused by the program's input. It is analysis of "taking the input as the center". And the static analysis process is mainly concerned with the structure of the program, that is, through the abstract program structure to analyze the procedural defects. It is "the program as the center" of the analysis. In comparison, the results of dynamic analysis are more accurate, and the static analysis results has higher false positive rate. This is because the static analysis abstracts the program information in order to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of the program, which does reduce the load of the program, but increases the false alarm rate. In this paper, we put forward aspect-oriented dynamic analysis technique based on static analysis. Aspect-oriented dynamic analysis is a method of modular cross point. First of all, we perform static analysis for Java source code, to find the Source-sink. Then we use the AspectJ tool to carry out the aspect-oriented dynamic analysis by tracking program.