Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of CD8+ T regulatory cells on intraocular tumor development

The interior of the eye, or uvea, is a site of immune privilege where certain immune responses are attenuated or completely excluded to protect non-regenerating tissues essential for vision. One consequence of this immunoregulation is compromised immune mediated elimination of intraocular tumors. For example, certain murine tumor cell lines which are rejected by host immune responses when transplanted in the skin grow progressively when placed in the anterior chamber (a.c.) of the eye. Progressive ocular tumor growth occurs despite induction of tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses capable of eliminating a subsequent tumor challenge in the skin or opposite eye. Why these CD8+ T effectors fail to eliminate established ocular tumors is not known. It is well appreciated that growth of tumors in the a.c. induces the generation of immunosuppressive CD8+ T regulatory (Treg) cells. However, the contribution of CD8+ Treg in ocular tumor progression remains unclear. Several studies indicate that these CD8+ Treg target responding CD4+ T cells to inhibit their induction of macrophage-dependent delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) responses to tumor antigens (Ags). However, induction of tumor-specific CD4+ T cell responses does not assure intraocular tumor elimination. This review is focused on how CD8+ Treg could influence the tumoricidal activity of ocular tumor-specific CD8+ T effector cells.
The association of personality traits and coping styles according to stress level

Background: Some personality traits and coping styles could be as risk factors in stressful situations. This study aimed to investigate the association of personality traits and coping styles according to the stress level. Meterials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was performed in 2011. A total of 4628 individuals over 20 years were selected by random sampling from nonacademic employees that working in 50 different centers across Isfahan province. Data were collected using 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), Big Five Personality Inventory Short Form and coping strategies scale, and individuals were divided into high and low-stress groups in term of GHQ-12. To analyze the data, a binary logistic regression analysis was conducted. Results: Mean age of participants was 36.3 ± 7.91 years and 56.26% (2604) of them were female. Neuroticism with adjusting covariates of demographic characteristics and the rest of personality traits was a risk factor for stress level with odds ratios (OR) OR:1.24; but other personality traits were protective. Also, active coping styles were protective factors for OR of stress level with adjusting covariates of demographic characteristics and the rest of coping styles, and positive reinterpretation and growth was the most effective of coping style with OR:0.84. Conclusion: Some personality traits are associated with passive copings and cause high-stress level. So, it could be concluded that improve and strengthen effective coping strategies in individual with maladaptive traits should be considered as a crucial component of prevention and control programs of stress.
Avoiding divergence in the constant modulus algorithm for blind equalization of MIMO systems

The multiuser constant modulus algorithm (MU-CMA) can be employed for blind equalization of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems. Due to the multi-modality of the constant modulus cost function, some adverse situations can cause inconsistency in the nonlinear estimates, which in turn can lead the algorithm to diverge. In order to avoid divergence, we propose a dual-mode multiuser algorithm, which works as a normalized multimodulus version of MU-CMA in the first mode, and rejects nonlinear estimates in the second mode. We present a deterministic stability analysis of the proposed algorithm and confirm its good performance by means of numerical simulations.
Under Consideration for Publication in Theory and Practice of Logic Programming Catching the Ouroboros: on Debugging Non-ground Answer-set Programs

An important issue towards a broader acceptance of answer-set programming (ASP) is the deployment of tools which support the programmer during the coding phase. In particular, methods for debugging an answer-set program are recognised as a crucial step in this regard. Initial work on debugging in ASP mainly focused on propositional programs, yet practical debuggers need to handle programs with variables as well. In this paper, we discuss a debugging technique that is directly geared towards non-ground programs. Following previous work, we address the central debugging question why some interpretation is not an answer set. The explanations provided by our method are computed by means of a meta-programming technique, using a uniform encoding of a debugging request in terms of ASP itself. Our method also permits programs containing comparison predicates and integer arithmetics, thus covering a relevant language class commonly supported by all state-of-the-art ASP solvers.
Evolutionary analysis of functional modules in dynamic PPI networks

Functional module detection in Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks is essential to understanding the organization, evolution and interaction of the cellular systems. In recent years, most of the researches have focused on detecting the functional modules from the static PPI networks. However, sometimes the structure of the PPI networks changes in response to stimuli resulting in the changes of both the composition and functionality of these modules. These changes occur gradually and can be thought of as an evolution of the functional modules. In our opinions the evolutionary analysis of functional modules is a key to form important insights of the functional modules' underlying behaviors, particularly when targeting complex living systems. In this paper, we propose a novel computational framework which integrates a PPI network with multiple dynamic gene coexpression networks to categorize and track the evolutionary pattern of functional modules over consecutive time-stamps. We first propose a method to construct dynamic PPI networks, and then design a new functional influence based algorithm to detect the functional modules from these dynamic PPI networks. Based on the results of this approach, we provide a simple but effective method to characterize and track the evolutionary patterns of dynamic modules, which involves detecting evolutionary events between modules found at consecutive timestamps. Extensive experiments on the fermentation process dataset of S. cerevisiae show that the proposed framework not only outperforms previous functional module detection methods, but also efficiently tracks the evolutionary patterns of functional modules.
Effect of drying temperature on the functional properties of biodegradable CMC-based film for potential food packaging.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the functional properties (thickness; water vapor permeability (WVP); film microstructure, tensile strength (TS) and biodegradability) of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/gelatin (gel)/chitosan (chi) biocomposite film as influenced by different drying temperature (25 and 60 °C). Seven formulations (CMC/gel/chi) prepared were control (100/0/0), formulations A (80/20/0), B (80/0/20), C (80/10/10), D (60/20/20), E (60/30/10), and F (60/10/30). Different drying temperature resulted in different time taken for the film to dry. Results revealed that formulation F was optimal due to its high tensile strength and low WVP rate which support its biodegradability for both drying conditions. FTIR assay revealed a strong carboxyl group for CMC, which contributed to high biodegradability results (85.3 vs. 85.50%) for room vs. oven dried specimens, respectively. Such desirable characteristics demonstrated that film F holds remarkable potential as edible films material with enhanced positive impacts on the environment and community.
Singlet oxygen-mediated and EXECUTER-dependent signalling and acclimation of Arabidopsis thaliana exposed to light stress

Plants respond to environmental changes by acclimation that activates defence mechanisms and enhances the plant's resistance against a subsequent more severe stress. Chloroplasts play an important role as a sensor of environmental stress factors that interfere with the photosynthetic electron transport and enhance the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). One of these ROS, singlet oxygen (1O2), activates a signalling pathway within chloroplasts that depends on the two plastid-localized proteins EXECUTER 1 and 2. Moderate light stress induces acclimation protecting photosynthetic membranes against a subsequent more severe high light stress and at the same time activates 1O2-mediated and EXECUTER-dependent signalling. Pre-treatment of Arabidopsis seedlings with moderate light stress confers cross-protection against a virulent Pseudomonas syringae strain. While non-pre-acclimated seedlings are highly susceptible to the pathogen regardless of whether 1O2- and EXECUTER-dependent signalling is active or not, pre-stressed acclimated seedlings without this signalling pathway lose part of their pathogen resistance. These results implicate 1O2- and EXECUTER-dependent signalling in inducing acclimation but suggest also a contribution by other yet unknown signalling pathways during this response of plants to light stress.
Do Spanish–English Bilinguals have Their Fingers in Two Pies – or is It Their Toes? An Electrophysiological Investigation of Semantic Access in Bilinguals

We examined the time course of cross-language activation during word recognition in the context of semantic priming with interlingual homographs. Spanish–English bilinguals were presented pairs of English words visually one word at a time and judged whether the two words were related in meaning while recording event-related potentials. Interlingual homographs (e.g., “pie”: “Pie” in Spanish is a foot.) appeared in the target position and were preceded by primes that were either related to the English meaning (e.g., “apple”), related to the Spanish meaning of interlingual homographs (e.g., “toe”) or totally unrelated (e.g., “floor”/“bed”). Spanish–English bilinguals showed semantic priming not only when interlingual homographs were related to the English meaning but also to the Spanish meaning of the prime. These priming effects were detectable in the mean amplitude of the N400 (350–500 ms) even when the target word was related to the prime in Spanish and the context of the experiment was English. However, the relatedness effect was found in the window of a late positive component (LPC; 550–700 ms) only for stimulus pairs related in English. To verify that the observed pattern of the results was due to participants’ bilingualism, we also tested a group of English monolinguals. The monolinguals showed a semantic priming effect for the N400 and LPC time windows only when interlingual homographs were related to the English meaning. These results suggest that both languages are activated in the classical time frame of semantic activation indexed by N400 modulations, but that semantic activation in the non-target language failed to be explicitly processed.
The Scalable Coherent Interface and related standards projects

The Scalable Coherent Interface (SCI) (IEEE P1596), which provides bus services by transmitting packets on a collection of point-to-point unidirectional links, is described. Its protocols support cache coherence in a distributed shared-memory multiprocessor model, with message passing, I/O, and LAN communication taking place over fiber optic or wire links. Several ongoing SCI-related projects that apply the SCI technology to new areas or extend it to more difficult problems are also described. Future plans are sketched. <<ETX>>
[Type-2 diabetes].

Type 2 diabetes is a disorder characterized by abnormally high blood sugar levels. In this form of diabetes, the body stops using and making insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Specifically, insulin controls how much glucose (a type of sugar) is passed from the blood into cells, where it is used as an energy source. When blood sugar levels are high (such as after a meal), the pancreas releases insulin to move the excess glucose into cells, which reduces the amount of glucose in the blood.
The Evolution of Ethnocentric Behavior

Ethnocentrism is a nearly universal syndrome of attitudes and behaviors. Behaviors associated with ethnocentrism include cooperation with members of the in-group, but not out-groups. We show that ethnocentric behavior can emerge from a simple evolutionary model of local competition between individuals. Our agentbased model treats interactions as one-move Prisoner’s Dilemmas, and the inheritance of strategies as genetic, cultural, or (most plausibly) both. Results from the model demonstrate that ethnocentric behavior can evolve even when direct reciprocity is impossible, opportunities for “cheating” exist, and agents have minimal cognitive ability. When cooperating is relatively costly, ethnocentric behavior can even be necessary to sustain cooperation. Ethnocentrism Ethnocentrism is a nearly universal syndrome of attitudes and behaviors. The attitudes include seeing one’s own group (the in-group) as virtuous and superior and an out-group as contemptible and inferior. The attitudes also include seeing ones own standards of value as universal. The behaviors associated with ethnocentrism are cooperative relations with the in-group and absence of cooperative relations with the outgroup (LeVine and Campbell, 1972). Membership in an ethnic group is typically
Public-Private Partnership ( PPPs ) in the Management of Municipalities in Tanzania – Issues and Lessons of Experience By Honest

The use of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) in production and distribution of some goods and services is inevitable for attainment of sustainable development. There is a need therefore to forge and promote strong, efficient, effective, sustainable, dynamic and vibrant PPPs so that the private sector can produce and deliver some goods and services hitherto (and now in most parts of Africa) produced and delivered by the public sector. The paper discusses the application of the application of the PPPs concept in eight (8) municipalities/councils in Tanzania – Arusha, Morogoro and Dodoma Municipal Councils; and Njombe, Muleba, Bariadi, Kigoma and Kisarawe councils. It further identifies and discusses some challenges in applying PPPs concept. Application of PPPs in Tanzania is still a new phenomenon. However it is evident that the concept is being used in Tanzania’s bid to bring about suistainable development. A number of potential and actual challenges are obvious in the prevailing PPP arrangement. For example, it is not easy to attain the minimum critical mass of the requirements for a smooth operation of the PPPs concept in Tanzania. The paper concludes with recommendations on the way forward for future improvement.
Securing reliable server pooling in MANET against byzantine adversaries

Reliable server pooling (rSerPool) is an architecture and a set of protocols allowing a service provider to run several servers that can reliably provide the same service. Should a particular server fail while providing its service, another server can efficiently replace it. This property is attractive not only for wired but also for wireless networks. However, the unique characteristics of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETs) bring serious reliability and security challenges to the application of rSerPool. In this paper, we perform a comprehensive investigation of the security of rSerPool in MANET against both server failures and, especially, Byzantine attacks. We formulate security requirements for rSerPool in MANET and design efficient, distributed, and survivable security solutions for both main phases of rSerPool: service discovery and service provision. Specifically, we secure the service discovery phase by using a secure multiple-dominating set creation protocol, and the service provision phase by using a novel type of threshold signature scheme. Both protocols address novel security goals and are of independent interest as they can find applications to other areas; most notably, the construction of a distributed and survivable public-key infrastructure in MANET.
A method for computing the information matrix of stationary Gaussian processes

This paper proposes a new method for the efficient computation of the Fisher information matrix of zero-mean complex stationary Gaussian processes. Its complexity (measured by the number of floating point operations) is smaller than the fastest previously available procedure. The key idea exploited is that the Fisher information matrix depends only on the sum of the diagonals of the inverse covariance matrix derivative (with respect to the model parameters), rather than on the whole matrix. To obtain the referred sum, a new efficient technique, built upon the Trench algorithm for computing the inverse of a Toeplitz matrix, is presented.
Floating content: Information sharing in urban areas

Content sharing using personal web pages, blogs, or online social networks is a common means for people to maintain contact with their friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. While such means are essential to overcome distances, using infrastructure services for location-based services may not be desirable. In this paper, we analyze a fully distributed variant of an ephemeral content sharing service, solely dependent on the mobile devices in the vicinity using principles of opportunistic networking. The net result is a best effort service for floating content in which: 1) information dissemination is geographically limited; 2) the lifetime and spreading of information depends on interested nodes being available; 3) content can only be created and distributed locally; and 4) content can only be added, but not explicitly deleted. First we present our system design and summarize its analytical modeling. Then we perform extensive evaluation for a map-based mobility model in downtown Helsinki to assess the operational range for floating content, which, at the same time also validate the analytical results obtained for a more abstract model of the system.
A magic bullet for gout?

Do we need new treatments for gout? Hyperuricaemia, the metabolic condition underlying gouty inflammation, has attracted recent attention as new urate-lowering treatments emerge on the horizon. For an acute attack of gout, the currently available drugs—non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, colchicine and corticosteroids, seem to do a pretty good job for the majority of patients in relieving the acute symptoms of inflammation. However, recent data have highlighted the epidemiological shifts in the gouty population towards a more elderly group of patients who often present multiple medical problems. This as well as clinical practice have made us aware that our current treatments of acute gout are not ideal in all situations. They may cause significant side effects in patients with poor renal and cardiac function, and practical experience indicates that quite a number of patients with chronic gout end up receiving long-term steroids, with all the side effects that such treatment engenders. Furthermore, there are abundant reports pointing out that gout is poorly managed in routine clinical practice, suggesting that we are not using all the tools at our disposition adequately. Any new treatment for gout should therefore offer distinct advantages over existing ones to justify its introduction. With the discovery of the inflammasome as a major regulator of interleukin 1β (IL1β) processing and secretion in macrophages and dendritic cells, IL1 has once again returned to the spotlight as a mediator of acute inflammation. The identification of mutations in the NALP3 gene, a component of the inflammasome, in patients with a subset within the autoinflammatory syndromes (now called cryopyrin-associated periodic syndromes or CAPS) led to the idea of targeting IL1β in this disease. The results have been spectacular1 2 and confirmed that IL1 inhibitors can have major clinical effects if the physiopathology of the disease involves excessive IL1 production. Martinon et al …
Bayesian Causal Induction

Discovering causal relationships is a hard task, often hindered by the need for intervention, and often requiring large amounts of data to resolve statistical uncertainty. However, humans quickly arrive at useful causal relationships. One possible reason is that humans extrapolate from past experience to new, unseen situations: that is, they encode beliefs over causal invariances, allowing for sound generalization from the observations they obtain from directly acting in the world. Here we outline a Bayesian model of causal induction where beliefs over competing causal hypotheses are modeled using probability trees. Based on this model, we illustrate why, in the general case, we need interventions plus constraints on our causal hypotheses in order to extract causal information from our experience.
Folding and Insertion of the Outer Membrane Protein OmpA Is Assisted by the Chaperone Skp and by Lipopolysaccharide*

We have studied the folding pathway of a β-barrel membrane protein using outer membrane protein A (OmpA) ofEscherichia coli as an example. The deletion of the gene of periplasmic Skp impairs the assembly of outer membrane proteins of bacteria. We investigated how Skp facilitates the insertion and folding of completely unfolded OmpA into phospholipid membranes and which are the biochemical and biophysical requirements of a possible Skp-assisted folding pathway. In refolding experiments, Skp alone was not sufficient to facilitate membrane insertion and folding of OmpA. In addition, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was required. OmpA remained unfolded when bound to Skp and LPS in solution. From this complex, OmpA folded spontaneously into lipid bilayers as determined by electrophoretic mobility measurements, fluorescence spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The folding of OmpA into lipid bilayers was inhibited when one of the periplasmic components, either Skp or LPS, was absent. Membrane insertion and folding of OmpA was most efficient at specific molar ratios of OmpA, Skp, and LPS. Unfolded OmpA in complex with Skp and LPS folded faster into phospholipid bilayers than urea-unfolded OmpA. Together, these results describe a first assisted folding pathway of an integral membrane protein on the example of OmpA.
Cooperation protocol for the uplink of relay assisted cellular networks

The paper proposes a network coded cooperation protocol for the uplink transmission of relay assisted cellular networks characterized by non-ideal source - relay links. The proposed protocol employs Reed Solomon codes as network codes in order to improve the Block Error Rate (BLER) and Bit Error Rate (BER) performance over the slow varying fading channels. The paper presents also an algorithm for the computation of the BLER ensured by the cooperation protocol when the cooperative links are modeled as Block Erasure Channels (BLEC), as well as an analysis of the performance obtained, showing the significant improvement brought by the employment of RS network codes.
Field strength correlators and dual effective dynamics in QCD

We establish a relation between the two-point field strength correlator in QCD and the dual field propagator of an effective dual Abelian Higgs model describing the infrared behaviour of QCD. We find an analytic approximation to the dual field propagator without sources and in presence of quark sources. In the latter situation we also obtain an expression for the static $q \bar{q}$ potential. Our derivation sheds some light on the dominance and phenomenological relevance of the two-point field strength correlator.