Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multi-path admission control for mobile ad hoc networks

As wireless networks become more prevalent, users will demand the same applications that are currently available in wired networks. Further, they will expect to receive a quality of service similar to that obtained in a wired network. Included in these applications are real-time applications such as voice over IP and multimedia streams. To enable the support of applications that require real-time communication in ad hoc networks, congestion must be prevented so that the needed quality of service can be provided. An admission control mechanism is an essential component of the quality of service solution. Unfortunately, current admission control solutions encounter problems during mobility, often resulting in unacceptable disruptions in communication. To solve this problem, we apply multi-path routing mechanisms that maintain alternate paths to the destination and propose a new admission control protocol. We show through simulation that our solution is able to prevent communication disruptions and meet the QoS needs of applications better than previous solutions.
Evasion by Stealth: Inefficient Immune Activation Underlies Poor T Cell Response and Severe Disease in SARS-CoV-Infected Mice

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome caused substantial morbidity and mortality during the 2002–2003 epidemic. Many of the features of the human disease are duplicated in BALB/c mice infected with a mouse-adapted version of the virus (MA15), which develop respiratory disease with high morbidity and mortality. Here, we show that severe disease is correlated with slow kinetics of virus clearance and delayed activation and transit of respiratory dendritic cells (rDC) to the draining lymph nodes (DLN) with a consequent deficient virus-specific T cell response. All of these defects are corrected when mice are treated with liposomes containing clodronate, which deplete alveolar macrophages (AM). Inhibitory AMs are believed to prevent the development of immune responses to environmental antigens and allergic responses by interacting with lung dendritic cells and T cells. The inhibitory effects of AM can also be nullified if mice or AMs are pretreated with poly I:C, which directly activate AMs and rDCs through toll-like receptors 3 (TLR3). Further, adoptive transfer of activated but not resting bone marrow–derived dendritic cells (BMDC) protect mice from lethal MA15 infection. These results may be relevant for SARS in humans, which is also characterized by prolonged virus persistence and delayed development of a SARS-CoV-specific immune response in individuals with severe disease.
Rapid Scaling Up of Insecticide-Treated Bed Net Coverage in Africa and Its Relationship with Development Assistance for Health: A Systematic Synthesis of Supply, Distribution, and Household Survey Data

BACKGROUND Development assistance for health (DAH) targeted at malaria has risen exponentially over the last 10 years, with a large fraction of these resources directed toward the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs). Identifying countries that have been successful in scaling up ITN coverage and understanding the role of DAH is critical for making progress in countries where coverage remains low. Sparse and inconsistent sources of data have prevented robust estimates of the coverage of ITNs over time. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We combined data from manufacturer reports of ITN deliveries to countries, National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) reports of ITNs distributed to health facilities and operational partners, and household survey data using Bayesian inference on a deterministic compartmental model of ITN distribution. For 44 countries in Africa, we calculated (1) ITN ownership coverage, defined as the proportion of households that own at least one ITN, and (2) ITN use in children under 5 coverage, defined as the proportion of children under the age of 5 years who slept under an ITN. Using regression, we examined the relationship between cumulative DAH targeted at malaria between 2000 and 2008 and the change in national-level ITN coverage over the same time period. In 1999, assuming that all ITNs are owned and used in populations at risk of malaria, mean coverage of ITN ownership and use in children under 5 among populations at risk of malaria were 2.2% and 1.5%, respectively, and were uniformly low across all 44 countries. In 2003, coverage of ITN ownership and use in children under 5 was 5.1% (95% uncertainty interval 4.6% to 5.7%) and 3.7% (2.9% to 4.9%); in 2006 it was 17.5% (16.4% to 18.8%) and 12.9% (10.8% to 15.4%); and by 2008 it was 32.8% (31.4% to 34.4%) and 26.6% (22.3% to 30.9%), respectively. In 2008, four countries had ITN ownership coverage of 80% or greater; six countries were between 60% and 80%; nine countries were between 40% and 60%; 12 countries were between 20% and 40%; and 13 countries had coverage below 20%. Excluding four outlier countries, each US$1 per capita in malaria DAH was associated with a significant increase in ITN household coverage and ITN use in children under 5 coverage of 5.3 percentage points (3.7 to 6.9) and 4.6 percentage points (2.5 to 6.7), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Rapid increases in ITN coverage have occurred in some of the poorest countries, but coverage remains low in large populations at risk. DAH targeted at malaria can lead to improvements in ITN coverage; inadequate financing may be a reason for lack of progress in some countries. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.
Retinoic Acid-Inducible Gene I Mediates Early Antiviral Response and Toll-Like Receptor 3 Expression in Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Infected Airway Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common viral pathogens causing severe lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children. Infected host cells detect and respond to RNA viruses using different mechanisms in a cell-type-specific manner, including retinoic acid-inducible gene I (RIG-I)-dependent and Toll-like receptor (TLR)-dependent pathways. Because the relative contributions of these two pathways in the recognition of RSV infection are unknown, we examined their roles in this study. We found that RIG-I helicase binds RSV transcripts within 12 h of infection. Short interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated RIG-I “knockdown” significantly inhibited early nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and interferon response factor 3 (IRF3) activation 9 h postinfection (p.i.). Consistent with this finding, RSV-induced beta interferon (IFN-β), interferon-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), chemokine ligand 5 (CCL-5), and IFN-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) expression levels were decreased in RIG-I-silenced cells during the early phase of infection but not at later times (18 h p.i.). In contrast, siRNA-mediated TLR3 knockdown did not affect RSV-induced NF-κB binding but did inhibit IFN-β, IP-10, CCL-5, and ISG15 expression at late times of infection. Further studies revealed that TLR3 knockdown significantly reduced NF-κB/RelA transcription by its ability to block the activating phosphorylation of NF-κB/RelA at serine residue 276. We further found that TLR3 induction following RSV infection was regulated by RIG-I-dependent IFN-β secreted from infected airway epithelial cells and was mediated by both IFN response-stimulated element (ISRE) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) sites in its proximal promoter. Together these findings indicate distinct temporal roles of RIG-I and TLR3 in mediating RSV-induced innate immune responses, which are coupled to distinct pathways controlling NF-κB activation.
A fast feature extraction in object recognition using parallel processing on CPU and GPU

Due to the advents of multi-core CPU and GPU, various parallel processing techniques have been widely applied to many application fields including computer vision. This paper presents a parallel processing technique for realtime feature extraction in object recognition by autonomous mobile robots, which utilizes both CPU and GPU by combining OpenMP, SSE (Streaming SIMD Extension) and CUDA programming. Firstly, the algorithms and codes for feature extraction are optimized and implemented in parallel processing. After the parallel algorithms are assured to maintain the same level of performance, the process for extracting key points and obtaining dominant orientation with respect to the key points is parallelized. Following the extraction is the construction of a parallel descriptor via SSE instructions. Finally, the GPU version of SIFT is also implemented using CUDA. The experiments have shown that the CPU version of SIFT is almost five times faster than the original SIFT while maintaining robust performance. Further, the GPU-Parallel descriptor achieves acceleration up to five times higher than the CPU-Parallel descriptor at a cost of a bit lower performance.
Residuated Lattices of Size ≤ 12 extended version ∗

We present the numbers of all non-isomorphic residuated lattices with up to 12 elements and a link to a database of these lattices. In addition, we explore various characteristics of these lattices such as the width, length, and various properties considered in the literature and provide the corresponding statistics. We also present algorithms for computing finite lattices and finite residuated lattices including a fast heuristic test of non-isomorphism of finite lattices.
Implicit Word Cues Facilitate Impaired Naming Performance: Evidence from a Case of Anomia

Word-finding difficulties observed in some patients with anomia have been attributed to an insufficient activation of phonology by semantics. There are, however, few direct tests of this hypothesis. This paper reports the case of FR, who presented with anomic aphasia following temporal lobe epilepsy and a cavernoma in the left superior temporal lobe. His anomic deficit was characterized by: (1) no apparent associated semantic impairment; (2) item consistency for accuracy and errors across different administrations; (3) accuracy strongly correlated with word frequency; and (4) a partial, albeit weak, knowledge of the gender of unnamed items. We conducted a naming experiment in which target pictures were implicitly primed by briefly presented masked words. Results showed that the prior presentation of the written target name improved accuracy. When compared with unprimed trials, the presence of the primes also increased phonological errors and decreased semantic errors. We argue that automatic phonological activation derived directly from the implicit written primes interacted with the remaining phonological input from the picture's semantic representation leading to increased accuracy and a change in the balance of error types.
The role of language ability and self-regulation in the development of inattentive–hyperactive behavior problems

Abstract Previous research has found associations but not established mechanisms of developmental linkage between language ability and inattentive–hyperactive (I-H) behavior problems. The present study examined whether self-regulation mediates the effect of language ability on later I-H behavior problems among young children (N = 120) assessed at 30, 36, and 42 months of age. Cross-lagged panel models tested the direction of effect between language ability and self-regulation and longitudinal effects of language ability on later I-H problems mediated by self-regulation. Language ability was measured by children's scores on the receptive and expressive language subtests of the Differential Ability Scales. Self-regulation was measured by three behavioral tasks requiring inhibitory control. I-H problems were reported by parents and secondary caregivers. Language ability predicted later self-regulation as measured by all three tasks. There was no association, however, between self-regulation and later language ability, suggesting that the direction of effect was stronger from language ability to later self-regulation. Moreover, the effect of language ability on later I-H behavior problems was mediated by children's self-regulation in one of the tasks (for secondary caregivers' but not parents' ratings). Findings suggest that language deficits may explain later I-H behavior problems via their prediction of poorer self-regulatory skills.
Extending ODMRP for on-site deployments in disaster area scenarios

One of the primary application scenarios for mobile wireless multi-hop networks are disaster areas. However, these pose specific challenges for routing, such as mobility and highly unpredictable links. The main applications for disaster area networks - group-based voice communication and group-oriented, map-based tracking - can be realized using multicast groups. Thus, we decided to implement ODMRP for disaster area deployments. In several disaster area maneuver on-site deployments, we identified the need for extensions, making the protocol more suitable for real-world deployments. In this paper, we propose three extensions to ODMRP: (1) link quality based routing, (2) prioritization of control messages, and (3) overhead reduction mechanisms. In simulations as well as in real-world measurements, we show the benefit of the extensions proposed.
Association of Genetic Polymorphisms in CDH1 and CTNNB1 with Breast Cancer Susceptibility and Patients' Prognosis among Chinese Han Women

This study aims to investigate whether the germline variants in CDH1 and CTNNB1 would affect breast cancer susceptibility and patients’ prognosis among Chinese Han women using a haplotype-based association analysis. We genotyped 12 haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (htSNPs) in CDH1 and CTNNB1 among 1,160 BC cases and 1,336 age-matched cancer-free controls using the TaqMan® Genotyping Assay. For association analyses of germline variants with breast cancer susceptibility, the results showed that rs7200690, rs7198799, rs17715799, rs13689 and diplotype CGC/TGC (rs7200690 + rs12185157 + rs7198799) in CDH1 as well as rs2293303 in CTNNB1 were associated with increased breast cancer risk. In addition, the Generalized Multifactor Dimensionality Reduction (GMDR) and logistic regression analysis predicted an interaction on breast cancer risk between rs17715799 and rs13689 as well as rs13689 and menarche-FFTP (First Full-Term Pregnancy) interval. For survival analyses, the results demonstrated that the minor allele homozygotes of rs13689 and haplotype TGC in CDH1 were linked with unfavorable event-free survival of breast cancer, whereas, rs4783689 of CDH1 showed the opposite effect under dominant model. Notably, the stratified analysis revealed that rs7186053 was associated with favorable event-free survival among patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, progesterone receptor (PR)-positive or lymph node metastasis negative patients. Moreover, rs7200690 and rs7198799 in CDH1 as well as rs4533622 in CTNNB1 were associated with worse event-free survival among patients with clinical stage 0-I tumors. This study indicated that the genetic polymorphisms of CDH1 and CTNNB1 were associated with breast cancer susceptibility and patients’ prognosis.
An Evaluation of Symmetry in the Lower Limb Joints During the Able-Bodied Gait of Women and Men

For many years, mainly to simplify data analysis, scientists assumed that during a gait, the lower limbs moved symmetrically. However, even a cursory survey of the more recent literature reveals that the human walk is symmetrical only in some aspects. That is why the presence of asymmetry should be considered in all studies of locomotion. The gait data were collected using the 3D motion analysis system Vicon. The inclusion criteria allowed the researchers to analyze a very homogenous group, which consisted of 54 subjects (27 women and 27 men). Every selected participant moved at a similar velocity: approximately 1,55 m/s. The analysis included kinematic parameters defining spatio-temporal structure of locomotion, as well as angular changes of the main joints of the lower extremities (ankle, knee and hip) in the sagittal plane. The values of those variables were calculated separately for the left and for the right leg in women and men. This approach allowed us to determine the size of the differences, and was the basis for assessing gait asymmetry using a relative asymmetry index, which was constructed by the authors. Analysis of the results demonstrates no differences in the temporal and phasic variables of movements of the right and left lower limb. However, different profiles of angular changes in the sagittal plane were observed, measured bilaterally for the ankle joint.
Sensor System Selection for Prognostics and Health Monitoring

Data collection is an essential part of prognostics and health monitoring, and often requires the use of sensor systems to measure environmental and operational parameters. In this paper, the considerations for sensor system selection for prognostics and health monitoring implementation are discussed and some state-of-the-art sensor systems for prognostics are described. Finally, emerging trends in sensor system technologies are presented.
Long-term sex-differential effects of neonatal vitamin A supplementation on in vitro cytokine responses

Abstract High-dose vitamin A supplementation (VAS) may affect mortality to infectious diseases in a sex-differential manner. Here, we analysed the long-term immunological effects of neonatal vitamin A supplementation (NVAS) in 247 children, who had been randomly allocated to 50 000 or 25 000 IU vitamin A (15mg and 7·5mg retinol equivalents, respectively) or placebo at birth. At 4–6 months of age, we assessed bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) scarification, and we analysed in vitro responses of TNF-α, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ in whole blood stimulations to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), purified protein derivative (PPD), tetanus toxoid and lipopolysaccharide. There were no differences between the two doses of NVAS, and thus they were analysed combined as NVAS (any dose) v. placebo. All analyses were performed unstratified and by sex. NVAS increased the chance of having a scar after BCG vaccination in females (NVAS v. placebo: 96 v. 71 %, proportion ratio: 1·24; 95 % CI 1·09, 1·42), but not in males (P for interaction=0·012). NVAS was associated with significant sex-differential effects on the pro- to anti-inflammatory cytokine ratios (TNF-α:IL-10) to PPD, tetanus toxoid and medium alone, which were increased in females but decreased in males. In addition, IL-17 responses tended to be increased in NVAS v. placebo recipients in males but not in females, significantly so for the PHA stimulation. The study corroborates sex-differential effects of VAS on the immune system, emphasising the importance of analysing VAS effects by sex.
SEMANTIC HETEROGENEITY OF GEODATA

Semantic heterogeneity is a major barrier to geodata sharing. The aim of this paper is to improve understanding of semantic heterogeneity. It provides discussions on what semantic heterogeneity of geodata is, what its sources are, what semantic heterogeneity is irresolvable and how to avoid. The conclusion is semantic poverty and poor conceptual modeling are major forms of semantic heterogeneity. We also argue that spatial database generalization is a critical technique to facilitate geodata sharing. * Corresponding author.
Distorted cognition and pathological anxiety in children and adolescents

The present article provides a review on the role of distorted cognition in the pathogenesis of childhood anxiety problems. A comprehensive model of information processing that can be employed for discussing various types of anxiety-related cognitive distortions is presented. Evidence for the occurrence of these cognitive distortions in anxious children and adolescents is summarised. Then, the origins of cognitive distortions in anxious children and adolescents are addressed with reference to genetic-based vulnerability, environmental influence, and gene–environment interactions. Finally, the article provides a critical discussion of the developmental aspects of cognitive distortions, their precise role in the aetiology and maintenance of childhood anxiety disorders, and their relevance for the treatment of this type of psychopathology. Throughout the article many leads are given that may guide future research in this area.
Tick-Borne Fever ( Anaplasma phagocytophilum Infection ) in Sheep – A Review

Ticks may transmit pathogens to ruminants worldwide, creating diseases such as anaplasmosis, babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and theileriosis. In Europe, the most important tick vector is Ixodes ricinus and the most widespread tick-borne infection in animals is Anaplasma phagocytophilum. This infection causes tick-borne fever (TBF) in ruminants, a disease which may not only cause suboptimal growth, but may also have severe economic and welfare challenges in the sheep industry. In this review, different aspects of A. phagocytophilum infection in sheep will be presented.
Structures of Personality Traits

Over the past decades, the concept of personality has been subject to implicit redefinition through a set of operations labeled “Big-Five Taxonomy” or “Five-Factor Model” of personality. A first module of the set of operations that constitute this paradigm consists of the questionnaire construction of personality, whereby someone's personality is defined through answers to standardized questions. A second, more specific, operational module contains the lexical approach that consists of selecting items from a corpus of language, particularly a dictionary of that language. A third operational characteristic consists of reliance on the linear model, particularly principal component analysis of Likert item scales. This is probably the most constitutive operation of the paradigm. A fourth set of operations contains models for structuring, interpreting, and communicating trait information. The major rivals are the hierarchical and the circumplex models of personality structure. I judge structure models by their capacity to produce clear and communicable trait concepts. I conclude with sketching a family of models that may serve as a base for capturing personality structure. It consists of a hierarchy of generalized semicircumplexes, with one general p-component of personality at the top and including 2-D circumplex, giant three, 5-D, and other-dimensional structures. Keywords: circumplex models; lexical approach; personality questionnaires; personality structure; personality traits; p-factor of personality; principal component analysis
Variable-length acoustic units inference for text-to-speech synthesis

The best voices in text-to-speech synthesis are currently obtained via acoustic units concatenation-based systems. In such systems, the choice of units whose concatenations will produce an acoustic message is a crucial stage. Moreover, it can be observed that current TTS systems use acoustic units which most often correspond to variable-length phonetic descriptions. In this article, an original framework is proposed which allows the automatic determination of an optimum set of variable-length acoustic units.
NEXUS: Fusing the Real &amp; the Virtual

The aim of this project has been to create NEXUS, a framework that supports fusion of the physical and the virtual, creating a single world in which people can interact with deliberative agents in their own space. This work promotes a more orthogonal perspective for the development of artificial systems and their functionality as tools. This NEXUS becomes a place in which virtual and physical information spaces become entwined, resulting in the entities that inhabit this space being able to interact in a seamless fashion. The level of interaction envisaged is not simply a matter of people controlling the form of a virtual space, or even one of artificial entities that control the form of a physical space. Instead, we view the NEXUS as a fusion of physical and virtual spaces in which a number of entities jointly interact. This then facilitates the coherent integration of humans and the digital information space