Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WIMP direct detection and halo structure

Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) direct detection experiments are just reaching the sensitivity required to detect Galactic dark matter in the form of neutralinos (or indeed any stable weakly interacting particle). Detection strategies and data analyses are often based on the simplifying assumption of a standard spherical, isothermal halo model, but observations and numerical simulations indicate that galaxy halos are in fact triaxial and anisotropic, and contain substructure. The annual modulation and direction dependence of the event rate (due to the motion of the Earth) provide the best prospects of distinguishing WIMP scattering from background events, however these signals depend sensitively on the local WIMP velocity distribution. I briefly review the status of WIMP direct detection experiments before discussing the dependence of the annual modulation signal on astrophysical input, in particular the structure of the Milky Way halo, and the possibility that the local WIMP distribution is not smooth.
Urokinase-type Plasminogen Activator (uPA) is Inhibited with QLT0267 a Small Molecule Targeting Integrin-linked Kinase (ILK)

Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA) is associated with cancer recurrence where the most evidence comes from studies in breast cancer. According to the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, uPA is considered one of the most prominent biomarkers for cancer recurrence and therefore new agents are needed to inhibit it. Whether uPA is also expressed in pediatric cancers is yet unknown. If it is then uPA inhibitors might also help children with recurrent cancers. In this study, we addressed whether the integrin-linked kinase inhibitor (ILK), QLT0267, could suppress uPA. We previously showed that uPA expression is maximally inhibited when both the Akt and MAP kinase pathways were blocked which we anticipated can be achieved via QLT0267. In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, QLT0267 blocked signaling through Akt and MAP kinase with a correlative decrease in uPA protein and mRNA, which corresponded to an inhibition of c-Jun phosphorylation. Consistent with these findings, cellular invasion was inhibited with either QLT0267 or with small interfering RNA against ILK. We then questioned whether uPA was commonly expressed in childhood sarcomas and if QLT0267 might be effective in this setting. We determined for the first time that uPA was highly expressed in rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS), but not Ewings sarcomas by screening cell lines (n = 31) and patient samples (n = 200) using Affymetrix microarrays. In alveolar RMS (ARMS) cell lines, QLT0267 blocked cell signaling, uPA production, invasion and ultimately survival. We concluded that QLT0267 blocks the production of uPA providing a new target for the management of recurrent cancers.
Interleukin-18 in plasma and adipose tissue: effects of obesity, insulin resistance, and weight loss.

OBJECTIVE Interleukin (IL)-18 is associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular disease. The present study compared 1) IL-18 in adipocytes versus stromal vascular (SV) cells, 2) IL-18 in plasma and adipose tissue (AT) in obese versus lean subjects, and 3) IL-18 in plasma, AT, and skeletal muscle (SM) in obese subjects after weight loss. SUBJECTS AND METHODS At baseline, plasma and AT IL-18 in 23 obese subjects were compared with that in 12 lean subjects. The obese subjects were submitted to a 15-week life-style intervention (hypocaloric diet and daily exercise) after which plasma samples, AT, and SM biopsies were obtained. Analyses were performed by ELISA and RT-PCR respectively. RESULTS IL-18 expression in isolated adipocytes was approximately 2% of that in SV cells. Plasma IL-18 was higher in obese subjects (P < 0.001) and associated with insulin resistance (HOMA; P < 0.001). AT expression of IL-18, CD14, and CD68 was higher in obese (P < 0.01). The intervention reduced body weight (P < 0.001), plasma IL-18 (P < 0.001), and increased insulin sensitivity (HOMA; P < 0.05). AT and SM expression of IL-18 remained unchanged after the intervention. Changes in plasma IL-18 were associated with changes in insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05) but not with BMI or AT expression of IL-18. CONCLUSION Plasma IL-18 is associated with changes in insulin resistance and reduced after weight loss. AT expression of IL-18 is increased in obesity but not affected by weight loss, indicating that changes in plasma IL-18 are related to insulin resistance rather than changes in obesity per se.
Nuclear import of the BTB/POZ transcriptional regulator Kaiso

Kaiso is a BTB/POZ transcription factor that functions in vitro as a transcriptional repressor of the matrix metalloproteinase gene matrilysin and the non-canonical Wnt signaling gene Wnt-11, and as an activator of the acetylcholine-receptor-clustering gene rapsyn. Similar to other BTB/POZ proteins (e.g. Bcl-6, PLZF, HIC-1), endogenous Kaiso localizes predominantly to the nuclei of mammalian cells. To date, however, the mechanism of nuclear import for most POZ transcription factors, including Kaiso, remain unknown. Here, we report the identification and characterization of a highly basic nuclear localization signal (NLS) in Kaiso. The functionality of this NLS was verified by its ability to target a heterologous β-galactosidase/green-fluorescent-protein fusion protein to nuclei. The mutation of one positively charged lysine to alanine in the NLS of full-length Kaiso significantly inhibited its nuclear localization in various cell types. In addition, wild-type Kaiso, but not NLS-defective Kaiso, interacted directly with the nuclear import receptor Importin-α2 both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, minimal promoter assays using a sequence-specific Kaiso-binding-site fusion with luciferase as reporter demonstrated that the identified NLS was crucial for Kaiso-mediated transcriptional repression. The identification of a Kaiso NLS thus clarifies the mechanism by which Kaiso translocates to the nucleus to regulate transcription of genes with diverse roles in cell growth and development.
Implementing Escudero ’ s model for the SUBSET problem

This paper reports on the results of a series of experiments that put Escudero’s theoretical model[4] to a practical test. This model was developed to explain how Dutch learners of Spanish vowels solve the SUBSET problem. Escuderos model uses Stochastic Optimality Theory and, in this paper, we use this same framework with the Gradual Learning Algorithm to simulate learning on the basis of Escuderos proposal. Escudero’s model is based on empirical data which shows that Dutch learners initially use three native categories to classify the two Spanish vowels /i/ and /e/. The model proposes that this initial situation leads to non-optimal perception as well as non-optimal recognition because three words instead of two will be stored in this learners L2 lexicon. The empirical data also shows that advanced learners can attain optimal L2 perception. To explain this L2 development, the model proposes that both perceptual learning and lexical feedback are involved in the reduction of one of the three native categories to acquire optimal L2 sound perception and word recognition. The proposal for the initial state in Dutch learners of Spanish vowels relies on the existence of minimal pairs in Spanish which are assumed to lead to the storage of lexical entries different in form but identical in meaning and entries identical in form but different in meaning. Escudero proposes that the existence of two entries with the same form but with different meanings leads to what she calls semantic errors. The proposal also says that, when the learner notices these errors through contextual cues, perceptual learning will occur, just like in the lexicon-driven learning proposed in Boersma[1] for L1 acquisition and in Escudero and Boersma[2] for L2 acquisition. In order to computationally test Escudero’s proposal, several different parameter settings and correct candidate selection mechanisms were compared. It was found that the model as proposed in principle is viable but is very sensitive to noise. A different selection mechanism and alternate rankings remedy this problem, leading to complete category elimination and boundary shifts to the native positions.
Galectins as self/non-self recognition receptors in innate and adaptive immunity: an unresolved paradox

Galectins are characterized by their binding affinity for β-galactosides, a unique binding site sequence motif, and wide taxonomic distribution and structural conservation in vertebrates, invertebrates, protista, and fungi. Since their initial description, galectins were considered to bind endogenous (“self”) glycans and mediate developmental processes and cancer. In the past few years, however, numerous studies have described the diverse effects of galectins on cells involved in both innate and adaptive immune responses, and the mechanistic aspects of their regulatory roles in immune homeostasis. More recently, however, evidence has accumulated to suggest that galectins also bind exogenous (“non-self”) glycans on the surface of potentially pathogenic microbes, parasites, and fungi, suggesting that galectins can function as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in innate immunity. Thus, a perplexing paradox arises by the fact that galectins also recognize lactosamine-containing glycans on the host cell surface during developmental processes and regulation of immune responses. According to the currently accepted model for non-self recognition, PRRs recognize pathogens via highly conserved microbial surface molecules of wide distribution such as LPS or peptidoglycan (pathogen-associated molecular patterns; PAMPs), which are absent in the host. Hence, this would not apply to galectins, which apparently bind similar self/non-self molecular patterns on host and microbial cells. This paradox underscores first, an oversimplification in the use of the PRR/PAMP terminology. Second, and most importantly, it reveals significant gaps in our knowledge about the diversity of the host galectin repertoire, and the subcellular targeting, localization, and secretion. Furthermore, our knowledge about the structural and biophysical aspects of their interactions with the host and microbial carbohydrate moieties is fragmentary, and warrants further investigation.
Incidence, Mode, and Location of Acute Proximal Junctional Failures After Surgical Treatment of Adult Spinal Deformity

Study Design. Multicenter, retrospective series. Objective. To analyze the incidence, mode, and location of acute proximal junctional failures (APJFs) after surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity. Summary of Background Data. Early proximal junctional failures above adult deformity constructs are a serious clinical problem; however, the incidence and nature of early APJFs remain unclear. Methods. A total of 1218 consecutive adult spinal deformity surgeries across 10 deformity centers were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the incidence and nature of APJF, defined as any of the following within 28 weeks of index procedure: minimum 15° post-operative increase in proximal junctional kyphosis, vertebral fracture of upper instrumented vertebrae (UIV) or UIV + 1, failure of UIV fixation, or need for proximal extension of fusion within 6 months of surgery. Results. Sixty-eight APJF cases were identified out of 1218 consecutive surgeries (5.6%). Patients had a mean age of 63 years (range, 26–82 yr), mean fusion levels of 9.8 (range, 4–18), and mean time to APJF of 11.4 weeks (range, 1.5–28 wk). Fracture was the most common failure mode (47%), followed by soft-tissue failure (44%). Failures most often occurred in the thoracolumbar region (TL-APJF) compared with the upper thoracic region (UT-APJF), with 66% of patients experiencing TL-APJF compared with 34% experiencing UT-APJF. Fracture was significantly more common for TL-APJF relative to UT-APJF (P = 0.00), whereas soft-tissue failure was more common for UT-APJF (P < 0.02). Patients experiencing TL-APJF were also older (P = 0.00), had fewer fusion levels (P = 0.00), and had worse postoperative sagittal vertical axis (P < 0.01). Conclusion. APJFs were identified in 5.6% of patients undergoing surgical treatment of adult spinal deformity, with failures occurring primarily in the TL region of the spine. There is evidence that the mode of failure differs depending on the location of UIV, with TL failures more likely due to fracture and UT failures more likely due to soft-tissue failures.
A Measuring Approach of Portfolio's VaR Based on APGARCH-EWMA Model

Value at Risk (VaR) is a commonly statistical tool to measure market risk. In this paper, a mixture method of APGARCH-M model and EWMA algorithm is applied to measure VaR of a portfolio. Empirical study using three stock index of shanghai stock market shows the mixture method is advantageous and accurate to calculate VaR of a portfolio.
Products in residue classes

We consider a problem of P.~Erd{\H o}s, A. ~M. ~Odlyzko and A. ~S{\'a}rk{\H o}zy about the representation of residue classes modulo $m$ by products of two not too large primes. While it seems that even the Extended Riemann Hypothesis is not powerful enough to achieve the expected results, here we obtain some unconditional results ``on average'' over moduli $m$ and residue classes modulo $m$ and somewhat stronger results when the average is restricted to prime moduli $m = p$. We also consider the analogous question wherein the primes are replaced by easier sequences so, quite naturally, we obtain much stronger results.
9 70 60 50 v 1 1 6 Ju n 19 97 Gravitational excitons from extra-dimensions

Inhomogeneous multidimensional cosmological models with a higher dimensional space-time manifold M = M0 × n i=1 Mi (n ≥ 1) are investigated under dimensional reduction to D0-dimensional effective models. In the Einstein conformal frame, small excitations of the scale factors of the internal spaces near minima of an effective potential have a form of massive scalar fields in the external space-time. Parameters of models which ensure minima of the effective potentials are obtained for particular cases and masses of gravitational excitons are estimated.
A congestion control scheme based on Smith principle and fuzzy control

A congestion control scheme based on combination of Smith principle and fuzzy control is proposed. The fuzzy controller is based on differences of queues length and drop probability of packets. The Smith controller provides effective offset of TCP networks to reduce influence of time delay to system by using system feedback control. By Lyapunov method analysis, the stability of the congestion control scheme is proved. Simulation results indicate the congestion control scheme based on Smith principle and fuzzy control improves stability and robustness of system comparing with congestion control schemes (Such as PI controller and Adaptive RED with Fastlink).
A Bee-inspired Approach for Selecting the Optimal Service Composition Solution

420 Abstract — This paper presents a bee colony optimization method for selecting the optimal solution in semantic Web service composition. The bee-inspired selection method uses an enhanced planning graph model and a matrix of semantic links to incrementally search the optimal solution. We use a multicriteria function which evaluates whether a solution is optimal or not in terms of its QoS attributes and the quality of the semantic match between the services involved in the solution. The selection method was validated by making experiments on a set of semantic Web services from the trip planning domain.
Adalimumab for the treatment of Crohn’s disease

Introduction: Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by a relapsing-remitting course with trans-mural inflammation of potentially any section of the digestive tract. Adalimumab (ADA) is a subcutaneously administered, recombinant, fully human, IgG1 monoclonal antibody that binds with high affinity and specificity to human TNF-alpha, thus modulating its biologic functions and its proinflammatory effects. Aims: To review the available data on ADA in CD for biological properties, efficacy, and safety. Methods: Electronic searches were conducted using the Pubmed and SCOPUS databases from the earliest records to April 2008. The search terms used were “adalimumab”, “anti-TNF”, “TNF-alpha”, “biologicals”, “inflammatory bowel disease”, and “Crohn’s disease”. Reference lists of all relevant articles were searched for further studies. Results: Available studies suggest that ADA has the potential to induce and maintain clinical response and remission in moderate-severe CD, both in anti-TNF-naïve patients and in subjects who lost their response and/or became intolerant to infliximab (IFX). ADA seems also effective in maintaining corticosteroid-free remission and obtaining complete fistula closure (although no specific randomized trials are available). No concomitant immunosuppressors seem to be necessary. Side effects appear similar to IFX, while site-injection reactions are frequent and specific. Data on immunogenicity and its clinical impact are uncertain. Conclusions: ADA appears to be effective in inducing and maintain clinical remission in CD, including patients not manageable with IFX. Successive clinical practice and further on going trials will confirm a positive role for ADA as a new anti-TNF treatment in CD. The impact on clinical management or on resources should be more studied.
A note on robot localization

This is a brief note on the localization techniques developed by Wolfram Burgard, Dieter Fox and colleagues, and used by the MetroBots RoboCup Four-legged league team. In particular, we describe the techniques of Markov localization and Monte Carlo localization, summarize the most important publications that describe them, and identify the various flavours of these techniques outlined in those publications.
Effects of Hypergravity on Osteopontin Expression in Osteoblasts

Mechanical stimuli play crucial roles in bone remodeling and resorption. Osteopontin (OPN), a marker for osteoblasts, is important in cell communication and matrix mineralization, and is known to function during mechanotransduction. Hypergravity is a convenient approach to forge mechanical stimuli on cells. It has positive effects on certain markers of osteoblast maturation, making it a possible strategy for bone tissue engineering. We investigated the effects of hypergravity on OPN expression and cell signaling in osteoblasts. Hypergravity treatment at 20 g for 24 hours upregulated OPN expression in MC3T3-E1 cells at the protein as well as mRNA level. Hypergravity promoted OPN expression by facilitating focal adhesion assembly, strengthening actin bundles, and increasing Runx2 expression. In the hypergravity-triggered OPN expression pathway, focal adhesion assembly-associated FAK phosphorylation was upstream of actin bundle assembly.
Availability analysis for synchronous data-flow graphs in mixed-criticality systems

The safety-critical industry is compelled to continually increase the number of functionalities in embedded systems. These platforms tend to integrate software with various non-functional requirements, in particular different levels of criticality. As a consequence, Mixed-Criticality Systems emerged in order to assure robustness, safety and predictability for these embedded platforms. Although Mixed-Critcality Systems show promising results, formal methods to quantify availability are still missing for this type of systems and will most likely be required for deployment. This paper presents a transformation process that first produces a formal model of a Mixed-Criticality System. From this formal model, it generates a PRISM automaton in order to compute availability.
Developing an agent-based workflow management system for collaborative product design

Purpose – The purpose of this research is to develop a prototype of agent‐based intelligent workflow system for product design collaboration in a distributed network environment.Design/methodology/approach – This research separates the collaborative workflow enactment mechanisms from the collaborative workflow building tools for flexible workflow management. Applying the XML/RDF (resource description framework) ontology schema, workflow logic is described in a standard representation. Lastly, a case study in collaborative system‐on‐chip (SoC) design is depicted to demonstrate the agent‐based workflow system for the design collaboration on the web.Findings – Agent technology can overcome the difficulty of interoperability in cross‐platform, distributed environment with standard RDF data schema. Control and update of workflow functions become flexible and versatile by simply modifying agent reasoning and behaviors.Research limitations/implications – When business partners want to collaborate, how to integra.
Multi-view approach to model aerospace cyber-physical systems

Aerospace cyber-physical system design focuses on the mutual impact of cyberspace and physical world. In this paper, we propose a multi-dimension, multidomain and multi-paradigm architecture approach for cyber physical systems. It integrates Modelica and AADL based on model-driven architecture to construct multidimension, multi-domain and multi-view approach for aerospace cyber physical systems. We divide aerospace cyber physical system into three dimensions: physical world dimension, communication dimension and computation dimension. We design the system from physical world view, functional view, static view, spatio-temporal view, Nonfunctional view, hardware view. The physical world analysis is considered to be one fundamental stage of our proposed method. The proposed method is illustrated by the modeling of the lunar rover system, which involves a broad range of mechanical, electronic, control, communications, computing, mechanics, and physics. In this paper, we specify and model the lunar rover system by extending Modelica and AADL.
A robust 4G/LTE network authentication for realization of flexible and robust security scheme

4G wireless communication allows for significant increases in data rates over 2G and 3g and 3.5G wireless technologies. 4G is based on TCP/IP architecture and thus by moving to an anticipated increase in security issues compared to previous generations. LTE is composed with cryptographic strategies, common verification between LTE network elements with wellbeing components incorporated with its building design. Be that as it may, the organizations and well known industries have distinguished security vulnerabilities that ought to be assessed by under network deployment. With the development of open, all IP-based, disseminated architecture of LTE, attackers can target versatile and systems with spam, tuning in, malware, IP spoofing, data and service theft, DDoS assaults numerous different varieties of digital attacks and crimes. Security issues and challenges in wireless networks remain a hotly debated issue later on, LTE/SAE standard could adjust to these difficulties upward, turning out to be more strong and secure. Looking verification calculations and ciphering as EAP-AKA (extensible authentication protocol for confirmation and key assention), as of now working inside of the LTE convention, the authors analyze vulnerabilities several LTE/SAE security architecture - especially, insecure AKA key derivation procedures and absence of quick reauthentications for handovers. The progressive structural planning of the present day networks cell information implies that countless stations rely on upon a little number of core network elements for vital administrations (counting internet availability). In this paper we have proposed an effective improvement in existing security method to make it capable of protecting the selective jamming, in order to address multiple nodes attempting to join the network at the same time i.e. Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack. The existing protocol will be improved to protect against selective jamming attack in order to multiple nodes, a specific and severe DDoS attack.