Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Cytomegalovirus-specific regulatory and effector T cells are clonally identical Dissertation zur Erlangung des akademischen Grades des Doktors der Naturwissenschaften (Dr. rer. nat.)

The majority of thymically arised regulatory CD4+CD25high T cells (Treg) show high affinity to self-antigens. It has been proposed that T-cell receptors (TCR) on Treg cells in the periphery also recognize foreign-antigens from pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. Studies in mice have shown that peripheral Treg cells can be generated not only from naïve T cells but also from effector T cells (Teff). However, in humans the clonal TCR-repertoire of these Treg populations and their relation to effector CD4+CD25low Teff is not sufficiently known up to date. Here, we analyzed human TCRs derived from expanded Treg and Teff cells with defined specificity to MHC class-II restricted " foreign " epitopes of Cytomegalovirus (CMV). Remarkably, we found that both functionally distinct subsets share the same dominant TCR-CDR3 clones in vitro. In contrast to their Teff counterparts, the Treg cells express low CD127 and IL-2, but high IL-10 upon antigen stimulation. Therefore, together with increased FOXP3 expression, but incomplete foxp3 DNA-demethylation, human CMV-antigen specific Treg cells exhibit an induced phenotype (iTreg) in vitro with similarity to recently described Tr-1 phenotype. Moreover, the clonal identity was confirmed in freshly isolated CD4+CD25low and CD4+CD25high subsets, suggesting their generation occurred already in vivo. Peripheral CD25high Treg cells suppress the anti-viral immune response in patients with frequent CMV-reactivations, implying their development as reaction on chronic antigen-exposure. Our results demonstrate directly for the first time, that the same human T-cell clone can possess the phenotype of Teff and Treg cells with specificity to identical foreign epitopes and suggest that Treg-induction in the periphery is supported by frequent antigen-exposure.
Estimating the Net Economic Value of National Forest Recreation: An Application of the National Visitor Use Monitoring Database

The research reported in this paper was supported by the USDA Forest Service through Cooperative Research Agreement 04-CA-11330144-149 entitled “Assessment and Management of Natural Capital Benefits: Phase III” Between The University of Georgia Department of Agricultural & Applied Economics and The USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station. Support was also provided by the Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station through the W-2133 Regional Research Project entitled “Benefits and Costs of Natural Resources Policies Affecting Public and Private Lands. ” Support and technical assistance from J. Ross Arnold, USDA Forest Service, Research and Development Staff, Washington, D.C. Office, is gratefully acknowledged.
Enhanced Out of Vocabulary Word Detection Using Local Acoustic Information

The detection of Out-of-vocabulary (OOV) words is a crucial problem for spoken term detection (STD). In this paper, the use of integration with local acoustic information is investigated to retrieve more OOV words. Tokens with high local acoustic probabilities propagated in the search space at the decoding stage will be forced to propagate to the next frame. In this way, acoustic similar words can be reserved in recognition results without considering of language model probabilities. Experimental results show that this new approach results in a significant increase in the performance of OOV words detection. At least a relative improvement of 8.5% in equal error rate is achieved over the baseline system. Meanwhile, it will do no harm to in-vocabulary (IV) words detection. With some refinement of beam pruning, the decoding time only rises 3% relative to the baseline system.
Cellular Mechanisms Underlying Complete Hematological Response of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia to BRAF and MEK1/2 Inhibition in a Patient with Concomitant Metastatic Melanoma

Purpose: Targeted MEK inhibition is an emerging therapy in a number of solid tumors. It holds particular promise in BRAF V600E mutation–positive malignant melanoma, where constitutive activation and cell growth through the MAP kinase (MAPK) pathway is well established. In vitro and preclinical research indicates that MAPK pathway activation is important in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) leukemogenesis; however, the potential of MEK inhibition has not yet been investigated clinically in the setting of such hematologic malignancies. Experimental Design: We report a case of complete hematologic response of CML to MEK inhibition in a patient with synchronous metastatic melanoma, who received treatment with combination BRAF and MEK1/2 inhibitors. We studied the effects of these agents on proliferation and outgrowth of myeloid precursors, and longitudinal shifts in peripheral blood phenotyping during the course of treatment. A model cell line system was used to examine the effects of dabrafenib and trametinib on MAPK and BCR–ABL1 signaling. Results: After 35 weeks on treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, complete hematologic response was observed without recourse to BCR–ABL1–targeted therapy. MEK inhibition was principally responsible for impaired proliferation of both mature and primitive myeloid precursors, as well as growth and hemoglobinization of erythroid precursors. Paradoxical activation of the MAPK pathway was seen in response to BRAF inhibitor therapy but this was easily overcome by clinically relevant doses of concurrent MEK inhibitor. Conclusions: These studies suggest that further evaluation of the optimal MAPK targeting approach is warranted to extend therapeutic options in CML. Clin Cancer Res; 21(23); 5222–34. ©2015 AACR.
Detecting bridging faults in dynamic CMOS circuits

New methods for detecting bridging faults in dynamic CMOS circuits are proposed. We show that resistive shorts in CMOS dynamic circuits can cause intermittent failures and reliability problems. We found that the defect coverage of resistive shorts, which we defined as the maximum detectable resistance of a short, in CMOS domino gates, can be improved by increasing the supply voltage to be about 40% higher than the normal operating voltage or by reducing the supply voltage to about 2V/sub t/, where V/sub t/ is the threshold voltage of a transistor.
Throughput and latency analysis of the Spidergon-Donut interconnection network

The Spidergon-Donut on-chip interconnection network was proposed to interconnect the cores of a 1000+ core chip. In this paper, we derive a queueing model for the Spidergon-Donut, and analyze its throughput and latency in comparison with the commercial Spidergon network on which it is based. Results indicate that the Spidergon-Donut throughput is 3-5 times larger than that of the Spidergon network, for 32-4096 cores and the Spidergon-Donut significantly outperforms the Spidergon in network latency under moderate to large traffic rates. Furthermore, for 1K cores, the average distance of the Spidergon-Donut is one tenth that of the Spidergon.
Steganography using block-based adaptive threshold

Steganography is a technique to hide secret information in some other data (we call it a vessel) without leaving any apparent evidence of data alteration. All of the traditional steganographic techniques have limited information-hiding capacity. In this paper, we proposed a new method of the adaptive steganography using complexity on bit planes of color image. Applying fixing threshold and variable length, if we insert information into all bit planes, all bit planes showed different image quality. Therefore, we investigated the complexity on bit plane and data, similarity insert information into bit planes. As a result, the proposed method increased the insertion capacity and improved the image quality as compared to fixing threshold and variable length method.
An Online Mechanism for Incorporating Demand Side Flexibility into the Smart Grid

We propose an incentive compatible (IC) online mechanism for market integration of a flexible demand side in a smart grid with significant contribution from renewable energy sources (RES). This mechanism relies on the notion of energy services (Schweppe et al., 1989), i.e., combinations of appliances and associated time-wise load shifting potential. We compare this online mechanism over several metrics to an idealistic offline and online social planner. We find that the cost of establishing incentive compatibility in terms of social welfare is especially low in settings with high flexibility. This is a very positive result as we cannot expect classic welfare maximization approaches to compute realistic outcomes given self-interested agents. Under the IC mechanism, providing consumption flexibility decreases individual agents' payments and increases their chances of allocation. The presented online IC mechanism addresses a major obstacle for smart grid adoption, namely the lack of incentives fostering demand side flexibility. We see sufficient flexibility as an essential component in future power systems to facilitate higher RES penetration levels. Furthermore, we show that the classic paradigm of centralized control of flexible energy services offers only little societal benefits under our assumptions and can thus be replaced by a decentralized mechanism ensuring incentive-compatibility, scalability as well as robustness.
Optimal inventory policy for perishable products without replenishment

Many products are perishable, and can be replenished in short term, for example, the vegetables. Therefore, it is important for wholesalers of such products to make right inventory decisions so that they can stock an appropriate amount of products and dynamically sell them at the right time with right quantity. In this paper, we try to address the optimal purchase and inventory control problem for a perishable product without replenishment based on the market condition and the perishable nature of product. Specifically, a two-period model is studied, and the optimal purchase policy and optimal inventory allocation policy are derived.
The Deidentification Dilemma: A Legislative and Contractual Proposal

Deidentification is one method for protecting privacy while permitting other uses of personal information. However, deidentified data is often still capable of being reidentified. The main purpose of this article is to offer a legislative-based contractual solution for the sharing of deidentified personal information while providing protections for privacy. The legislative framework allows a data discloser and a data recipient to enter into a voluntary contract that defines responsibilities and offers remedies to aggrieved individuals.
Performance Evaluation of Line Simplification Algorithms for Vector Generalization

Abstract Many studies of line simplification methods have been developed; however, an evaluation of these methods is still an open issue. This paper aims to evaluate a diversity of automatic line simplification algorithms in terms of positional accuracy and processing time. Past research studies for the performance evaluation were centred on measuring the location difference between a line to be simplified and its simplified version. However, the original line contains positional uncertainty. This paper evaluates performance of the line simplification algorithms using two comprehensive measures of positional accuracy of the simplified line. These two measures include one displacement measure and one shape distortion measure, both of which are able to consider (a) the displacement between the original line and its simplified version, and (b) positional uncertainty of the original line.
Obstacle to training SpikeProp networks — Cause of surges in training process —

In this paper, we discuss an obstacle to training in SpikeProp[1], which is a type of supervised learning algorithms for spiking neural networks. In the original publication of SpikeProp, weights with mixed signs are suspected to cause failures of training. We pointed out the cause of it through some experiments. Weights with mixed signs make the dynamics of the unit's activity twisted, and the twisted dynamics break the assumption that SpikeProp algorithm is based on. Therefore, it causes surges in training processes. They would mean an underlying problem on training processes.
MICROWAVE-BASED NDE OF FRP-JACKETED CONCRETE STRUCTURES

S Jacketing technology using fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is being applied for seismic retrofit and rehabilitation of reinforced concrete (RC) columns designed and constructed under older specifications. In this study, the authors develop an electromagnetic (EM) imaging technology for detecting such damage as voids and debonding between the jacket and the column, which may significantly weaken the structural performance of the column. This technology is based on the reflection analysis of a continuous EM wave sent toward and reflected from layered FRP-adhesive-concrete medium: Voids and debonding areas will generate air gaps which produce additional reflections of the EM wave. In this study, the computer simulation demonstrated the difficulty in detecting damage by using plane waves, as the reflection contribution from the voids and debonding is very small compared to that from the jacketed column. In order to alleviate this difficulty, dielectric lenses were designed and fabricated, focusing the EM wave on the bonding interface. For experimental verification, three concrete columns were constructed and wrapped with glass-FRP jackets with various voids and debonding conditions artificially introduced in the bonding interface. Using the proposed EM imaging technology involving the especially designed and properly installed lenses, the locations and areas of these voids and debonding areas were successfully detected by scanning the column surface. Furthermore, in order to obtain information about the depth of a void or a debonding area, microwave sub-surface imaging technology using bi-focusing operator was studied, and some preliminary simulation results are presented in this paper.
Papillary thyroid cancer incidence in the volcanic area of Sicily.

BACKGROUND The steadily increasing incidence of thyroid cancer has been attributed mostly to more sensitive thyroid nodule screening. However, various environmental factors, such as those associated with volcanic areas, cannot be excluded as risk factors. We evaluated thyroid cancer incidence in Sicily, which has a homogenous population and a province (Catania) that includes the Mt Etna volcanic area. METHODS In a register-based epidemiological survey, we collected all incident thyroid cancers in Sicily from January 1, 2002, through December 31, 2004. The age-standardized incidence rate for the world population (ASR(w)) was calculated and expressed as the number of thyroid cancer diagnoses per 100 000 residents per year. The association of thyroid cancer incidence rate with sex, age, tumor histotype, and various environmental factors was evaluated by modeling the variation of the ASR(w). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS In 2002-2004, 1950 incident thyroid cancers were identified in Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 17.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 16.9 to 18.7; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.7, 95% CI = 3.3 to 4.1). Although the percentage of thyroid cancers that were microcarcinomas (ie, < or = 10 mm) and ratio of men to women with thyroid cancer were similar in all nine Sicilian provinces, thyroid cancer incidence was statistically significantly higher in the province of Catania (among women, ASR(w) = 31.7, 95% CI = 29.1 to 34.3; and among men, ASR(w) = 6.4, 95% CI = 5.2 to 7.5) than in the rest of Sicily (among women, ASR(w) = 14.1, 95% CI = 13.2 to 15.0; and among men, ASR(w) = 3.0, 95% CI = 2.6 to 3.4) (all P values < .001). Incidence of papillary, but not follicular or medullary, cancers was statistically significantly increased in Catania province, and papillary tumors from patients in Catania more frequently carried the BRAF V600E gene mutation (55 [52%] of 106 tumors) than tumors from patients elsewhere in Sicily (68 [33%] of 205 tumors) (relative risk = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.0 to 2.8, P = .02). Cancer incidence was statistically significantly lower in rural areas than in urban areas of Sicily (P = .003). No association with mild iodine deficiency or industrial installations was found. Levels of many elements (including boron, iron, manganese, and vanadium) in the drinking water of Catania province often exceeded maximum admissible concentrations, in contrast to water in the rest of Sicily. CONCLUSION Residents of Catania province with its volcanic region appear to have a higher incidence of papillary thyroid cancer than elsewhere in Sicily.
Celastrol inhibits gastric cancer growth by induction of apoptosis and autophagy

Recently, the interest in natural products for the treatment of cancer is increasing because they are the pre-screened candidates. In the present study, we demonstrate the therapeutic effect of celastrol, a triterpene extracted from the root bark of Chinese medicine on gastric cancer. The proliferation of AGS and YCC-2 cells were most sensitively decreased in six kinds of gastric cancer cell lines after the treatment with celastrol. Celastrol inhibited the cell migration and increased G1 arrest in cell-cycle populations in both cell lines. The treatment with celastrol significantly induced autophagy and apoptosis and increased the expression of autophagy and apoptosis-related proteins. We also found an increase in phosphorylated AMPK following a decrease in all phosphorylated forms of AKT, mTOR and S6K after the treatment with celastrol. Moreover, gastric tumor burdens were reduced in a dose-dependent manner by celastrol administration in a xenografted mice model. Taken together, celastrol distinctly inhibits the gastric cancer cell proliferation and induces autophagy and apoptosis. [BMB Reports 2014; 47(12): 697-702]
Metropolitan governance : conflict, competition, and cooperation

List of Figures and TablesPreface Part One: Theoretical Explorations 1. Introduction: Regionalism and Institutional Collective ActionRichard C. Feiock 2. The Study of Metropolitan GovernanceRonald J. Oakerson 3. Game-Theoretic Models of Metropolitan CooperationAnnette Steinacker 4. Metropolitan Area Governance and Institutional Collective ActionStephanie S. Post Part Two: Empirical Investigations 5. An Old Debate Confronts New Realities: Large Suburbs and Economic Development in the MetropolisPaul G. Lewis 6. Courting Business: Competition for Economic Development among CitiesMartin Johnson and Max Neiman 7. Institutional Collective Action: Social Capital and the Formation of Regional Partnerships Richard C. Feiock, Jill Tao, and Linda Johnson 8. Metropolitan Structure and the Sex BusinessElaine B. Sharp 9. Charter Schools as a Tool to Reform Local Schools by Transforming GovernanceMark Schneider and Jack Buckley 10. Whose Game Do We Play? Local Government Boundary Change and Metropolitan GovernanceJered B. Carr 11. Concluding Thoughts: Regionalism, Urban Politics, and GovernanceRichard C. Feiock ContributorsIndex
The crystal structure of the ribosome bound to EF-Tu and aminoacyl-tRNA

The ribosome selects a correct tRNA for each amino acid added to the polypeptide chain, as directed by mRNA. Aminoacyl-tRNA is delivered to the ribosome by Elongation Factor-Tu (EFTu), which hydrolyzes GTP and releases tRNA in response to codon recognition. The signaling pathway that leads to GTP hydrolysis upon codon recognition is critical to accurate decoding. Here we present the crystal structure of the ribosome complexed with EF-Tu and aminoacyltRNA, refined to 3.6 Å resolution. The structure reveals details of the tRNA distortion that allows aminoacyl-tRNA to interact simultaneously with the decoding center of the 30S subunit and EFTu at the factor-binding site. A series of conformational changes in EF-Tu and aminoacyl-tRNA suggest a communication pathway between the decoding center and the GTPase center of EF-Tu.
A Cross-National Study of Implicit Theories of a Creative Person

Implicit theories can influence learning behavior, the approaches individuals take to learning and performance situations, and the learning goals individuals set, as well as, indirectly, their accomplishments, intelligence, and creativity. For this cross-cultural study, Kenyan and German students were asked to draw a creative person and rate it on a number of attributes. The data indicated considerable differences among the implicit theories according to students’ gender and nationality. Kenyan girls, in particular, frequently ascribed a gender to their prototypical creative person that differed from their own, whereas the gender of the prototypical creative people drawn by German students was more equally spread. The data offer evidence that implicit theories of a creative person are multifaceted. Kenyan students value diligence as an important attribute of a creative person. In addition, social variables were seen as important, followed by talents in languages and mathematics. By contrast, German students valued imagination and talent in artistic areas, followed by diligence and social components. Their lowest rated attributes for creativity were talents in the domains of languages, mathematics and technical areas. Future studies should further examine the influence of implicit theories on the learning behavior of gifted students.
Decidability Results for Metric and Layered Temporal Logics

We study the decidability problem for metric and layered temporal logics. The logics we consider are suitable to model time granularity in vari-ous contexts, and they allow one to build granular temporal models by referring to the “natural scale” in any component of the model and by properly constraining the interactions between differently-grained components. A monadic second-order language combining operators such as temporal contextualization and projection, together with the usual displacement operator of metric temporal logics, is considered, and the theory of ﬁnitely-layered metric temporal structures is shown to be decidable.
Unusual Region for Pericardial Malignant Mesothelioma: Cutaneous Manifestation in a Turkish Woman

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease that originates from mesenchymal cells. It is related to the occupational or environmental exposure to asbestos. The treatment remains controversial because it is commonly diagnosed at a very late stage, and the prognosis is very poor. In this report, we present a 37-year-old female patient who was admitted with shortness of breath, palpitation and inability to sleep on her back for the previous 10 days. A large pericardial effusion was detected on echocardiography. Pericardiocentesis was performed and the patient’s symptoms were alleviated. However, approximately 7 months later, she was readmitted to the clinic with complaints of a mass at the incision site. Pathological examination of the mass yielded a diagnosis of pericardial malignant mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare occurrence, and to our knowledge, there are no reports in the English literature of pericardial malignant mesothelioma local invasion to an incision site.
NEAR-REAL TIME APPLICATION OF SAR-DERIVED SEA ICE DIFFERENTIAL MOTION DURING APLIS ICE CAMP 2007

A near-real time sea ice motion tracking system was developed and tested as a part of APLIS’07 Ice Camp activities under the SEDNA project. This system was used as a logistical aid to determine optimal locations for deploying 12 GPS (strain-rate) buoys and 5 stress buoys. Critical elements essential for a nominal system design are presented in the discussion based on the operational experiences learned under field conditions.