Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeting PKCθ in alloreactivity and graft-versus-host-disease: unanswered questions and therapeutic potential

Protein kinase C isoform θ (PKCθ) is a key modulator of TCR signaling and mediates activation of NF-κB, NF-AT, and AP-1 transcription factors. Although in vitro studies of PKCθ-/- T cells have shown impaired activation responses, in vivo studies indicate that PKCθ requirement is not universal. While PKCθ is important in induction of experimentally induced autoimmune diseases in mice and generation of Th2 responses, it is not essential for induction of T cell proliferative and cytotoxic responses against influenza virus, LCMV, and vaccinia virus. The context-specific involvement of PKCθ in T cell responses suggests that inhibition of PKCθ may be beneficial in some but not all situations. In the bone marrow transplantation (BMT) setting, we have shown that graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD) cannot be induced in the absence of PKCθ. However, graft-versus-leukemia effects and T cell ability to clear virus infection remains intact. Therefore, PKCθ is a potential therapeutic target in BMT, inhibition of which may prevent GVHD while retaining anti-tumor and anti-infection responses.
Shape analysis, a field in need of careful validation

In the last two decades, the statistical analysis of shape has become an actively studied field and finds applications in a wide range of areas. In addition to algorithmic development, many researchers have distributed end‐user orientated toolboxes, which further enable the utilization of the algorithms in an “off the shelf” fashion. However, there is little work on the evaluation and validation of these techniques, which poses a rather serious challenge when interpreting their results. To address this lack of validation, we design a validation framework and then use it to test some of the most widely used toolboxes. Our initial results show inconsistencies and disagreement among four different methods. We believe this type of analysis to be critical not only for the community of algorithm designers but also perhaps more importantly to researchers who use these tools without knowing the algorithm details and seek objective criteria for tool selection. Hum Brain Mapp 35:4965–4978, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Climate change and world heritage: a cross-border analysis of the Sundarbans (Bangladesh–India)

ABSTRACT The national policy context influences micro-level management actions for natural World Heritage facing the challenge of climate change in the developing world. Little is currently known about how climate vulnerable natural World Heritage is managed to build resilience within the socio-ecological system. Management actions based on conservation, biodiversity, community and tourism policies are important determinants of socio-ecological resilience. The aim of this study is to present a critical cross-border comparative analysis of climate change management responses for building resilience in the Bangladesh and Indian Sundarbans World Heritage area. Drawing on semi-structured stakeholder interviews and document analysis, this research finds that along with the modification of conventional biodiversity conservation practices, management agencies address community needs such as adaptation, livelihoods, involvement and empowerment to build resilience by minimising community-induced forest depletion. The management regimes of the Sunderbans in Bangladesh and India have relative advantages in biodiversity conservation in response to climate change. This research also finds that biodiversity conservation actions are challenged by poor enforcement systems, destructive land use policy, and uncontrolled economic activities including tourism which may threaten the socio-ecological resilience of the World Heritage area.
Reducing distress and supporting positive mental health with mindfulness

Progress in mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and research for adults with severe and enduring mental health problems has been gradual, held back in part by a belief that mindfulness may be harmful for this client group. Adapted MBIs have shown promise in the treatment of two commonly presenting problems in secondary care services; psychosis and borderline personality disorder, and emerging evidence suggests that this approach is both safe and therapeutic. Effectiveness of a transdiagnostic MBI is relatively unexplored, therefore a feasibility study is needed. A mixed-method, randomized controlled trial and observational study explored feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of a brief MBI in a naturalistic setting. Study feasibility was demonstrated through good rates of recruitment (n=26 in three months) and retention. However, rates of outcome measure completion fell just shy of target. Intervention feasibility and acceptability was demonstrated through good attendance and positive feedback. Content analysis of post-intervention interviews (n=15) suggests most participants found the intervention helpful, albeit challenging at times. Four overarching themes emerged from responses; effects on wellbeing, change processes, internal factors, and practicalities. A trend towards improvement was observed for both groups on standardized measures of mindfulness, compassion, anxiety, and depression (Cohen’s d ranged from 0.31 to 1.05). A trend towards deterioration was observed on a measure of wellbeing for the control group only. Findings point to the potential benefits of a brief MBI in this setting, and warrant further testing in a larger trial with an active control.
An overview and classification of mediated query systems

Multimedia technology, global information infrastructures and other developments allow users to access more and more information sources of various types. However, the “technical” availability alone (by means of networks, WWW, mail systems, databases, etc.) is not sufficient for making meaningful and advanced use of all information available on-line. Therefore, the problem of effectively and efficiently accessing and querying heterogeneous and distributed data sources is an important research direction. This paper aims at classifying existing approaches which can be used to query heterogeneous data sources. We consider one of the approaches — the mediated query approach — in more detail and provide a classification framework for it as well.
Level Fusion Using Hand and Face Biometrics

Multibiometric systems utilize the evidence presented by multiple biometric sources (e.g., face and fingerprint, multiple fingers of a user, multiple matchers, etc.) in order to determine or verify the identity of an individual. Information from multiple sources can be consolidated in several distinct levels, including the feature extraction level, match score level and decision level. While fusion at the match score and decision levels have been extensively studied in the literature, fusion at the feature level is a relatively understudied problem. In this paper we discuss fusion at the feature level in 3 different scenarios: (i) fusion of PCA and LDA coefficients of face; (ii) fusion of LDA coefficients corresponding to the R,G,B channels of a face image; (iii) fusion of face and hand modalities. Preliminary results are encouraging and help in highlighting the pros and cons of performing fusion at this level. The primary motivation of this work is to demonstrate the viability of such a fusion and to underscore the importance of pursuing further research in this direction.
Geeks, gamers, and girls: revealing diverse digital identities with membership categorisation analysis

ABSTRACT The ‘digital imperative’ of contemporary education practice is without contention; however, much learning technology research has focused on pragmatic issues such as learning design, often founded on uncritically accepted claims about ‘digital natives’. This focus has come at the expense of learning theory. Alongside the scholarly voices calling for education research to redress this imbalance, there is increasing interest in the role played by technology not only in epistemological learning, but also in the ways technology is an identity issue. This paper explores how membership categorisation analysis opens up ways of understanding the role of technology for contemporary learner identities. Examination of student talk makes visible the diverse ways of being an iPad-using student, challenges widely-accepted constructions of contemporary learners as generationally uniform, and contributes to a more holistic conception of learning that accounts for the role played by technology in learning identity.
MIMO Channel Sounder at 3.5 GHz: Application to WiMAX System

The use of antenna arrays at emission and reception seems to represent a prominent solution for future wireless systems, it improves data rates and enhances the quality of service. The performance of these systems depends mainly on the propagation channel. Therefore, channel’s characterization and modeling are crucial. In this document, we present a MIMO (Multiple Input Multiple Output) channel sounder at 3.5 GHz developed at IETR. One of the applications operating at this frequency is the WiMAX system. Different antenna arrays architectures are designed and calibrated at 3.5 GHz for high resolution MIMO channel sounding. Antenna arrays beam patterns are measured and calibrated. The importance of this work is shown by ESPRIT simulations. Propagation measurement results are needed to obtain realistic MIMO channel models.
PERFORMANCE ASSOCIATION AND DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN CURRENT-MODE AND VOLTAGE-MODE OPERATION OF MONOLITHIC LINEAR CIRCUITS

In recent years a host of new current-mode continuous-time filters have been proposed. Although there is widespread acceptance of the premise that current-mode structures are more suitable for high frequency and low voltage applications than their voltage-mode counterparts, a valid comparison of voltage-mode and current-mode structures is conspicuously absent in the literature. In an attempt to unify current-mode and voltage-mode approaches to filter design and quantify the perceived distinctions in performance, it is shown that several of the popular continuous-time current-mode filters offer no performance benefits from either speed or power supply voltage viewpoints over corresponding voltage-mode structures beyond the obvious differences in the input and output interfaces. It is also shown that the several of the popular current-mode structures are topologically equivalent to well-known voltage-mode counterparts.
Robust free space detection in occupancy grid maps by methods of image analysis and dynamic B-spline contour tracking

We propose a new method for free space detection and description for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous vehicles. The detection is based on successive morphological image processing steps that are applied to an occupancy grid map-based environment representation acquired by an automotive radar sensor. The boundary of the found free space segment is traced and serves as a virtual measurement for a time-variant Kalman Filter in order to estimate and track the control points of a two-dimensional B-spline closed free space contour over time. In contrast to existing free space detection methods, the proposed solution incorporates knowledge about the vehicle's dimensions and does not exclude free space that is not directly in the line of sight, but mapped beforehand, as well as free space behind obstacles. Furthermore, the algorithm shows advantages in terms of an intuitive control over spatial and temporal smoothness of the solution as well as an inherent robustness due to model-based filtering. Moreover, the control points of the B-spline curve are proposed as a new low-dimensional representation of drivable free space of arbitrary shape. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated in real traffic scenarios.
A solution of the van Dam-Veltman-Zakharov discontinuity problem in the frame of the Poincare-covariant field gravitation theory.

The van Dam-Veltman-Zakharov (vDVZ) mass discontinuity problem can be solved in the frame of the linear approximation of the Poincare-covariant second rank symmetric tensor field gravitation theory. Conservation of the source energy-momentum tensor, together with gauge invariance of the field equations, lead to generation of two intrinsic irreducible non-ghost dynamical fields: 4-traceless symmetric tensor (spin-2 universal attraction) and 4-trace (spin-0 universal repulsion). Due to difference in the signs of these forces the total free field Lagrangian contains different signs for the tensor and scalar dynamical fields. Generalized Fierz-Pauli mass term in total spin-2 plus spin-0 Lagrangian gives natural massless limit for mg --> 0, so the mass discontinuity paradox is absent. The Newtonian gravity and relativistic gravity effects, including positive localizable energy density of both parts of the gravitational field, are derived. Experimental test of the reality of the dynamical spin-0 repulsive field can be performed by LIGO-Virgo gravitational wave observations.
Capacity Investment and the Interplay between Volume Flexibility and Product Flexibility

It has been widely recognized that different flexibility types (e.g. product or mix flexibility, volume flexibility, platform-based flexibility, etc.) are interrelated and that exploiting the linkages between flexibility types can aid decision-making. In particular, both product flexibility and volume flexibility are tools for coping with uncertain demand. In this paper, we explore the intertwined nature of volume and product flexibility by studying four technologies in a monopolistic setting: volume-flexible, product-flexible, both volume and product-flexible and neither volume nor productflexible. Specifically, we model a firm manufacturing two products and facing uncertain demand curves in both markets. The firm installs capacity and then, depending on the selected technology, adjusts and/or allocates this capacity after observing the demand curve realizations. We isolate conditions (in the form of demand/market parameters and technology costs) under which the firm selects each of the four technologies. Similarities and differences among these technologies are highlighted. In particular, we systematically show that product flexibility mitigates uncertainty in demand for individual products better than volume flexibility, which in turn is better at managing uncertainty in the aggregate demand. Moreover, product-flexible technology handles substitutable (complementary) products better (worse) than volume-flexible technology. Surprisingly, there are limited advantages to adding product flexibility to volume flexibility because of possible diseconomies of scope. The analysis is undertaken with both endogenous and exogenous (retro-fitting) capacity choices.
Experimental demonstration of a high quality factor photonic crystal microcavity

Subthreshold measurements of a photonic crystal (PC) microcavity laser operating at 1.3 μm show a linewidth of 0.10 nm, corresponding to a quality factor (Q)∼1.3×104. The PC microcavity mode is a donor-type mode in a graded square lattice of air holes, with a theoretical Q∼105 and mode volume Veff∼0.25 cubic half-wavelengths in air. Devices are fabricated in an InAsP/InGaAsP multi-quantum-well membrane and are optically pumped at 830 nm. External peak pump power laser thresholds as low as 100 μW are also observed.
Detection of malicious traffic on back‐bone links via packet header analysis

Purpose – This study seeks to investigate modern internet back-bone traffic in order to study occurrences of malicious activities and potential security problems within internet packet headers. Design/methodology/approach – Contemporary and highly aggregated back-bone data have been analyzed regarding consistency of network and transport layer headers (i.e. IP, TCP, UDP and ICMP). Possible security implications of each anomaly observed are discussed. Findings – A systematic listing of packet header anomalies, together with their frequencies as seen “in the wild”, is provided. Inconsistencies in protocol headers have been found within almost every aspect analyzed, including incorrect or incomplete series of IP fragments, IP address anomalies and other kinds of header fields not following internet standards. Internet traffic was shown to contain many erroneous packets; some are the result of software and hardware errors, others the result of intentional and malicious activities. Practical implications – The study not only presents occurrences of header anomalies as observed in today's internet traffic, but also provides detailed discussions about possible causes for the inconsistencies and their security implications for networked devices. Originality/value – The results are relevant for researchers as well as practitioners, and form a valuable input for intrusion detection systems, firewalls and the design of all kinds of networked applications exposed to network attacks.
Concepts and practices used to develop functional PLGA-based nanoparticulate systems

The functionality of bare polylactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles is limited to drug depot or drug solubilization in their hard cores. They have inherent weaknesses as a drug-delivery system. For instance, when administered intravenously, the nanoparticles undergo rapid clearance from systemic circulation before reaching the site of action. Furthermore, plain PLGA nanoparticles cannot distinguish between different cell types. Recent research shows that surface functionalization of nanoparticles and development of new nanoparticulate dosage forms help overcome these delivery challenges and improve in vivo performance. Immense research efforts have propelled the development of diverse functional PLGA-based nanoparticulate delivery systems. Representative examples include PEGylated micelles/nanoparticles (PEG, polyethylene glycol), polyplexes, polymersomes, core-shell–type lipid-PLGA hybrids, cell-PLGA hybrids, receptor-specific ligand-PLGA conjugates, and theranostics. Each PLGA-based nanoparticulate dosage form has specific features that distinguish it from other nanoparticulate systems. This review focuses on fundamental concepts and practices that are used in the development of various functional nanoparticulate dosage forms. We describe how the attributes of these functional nanoparticulate forms might contribute to achievement of desired therapeutic effects that are not attainable using conventional therapies. Functional PLGA-based nanoparticulate systems are expected to deliver chemotherapeutic, diagnostic, and imaging agents in a highly selective and effective manner.
WKB approach to zero distribution of solutions of linear second order di ) erential equations

Given a second-order linear di)erential equation y′′(z)+S(z)y(z)= 0, the distribution of zeros of its solutions is de9ned by = ∑ y(z)=0 z , where z stands for the Dirac delta at the point z. Some techniques of approximation of the restriction of to R directly from S(z) are considered. In particular, for the WKB method error bounds are provided and some related results established. In the second part, formulas for the appropriate scaling in the holonomic case are given. As an illustration, we obtain the asymptotic distribution of the real zeros of some families of polynomials. c © 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
The discursive construction of high achievers’ identities in American culture

Abstract It is a study of the discursive construction of high achievers’ identities in American culture. A corpus of 100 commencement speeches delivered during 2016 and 2017 graduation ceremonies in American universities has been used to analyse how commencement speakers, as a rule highly successful individuals, construct their identities through discourse. Besides celebrating academic achievements, one of the communicative purposes of the commencement speech is giving the graduates advice for the future. It has been investigated how the speakers legitimize their qualifications as a role model and the source of life wisdom. Due to the specificity of the discourse to be investigated, based on the foundations of American ethos of hard work and drive for success, Critical Discourse Analysis (van Dijk 2002, 2009; Wodak 2002; Wodak et al. 2009) has been chosen as a methodological approach which can most adequately help analyze the discursive formation of identity. As the discourse to be analyzed is agentive discourse, culture-specific both in its form and content, I have decided to combine Critical Discourse Analysis with cultural studies (Hall 1990, 1996a, 1996b; Barker and Galasiński 2001).
Inductor Average Current Mode Control for single phase Power Factor Correction Buck-Boost Converter

In this paper, Inductor Average Current Mode Control (IACMC) is proposed to regulate single phase Power Factor Correction (PFC) Buck-Boost Converter (BBC) operated in Continuous Conduction Mode (CCM). The Proportional-Integral (PI) controller is acts as an outer voltage loop and the IACMC is used in the inner current loop for PFC BBC. The proposed IACMC has advantages such as robustness when there are large variations in line voltage and output load. The PI controller is developed by using state space average model of BBC. The simulation of the proposed system with its control circuit is implemented in MatLab/Simulink. The simulation results show a nearly unity power factor can be attained and there is almost no change in power factor when the line frequency is at various ranges.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Population Divergence and Resistance to Oxidative Stress in Clinical, Domesticated and Wild Isolates

Background Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been associated with human life for millennia in the brewery and bakery. Recently it has been recognized as an emerging opportunistic pathogen. To study the evolutionary history of S. cerevisiae, the origin of clinical isolates and the importance of a virulence-associated trait, population genetics and phenotypic assays have been applied to an ecologically diverse set of 103 strains isolated from clinics, breweries, vineyards, fruits, soil, commercial supplements and insect guts. Methodology/Principal Findings DNA sequence data from five nuclear DNA loci were analyzed for population structure and haplotype distribution. Additionally, all strains were tested for survival of oxidative stress, a trait associated with microbial pathogenicity. DNA sequence analyses identified three genetic subgroups within the recombining S. cerevisiae strains that are associated with ecology, geography and virulence. Shared alleles suggest that the clinical isolates contain genetic contribution from the fruit isolates. Clinical and fruit isolates exhibit high levels of recombination, unlike the genetically homogenous soil isolates in which no recombination was detected. However, clinical and soil isolates were more resistant to oxidative stress than any other population, suggesting a correlation between survival in oxidative stress and yeast pathogenicity. Conclusions/Significance Population genetic analyses of S. cerevisiae delineated three distinct groups, comprising primarily the (i) human-associated brewery and vineyard strains, (ii) clinical and fruit isolates (iii) and wild soil isolates from eastern U.S. The interactions between S. cerevisiae and humans potentiate yeast evolution and the development of genetically, ecologically and geographically divergent groups.