Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adaptive handoff initiation scheme in heterogeneous network

In wireless heterogeneous network, nodes are mobile equipment and can move freely from one area to another. A group of users with a large range of mobility can access around in the overall network cause high traff ic. In these heterogeneous networks, resources are shared among all users and the amount of available resources is determined by traffic load. The traffic load can seriously affect on quality of services for users thus it requires efficient management in order to improve service quality. If traffic load is concentrated in a cell, this cell becomes the hotspot cell. There is a need to have a proper traffic driven handoff management scheme, so that users will automatically move from congested cell to allow the network to dynamically self-balance. This research proposed an approach which adopts a hard handoff scheme to dynamically control the handoff time according to the load status of cells. The result shows that the effect of hotspot threshold is the most important in initiation the handoff process. Therefore, by incorporating value of traffic load as adaptive factors, it shows how the handoff initiation criteria might be set in accordance with the quality of services requested by users.
Ungreedy Methods for Chinese Deterministic Dependency Parsing

Deterministic dependency parsing has often been regarded as an efficient parsing algorithm while its parsing accuracy is a little lower than the best results reported by more complex parsing models. In this paper, we compare deterministic dependency parsers with complex parsing methods such as generative and discriminative parsers on the standard data set of Penn Chinese Treebank. The results show that, for Chinese dependency parsing, deterministic parsers outperform generative and discriminative parsers. Furthermore, based on the observation that deterministic parsing algorithms are greedy algorithms which choose the most probable parsing action at every step, we propose three kinds of ungreedy deterministic dependency parsing algorithms to globally model parsing actions. Results show that ungreedy deterministic dependency parsers perform better than original deterministic dependency parsers while maintaining the same time complexity, and our best parser improves much over all other parsers.
Folds in floating membranes : from elastic sheets to granular rafts

This thesis is concerned with the buckling of a model particle laden interface: a monolayer of dense, athermal particles at a planar liquid-fluid interface that we call a granular raft. Under compression granular rafts wrinkle and fold like elastic sheets. We investigate this buckling instability experimentally and theoretically for these two systems under the continuum mechanics framework. We first look at folds in custom made dense floating elastic sheets. We highlight the influence of the sheet's own weight in the fold formation and shape. Then we explore the regime of very large deformations, after the sheet contacts itself. Depending on the sheet density, the fold in self-contact either bends back toward the interface or sinks down toward the bottom of the tank. We then look at wrinkles and folds in granular rafts. Our experimental apparatus allows us to compress the rafts uniaxially and extract their morphology. As compression increases, we observe two distinct wrinkling patterns, then the deformations localise in a unique fold. We develop an elastic model that we solve numerically to predict the fold shape and size. We then highlight the limitations of the model and show that the granular nature of these rafts cannot always be neglected. Finally, we deposit water droplets on top of granular rafts. If the particles are hydrophobic and large enough, the raft can inhibit coalescence indefinitely via particle bridging. When we vary the size of these floating drops, they take unusual shapes which depend on the raft properties. These drops can then be encapsulated in a thin composite oil-particle layer leading to water droplets in water.
Intelligent Design of Series Product Based on Template Case

The application of CAD and artificial intelligence technology, which adopts reasonable CBR realization mode, meets industry practice and design habit of designer, and can support product design process effectively, and is a very practical realization way of automotive and rapid design of series product. It is a very important research of CAD and artificial intelligence technology to improve practicality and effectiveness of CBR. In view of structure and design characteristics of series mechanical product, Combining CBR technology with product design process and adopting the oncology and object-oriented method, the product template case based on design unit and integrated knowledge model are constructed. According to the template case of specific mechanical product, the principle of case retrieve and reuse is defined, and design process model and process navigation mechanism of specific product are built. Intelligent design of series product based on template case is realized.
A Subsequence Generation Approach for the Airline Crew Pairing Problem

In this paper we consider an important problem for the airline industry. The widely studied crew pairing problem is typically formulated as a set partitioning problem and solved using the branchand-price methodology. Here we develop a new integer programming framework, based on the concept of subsequence generation, for solving the set partitioning formulation. In subsequence generation one restricts the number of permitted subsequent flights, that a crew member can turn to after completing any particular flight. By restricting the number of subsequences, the number of pairings in the problem decreases. The aim is then to dynamically add attractive subsequences to the problem, thereby increasing the number of possible pairings and improving the solution quality. Encouraging results are obtained on 19 real-life instances supplied by Air New Zealand and show that the described methodology is a viable alternative to column generation.
Resource utilization for acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage: the Ontario GI bleed study.

OBJECTIVES Acute lower gastrointestinal hemorrhage (LGIH) is a common indication for hospitalization. However, there are few published studies of related health care resource utilization. Resource utilization, length of stay (LOS) and direct medical costs were characterized in a cohort of patients admitted for nonmalignant LGIH to centres in Ontario. METHODS Consecutive admissions for LGIH were identified at four Ontario hospitals. Profiles of resource utilization, LOS and estimates of direct medical costs were compiled through detailed chart review and adaptation of an administrative database. All centres were participants in the Ontario Case Cost Project. Linear regression models of log-transformed data were constructed to identify demographic variables predictive of LOS and case cost. RESULTS Among 124 patients enrolled (mean age 58.8 years) the average case cost was dollars 4832 (SD dollars 7187) for 7.5 days in hospital (SD 12.0). Diverticular disease was the bleeding source most often identified (34.6%), followed by hemorrhoids (13.7%) and ischemic colitis (9.7%). Older age and comorbid illness, specifically coronary artery disease (CAD), were associated with both increased LOS and higher case cost in univariate regression analyses. Age persisted as the lone independent predictor of LOS in the multivariate model (P<0.05, R2=0.076), and age and CAD were both independent predictors of cost (P<0.05, R2=0.109) in a stepwise multiple linear regression analysis. Neither sex nor nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug use predicted LOS or cost. CONCLUSIONS Admissions for acute LGIH are associated with significant resource utilization, particularly among elderly patients with CAD.
Assessment of uncertainty in soft data: A case study

This paper presents a theoretical framework and preliminary results for the assessment of uncertainty in soft data. Soft data involves statements that contain incomplete, ambiguous and biased information. Many of those statements are subjective. For this work, an incremental model is developed to explore dimensions of soft data uncertainty, such as ambiguities of natural language, inaccuracies of reported information or even misleading intentions. If some dimensions are specific to humans' attitudes and use of language, some others highlight limitations in their perceptions or lack of knowledge. The model identifies conceptual and linguistic characteristic of each dimension and provides a richer description of soft data uncertainties in terms of vagueness, ambiguity, self-confidence and weight of evidence. Furthermore, a joint approach based on natural language techniques and semantic analysis is used to estimate those criteria. This approach was adopted to carry out a case study aiming at assessing the uncertainty of HUMINT messages. The results reveal an overall promising picture of the presence and the characterization of uncertainty in soft data, suitable for high level information fusion.
Experimental Modeling and Control Strategies on an Open Mobile Robot Platform PRIM

This research work deals with the problem of modeling and design of low level speed controller for the mobile robot PRIM. The main objective is to develop an effective educational tool. On one hand, the interests in using the open mobile platform PRIM consist in integrating several highly related subjects to the automatic control theory in an educational context, by embracing the subjects of communications, signal processing, sensor fusion and hardware design, amongst others. On the other hand, the idea is to implement useful navigation strategies such that the robot can be served as a mobile multimedia information point. It is in this context, when navigation strategies are oriented to goal achievement, that a local model predictive control is attained. Hence, such studies are presented as a very interesting control strategy in order to develop the future capabilities of the system
Mechanism of the interaction of human platelet profilin with actin

We have reexamined the interaction of purified platelet profilin with actin and present evidence that simple sequestration of actin monomers in a 1:1 complex with profilin cannot explain many of the effects of profilin on actin assembly. Three different methods to assess binding of profilin to actin show that the complex with platelet actin has a dissociation constant in the range of 1 to 5 microM. The value for muscle actin is similar. When bound to actin, profilin increases the rate constant for dissociation of ATP from actin by 1,000-fold and also increases the rate of dissociation of Ca2+ bound to actin. Kinetic simulation showed that the profilin exchanges between actin monomers on a subsecond time scale that allows it to catalyze nucleotide exchange. On the other hand, polymerization assays give disparate results that are inconsistent with the binding assays and each other: profilin has different effects on elongation at the two ends of actin filaments; profilin inhibits the elongation of platelet actin much more strongly than muscle actin; and simple formation of 1:1 complexes of actin with profilin cannot account for the strong inhibition of spontaneous polymerization. We suggest that the in vitro effects on actin polymerization may be explained by a complex mechanism that includes weak capping of filament ends and catalytic poisoning of nucleation. Although platelets contain only 1 profilin for every 5-10 actin molecules, these complex reactions may allow substoichiometric profilin to have an important influence on actin assembly. We also confirm the observation of I. Lassing and U. Lindberg (1985. Nature [Lond.] 318:472- 474) that polyphosphoinositides inhibit the effects of profilin on actin polymerization, so lipid metabolism must also be taken into account when considering the functions of profilin in a cell.
An Improved Wavelet-based Watermarking Method Using the Mathematical Morphology

In this paper, we propose an improved wavelet- based watermarking method using the mathematical morphology. The wavelet coefficients of host image are firstly selected as the significant coefficients by a statistical predetermined threshold. The mathematical operations are then performed to tame some small perturbations on the selected coefficients caused by the manipulations or attacks. Moreover, the pixel-wise masking model which exploits the characteristics of human visual system is employed for improving watermark invisibility and robustness. The experimental results verify that our method is more robust and effective than the existing method.
Lambda‐Toxin of Clostridium perfringens Activates the Precursor of Epsilon‐Toxin by Releasing Its N‐ and C‐Terminal Peptides

The effect of γ‐toxin, a thermolysin‐like metalloprotease of Clostridium perfringens, on the inactive ε‐prototoxin produced by the same organism was examined. When the purified ε‐prototoxin was incubated with the purified γ‐toxin at 37 C for 2 hr, the 32.5‐kDa ε‐prototoxin was processed into a 30.5‐kDa polypeptide, as determined by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A mouse lethality test showed that the treatment activated the prototoxin: the 50% lethal doses (LD50) of the prototoxin with and without γ‐toxin treatment were 110 and 70,000 ng/kg of body weight, respectively. The lethal activity of the prototoxin activated by γ‐toxin was comparable to that with trypsin plus chymotrypsin and higher than that with trypsin alone: LD50 of the prototoxin treated with trypsin and trypsin plus chymotrypsin were 320 and 65 ng/kg of body weight, respectively. The ε‐toxin gene was cloned and sequenced. Determination of the N‐terminal amino acid sequence of each activated ε‐prototoxin revealed that γ‐toxin cleaved between the 10th and 11th amino acid residues from the N‐terminus of the prototoxin, while trypsin and trypsin plus chymotrypsin cleaved between the 13th and 14th amino acid residues. The molecular weight of each activated ε‐prototoxin was also determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The C‐terminus deduced from the molecular weight is located at the 23rd or 30th amino acid residue from the C‐terminus of the prototoxin, suggesting that removal of not only N‐terminal but also C‐terminal peptide is responsible for activation of the prototoxin.
Dynamic Dyads: Sharing and Creating Knowledge.

In today’s competitive market, it is essential to maximize employees’ efficiency through job structure and knowledge exchange. This phenomenological study explores the lived experience of sharing and creating knowledge in teams of two. Data was collected through in-depth interviews with four dyadic teams. Data analysis revealed four major themes and eleven sub-themes. This paper focused on one, shared space, which provided the most insight into dyadic relationships. Implications for research and practice are also discussed.
The Medical Research Council Myeloma IX trial: the impact on treatment paradigms

Osteolytic bone disease is a hallmark of symptomatic multiple myeloma. Bisphosphonates have been the mainstay of treatment to preserve skeletal integrity and prevent skeletal‐related events in patients with myeloma‐related bone disease. Recently, the MRC Myeloma IX trial demonstrated for the first time improved survival and delayed disease progression with the use of an intravenous amino‐bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid, vs. an oral agent, clodronate, with intensive and non‐intensive anti‐myeloma treatment regimens in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. These results validate a large body of preclinical, translational and other clinical data suggesting anti‐myeloma effects of amino‐bisphosphonates. In addition, this trial also provided the first head‐to‐head evidence for superiority of one bisphosphonate over another (zoledronic acid vs. clodronate) for reducing skeletal morbidity in patients with multiple myeloma, as well as a prospective comparison of toxicities. Despite the use of non‐bortezomib containing anti‐myeloma treatment regimens in the MRC Myeloma IX trial, these results are encouraging and provide an impetus to continue to evaluate current treatment guidelines for myeloma‐associated bone disease.
Atomically Thin Stacks of Polar Insulators: A Route to Atomic-Scale Multiferroics

The continuous demand for smaller electronic components is forcing industry to consider devices at the atomic scale. One of the side effects of size reduction in electronic devices is the appearance of quantum effects, which preclude engineers from simply scaling down the functionality of existing components. In the case of data storage, different approaches have been followed to increase of information density, for instance a reduction of the physical bit size or a combination of different properties (like magnetic and ferroelectric) to achieve more than two states in which to store data. Nonetheless, combining ferroelectric and magnetic properties has been difficult since there is a contra-indication between the conventional mechanism for cation off-centring in ferroelectrics and the formation of magnetic moments. Moreover, the observation of ferroelectric and magnetoelectric effects at the atomic scale has remained difficult due to physical constraints. Using scanning tunnelling microscopy and spectroscopy we study the effects of stacking sodium chloride bilayer and monolayer (NaCl), that is, an atomically thin ionic insulator, on top of copper nitride (Cu2N), which is another atomically thin insulating layer. We observe that NaCl exhibits inverse piezoelectric behaviour - displacement of the atoms driven by an applied electric field – that can reverse electric dipole orientations. Small detected hysteresis suggests that is an incipient ferroelectric behaviour, further confirmed when the same experiment is performed on top of defects of the NaCl layer, where the dipole reversal is pinned and the ferroelectric cycle broadened. Combined capabilities of the microscope – single atom evaporation and high energy resolution – allow us to study spin excitation of single magnetic impurities when adsorbed on certain substrates. Co atoms adsorbed on top of NaCl defects give us the chance to perform inelastic electron tunnelling spectroscopy (IETS) and ferroelectric cycles at the same time; with this, we observe a change in the magnetic excitation spectrum as a function of the polarization state of the supporting substrate. These results suggest a new way to create piezoelectric effects at the interface between ultra-thin insulating polar materials near conducting electrodes, pushing the feasible size of functional polar materials down to the atomic scale. Incipient ferroelectric manifestations in combination with STM capabilities allow us to study the fundamental interactions between magnetocrystalline anisotropy, magnetic moment and electric polarization, providing in practice the proof of concept of a multiferroic device at the atomic scale.
An immunoregulatory role of dendritic cell-derived exosomes versus HIV-1 infection: take it easy but be warned.

Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells capable to initiate and then drive T cell responses. Naturally, DCs sense various pathogens and their products in order to present those to immune cells and in turn initiate immune reaction. In a case of wounding, DCs recognize products released by damaged cells and then contribute to the induction of inflammation associated with further clearance of necrotic and apoptotic cells (1). In addition to DC subtypes that initiate inflammatory reaction, there are DC subsets, which exert tolerogenic properties directed to dampen extensive inflammation and promote switching to wound healing (2).
Bioactive Peptides in Milk: From Encrypted Sequences to Nutraceutical Aspects

Milk provides a wide range of biologically active compounds that protect humans against diseases and pathogens. The purpose of this work is to describe the main aspects and research lines concerning bioactive peptides: from their chemistry, bioavailability, and biochemical properties to their applications in the healthcare sector. In this context, the uses of bioactive peptides in nutraceutical and functional foods have been highlighted, also taking into account the perspective of innovative applications in the field of circular bioeconomy.
Increased stress-induced inflammatory responses in male patients with major depression and increased early life stress.

OBJECTIVE The authors sought to determine innate immune system activation following psychosocial stress in patients with major depression and increased early life stress. METHOD Plasma interleukin (IL)-6, lymphocyte subsets, and DNA binding of nuclear factor (NF)-kB in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were compared in medically healthy male subjects with current major depression and increased early life stress (N=14) versus nondepressed male comparison subjects (N=14) before and after completion of the Trier Social Stress Test. RESULTS Trier Social Stress Test-induced increases in IL-6 and NF-kappaB DNA-binding were greater in major depression patients with increased early life stress and independently correlated with depression severity, but not early life stress. Natural killer (NK) cell percentages also increased following stress. However, there were no differences between groups and no correlation between NK cell percentage and stress-induced NF-kappaB DNA-binding or IL-6. CONCLUSIONS Male major depression patients with increased early life stress exhibit enhanced inflammatory responsiveness to psychosocial stress, providing preliminary indication of a link between major depression, early life stress and adverse health outcomes in diseases associated with inflammation.
Integration of Computational and Crowd-Sourcing Methods for Ontology Extraction

Ontological approach is one of those promising solutions to improve search precision, resource navigation and retrieval by providing shared vocabularies and semantic relations for translating and integrating the different sources. But the progress has slowed down due to the knowledge acquisition bottleneck. In this paper, we present an integrated conceptual framework for extracting ontological structures from folksonomies that exploits the combined power of traditional computation and pooled, human knowledge through crowd-sourcing.
An open knowledge base for Italian language in a collaborative perspective

In this paper, we describe the architecture and collaborative approach adopted for the development of Senso Comune (SC), an open knowledge base for the Italian language that combines lexicographic, linguistic, ontological and textual data in a web-based collaborative platform. Senso Comune aims at integrating lexicographic data from users and legacy resources with a formally characterized ontology grounded on lexical semantic structures. Senso Comune was conceived as a linguistic knowledge base rather than a dictionary. It is actually based on a conceptual apparatus that is unusual in typical linguistic resources:, each sense is mapped to ontological categories, and is associated with semantic frames. A wiki provides a collaborative platform for editing a basic lexicon of Italian with different access and annotation privileges that dynamically enables crowd-sourced annotations. Senso Comune proposes different levels of interrelated representation layers that differently exploit collaborative annotation.