Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Creating traces, sharing insight : explorations in embodied cognition design

This investigation explores relations between 1) a theory of human cognition, called Embodied Cognition, 2) the design of interactive systems and 3) the practice of ‘creative group meetings’ (of which the so-called ‘brainstorm’ is perhaps the best-known example). The investigation is one of Research-through-Design (Overbeeke et al., 2006). This means that, together with students and external stakeholders, I designed two interactive prototypes. Both systems contain a ‘mix’ of both physical and digital forms. Both are designed to be tools in creative meeting sessions, or brainstorms. The tools are meant to form a natural, element in the physical meeting space. The function of these devices is to support the formation of shared insight: that is, the tools should support the process by which participants together, during the activity, get a better grip on the design challenge that they are faced with. Over a series of iterations I reflected on the design process and outcome, and investigated how users interacted with the prototypes.
Capacity region continuity of the compound broadcast channel with confidential messages

The compound broadcast channel with confidential messages (BCC) generalizes the BCC by modeling the uncertainty of the channel. For the compound BCC, it is known only that the actual channel realization belongs to a pre-specified uncertainty set of channels and that it is constant during the entire transmission. For reliable and secure communication it is necessary to operate at a rate pair within the compound BCC capacity region. Therefore, the question of whether small variations of the uncertainty set lead to large losses of the compound BCC capacity region is of interest, and this problem is studied here. In particular, it is shown that the compound BCC model is robust, i.e., the capacity region depends continuously on the uncertainty set.
Power Management for a Distributed Wireless Health Management Architecture

Distributed wireless architectures for prognostics is an important enabling step in prognostic research in order to achieve feasible real-time system health management. A significant problem encountered in implementation of such architectures is power management. In this paper, we present robust power management techniques for a generic health management architecture that involves diagnostics and prognostics for a system comprising multiple heterogeneous components. Our power management techniques are based on online dynamic monitoring of the sensor battery discharge profile which enables accurate predictions of when the device should be put into low power modes. In our architecture, low power mode is achieved by run-time sampling rate modification through sleep states. Our experiments with a cluster of smart sensors for a hybrid diagnostics and prognostics architecture show significant gains in power management without severe loss in performance.
Apolipoprotein E Likely Contributes to a Maturation Step of Infectious Hepatitis C Virus Particles and Interacts with Viral Envelope Glycoproteins

ABSTRACT The assembly of infectious hepatitis C virus (HCV) particles is tightly linked to components of the very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) pathway. We and others have shown that apolipoprotein E (ApoE) plays a major role in production of infectious HCV particles. However, the mechanism by which ApoE contributes to virion assembly/release and how it gets associated with the HCV particle is poorly understood. We found that knockdown of ApoE reduces titers of infectious intra- and extracellular HCV but not of the related dengue virus. ApoE depletion also reduced amounts of extracellular HCV core protein without affecting intracellular core amounts. Moreover, we found that ApoE depletion affected neither formation of nucleocapsids nor their envelopment, suggesting that ApoE acts at a late step of assembly, such as particle maturation and infectivity. Importantly, we demonstrate that ApoE interacts with the HCV envelope glycoproteins, most notably E2. This interaction did not require any other viral proteins and depended on the transmembrane domain of E2 that also was required for recruitment of HCV envelope glycoproteins to detergent-resistant membrane fractions. These results suggest that ApoE plays an important role in HCV particle maturation, presumably by direct interaction with viral envelope glycoproteins. IMPORTANCE The HCV replication cycle is tightly linked to host cell lipid pathways and components. This is best illustrated by the dependency of HCV assembly on lipid droplets and the VLDL component ApoE. Although the role of ApoE for production of infectious HCV particles is well established, it is still poorly understood how ApoE contributes to virion formation and how it gets associated with HCV particles. Here, we provide experimental evidence that ApoE likely is required for an intracellular maturation step of HCV particles. Moreover, we demonstrate that ApoE associates with the viral envelope glycoproteins. This interaction appears to be dispensable for envelopment of virus particles but likely contributes to the quality control of secreted infectious virions. These results shed new light on the exploitation of host cell lipid pathways by HCV and the link of viral particle assembly to the VLDL component ApoE.
The Interleukin-1 Type 2 Receptor Gene Displays Immediate Early Gene Responsiveness in Glucocorticoid-stimulated Human Epidermal Keratinocytes*

Human epidermal keratinocytes (HEKs) in primary culture (P2–P4) were used to study glucocorticoid (GC)-mediated transcription of the genes encoding the constitutively expressed interleukin-1 type 1 receptor (IL-1R1) and the inducible interleukin-1 type 2 receptor (IL-1R2). Utilizing Northern dot blot analysis and a quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction protocol for IL-1R1 and IL-1R2, dexamethasone and, in particular, the budesonide epimer R were shown to effectively and rapidly induce transcription from the IL-IR2 gene when compared with IL-1R1 or β-actin RNA message levels in the same sample. Southern blot analysis of newly generated IL-1R2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction products using end-labeled IL-1R2 intron probes suggested that GC enhancement of IL-1R2 expression was regulated primarily at the level of de novotranscription. GC-induced IL-1R2 gene transcription displayed features characteristic of a classical immediate early gene response, including a signal transduction function, a relatively low basal abundance, a rapid, transient induction, cycloheximide superinduction, actinomycin D suppression, and a rapid decay of IL-1R2 RNA message. Parallel time course kinetic analysis of IL-1R2 RNA message levels with Western immunoblotting revealed tight coupling of de novo IL-IR2 gene transcription with translation of the IL-1R2 RNA message; a newly synthesized (∼46-kDa) IL-1R2 protein was detected in the HEK growth medium as early as 1 h after budesonide epimer R treatment. These data indicate that different GC compounds can variably up-regulate the IL-1R2 response in HEKs through transcription-mediated mechanisms and, for the first time, suggest that a gene encoding a soluble cytokine receptor can respond like an immediate early gene.
How to Distribute LTL Model-Checking Using Decomposition of Negative Claim Automaton ?

We propose a distributed algorithm for model-checking LTL formulas that works on a network of workstations and eectively uses the decomposition of the formula automaton to strongly connected compo- nents to achieve more ecient distribution of the verification problem. In particular, we explore the possibility of performing a distributed nested depth-first search algorithm.
The Cytokine Network Controlling Peritoneal Inflammation

p eritoneal dialysis is being used increasingly as a treatment for end-stage renal failure. This has focused attention on the importance of preserving the functional integrity of the peritoneal membrane as a dialyzing organ. This membrane forms the permeability barrier across which ultrafiltration and diffusion occur. Damage to this membrane as a result of repeated infection or possibly as a result of the long-term exposure to nonphysiological dialysis solutions can in some patients result in the long-term loss of ultrafiltration. Such patients may develop interstitial thickening and sclerosis with complete and irreparable damage to the peritoneal membrane (1). The end result of this process may force the cessation of this form of dialysis procedure (2). A large amount of evidence suggests that the principal cell type involved in peritoneal inflammation is the peritoneal macrophage (PM&Phi;) (3). It is assumed that resident PM&Phi;s form the first line of defense against invading microorganisms and that their secretion of chemotactic and inflammatory cytokines and eicosanoids are important in the host's response to infection. More recently, however, it has become apparent that the mesothelial cell, which lines the peritoneal cavity, is also capable of contributing to intraperitoneal inflammatory processes. This review will examine inflammation in the peritoneum and the roles of the resident peritoneal cell populations (PM&Phi;, mesothelial cell) in this process. It will discuss their potential to contribute to the peritoneal "cytokine network," both in terms of secretion of proinflammatory and anti
Design and Implementation of Intelligent Diagnostic System Based on AI-ESTATE

To enhance the reusability of the TPS and diagnostics method of the ATS, a way to decouple the diagnosis from the test is needed. AI-ESTATE is a new set of IEEE standard services designed to support Artificially Intelligent diagnostic reasoners running in an ATS environment. This paper brings forward a method that building a component-based ATS fault diagnosis system based on AI-ESTATE to decouple the diagnosis from the test, and expatiates the key technologies for system realization. To achieve the portability and interactive operation of AI-ESTATE diagnosis system, the function of AI-ESTATE inference engine service is analyzed. In different diagnosis environment, standardizing and effect in diagnosis process of inference engine service are analyzed.
A survey of the microbiological quality of private water supplies in England

Results from statutory testing of private water supplies in nine Public Health Laboratories in England were compiled, and the effects of supply class, source, treatment and location on water quality were examined. A total of 6551 samples from 2911 supplies was examined, over a 2-year period, of which 1342 (21%) samples, and 949 (33%) supplies on at least one occasion, failed current regulations for Escherichia coli. Total coliforms, including E. coli, were detected in 1751 (27%) samples from 1215 (42%) supplies. The percentage of samples positive for E. coli was highest in summer and autumn, and lowest in winter. Samples taken from larger supplies and from boreholes were less frequently contaminated than those from other sources. Chlorination, filtration or UV light treatment improved the bacteriological quality of supplies, but still resulted in a low level of compliance with the regulations. The public health implications of the study are discussed.
Pre-infestation of Tomato Plants by Aphids Modulates Transmission-Acquisition Relationship among Whiteflies, Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) and Plants

Herbivory defense systems in plants are largely regulated by jasmonate-(JA) and salicylate-(SA) signaling pathways. Such defense mechanisms may impact insect feeding dynamic, may also affect the transmission-acquisition relationship among virus, plants and vectoring insects. In the context of the tomato – whitefly – Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV) biological model, we tested the impact of pre-infesting plants with a non-vector insect (aphid Myzus persicae) on feeding dynamics of a vector insect (whitefly Bemisia tabaci) as well as virus transmission-acquisition. We showed that an aphid herbivory period of 0–48 h led to a transient systemic increase of virus concentration in the host plant (root, stem, and leaf), with the same pattern observed in whiteflies feeding on aphid-infested plants. We used real-time quantitative PCR to study the expression of key genes of the SA- and JA-signaling pathways, as well as electrical penetration graph (EPG) to characterize the impact of aphid pre-infestation on whitefly feeding during TYLCV transmission (whitefly to tomato) and acquisition (tomato to whitefly). The impact of the duration of aphid pre-infestation (0, 24, or 48 h) on phloem feeding by whitefly (E2) during the transmission phase was similar to that of global whitefly feeding behavior (E1, E2 and probing duration) during the acquisition phase. In addition, we observed that a longer phase of aphid pre-infestation prior to virus transmission by whitefly led to the up-regulation and down-regulation of SA- and JA-signaling pathway genes, respectively. These results demonstrated a significant impact of aphid pre-infestation on the tomato – whitefly – TYLCV system. Transmission and acquisition of TYLCV was positively correlated with feeding activity of B. tabaci, and both were mediated by the SA- and JA-pathways. TYLCV concentration during the transmission phases was modulated by up- and down-regulation of SA- and JA-pathways, respectively. The two pathways were inconsistent during the acquisition phase; SA- related genes were up-regulated, whereas those up- and down-stream of the JA pathway showed a more complex relationship. These findings enhance our understanding of plant – herbivore – virus interactions, which are potentially important for development of ecologically sound pest and pathogen management programs.
VELOR: velocity-based routing protocol

This research focuses on developing a velocity-based routing (VELOR) protocol for city and urban vehicular ad hoc networks. VELOR is a two-level routing protocol. The first level finds the intersections to be traversed along the routing path based on the road topology and vehicular traffic on each road segment. Selective flooding method is developed to reduce congestion and signaling overhead. At the second level, forwarding optimization is carried out using the standby function for selecting next-hop node based on the identified parameters. These parameters are the farthest predicted neighbor and the transmission probability. Simulations performed using Simulation of Urban Mobility (SUMO), BonnMotion and NS-2 compare the AODV, OLSR, GPSR and GOSR routing protocols with VELOR. VELOR shows as much as 35% increase in average packet delivery ratio and as much as 50% decrease in the average end-to-end delay as compared to the other protocols in high density, urban networks. On comparing across various mobility scenarios, the packet delivery ratios for all the protocols drop significantly with the increase in mobility model complexity, except for VELOR which is stable throughout. Across all the mobility models, the delays increase for all other protocols with increasing node density. However, for VELOR, the delay decreases.
Injectable interferon beta-1b for the treatment of relapsing forms of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease with either a progressive (10%–15%) or relapsing-remitting (85%–90%) course. The pathological hallmarks of MS are lesions of both white and grey matter in the central nervous system. The onset of the disease is usually around 30 years of age. The patients experience an acute focal neurologic dysfunction which is not characteristic, followed by partial or complete recovery. Acute episodes of neurologic dysfunction with diverse signs and symptoms will then recur throughout the life of a patient, with periods of partial or complete remission and clinical stability in between. Currently, there are several therapeutic options for MS with disease-modifying properties. Immunomodulatory therapy with interferon beta-1b (IFN-β1b) or -1a, glatiramer and natalizumab shows similar efficacy; in a resistant or intolerant patient, the most recently approved therapeutic option is mitoxantrone. IFN-β1b in patients with MS binds to specific receptors on surface of immune cells, changing the expression of several genes and leading to a decrease in quantity of cell-associated adhesion molecules, inhibition of major histocompatibility complex class II expression and reduction in inflammatory cells migration into the central nervous system. After 2 years of treatment, IFN-β1b reduces the risk of development of clinically defined MS from 45% (with placebo) to 28% (with IFN-β1b). It also reduces relapses for 34% (1.31 exacerbations annually with placebo and 0.9 with higher dose of IFN-β1b) and makes 31% more patients relapse-free. In secondary-progressive disease annual rate of progression is 3% lower with IFN-β1b. In recommended doses IFN-β1b causes the following frequent adverse effects: injection site reactions (redness, discoloration, inflammation, pain, necrosis and non-specific reactions), insomnia, influenza-like syndrome, asthenia, headache, myalgia, hypoesthesia, nausea, paresthesia, myasthenia, chills and depression. Efficacy of IFN-β1b in relapsing-remitting MS is higher than that of IFN-β1a, and similar to the efficacy of glatiramer acetate. These facts promote IFN-β1b as one of the most important drugs in the spectrum of immunological therapies for this debilitating disease.
Identification of a Brucella spp. secreted effector specifically interacting with human small GTPase Rab2

Bacteria of the Brucella genus are facultative intracellular class III pathogens. These bacteria are able to control the intracellular trafficking of their vacuole, presumably by the use of yet unknown translocated effectors. To identify such effectors, we used a high‐throughput yeast two‐hybrid screen to identify interactions between putative human phagosomal proteins and predicted Brucella spp. proteins. We identified a specific interaction between the human small GTPase Rab2 and a Brucella spp. protein named RicA. This interaction was confirmed by GST‐pull‐down with the GDP‐bound form of Rab2. A TEM‐β‐lactamase‐RicA fusion was translocated from Brucella abortus to RAW264.7 macrophages during infection. This translocation was not detectable in a strain deleted for the virB operon, coding for the type IV secretion system. However, RicA secretion in a bacteriological culture was still observed in a ΔvirB mutant. In HeLa cells, a ΔricA mutant recruits less GTP‐locked myc‐Rab2 on its Brucella‐containing vacuoles, compared with the wild‐type strain. We observed altered kinetics of intracellular trafficking and faster proliferation of the B. abortusΔricA mutant in HeLa cells, compared with the wild‐type control. Altogether, the data reported here suggest RicA as the first reported effector with a proposed function for B. abortus.
Reproductive and hormonal risk factors for postmenopausal luminal, HER‐2‐overexpressing, and triple‐negative breast cancer

Molecular profiling studies have identified subtypes of breast cancer that can be approximately classified by estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER‐2/neu (HER‐2) expression. These molecular subtypes are prognostically significant, but to the authors' knowledge, differences in their etiologic profiles have not been established. Reproductive factors may plausibly be differentially correlated with the risk of different breast cancer subtypes because these factors are presumed to impact exposure to endogenous sex hormones.
The far infrared CO line emission of Orion BN/KL

We present observations towards one of the closest regions of high mass star formation, Orion BN/KL, performed at both low resolution mode (grating mode) and high resolution mode (Fabry-Perot) with the Long Wavelength Spectrometer on board the Infrared Space Observatory. We detected the CO rotational lines from Jup = 15 to Jup = 45. While the lines with Jup 32 originate in the hot and dense gas of the shocked component of the outflow. We discuss how future observations with HIFI, onboard the Far Infrared Space Telescope (FIRST) will allow to spectrally and spatially disentangle the three components, and, consequently, characterise more precisely the Orion BN/KL star forming region.
Trends in Extreme Weather and Climate Events: Issues Related to Modeling Extremes in Projections of Future Climate Change*

Projections of statistical aspects of weather and climate extremes can be derived from climate models representing possible future climate states. Some of the recent models have reproduced results previously reported in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Second Assessment Report, such as a greater frequency of extreme warm days and lower frequency of extreme cold days associated with a warmer mean climate, a decrease in diurnal temperature range associated with higher nighttime temperatures, increased precipitation intensity, midcontinent summer drying, decreasing daily variability of surface temperature in winter, and increasing variability of northern midlatitude summer surface temperatures. This reconfirmation of previous results gives an increased confidence in the credibility of the models, though agreement among models does not guarantee those changes will occur. New results since the IPCC Second Assessment Report indicate a possible increase of extreme heat stress events in a warm.
Wavelet based denoising for suppression of respiratory and motion artifacts in impedance cardiography

Impedance cardiography senses the variation in the thoracic impedance caused by variation in the blood volume and it is used for estimating the stroke volume and other cardiovascular indices. Respiratory and motion artifacts in the sensed signal introduce errors in these estimations. A denoising technique, using discrete Meyer and symlet-26 wavelets, with scale-dependent thresholding for suppressing the respiratory artifact and limiting of the wavelet coefficients for suppressing the motion artifact is investigated. Denoising of signals with simulated respiratory artifacts improved the signal-to-artifact ratio by 23.5 dB. Denoising of signals with real respiratory and motion artifacts resulted in the values of L2 norm and max-min based improvement indices being close to one, indicating effective suppression of artifacts without any significant signal distortion.
The Effect of Number Portability on Telecommunication Market

This paper analyzes the effect of number portability on the telecommunication market. The result shows that in a static setting, number portability will make the price, market share and the profit of the incumbent decrease while those of the entrant increase. In a dynamic setting, number portability will make both of the operators take competition strategies besides cutting prices, such as improving the quality of their products, and the scale of the market will be expanded. In a word, the introduction of number portability has the effect of making the telecommunication market more competitive. In China, we can introduce number portability to promote the competition of the telecommunication market.