Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Characteristics of Metaphors in Tangible User Interfaces

The idea of metaphors has been a central and popular element in the design practice of graphical user interfaces. While the principle is commonly applied and discussed in the field of Graphical User Interfaces, its usage in the field of Tangible User Interfaces (TUIs) is not yet fully understood. This paper analyses the principle of metaphors in TUIs, based on the main definitions of interface metaphors being discussed in literature. Our aim is to identify the characteristics describing a metaphor in TUIs and to propose a concept that can be used in TUI design activities. Using the example of the so-called “ColorTable”, we discuss how the principle of metaphor based on source and target can be applied to the particular context of TUIs. From our insights, we propose a concept of TUI metaphors which links the physical, the digital, and the application domain of TUIs.
The four-frequency autocorrelation function of polarization mode dispersion and its application to measurements

The four-frequency autocorrelation function (ACF) of the polarization-mode-dispersion (PMD) vector in optical fibers is obtained. The derivation of this function is part of a general effort aimed at understanding the complex behavior of the PMD vector as a stochastic process in frequency. The four-frequency ACF is also used for assessing the possibility of improving measurements of the mean differential group delay (DGD) by processing information regarding the measured correlations between the PMD vector at various frequencies. By manipulating the four-frequency ACF, the ACF of the square modulus of the PMD derivative is obtained and it is rigorously shown that DGD measurements that exploit this quantity are characterized by a 20% improvement in measurement accuracy.
Procedure-Related Complication of Willis Covered Stent in the Treatment of Blood Blister-Like Aneurysm: Stent Detachment from Dilating Balloon

The use of Willis covered stent (WCS) for intracranial aneurysms has increased based on the promising results of previous studies about its safety and effectiveness. With the accumulation of cases, reports about peri-procedural complications are emerging. In our department, 25 patients were treated with WCS during December 2015 to March 2017. We here reported an unexpected technical complication occurred in the treatment with the WCS for a blood blister-like aneurysm (BBA). During the procedure, the distal end of the stents detached from the dilating balloon partially or as a whole. This was attributed to the tortuosity of the access route and the extracorporeal gas exhaust maneuver. Then we applied a half-dilating technique to retrieve the detached stent. The procedures were detailed in this report and the possible reasons and approaches to avoid it were explored.
What’s new in pediatric intensive care

Purpose:To provide an update on new developments in the field of pediatric intensive care. Results:Pediatric intensive care and acute medicine continues to grow internationally with improving intensive care unit mortality rates (2.4% in the United States) and a positive effect on child survival from the leading causes of death in the developing and developed world (sepsis and trauma, respectively). New approaches have developed for the practicing clinician in the use of hypothermia, helium, surfactant, glucose, insulin, hydrocortisone, fluid resuscitation and fluid removal, superior vena cava oxygen saturation, goal-directed, coagulation, immune modulation, and multiple-organ extracorporeal support (MOSES) therapies. Some old drugs have fallen out of favor (propofol and etomidate) while new drugs are being evaluated with favorable (calfactant) and yet to be described effects (activated protein C). New diagnostic tests (troponin and brain natriuretic peptide levels) are being used to aid in diagnosis of heart dysfunction, and a new drug class of Ca++ sensitizers holds promise for recalcitrant heart dysfunction (levosimendan). Conclusion:The field is alive, successful, and progressing across the globe.
Direct conversion receiver for radio communication systems

Direct conversion receiver (DCR) architecture, which has introduced the zero intermediate frequency (IF) approach, supports efficient wireless handset designs with a high level of integration. Transmission over wireless channels is subject to time dispersion due to multipath propagation and frequency dispersion due to Doppler effect, the design of wireless receivers are tremendously important in supporting reliable communication links. With wireless technology growing, the choice of optimal wireless receiver architecture that supports monolithic integration without performance degradation becomes an important dimension in modern handset design. The increasing demand for mobile terminals with smaller physical dimensions has led to the investigation of DCR, which supports single chip and multinode designs. Since DCR is a promising architecture for fourth generation mobile terminals, it is important to note that implementation of a certain dc offset technique does not compromise the benefits of low complexity receiver design.
Mutually Catalytic Branching Processes and Voter Processes with Strength of Opinion

Since the seminal work of Dawson and Perkins, mutually catalytic ver- sions of superprocesses have been studied frequently. In this article we combine two approaches extending their ideas: the approach of adding correlations to the driv- ing noise of the system is combined with the approach of obtaining new processes by letting the branching rate tend to infinity. The processes are considered on a countable site space. We introduce infinite rate symbiotic branching processes which surprisingly can be interpreted as generalized voter processes with additional strength of opinions. Since many of the arguments go along the lines of known proofs this article is written in the style of a review article.
Experimental autoimmune panencephalitis and uveoretinitis transferred to the Lewis rat by T lymphocytes specific for the S100 beta molecule, a calcium binding protein of astroglia

The pathogenic potential of autoimmune T cell responses to nonmyelin autoantigens was investigated in the Lewis rat using the astrocyte- derived calcium binding protein S100 beta, as a model nonmyelin autoantigen. The Lewis rat mounts a vigorous RT1B1 (major histocompatibility complex class II) restricted autoimmune response to an immunodominant S100 beta epitope (amino acid residues 76-91). The adoptive transfer of S100 beta-specific T cell lines induced a severe inflammatory response in the nervous system, but only minimal neurological dysfunction in naive syngeneic recipients. The inability of S100 beta-specific T cell transfer to induce severe disease was associated with a decreased recruitment of ED1+ macrophages into the central nervous system (CNS) in comparison with that seen in severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by the adoptive transfer of myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific T line cells. Moreover, unlike encephalitogenic MBP-specific T cell lines, S100 beta-specific T cell lines exhibited no cytotoxic activity in vitro. Histopathological analysis also revealed striking differences in the distribution of inflammatory lesions in MBP- and S100 beta-specific T cell-mediated disease. In contrast to the MBP paradigm, S100 beta-specific T cell transfer induces intense inflammation not only in the spinal cord, but throughout the entire CNS and also in the uvea and retina of the eye. In view of the distribution of lesions throughout the grey and white matter of the CNS we propose to term this new model experimental autoimmune panencephalomyelitis (EAP) to differentiate it from EAE. These experiments demonstrate for the first time that nonmyelin CNS autoantigens can initiate a pathogenic autoimmune T cell response, although the nature of the target autoantigen profoundly influences the clinical and histopathological characteristics of the resulting autoimmune disease. This is not simply a consequence of the distribution of the autoantigen, as both MBP and S100 beta are coexpressed in many areas of the CNS, but reflects differences in the capacity of different regions of the CNS to process and present specific autoantigens. This new model of T cell-mediated autoimmune CNS disease exhibits a number of similarities to multiple sclerosis (MS), such as its mild clinical course and the involvement of areas of the brain and eye, which are absent in myelin-mediated models of EAE. Nonmyelin autoantigens may therefore play an unexpectedly important role in the immunopathogenesis of inflammatory diseases of the CNS.
Crime Pattern Detection Using Data Mining

Data mining can be used to model crime detection problems. Crimes are a social nuisance and cost our society dearly in several ways. Any research that can help in solving crimes faster will pay for itself. About 10% of the criminals commit about 50% of the crimes. Here we look at use of clustering algorithm for a data mining approach to help detect the crimes patterns and speed up the process of solving crime. We will look at k-means clustering with some enhancements to aid in the process of identification of crime patterns. We applied these techniques to real crime data from a sheriff's office and validated our results. We also use semi-supervised learning technique here for knowledge discovery from the crime records and to help increase the predictive accuracy. We also developed a weighting scheme for attributes here to deal with limitations of various out of the box clustering tools and techniques. This easy to implement data mining framework works with the geospatial plot of crime and helps to improve the productivity of the detectives and other law enforcement officers. It can also be applied for counter terrorism for homeland security
Gaussian Process Classification and Active Learning with Multiple Annotators

Learning from multiple annotators took a valuable step towards modeling data that does not fit the usual single annotator setting, since multiple annotators sometimes offer varying degrees of expertise. When disagreements occur, the establishment of the correct label through trivial solutions such as majority voting may not be adequate, since without considering heterogeneity in the annotators, we risk generating a flawed model. In this paper, we generalize GP classification in order to account for multiple annotators with different levels expertise. By explicitly handling uncertainty, Gaussian processes (GPs) provide a natural framework for building proper multiple-annotator models. We empirically show that our model significantly outperforms other commonly used approaches, such as majority voting, without a significant increase in the computational cost of approximate Bayesian inference. Furthermore, an active learning methodology is proposed, which is able to reduce annotation cost even further.
Recent Study of Anomaly of Global Annual Geopotential Height and Global Warming

This paper studies the anomaly of global annual 500 hpa geopotential anomaly and global warming through the period (1950-2011). Anomaly method, linear trend and linear correlation coefficient techniques are referred to identify and describe the correlation between anomaly of global geopotential height field and global surface air temperature, North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), El-Nino3.4. The results revealed that, the anomaly of global annual geopotential height is completely controlled by global warming and NAO, SOI, El-Nino3.4 during the study period. However, the trend of the global surface air temperature anomaly completely coincides with the trend of 500 hpa geopotential height anomaly. This result uncovers the exist of abnormal weather phenomena through the last decades.
Force-producing ADP state of myosin bound to actin

Significance The force-generating state of myosin bound to actin is a key state in the chemomechanical cycle of this motor, but the structural details of the force-generating state are unknown. CryoEM structures of myosin V bound to actin with and without nucleotide reveal a previously unidentified conformation of elements associated with nucleotide binding and, most importantly, of the β-sheet that controls the position of nucleotide-binding elements. These specific structural features explain how myosin can bind strongly to both actin and MgADP, allowing force to be developed. Thus, this structure provides fundamental insights into how myosin works. It also provides insights into how strain may prevent release of MgADP, which is a critical property for the cellular roles of many myosins, including myosin V. Molecular motors produce force when they interact with their cellular tracks. For myosin motors, the primary force-generating state has MgADP tightly bound, whereas myosin is strongly bound to actin. We have generated an 8-Å cryoEM reconstruction of this state for myosin V and used molecular dynamics flexed fitting for model building. We compare this state to the subsequent state on actin (Rigor). The ADP-bound structure reveals that the actin-binding cleft is closed, even though MgADP is tightly bound. This state is accomplished by a previously unseen conformation of the β-sheet underlying the nucleotide pocket. The transition from the force-generating ADP state to Rigor requires a 9.5° rotation of the myosin lever arm, coupled to a β-sheet rearrangement. Thus, the structure reveals the detailed rearrangements underlying myosin force generation as well as the basis of strain-dependent ADP release that is essential for processive myosins, such as myosin V.
Design of Cobalt Nanoparticles with Tailored Structural and Morphological Properties via O/W and W/O Microemulsions and Their Deposition onto Silica

Cobalt nanostructures with different size and morphology, i.e., spherical nanoparticles, nanorods, and particles arranged into elongated structures, were prepared using micelles and microemulsions as confined reaction media. The syntheses were carried out using three types of systems: aqueous surfactant solutions, oil-in water (O/W), and water-in-oil (W/O) microemulsions. The influence of the surfactant and the precipitating agent used for synthesis was also investigated. For this purpose, cobalt nanostructures were prepared using different non-ionic surfactants, namely Synperonic® 10/6, Pluronic® P123 and a mixture of SPAN 20–TWEEN 80. Three different precipitating agents were used: sodium borohydride, sodium hydroxide, and oxalic acid. Our findings revealed that by changing the type of reaction media as well as the precipitating agent it is possible to modify the shape and size of the cobalt nanostructures. Moreover, the use of O/W microemulsion generates better results in terms of colloidal stability and uniformity of particle size with respect to W/O microemulsion. The different cobalt nanostructures were supported on commercial and mesoporous silica; transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed that after deposition the Co nanocrystals remain well dispersed on the silica supports. This behavior suggests their great potential in catalytic applications.
A GA for maximum likelihood phylogenetic inference using neighbour-joining as a genotype to phenotype mapping

Evolutionary relationships among species can be represented by a phylogenetic tree and inferred by optimising some measure of fitness, such as the statistical likelihood of the tree (given a model of the evolutionary process and a data set). The combinatorial complexity of inferring the topology of the best tree makes phylogenetic inference ideal for genetic algorithms. In this paper, two existing algorithms for phylogenetic inference (neighbour-joining and maximum likelihood) are co-utilised within a GA and enable the phenotype and genotype to be assigned quite different representations. The exploration vs. exploitation aspects of the algorithm are examined in some test cases. The GA is compared to the well known phylogenetic inference program PHYLIP.
IB, NF-B Regulation Model: Simulation Analysis of Small Number of Molecules

The regulation of IB, NF-B is of foremost interest in biology as the transcription factor NF-B has multiple target genes. We have modeled a previously published model by Hoffmann et al. (2002) of IB, NF-B mathematically as discrete reaction systems. We have used stochastic algorithm to compare the results when there are large and small numbers of molecules available in a finite volume for each protein. Our results for small number of molecules show that with continuous presence of stimulation, nuclear NF-B oscillates continuously in every individual cell rather than damping, which was observed in cell population results. This characteristic of the system is missed when averaged behavior is studied.
Lower Affinity T Cells are Critical Components and Active Participants of the Immune Response

Kinetic and biophysical parameters of T cell receptor (TCR) and peptide:MHC (pMHC) interaction define intrinsic factors required for T cell activation and differentiation. Although receptor ligand kinetics are somewhat cumbersome to assess experimentally, TCR:pMHC affinity has been shown to predict peripheral T cell functionality and potential for forming memory. Multimeric forms of pMHC monomers have often been used to provide an indirect readout of higher affinity T cells due to their availability and ease of use while allowing simultaneous definition of other functional and phenotypic characteristics. However, multimeric pMHC reagents have introduced a bias that underestimates the lower affinity components contained in the highly diverse TCR repertoires of all polyclonal T cell responses. Advances in the identification of lower affinity cells have led to the examination of these cells and their contribution to the immune response. In this review, we discuss the identification of high- vs. low-affinity T cells as well as their attributed signaling and functional differences. Lastly, mechanisms are discussed that maintain a diverse range of low- and high-affinity T cells.
Design and implementation of artificial immune system for detecting flooding attacks

The network based denial of service attacks (DoS) are still the big challenge to the researchers in the field of network security. This paper handles the popular DoS attack called TCP-SYN flood attack, and presents the design and implementation of an Artificial Immune system for Syn flood Detection, abbreviated by AISD, based on the Dendritic Cell Algorithm (DCA). The AISD system is able to detect the generated SYN flood attack and response to its generator in a real-time. Performance and accuracy of the system have been evaluated through five experiments. Results of the experiments showed the precision of intrusion detection process to the ratio of 100%, with a notable response speed, and this is shows the benefit and suitability of using artificial immune systems to the network security problems.
Severity and outcome of HIV-associated Pneumocystis pneumonia containing Pneumocystis jirovecii dihydropteroate synthase gene mutations

Background:The impact of Pneumocystis jirovecii (formerly P. carinii) dihydropteroate synthase (DHPS) gene mutations on morbidity and mortality of Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) in HIV-positive patients is unclear. Objective:To determine whether severity and outcome of HIV-associated PCP differes according to DHPS genotype. Setting:A prospective, observational study in a university-affiliated county hospital. Patients:The study included 197 patients with 215 microscopically confirmed PCP episodes and successfully sequenced DHPS genotypes; 175 (81%) episodes displayed mutant genotypes. Main outcome measure:All-cause mortality within 60 days. Results:The majority of patients (86%) with PCP containing Pneumocystis DHPS mutations survived. Although severity of PCP was comparable, there was a trend for more patients with mutant genotypes than patients with wild-type to require mechanical ventilation (14.3% versus 2.5%; P = 0.056) and to die (14.3% versus 7.5%, P = 0.31). Independent predictors of mortality at baseline were low serum albumin levels [odds ratio (OR), 4.62; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.63–13.1; P = 0.004] and requiring intensive care within 72 h of hospitalization (OR, 5.06; 95% CI, 1.43–18.0; P = 0.012). Conclusion:The majority of HIV-infected patients with PCP containing mutant Pneumocystis DHPS genotypes survived. Mortality was related primarily to the underlying severity of illness. However, a trend towards increased mortality in episodes of PCP containing mutant DHPS genotypes was observed and this warrants further study.
Toward a Conceptual Comparison Framework between CBSE and SOSE

In this paper, we discuss the theoretical differences between component-based and service-oriented software engineering (CBSE and SOSE). We present a conceptual comparison framework which confronts their quantitative and qualitative aspects and provides a better understanding of their use. This comparison takes the object orientation (OO) into account to illustrate changing concerns of software engineering between object, component and service.
Acceptable Sex Selection

John Robertson presents a persuasive argument against government prohibition of preconception sex selection (PSS) as long as there is no actual evidence of significant social harm from allowing the technology to be freely available. I am convinced by what he says about PSS and have argued along similar lines in my own work (Rhodes 1995). In these comments, I will press Robertson's conclusion in several directions to show what more he might have said in its defense.
Determining and Satisfying Search Users Real Needs via Socially Constructed Search Concept Classification

The focus of the research is to disambiguate search query by categorizing search results returned by search engines and interacting with the user to achieve query and results refinement. A novel special search-browser has been developed which combines search engine results, the open directory project (ODP) based lightweight ontology as navigator and classifier, and search results categorizing. Categories are formed based on the ODP as a predefined ontology and Lucene is to be employed to calculate the similarity between retrieved items of the search engine and concepts in the ODP. With the interaction of users, the search-browser improves the quality of search results by excluding the irrelevant documents and ontologically categorizing results for user inspection.