Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drosophila Snazarus regulates a lipid droplet population at plasma membrane-droplet contacts in adipocytes

Adipocytes store nutrients as lipid droplets (LDs), but how they organize their LD stores to balance lipid uptake, storage, and mobilization remains poorly understood. Here, using Drosophila fat body (FB) adipocytes we characterize spatially distinct LD populations that are maintained by different lipid pools. We identify peripheral LDs (pLDs) that make close contact with the plasma membrane (PM) and are maintained by lipophorin-dependent lipid trafficking. pLDs are distinct from larger cytoplasmic medial LDs (mLDs) which are maintained by FASN1-dependent de novo lipogenesis. We find that sorting nexin CG1514/Snazarus (Snz) associates with pLDs and regulates LD homeostasis at ER-PM contact sites. Loss of SNZ perturbs pLD organization whereas Snz over-expression drives LD expansion, triacylglyceride production, starvation resistance, and lifespan extension through a DESAT1-dependent pathway. We propose that Drosophila adipocytes maintain spatially distinct LD populations and identify Snz as a novel regulator of LD organization and inter-organelle crosstalk.
Methodology for Observing Decision Making and Collaboration in Multi-Dimensional Synthetic Work Environments

Literature increasingly includes documentation that new organizations with varying roles and tasks are being developed simultaneously with the development of new technology in short time frames. It is often difficult separating the streams of data related to task definition, organizational design, training needs, and systems during testing. Multi-focus, rapid prototyping of new organizations, roles and decision support technology in one complex, field-like context requires that researchers devise or adapt methods to capture useful information regarding the advantages of implementing new organizational structures and new technology. The focus of this paper is the development of a data collection method, which can be applied in a realistic, synthetic work environment where a number of factors (i.e., task, tools, environment) are being varied simultaneously. The resulting methodology is a hybrid of Breakdown Analysis, a method of usability analysis used in synchronous computer supported collaborative work (CSCW) systems development (Scrivener, et al, 1993) and Heuristic Evaluation, a method of usability analysis of individual computer interface designs from the humancomputer interaction (HCI) research (Nielsen, 1994).
Towards an integrated acceptance model for software frameworks literature review and proposed solution

Software frameworks have potential to substantially improve software developer productivity and software quality when applying product line approach. Beside costly development of in-house frameworks, many qualitative proprietary and open source frameworks are available on the Web. Framework users should be able to review and select the best available framework, to maximize number of reuses and consequently get better framework's cost/benefit ratio. On the other side, framework developers need to develop highly acceptable frameworks, which is a precondition for their (economic) effectiveness. Acceptance is related to the number of framework users and is critical for the success of increasingly important and popular open source frameworks. This paper presents insights into the importance and scientific explanation of understanding the acceptance of frameworks
Does More Storage Give California More Water?

Increasing reservoir storage is commonly proposed to mitigate increasing water demand and provide drought reserves, especially in semiarid regions such as California. This paper examines the value of expanding surface reservoir capacity in California using hydroeconomic modeling for historical conditions, a future warm‐dry climate, and California's recently adopted policy to end groundwater overdraft. Results show expanding surface storage capacity rarely provides sizable economic value in most of California. On average, expanding facilities north of California's Delta provides some benefit in 92% of 82 years modeled under historical conditions and in 61% of years modeled in a warm‐dry climate. South of California's Delta, expanding storage capacity provides no benefits in 14% of years modeled under historical conditions and 99% of years modeled with a warm‐dry climate. Results vary across facilities between and within regions. The limited benefit of surface storage capacity expansion to statewide water supply should be considered in planning California's water infrastructure.
Functional analysis of key nuclear trafficking components reveals an atypical Ran network required for parasite pathogenesis

Protozoan parasites represent major public health challenges. Many aspects of their cell biology are distinct from their animal hosts, providing potential therapeutic targets. Toxoplasma gondii is a protozoan parasite that contains a divergent regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (TgRCC1) that is required for virulence and efficient nuclear trafficking. RCC1 proteins function as a guanine exchange factor for Ras‐related nuclear protein (Ran), an abundant GTPase responsible for the majority of nucleocytoplasmic transport. Here we show that while there are dramatic differences from well‐conserved RCC1 proteins, TgRCC1 associates with chromatin, interacts with Ran and complements a mammalian temperature‐sensitive RCC1 mutant cell line. During the investigation of TgRCC1, we observed several unprecedented phenotypes for TgRan, despite a high level of sequence conservation. The cellular distribution of TgRan is found throughout the parasite cell, whereas Ran in late branching eukaryotes is predominantly nuclear. Additionally, T. gondii tolerates at least low‐level expression of dominant lethal Ran mutants. Wild type parasites expressing dominant negative TgRan grew similarly to wild type in standard tissue culture conditions, but were attenuated in serum‐starved host cells and mice. These growth characteristics paralleled the TgRCC1 mutant and highlight the importance of the nuclear transport pathway for virulence of eukaryotic pathogens.
Multibiometric Identification System Based On Score Level Fusion

Biometric identification systems, which use physical features to check a person’s identity, ensures much greater security than password and number systems. Multibiometric system is being increasingly deployed in much large scale application because they provide lower error rate, large population coverage compared to unibiometric. In this paper, multibiometric identification system aim to fuse iris n fingerprint traits. During enrollment stage system generate iris n fingerprint template separately n stored in database. Approach for fingerprint recognition is to extract minutiae from fingerprint images. It makes possible to achieve highly robust fingerprint recognition for low-quality fingerprints. During iris recognition images are segmented, normalized and features are extract by using Log-Gabor filter. Finally matching is done with help of hamming-distance. Once both iris n fingerprint template are match separately scores are combined by using sum rule-based score level fusion which increase the recognition rate. Thus improve system accuracy and dependability. Keywordsbiometric, minutiae extraction, Log-Gabor filter, sum-rule based score level fusion, identification system
Investigating Trust in Outsourcing: A Study in the Health Care Industry

Trust is important consideration prior to adoption of outsourcing options and subsequently during the management of the outsourcing relationship. Understanding the antecedents to the adoption of information technology is important to both technology firms that provide services and the policy analysts that study the effects of technology adoption and IT success. The first portion of this essay looks at the role trust plays in the outsourcing relationship. Trust is discussed as both an antecedent to adoption and a critical part of the relationship post adoption. The second portion of this essay looks at a conceptual model of trust and privacy that is tested using PLS. The empirical study uses a transactional cost approach to investigate the role of trust and privacy, both as direct effects and as moderators in the adoption of Application Service Providers (ASPs) as a new form of information technology outsourcing. The study focuses on the healthcare industry. Results from the model indicate that trust plays a minimal role in the adoption of ASPs. Limitations of the research are discussed; implications are reviewed and future research areas are identified.
Does a Gradual Transition to the Virtual World increase Presence?

In order to increase a user's sense of presence in an artificial environment some researchers propose a gradual transition from reality to the virtual world instead of immersing users into the virtual world directly. One approach is to start the VR experience in a virtual replica of the physical space to accustom users to the characteristics of VR, e.g., latency, reduced field of view or tracking errors, in a known environment. Although this procedure is already applied in VR demonstrations, until now it has not been verified whether the usage of such a transitional environment ¿ as transition between real and virtual environment ¿ increases someone's sense of presence. We have observed subjective, physiological and behavioral reactions of subjects during a fully-immersive flight phobia experiment under two different conditions: the virtual flight environment was displayed immediately, or subjects visited a transitional environment before entering the virtual flight environment. We have quantified to what extent a gradual transition to the VE via a transitional environment increases the level of presence. We have found that subjective responses show significantly higher scores for the user's sense of presence, and that subjects' behavioral reactions change when a transitional environment is shown first. Considering physiological reactions, no significant difference could be found.
A Formal Security Analysis of Even-Odd Sequential Prefetching in Profiled Cache-Timing Attacks

Hardware cache prefetching has a profound impact on the memory access pattern of ciphers which are exploited in profiled cache-timing attacks. In this paper, we formally demonstrate that memory access patterns influenced by sequential prefetching and its variant, known as even-odd prefetcher has varying information leakage dependent on the alignment of the underlying tables used in the cipher implementation. This demonstrates that a suitable architecture choice for the hardware prefetcher combined with appropriate memory alignment in software can lead to prefetching architectures which are leakage resilient.
Mesh Parameterization for Texture Mapping

In 3D graphical rendering, it is common to want to produce a rendered image of an object that’s as realistic as possible, subject to the limits of memory and computing power available. A commonly used technique that helps to achieve this realism is texture mapping . The parameterization , which is the subject of this project, deﬁnes how points in the texture relate to points on the object’s surface. I investigate a number of existing mesh parameterization methods. These methods and their implementations are explained in detail, and then compared. Also, I describe two of my own variations of one of the approaches.
Model-Based Matching by Linear Combinations of

We describe a exible model similar for representing images of objects of a certain class, known a priori, such as faces, and introduce a new algorithm for matching it to a novel image and thereby perform image analysis. The exible model is learned from example images (called prototypes) of objects of a class. In the learning phase, pixelwise correspondences between a reference prototype and each of the other prototypes are rst computed and then used to obtain the shape and texture vectors corresponding to each prototype. The exible model is then synthesized as a linear combination that spans the linear vector space determined by the prototypical shapes and textures. In this paper we introduce an eeective stochastic gradient descent algorithm that automatically matches a model to a novel image by nding the parameters that minimize the error between the image generated by the model and the novel image. Two examples demonstrate the robustness and the broad range of applicability of the matching algorithm and the underlying ex-ible model. Our approach can provide novel solutions to several vision tasks, including the computation of image correspondence, object veriication, image synthesis and image compression.
Bank profitability and inflation: the case of China

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the determinants of bank profitability in China. It examines the effects of inflation on bank profitability, while controlling for comprehensive bank‐specific and industry‐specific variables.Design/methodology/approach – The sample comprises a total of 101 banks (five state‐owned banks, 12 joint‐stock commercial banks and 84 city commercial banks). The period under consideration extends from 2003‐2009. The two step generalized methods of moments (GMM) estimators are applied.Findings – Empirical results exhibit that there is a positive relationship between bank profitability, cost efficiency, banking sector development, stock market development and inflation in China. The authors report that low profitability can be explained by higher volume of non‐traditional activity and higher taxation. Moreover, the authors confirm that there is a competitive environment in the Chinese banking industry. Furthermore, the authors propose policy actions that should be ta.
A combined anti-aliasing filter and 2-tap FFE in 65-nm CMOS for 2× blind 2–;10 Gb/s ADC-based receivers

This paper presents a combined anti-aliasing filter and 2-tap feed-forward equalizer (AAF/FFE) as an analog front-end (AFE) for 2× blind ADC-based receivers. The front-end optimizes the channel/filter characteristics for data-rates of 2–10 Gb/s. The AAF bandwidth scales with the data-rate and the 2-tap FFE is designed without the need for noise-sensitive analog delay cells. The AAF/FFE is implemented in 65-nm CMOS, occupies 0.013 mm2, and consumes 2.4 mW at 10 Gb/s.
An Applied Step In Forest Fire Spread Modelling

We report in this paper on an experiment in implementing a fire spread modelling system specifically dedicated to fire-fighting activities. First, the corresponding operational framework is introduced. In particular, we stress the importance of time constraints. Then, forest fire modelling techniques as well as some considerations related to our experience and feedback on this issue are briefly tackled. Then, we bring in a model which appears as a mix between the shape approach and raster based models. This one involves both a raster representation of the landscape and an elliptical shape based approach. We conclude on the fact that the corresponding software system calculates fire contours which are correlated with actual ones provided the basic local rates of spread are accurately estimated.
Continuous Surface Rendering, Passing from CAD to Physical Representation

This paper describes a desktop-mechatronic interface that has been conceived to support designers in the evaluation of aesthetic virtual shapes. This device allows a continuous and smooth free hand contact interaction on a real and developable plastic tape actuated by a servo-controlled mechanism. The objective in designing this device is to reproduce a virtual surface with a consistent physical rendering well adapted to designers' needs. The desktop-mechatronic interface consists in a servo-actuated plastic strip that has been devised and implemented using seven interpolation points. In fact, by using the MEC (Minimal Energy Curve) Spline approach, a developable real surface is rendered taking into account the CAD geometry of the virtual shapes. In this paper, we describe the working principles of the interface by using both absolute and relative approaches to control the position on each single control point on the MEC spline. Then, we describe the methodology that has been implemented, passing from the CAD geometry, linked to VisualNastran in order to maintain the parametric properties of the virtual shape. Then, we present the co-simulation between VisualNastran and MATLAB/Simulink used for achieving this goal and controlling the system and finally, we present the results of the subsequent testing session specifically carried out to evaluate the accuracy and the effectiveness of the mechatronic device.
Endothelial Jagged1 Antagonizes Dll4 Regulation of Endothelial Branching and Promotes Vascular Maturation Downstream of Dll4/Notch1

Objective— Notch signaling controls cardiovascular development and has been associated with several pathological conditions. Among its ligands, Jagged1 and Dll4 were shown to have opposing effects in developmental angiogenesis, but the underlying mechanism and the role of Jagged1/Notch signaling in adult angiogenesis remain incompletely understood. The current study addresses the importance of endothelial Jagged1-mediated Notch signaling in the context of adult physiological angiogenesis and the interactions of Jagged1 and Dll4 on angiogenic response and vascular maturation processes. Approach and Results— The role of endothelial Jagged1 in wound healing kinetics and angiogenesis was investigated with endothelial-specific Jag1 gain-of-function and loss-of-function mouse mutants (eJag1OE and eJag1cKO). To study the interactions between the 2 Notch ligands, genetic mouse models were combined with pharmacological inhibition of Dll4 or Jagged1, respectively. Jagged1 overexpression in endothelial cells increased vessel density, maturation, and perfusion, thus accelerating wound healing. The opposite effect was seen in eJag1cKO animals. Interestingly, Dll4 blockade in these animals led to an increase in vascular density but induced a greater decrease in perivascular cell coverage. However, Jagged1 inhibition in Dll4 gain-of-function (eDll4OE) mutants, with reduced angiogenesis, further diminished angiogenic growth and hampered perivascular cell coverage. Our findings suggest that as Dll4 blocks endothelial activation through Notch1 signaling, it also induces Jagged1 expression. Jagged1 then blocks Dll4 signaling through Notch1, allowing endothelial activation by vascular endothelial growth factor and endothelial layer growth. Jagged1 also initiates maturation of the newly formed vessels, possibly by binding and activating endothelial Notch4. Importantly, mice administered with a Notch4 agonistic antibody mimicked the mural cell phenotype of eJag1OE mutants without affecting angiogenic growth, which is thought to be Notch1 dependent. Conclusions— Endothelial Jagged1 is likely to operate downstream of Dll4/Notch1 signaling to activate Notch4 and regulate vascular maturation. Thus, Jagged1 not only counteracts Dll4/Notch in the endothelium but also generates a balance between angiogenic growth and maturation processes in vivo.
Leadership and Teamwork in Trauma and Resuscitation

Introduction Leadership skills are described by the American College of Surgeons’ Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) course as necessary to provide care for patients during resuscitations. However, leadership is a complex concept, and the tools used to assess the quality of leadership are poorly described, inadequately validated, and infrequently used. Despite its importance, dedicated leadership education is rarely part of physician training programs. The goals of this investigation were the following: 1. Describe how leadership and leadership style affect patient care; 2. Describe how effective leadership is measured; and 3. Describe how to train future physician leaders. Methods We searched the PubMed database using the keywords “leadership” and then either “trauma” or “resuscitation” as title search terms, and an expert in emergency medicine and trauma then identified prospective observational and randomized controlled studies measuring leadership and teamwork quality. Study results were categorized as follows: 1) how leadership affects patient care; 2) which tools are available to measure leadership; and 3) methods to train physicians to become better leaders. Results We included 16 relevant studies in this review. Overall, these studies showed that strong leadership improves processes of care in trauma resuscitation including speed and completion of the primary and secondary surveys. The optimal style and structure of leadership are influenced by patient characteristics and team composition. Directive leadership is most effective when Injury Severity Score (ISS) is high or teams are inexperienced, while empowering leadership is most effective when ISS is low or teams more experienced. Many scales were employed to measure leadership. The Leader Behavior Description Questionnaire (LBDQ) was the only scale used in more than one study. Seven studies described methods for training leaders. Leadership training programs included didactic teaching followed by simulations. Although programs differed in length, intensity, and training level of participants, all programs demonstrated improved team performance. Conclusion Despite the relative paucity of literature on leadership in resuscitations, this review found leadership improves processes of care in trauma and can be enhanced through dedicated training. Future research is needed to validate leadership assessment scales, develop optimal training mechanisms, and demonstrate leadership’s effect on patient-level outcome.
Enhancing Security of Cloud Computing using Elliptic Curve Cryptography

Cloud computing is a form of distributed computing environment. It provides an environment where thousands of computers work in parallel to perform a job in much less times than traditional client server model. This parallelism happens because of low cost virtualization of hardware resources. Cloud computing abstracts the complexity of services provided to the user. In this article we have tried to explore various cloud computing model and how their security requirement differs from traditional computing model. We have analyzed various security risk associated with them, different ways to mitigate them and limitations of current cryptographic schemes. We have analyzed elliptic curve cryptographic schemes for cloud based applications in comparison to RSA based schemes. Here we have tried to give theoretical and experimental results to proof that elliptic curve based public key cryptography is far better than RSA based schemes. We have implemented ecdsa algorithm and compared its performance with RSA based algorithm in cloud. It supports our conclusion from the survey of cloud based applications.
Treasury Market

In this paper, we identify jumps in U.S. Treasury-bond (T-bond) prices and investigate what causes such unexpected large price changes. In particular, we examine the relative importance of macroeconomic news announcements versus variation in market liquidity in explaining the observed jumps in the U.S. Treasury market. We show that while jumps occur mostly at prescheduled macroeconomic announcement times, announcement surprises have limited power in explaining bond price jumps. Our analysis further shows that pre-announcement liquidity shocks, such as changes in the bid-ask spread and market depth, have significant predictive power for jumps. The predictive power is significant even after controlling for information shocks. Finally, we present evidence that post-jump order flow is less informative relative to the case where there is no jump at announcement.