Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Learning-based Tracking of AoAs and AoDs in mmWave Networks

This paper considers a millimeter-wave communication system and proposes an efficient channel estimation scheme with a minimum number of pilots. We model the dynamics of the channel's second-order statistics by a Markov process and develop a learning framework to obtain these dynamics from an unlabeled set of measured angles of arrival and departure. We then find the optimal precoding and combining vectors for pilot signals. Using these vectors, the transmitter and receiver will sequentially estimate the corresponding angles of departure and arrival, and then refine the pilot precoding and combining vectors to minimize the error of estimating the channel gains.
RESi: A Highly Flexible, Pressure-Sensitive, Imperceptible Textile Interface Based on Resistive Yarns

We present RESi (Resistive tExtile Sensor Interfaces), a novel sensing approach enabling a new kind of yarn-based, resistive pressure sensing. The core of RESi builds on a newly designed yarn, which features conductive and resistive properties. We run a technical study to characterize the behaviour of the yarn and to determine the sensing principle. We demonstrate how the yarn can be used as a pressure sensor and discuss how specific issues, such as connecting the soft textile sensor with the rigid electronics can be solved. In addition, we present a platform-independent API that allows rapid prototyping. To show its versatility, we present applications developed with different textile manufacturing techniques, including hand sewing, machine sewing, and weaving. RESi is a novel technology, enabling textile pressure sensing to augment everyday objects with interactive capabilities.
Outside in: Unraveling the Role of Neuroinflammation in the Progression of Parkinson's Disease

Neuroinflammation is one of the most important processes involved in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). The current concept of neuroinflammation comprises an inflammation process, which occurs in the central nervous system due to molecules released from brain-resident and/or blood-derived immune cells. Furthermore, the evidence of the contribution of systemic delivered molecules to the disease pathogenesis, such as the gut microbiota composition, has been increasing during the last years. Under physiological conditions, microglia and astrocytes support the well-being and well-function of the brain through diverse functions, including neurotrophic factor secretion in both intact and injured brain. On the other hand, genes that cause PD are expressed in astrocytes and microglia, shifting their neuroprotective role to a pathogenic one, contributing to disease onset and progression. In addition, growth factors are a subset of molecules that promote cellular survival, differentiation and maturation, which are critical signaling factors promoting the communication between cells, including neurons and blood-derived immune cells. We summarize the potential targeting of astrocytes and microglia and the systemic contribution of the gut microbiota in neuroinflammation process archived in PD.
Human CDK12 and CDK13, multi-tasking CTD kinases for the new millenium

ABSTRACT As the new millennium began, CDK12 and CDK13 were discovered as nucleotide sequences that encode protein kinases related to cell cycle CDKs. By the end of the first decade both proteins had been qualified as CTD kinases, and it was emerging that both are heterodimers containing a Cyclin K subunit. Since then, many studies on CDK12 have shown that, through phosphorylating the CTD of transcribing RNAPII, it plays critical roles in several stages of gene expression, notably RNA processing; it is also crucial for maintaining genome stability. Fewer studies on CKD13 have clearly shown that it is functionally distinct from CDK12. CDK13 is important for proper expression of a number of genes, but it also probably plays yet-to-be-discovered roles in other processes. This review summarizes much of the work on CDK12 and CDK13 and attempts to evaluate the results and place them in context. Our understanding of these two enzymes has begun to mature, but we still have much to learn about both. An indicator of one major area of medically-relevant future research comes from the discovery that CDK12 is a tumor suppressor, notably for certain ovarian and prostate cancers. A challenge for the future is to understand CDK12 and CDK13 well enough to explain how their loss promotes cancer development and how we can intercede to prevent or treat those cancers. Abbreviations: CDK: cyclin-dependent kinase; CTD: C-terminal repeat domain of POLR2A; CTDK-I: CTD kinase I (yeast); Ctk1: catalytic subunit of CTDK-I; Ctk2: cyclin-like subunit of CTDK-I; PCAP: phosphoCTD-associating protein; POLR2A: largest subunit of RNAPII; SRI domain: Set2-RNAPII Interacting domain
Security mechanism against sybil attacks for high-throughput multicast routing in wireless mesh networks

: Wireless Mesh Networks (WMNs) have become one of the important domains in wireless communications. They comprise of a number of static wireless routers which form an access network for end users to IP-based services. Unlike conventional Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) deployments, wireless mesh networks offer multihop routing, facilitating an easy and cost-effective deployment. In this paper, an efficient and secure multicast routing on such wireless mesh networks is concentrated. This paper identifies the novel attacks against high throughput multicast protocols in wireless mesh networks through Secure On-Demand Multicast Routing Protocol (S-ODMRP). Recently, Sybil attack is observed to be the most harmful attack in WMNs, where a node illegitimately claims multiple identities. This paper systematically analyzes the threat posed by the Sybil attack to WMN. The Sybil attack is encountered by the defense mechanism called Random Key Predistribution technique (RKP). The performance of the proposed approach which integrates the S-ODMRP and RKP is evaluated using the throughput performance metric. It is observed from the experimental result that the proposed approach provides good security against Sybil attack with very high throughput.
Reconstruction of Major Dehiscence After Bilateral Cleft Lip Repair

Abstract Repair of complete bilateral cleft lip with protruding premaxilla is challenging, and postoperative dehiscence was common. Re-repair is usually suggested for the dehisced lip, but other methods might be needed in unique situations. Evaluation was performed to check the presence of prolabial skin, wound scarring, and the position of premaxilla. Reconstruction plan was made to restore the anatomical components as possible and to repair under minimal tension. Two patients with major dehiscence were reported. In the first case, separation from the columella base and tissue destruction in central lip were noted. Repeated complete dehiscence on one side was reported in the second case before he was referred to our center. The premaxilla was protruding in both cases. Abbe flap was performed as delayed procedure in the first case. Reposition of the premaxilla in conjunction with lip repair was required in the second case. In both cases, adequate muscle approximation plus subcutaneous retention sutures were used to cope with the tension, and satisfactory healing was achieved. It is concluded that additional methods could be required for the reconstruction of major dehiscence after bilateral cleft lip repair. Careful planning and surgical execution ensured successful outcome.
Joint Data Latency and Packet Loss Optimization for Relay-Node Selection in Time-Varying IoT Networks

The mobility of smart and connected devices in Internet of Things brings the challenge of reliable data forwarding. In this work, a relay-node selection method is proposed for mobility-tolerant data forwarding. The proposed relay-node selection method uses the connectivity information in time-varying networks. The connectivity information of IoT devices is modelled using homogeneous Poisson point processes. The connectivity duration information of all the devices with their neighbours is updated continuously. Based on connectivity information, an optimal relay-node is selected as a data forwarding node. The online relay-node selection from a source node to the base station establishes a data forwarding path. The proposed method selects the relay-nodes based on joint optimization of two network parameters, data latency and packet loss risk. The simulation results show that the proposed method significantly improves the data latency and the packet loss risk for data forwarding over time-varying IoT networks.
Exploring Sex Differences in the Attenuation of Ethanol Drinking by Naltrexone in Dependent Rats During Early and Protracted Abstinence

BACKGROUND Despite considerable efforts, few drugs are available for the treatment of alcohol (ethanol [EtOH]) use disorder (AUD). EtOH directly or indirectly modulates several aspects of the central nervous system, including neurotransmitter/neuromodulator systems. Relapse vulnerability is a challenge for the treatment of EtOH addiction. EtOH withdrawal symptoms create motivational states that lead to compulsive EtOH drinking and relapse even after long periods of abstinence. Among the therapeutics to treat AUD, naltrexone (NTX) is a pharmacological treatment for relapse. The present study evaluated the effect of NTX on EtOH drinking in male and female EtOH-dependent rats during abstinence. METHODS Wistar rats (males and females) were first trained to orally self-administer 10% EtOH. Half of the rats were then made dependent by chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE) vapor exposure, and the other half were exposed to air. Using this model, rats exhibit somatic and motivational signs of withdrawal. At the end of EtOH vapor (or air) exposure, the rats were tested for the effects of NTX (10 mg/kg, oral) on EtOH self-administration at 3 abstinence time points: acute abstinence (A-Abst, 8 hours), late abstinence (L-Abst, 2 weeks), and protracted abstinence (P-Abst, 6 weeks). RESULTS NTX decreased EtOH intake in nondependent rats, regardless of sex and abstinence time point. In postdependent rats, NTX decreased EtOH intake only at a delayed abstinence time point (P-Abst) in males, whereas it similarly reduced EtOH drinking in females at all abstinence time points. CONCLUSIONS The therapeutic efficacy of NTX depends on the time of intervention during abstinence and is different between males and females. The data further suggest that EtOH dependence causes different neuroadaptations in male and female rats, reflected by differential effects of NTX. The results underscore the significance of considering the duration of EtOH abstinence and sex as a biological variable as important factors when developing pharmacotherapies for AUD.
Face/On: Actuating the Facial Contact Area of a Head-Mounted Display for Increased Immersion

In this demonstration, we introduce Face/On, an embedded feedback device that leverages the contact area between the user's face and a virtual reality (VR) head-mounted display (HMD) to provide rich haptic feedback in virtual environments (VEs). Head-worn haptic feedback devices have been explored in previous work to provide directional cues via grids of actuators and localized feedback on the users' skin. Most of these solutions were immersion breaking due to their encumbering and uncomfortable design and build around a single actuator type, thus limiting the overall fidelity and flexibility of the haptic feedback. We present Face/On, a VR HMD face cushion with three types of discreetly embedded actuators that provide rich haptic feedback without encumbering users with invasive instrumentation on the body. By combining vibro-tactile and thermal feedback with electrical muscle stimulation (EMS), Face/On can simulate a wide range of scenarios and benefit from synergy effects between these feedback types.
Sapphire: using network gateways for IoT security

The increasing popularity of IoT devices in both residences and enterprises has widened the attack surface for network connected devices. Many popular IoT devices have unpatched vulnerabilities or default passwords and lack basic security mechanisms, making them easy prey for malware and botnets. In this paper, we share our experience of designing and using an experimental deployment of network gateways to provide IoT security, to both the IoT devices and the gateways themselves. We propose three approaches for framework design and collecting the network data, each providing different levels of visibility into IoT device behavior. Finally we present our methodology and experimental evaluation of a small-scale deployment of gateways and IoT devices for volumetric anomaly detection and IoT device identification using the data collected by the gateways behind the NAT, or in the cloud, outside the NAT. We believe that securing IoT devices can be more efficient and effective when there is more visibility into device activity and security capabilities are deployed close to the devices, in the gateway. However, a hybrid approach in which data is collected on the gateways and analyzed in the cloud can be more practical; special considerations regarding sensitive data storage and privacy guarantees have to be taken into account.
Recent advances on artificial intelligence and internet of things convergence for human-centric applications: internet of things science

In this paper we look at describing the ways on how Artificial Intelligence and IoT are related for the future of multi-domain applications and integrated services, a paper discussing the convergence of Artificial Intelligence and IoT technology in the form of real-world applications but also describing how Semantics and Analytics can leverage the next generation of AI IoT-enabled applications like Intelligent Assistant Robots IoT-enabled. We look at the work in progress investigation and also demonstration in a particular scenario for human-centred assistance living in elderly people and how AI IoT-enabled can provide better user experience and how by using IoT data, life improves.
Training Deep Neural Network in Limited Precision

Energy and resource efficient training of DNNs will greatly extend the applications of deep learning. However, there are three major obstacles which mandate accurate calculation in high precision. In this paper, we tackle two of them related to the loss of gradients during parameter update and backpropagation through a softmax nonlinearity layer in low precision training. We implemented SGD with Kahan summation by employing an additional parameter to virtually extend the bit-width of the parameters for a reliable parameter update. We also proposed a simple guideline to help select the appropriate bit-width for the last FC layer followed by a softmax nonlinearity layer. It determines the lower bound of the required bit-width based on the class size of the dataset. Extensive experiments on various network architectures and benchmarks verifies the effectiveness of the proposed technique for low precision training.
Competition between DivIVA and the nucleoid for ParA binding promotes segrosome separation and modulates mycobacterial cell elongation

Although mycobacteria are rod shaped and divide by simple binary fission, their cell cycle exhibits unusual features: unequal cell division producing daughter cells that elongate with different velocities, as well as asymmetric chromosome segregation and positioning throughout the cell cycle. As in other bacteria, mycobacterial chromosomes are segregated by pair of proteins, ParA and ParB. ParA is an ATPase that interacts with nucleoprotein ParB complexes – segrosomes and non‐specifically binds the nucleoid. Uniquely in mycobacteria, ParA interacts with a polar protein DivIVA (Wag31), responsible for asymmetric cell elongation, however the biological role of this interaction remained unknown. We hypothesised that this interaction plays a critical role in coordinating chromosome segregation with cell elongation. Using a set of ParA mutants, we determined that disruption of ParA‐DNA binding enhanced the interaction between ParA and DivIVA, indicating a competition between the nucleoid and DivIVA for ParA binding. Having identified the ParA mutation that disrupts its recruitment to DivIVA, we found that it led to inefficient segrosomes separation and increased the cell elongation rate. Our results suggest that ParA modulates DivIVA activity. Thus, we demonstrate that the ParA‐DivIVA interaction facilitates chromosome segregation and modulates cell elongation.
AppIntent: Intuitive Automation Specification Framework for Mobile AppTesting

The proliferation of mobile apps and reduced time in mobile app releases mandates the need for faster and efficient testing of mobile apps, their GUI and functional capabilities. Though, there are wide variety of open source tools and frameworks that are developed to provide automated test infrastructure for testing mobile apps. Each of these automation tools supports different scripting languages for automating the app testing. These frameworks fundamentally lacks the ability to directly capture the intent of the users who intend to effectively test the mobile app and its cross-app functional capabilities and performance without worrying about the low-level scripting language associated with each tool. Hence, to address this limitation, we propose a high-level intent-based automation specification language and APIs that could effectively address following aspects: (i)capture the test automation steps to be captured as high-level intents using intuitive automation specification language, and (ii) provides framework support to effectively capture the users behavior patterns effectively for testing the apps. We develop, AppIntent a high level automation specification language-based framework that directly captures the test automation intents with in and across multiple apps using high-level and intuitive language without worrying about how to actually develop scripts for automation.
A Virtual Agent Toolkit for Serious Games Developers

The design of serious games requires developers to tackle pedagogical challenges calling for advanced solutions that the entertainment industry might deem too risky to pursue. One such challenge is the creation of autonomous socially intelligent characters with whom players can practice different social skills. Although there are several architectures in the field of virtual agents that are designed specifically to enable more human-like interactions, they are still not widely adopted by game studios that develop serious games, in particular for learning. In this paper, we present a virtual agent toolkit that was specifically developed with the intent of making agent-based solutions more accessible and reliable to game developers. To this end, a collaborative effort was established with a game studio that has used the toolkit to develop two different serious games. Among other advantages, the toolkit facilitated the inclusion of a dynamic model of emotions that affects not just how the character looks and acts but also how the player’s performance is determined.
Aesthetics-Driven Stereoscopic 3-D Image Recomposition With Depth Adaptation

Due to the availability and affordability of the stereoscopic equipment (e.g., stereo camera, lens, and display devices), stereoscopic image manipulation has been receiving considerable research attention in recent years. In this paper, we present a semiautomatic, aesthetic-driven stereoscopic image recomposition approach, which capacitates the change of the spatial position of the foreground object(s) in a given stereoscopic image to enhance human visual aesthetics. Our algorithm recomposes both the left and right stereo images simultaneously using a global optimization algorithm. To maximize image aesthetics, our algorithm minimizes a set of aesthetic quality errors, which is derived from selected photographic composition rules. In addition, depth adaptation is applied to the resized objects and change in vertical disparity of the resulting stereo image pair is minimized to ensure a pleasant three-dimensional (3-D) viewing experience. Our method can be used to perform stereoscopic image retargeting and recomposition simultaneously by providing the target image scale as the input. Empirical evaluations demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in enhancing the aesthetics of stereoscopic 3-D images. Notably, depth adaptation is shown to play an important role in aesthetics enhancement.
Energy Efficient Beamforming Design Ior Multi-Carrier Multi-user Systems with Nonlinear Amplifiers

Ahstract- The energy efficiency (EE) maximization problem is studied for the design of beamforming for multi-carrier multiuser systems. Nonlinear amplifier at each antenna as well as per-antenna power constraints at the transmitter are considered. The quality-of-service (QoS) of each user is guaranteed by a minimal transmission rate. Because the power allocation variables and the beamforming vectors are coupled in the original problem, which makes it difficult to handle, we split the problem into two subproblems. The first subproblem, which optimizes the power allocation, can be formulated as a geometric programming (GP) after the term related to power consumption is approximated as a monomial. The second subproblem, which optimizes the beamforming, is formulated as a second-order cone programming (SOCP). Numerical results illustrate the effect of EE maximization on rates and the effect of circuit power and amplifier efficiency on EE.
Cell-type–specific eQTL of primary melanocytes facilitates identification of melanoma susceptibility genes

Most expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) studies to date have been performed in heterogenous tissues as opposed to specific cell types. To better understand the cell-type specific regulatory landscape of human melanocytes, which give rise to melanoma but account for <5% of typical human skin biopsies, we performed an eQTL analysis in primary melanocyte cultures from 106 newborn males. We identified 597,335 cis-eQTLs and 4,997 eGenes (FDR<0.05), which are higher numbers than any GTEx tissue type with a similar sample size. Melanocyte eQTLs differed considerably from those identified in the 44 GTEx tissues, including skin. Over a third of melanocyte eGenes including key genes in melanin synthesis pathways were not observed in two types of GTEx skin tissues or melanoma samples. The melanocyte dataset also identified cell-type specific trans-eQTL of a pigmentation-associated SNP for four genes, likely through its cis-regulation of IRF4, encoding a transcription factor implicated in human pigmentation phenotypes. Melanocyte eQTLs are enriched in cis-regulatory signatures found in melanocytes as well as melanoma-associate variants identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Co-localization of melanoma GWAS variants and eQTLs from melanocyte and skin eQTL datasets identified candidate melanoma susceptibility genes for most of the known GWAS loci including unique genes identified by the melanocyte dataset. Further, a transcriptome-wide association study using published melanoma GWAS data uncovered four new loci, where imputed expression levels of five genes (ZFP90, HEBP1, MSC, CBWD1, and RP11-383H13.1) were associated with melanoma at genome-wide significant P-values. Our data highlights the utility of lineage-specific eQTL resources for annotating GWAS findings and present a robust database for genomic research of melanoma risk and melanocyte biology.