Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stability and Delay Analysis of Buffered Aloha Networks

In this paper, a unified analytical approach is developed to characterize the stability and delay performance of buffered Aloha networks. It is demonstrated that a buffered Aloha network can be stabilized if backoff parameters are properly selected. The stable region of backoff factor q is derived and shown to be enlarged by increasing the cutoff phase K. With Geometric Retransmission (K{=}1), for instance, the stable region rapidly diminishes as the number of nodes n increases, implying that a slight change of network size may lead to instability if the backoff factor q is not updated accordingly. In contrast, a buffered Aloha network with Exponential Backoff (K{=}∞) is much more robust as the stable region becomes insensitive to the number of nodes n. The improvement on stability performance is, nevertheless, achieved at the cost of severe delay jitter. The delay analysis further reveals that the second moment of access delay of Head-of-Line (HOL) packets rapidly grows with the cutoff phase K when the network is saturated. In spite of an improved stable region, an excessively large K will lead to significant degradation of queueing performance.
Metastability and Inter-Band Frequency Modulation in Networks of Oscillating Spiking Neuron Populations

Groups of neurons firing synchronously are hypothesized to underlie many cognitive functions such as attention, associative learning, memory, and sensory selection. Recent theories suggest that transient periods of synchronization and desynchronization provide a mechanism for dynamically integrating and forming coalitions of functionally related neural areas, and that at these times conditions are optimal for information transfer. Oscillating neural populations display a great amount of spectral complexity, with several rhythms temporally coexisting in different structures and interacting with each other. This paper explores inter-band frequency modulation between neural oscillators using models of quadratic integrate-and-fire neurons and Hodgkin-Huxley neurons. We vary the structural connectivity in a network of neural oscillators, assess the spectral complexity, and correlate the inter-band frequency modulation. We contrast this correlation against measures of metastable coalition entropy and synchrony. Our results show that oscillations in different neural populations modulate each other so as to change frequency, and that the interaction of these fluctuating frequencies in the network as a whole is able to drive different neural populations towards episodes of synchrony. Further to this, we locate an area in the connectivity space in which the system directs itself in this way so as to explore a large repertoire of synchronous coalitions. We suggest that such dynamics facilitate versatile exploration, integration, and communication between functionally related neural areas, and thereby supports sophisticated cognitive processing in the brain.
Gene expression profiles distinguish idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis from hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

RATIONALE Many of the interstitial lung diseases represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge because their clinical and even histologic features are often nonspecific. Likewise, the transcriptional signatures of most of them are unknown. OBJECTIVE To compare the gene expression patterns from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP), and nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) using custom oligonucleotide microarrays. METHODS We profiled lung biopsies from 15 patients with IPF, 12 with HP, and eight with NSIP. Labeled complementary ribonucleic acid was hybridized to a custom Affymetrix oligonucleotide DNA microarray using standard Affymetrix protocols. The custom array, Hu03, contained 59,619 probe sets representing an estimated 46,000 gene clusters. RESULTS We identified statistically significant gene expression signatures that characterize HP and IPF. The HP gene expression signature was enriched for genes that are functionally associated with inflammation, T-cell activation, and immune responses, whereas the IPF signature was characterized by the expression of tissue remodeling, epithelial, and myofibroblast genes. We then compared these gene expression signatures to classify NSIP, a histologic pattern that is often difficult to differentiate consistently from HP and IPF. Two cases exhibited an IPF-like gene expression, another one could be more properly classified as HP, whereas others did not resemble HP or IPF, suggesting that they may represent idiopathic NSIP. CONCLUSIONS Our results underscore the value of gene expression signatures to classify the interstitial lung diseases and to understand pathogenic mechanisms, and suggest new ways to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with these diseases.
L-NMMA (a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) is effective in the treatment of cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND The objective was to assess the safety and efficacy of L-NMMA in the treatment of cardiogenic shock. METHODS We enrolled 11 consecutive patients with cardiogenic shock that persisted after >24 hours from admission, despite coronary catheterization and primary percutaneous transluminal coronary revascularization, when feasible, and treatment with mechanical ventilation, intraaortic balloon pump (IABP), and high doses of catecholamines. L-NMMA was administered as an IV bolus of 1 mg/kg and continuous drip of 1 mg. kg(-1). h(-1) for 5 hours. Treatment with catecholamines, mechanical ventilation, and IABP was kept constant throughout the study. RESULTS Within 10 minutes of L-NMMA administration, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) increased from 76+/-9 to 109+/-22 mm Hg (+43%). Urine output increased within 5 hours from 63+/-25 to 156+/-63 cc/h (+148%). Cardiac index decreased during the steep increase in MAP from 2. 0+/-0.5 to 1.7+/-0.4 L/(min. m(2)) (-15%); however, it gradually increased to 1.85+/-0.4 L/(min. m(2)) after 5 hours. The heart rate and the wedge pressure remained stable. Twenty-four hours after L-NMMA discontinuation, MAP (+36%) and urine output (+189%) remained increased; however, cardiac index returned to pretreatment level. No adverse events were detected. Ten out of eleven patients could be weaned off mechanical ventilation and IABP. Eight patients were discharged from the coronary intensive care unit, and seven (64%) were alive at 1-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS L-NMMA administration in patients with cardiogenic shock is safe and has favorable clinical and hemodynamic effects.
An Achievable Region of Gaussian Wiretap Channel with Side Information

We have proved a coding theorem for the discrete memoryless wiretap channel with side information. Extending the result to the Gaussian case, an achievable rate equivocation region is given by using a strategy similar to Costa's method on dirty paper channel. In this paper, we propose an extended region for the Gaussian wiretap channel with side information. On the other hand, it is well known that, to yield the optimal rate, Costa only considers the situation when the codeword sent by the encoder is independent of side information. Here we will show that, for the wiretap channel, to yield higher rate with the same equivocation, it might be a better choice to send a codeword dependent of side information in some cases.
Trust management for widely distributed systems

In recent years, we have witnessed the evolutionary development of a new breed of distributed systems. Systems of this type share a number of characteristics highly decentralized, of Internet-grade scalability, and autonomous within their administrative domains. Most importantly, they are expected to operate collaboratively across both known and unknown domains. Prime examples include peer-to-peer applications and open web services. Typically, authorization in distributed systems is identity-based, e.g. access control lists. However, approaches based on predefined identities are unsuitable for the new breed of distributed systems because of the need to deal with unknown users, i.e. strangers, and the need to manage a potentially large number of users and/or resources. Furthermore, effective administration and management of authorization in such systems requires: (1) natural mapping of organizational policies into security policies; (2) managing collaboration of independently administered domains/organizations; (3) decentralization of security policies and policy enforcement. This thesis describes Fidelis, a trust management framework designed to address the authorization needs for the next-generation distributed systems. A trust management system is a term coined to refer to a unified framework for the specification of security policies, the representation of credentials, and the evaluation and enforcement of policy compliances. Based on the concept of trust conveyance and a generic abstraction for trusted information as trust statements, Fidelis provides a generic platform for building secure, trust-aware distributed applications. At the heart of the Fidelis framework is a language for the specification of security policies, the Fidelis Policy Language (FPL), and the inference model for evaluating policies expressed in FPL. With the policy language and its inference model, Fidelis is able to model recommendation-style policies and policies with arbitrarily complex chains of trust propagation. Web services have rapidly been gaining significance both in industry and research as a ubiquitous, next-generation middleware platform. The second half of the thesis describes the design and implementation of the Fidelis framework for the standard web service platform. The goal of this work is twofold: first, to demonstrate the practical feasibility of Fidelis, and second, to investigate the use of a policy-driven trust management framework for Internet-scale open systems. An important requirement in such systems is trust negotiation that allows unfamiliar principals to establish mutual trust and interact with confidence. Addressing this requirement, a trust negotiation framework built on top of Fidelis is developed. This thesis examines the application of Fidelis in three distinctive domains: implementing generic role-based access control, trust management in the World Wide Web, and an electronic marketplace comprising unfamiliar and untrusted but collaborative organizations.
Elastic Moduli of Electrodeposited Metal Thin Films Measured by Digital Image Correlation Method

Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio of electrodeposited metal thin films were calculated by applying the digital image correlation technique. The microstructure of copper thin films was also analyzed by using the electron backscatter diffraction method. First, a program that can calculate sub-pixel displacement was created and a precision stage was used to check its accuracy. Next, tension tests were performed on two metal plates and the program was used to calculate the elastic moduli of the plate materials. The validity of the results was confirmed by comparing the results with those obtained with an electrical strain gage. Finally, the elastic moduli of electrodeposited copper and nickel films were calculated in the same manner. It was clarified that the Young’s modulus of the metal thin films was quite small compared with that of the bulk materials. This result is likely due to the difference in microstructure between bulk materials and electrodeposited thin films.
Time dependent analysis for composite steel-concrete beams with innovative deep trapezoidal decks

Composite steel-concrete beams are becoming increasingly popular in multi-storey buildings due to their high span/depth ratios, reduced deflections and increased stiffness values. However, their performance is highly dependent on the load-slip characteristics of shear connectors. More recently, trapezoidal profiled slabs are becoming increasingly more popular for high-rise buildings when compared with solid slabs because they can achieve large spans with little or no propping and they require less concrete and plywood formwork. When concrete creep and shrinkage are considered, the deformation will increase with time. When the creep and shrinkage behaviour of the concrete is considered, the factors affecting the shear connection are the stiffness and strength of shear connectors and the stiffness and strength of the surrounding concrete. The strength of concrete is reduced according to time due to creep and shrinkage. This paper presents two series of push test studies. The experimental studies consisted the testing of eight push test specimens. The first series of experiments were the short-term behaviour of headed stud shear connectors in solid and profile steel sheeting slab. The second series of experiments were similar to the first series, but long-term behaviours were taken into account for both solid and profiled steel sheeting slabs.
The A1 allele at the D2 dopamine receptor gene and alcoholism. A reappraisal.

OBJECTIVE An allelic association between the TaqI "A" system A1 allele at the D2 dopamine receptor locus (DRD2) and either alcoholism or severe alcoholism has been proposed. Our purpose was to evaluate whether, based on all of the accumulated evidence, this association could be considered to be proven. DATA SOURCES We considered data from all published reports of DRD2 allele frequency in alcoholics, controls, or both. STUDY SELECTION We concentrated on the issue of replication. We therefore considered all data reported (on white samples, because DRD2 allele frequency varies by race and ethnicity) since the first report by Blum et al in 1990. DATA SYNTHESIS We analyzed the set of data for differences in allele frequencies between alcoholics and controls, and for heterogeneity among samples. We also investigated the influence of the data from the first group to report an association (including a subsequent report from that group) on the findings. Our analysis shows that, when all studies subsequent to the original study are considered, there is no significant difference in DRD2 A1 allele frequency between alcoholics and controls, there is significant heterogeneity among reported alcoholics and reported controls, and there is no significant difference in DRD2 A1 allele frequency between severe and not severe alcoholics. Also, the two reports of Blum et al account for all of the (nonsignificant) differences seen between controls, alcoholics, and severe alcoholics. CONCLUSIONS In general, heterogeneity among studies (for alcoholics or controls) is considerably greater than differences between alcoholics and controls overall. The findings to date can best be explained by more conservative interpretations than a confirmed physiologically important allelic association between DRD2 alleles and alcoholism. These other possibilities include sampling error and ethnic variation in those studies that individually showed a large effect.
Canadian credentialing guidelines for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

A series of credentialing guidelines for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed in the management of adult patients has been developed by the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) Endoscopy Committee. After review, the guidelines were approved by the Clinical Affairs Committee and endorsed by the Executive Board. In the present article, the CAG suggests specific guidelines for credentialing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). It is intended to be read in conjunction with the introductory article that outlines the principles of credentialing (1). The CAG does not credential individuals for endoscopic procedures; that is the responsibility of the endoscopist’s local institution or facility. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide a framework that will allow organizations to assess the training and competence of applicants to perform ERCP, as part of the credentialing process for the granting of privileges. ERCP is an advanced endoscopic procedure that is used for the management of many pancreaticobiliary conditions. It is one of the most technically demanding and highest-risk procedures performed by endoscopists. Therefore, it requires comprehensive training and experience to perform competently. The CAG credentialing criteria for ERCP apply to the investigation of adult patients, aged 18 years or older; the basic principles also apply to ERCP in pediatric patients but, because the number of procedures required to achieve and maintain competence may differ, guidance on credentialing for pediatric endoscopy is considered to be the responsibility of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. Dr Jonathon Springer
Prizes, Groups and Pivotal Voting in a Poisson Voting Game

We model elections between two parties in a Poisson random population of voters (Myerson 1998, 2000). In addition to offering different policy benefits, parties offer contingent prizes to those identifiable groups of voters that offer the highest level of political support. In large populations, voters are only likely to influence the electoral outcome when the vote share between two parties is perfectly equal and even then their influence on the outcome is small. In contrast voters retain significant influence over the distribution of prizes even in lopsided elections. Equilibrium behavior is driven by voters competing to win preferential treatment for their group and not by policy concerns. The results address variance in turnout in elections, political rewards and the persistence of dominant parties even when they are popularly perceived as inferior.
Assessment of Fracture Properties of Emulsified Asphalt Mixtures

ABSTRACT This paper presents an investigation into factors affecting the fracture properties of a cold-laid material used as base or binder course on medium to lightly trafficked roads. The Semi-Circular Bending beam test has been used to study the effect of temperature and rate of loading on the fracture properties, expressed as fracture toughness and fracture energy, of the cold-laid material in mode I. A Hot Mix Equivalent mixture was used in the study comprising the same aggregates and base binder. An immersion regime adopting vacuum moisture saturation was undertaken to assess the effect of ingested moisture on the measured fracture properties. At −10 and −20°C, the fracture toughness of the cold material was almost independent of temperature. At—20°C, the fracture energy of the cold and hot materials were almost equal irrespective of loading rate. The cold mixture attained reasonably high retained fracture toughness upon vacuum moisture saturation.
Validity and Reliability of the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale (2nd Edition): Youth Rating Scale

Objective: This article reports findings of three studies addressing convergent validity and test-retest reliability of the Youth Rating Scale of the Behavioral and Emotional Rating Scale-Second Edition (BERS-2). Method: Pearson product-moment correlations were used in all three studies, the first two addressing convergent validity and the third addressing test-retest reliability. Results: Analysis indicated that (a) the six BERS-2 subscales and overall strength index were generally highly positively correlated with the social skills composite score from the Social Skills Rating System-Student Form (Secondary Level, Grades 7 to 12), (b) the BERS-2 subscales and strength index were generally moderately negatively correlated with the Problem scales of Achenbach’s Youth Self-Report, and (c) test-retest reliability coefficients over a 1-week period were all above . 80. Conclusions: Results provide evidence that the BERS-2 Youth Rating Scale has acceptable psychometric properties and may be considered for use by social work practitioners in assessment and intervention activities.
Heliox-Driven Nebulization Has a Positive Effect on the Lung Function in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Rat Model

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that severely threatens people’s health. This study aimed to investigate the effects of heliox-driven nebulization (HDN) on lung function and arterial blood gases in a COPD rat model. Material/Methods Twelve healthy male Wistar rats were selected as controls and 34 rats were used to establish a COPD model induced by lipopolysaccharide. Then 6 rats each from the control and model groups were selected for their symptoms to be observed. The remaining 6 normal rats were used as control group (group A) and the remaining 28 experimental COPD rats were randomly assigned to 4 groups: experimental COPD group (group B), medical oxygen group (group C), and heliox groups (group D, He/O2=63%/37%; group E, He/O2=71%/29%). The lung function indicators and arterial blood gases were analyzed to evaluate the effects of different driving gases on COPD rats. Results The COPD model was successfully established with slow growth and severe lung dysfunction. Inspiratory resistance, expiratory resistance, and forced expiratory volume at 0.10 s (FEV0.10)/FVC were significantly decreased, whereas dynamic lung compliance was significantly increased in groups D and E, compared with the experimental COPD group (group B; P<0.05). Meanwhile, compared with the model group, the values of partial pressure of carbon dioxide in arterial blood were significantly higher, whereas the potential of hydrogen values were significantly lower after atomization in groups C and D but not in group E (P<0.05). The obvious increase in arterial oxygen saturation was found only in group E (P<0.05). Conclusions HDN improved the lung function and arterial blood gas analysis results in experimental COPD rats, with an optimal percentage of He/O2=71%/29%.
Quantum Homomorphic Encryption for Polynomial-Sized Circuits

We present a new scheme for quantum homomorphic encryption which is compact and allows for efficient evaluation of arbitrary polynomial-sized quantum circuits. Building on the framework of Broadbent and Jeffery and recent results in the area of instantaneous non-local quantum computation, we show how to construct quantum gadgets that allow perfect correction of the errors which occur during the homomorphic evaluation of T gates on encrypted quantum data. Our scheme can be based on any classical (leveled) fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) scheme and requires no computational assumptions besides those already used by the classical scheme. The size of our quantum gadget depends on the space complexity of the classical decryption function -- which aligns well with the current efforts to minimize the complexity of the decryption function. Our scheme (or slight variants of it) offers a number of additional advantages such as ideal compactness, the ability to supply gadgets "on demand", circuit privacy for the evaluator against passive adversaries, and a three-round scheme for blind delegated quantum computation which puts only very limited demands on the quantum abilities of the client.
Diversity-Multiplexing Tradeoff in Cooperative Multiple Access Channels

Cooperative transmission schemes can offer benefits in terms of diversity and multiplexing gain compared with conventional direct transmission by forming a virtual antenna array. In this paper, a spectrally efficient strategy is proposed for cooperative multiple access channels in a centralized communication environment with N users. With help of superposition coding, the deteriorating effect of cooperative communication on the data rate is effectively suppressed since relaying transmission does not consume extra channel use. By carefully categorizing the outage events, the diversity-multiplexing tradeoff can be obtained, which shows that the proposed strategy can achieve optimal tradeoff for multiplexing gains 0 les r les 1 whereas the compared cooperative scheme is only optimal for 0 les r les 1/N.