Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On fractal way of checking data storage integrity in cloud storage

Remote Data Possession (RDP) is a technique to en-sure integrity of the data stored in cloud storage. The first RDP scheme proposed, which is very efficient in communication and storage and it does computation in the storage side without retrieving it. However the scheme needs lot of computational operations. During the hash computation initialization, it takes one group operation to create a tag per block of storage. In each verification, many group computations are required to generate a proof. This paper proposed an efficient RDP method which is efficient computational complexity has the similar communication and storage complexity. During the server hash configuration stage, no expensive group exponentiations are required. In each computation phase, only limited group computations are required to generate a proof.
Evaluation of Field Map and Nonlinear Registration Methods for Correction of Susceptibility Artifacts in Diffusion MRI

Correction of echo planar imaging (EPI)-induced distortions (called “unwarping”) improves anatomical fidelity for diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and functional imaging investigations. Commonly used unwarping methods require the acquisition of supplementary images during the scanning session. Alternatively, distortions can be corrected by nonlinear registration to a non-EPI acquired structural image. In this study, we compared reliability using two methods of unwarping: (1) nonlinear registration to a structural image using symmetric normalization (SyN) implemented in Advanced Normalization Tools (ANTs); and (2) unwarping using an acquired field map. We performed this comparison in two different test-retest data sets acquired at differing sites (N = 39 and N = 32). In both data sets, nonlinear registration provided higher test-retest reliability of the output fractional anisotropy (FA) maps than field map-based unwarping, even when accounting for the effect of interpolation on the smoothness of the images. In general, field map-based unwarping was preferable if and only if the field maps were acquired optimally.
Enhancing cooperative coevolution for large scale optimization by adaptively constructing surrogate models

It has been shown that cooperative coevolution (CC) can effectively deal with large scale optimization problems (LSOPs) through a divide-and-conquer strategy. However, its performance is severely restricted by the current context-vector-based sub-solution evaluation method because this method requires too many computation resources. To alleviate this issue, this study proposes an adaptive surrogate model assisted CC framework which adaptively constructs surrogate models for different sub-problems by fully considering their characteristics. By this means, the computation cost could be greatly reduced without significantly sacrificing evaluation quality. Empirical studies on IEEE CEC 2010 large scale benchmark suit show that the concrete algorithm based on this framework performs well.
Analysis of plasma sheath channel characteristics based on the shock tube experiment

The plasma sheath channel has a serious impact on the propagation of electromagnetic waves, resulting in the radio blackout problem in aerospace communications. In existing studies, the plasma sheath channel characteristics are analyzed based on computer simulations, lack of real-world experimental verification. Thereby, these studies failed to fully demonstrate the high-dynamics of the plasma sheath channel. In this paper, an experimental communication system based on the shock tube is proposed to investigate the plasma sheath channel. Then, the characteristics of the plasma sheath channel are analyzed based on the experimental results. In particular, the high-dynamic and fast time-varying channel characteristics are verified by analyzing the signal amplitude, signal phase shift and the coherence time. Finally, we show an example of using the presented channel characteristics. A non-stationary signal segmentation method is proposed based on the reversible jump Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, which is applicable to the plasma sheath channel signal segmentation.
Effects of long-term high CO 2 exposure on two species of coccolithophores

The physiological performance of two coc- colithophore species, Emiliania huxleyi and Coccolithus braarudii, was investigated during long-term exposure to elevated pCO2 levels. Mono-specific cultures were grown over 152 (E. huxleyi) and 65 (C. braarudii) generations while pCO2 was gradually increased to maximum levels of 1150 µatm (E. huxleyi) and 930 µatm (C. braarudii) and kept constant thereafter. Rates of cell growth and cell quotas of particulate organic carbon (POC), particulate inorganic car- bon (PIC) and total particulate nitrogen (TPN) were deter- mined repeatedly throughout the incubation period. Increas- ing pCO2 caused a decrease in cell growth rate of 9% and 29% in E. huxleyi and C. braarudii, respectively. In both species cellular PIC:TPN and PIC:POC ratios decreased in response to rising pCO2, whereas no change was observed in the POC:TPN ratios of E. huxleyi and C. braarudii. These results are consistent with those obtained in shorter-term high CO2 exposure experiments following abrupt pertuba- tions of the seawater carbonate system and indicate that for the strains tested here a gradual CO2 increase does not alle- viate CO2/pH sensitivity.
Social networks and sexual orientation disparities in tobacco and alcohol use.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to examine whether the composition of social networks contributes to sexual orientation disparities in substance use and misuse. METHOD Data were obtained from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), a nationally representative cohort study of adolescents (N = 20,745). Wave 1 collected extensive information about the social networks of participants through peer nomination inventories. RESULTS Same- and both-sex-attracted youths had higher frequency/quantity of tobacco use in their peer networks than did opposite-sex-attracted youths, and both-sex-attracted youths had higher frequency/quantity of alcohol use and misuse in their peer networks than opposite-sex-attracted youths. Among same- and both-sex-attracted youths, greater frequency/quantity of tobacco use in one's social network predicted greater use of cigarettes. In addition, greater frequency/quantity of peers' drinking and drinking to intoxication predicted more alcohol use and alcohol misuse in the both-sex-attracted group. These social network factors mediated sexual orientation-related disparities in tobacco use for both- and same-sex-attracted youths. Moreover, sexual orientation disparities in alcohol misuse were mediated by social network characteristics for the same-sex and both-sex-attracted youths. Importantly, sexual minority adolescents were no more likely to have other sexual minorities in their social networks than were sexual majority youths, ruling out an alternative explanation for our results. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the importance of social networks as correlates of substance use behaviors among sexual minority youths and as potential pathways explaining sexual orientation disparities in substance use outcomes.
Vesicular Polyamine Transporter Mediates Vesicular Storage and Release of Polyamine from Mast Cells*

Mast cells are secretory cells that play an important role in host defense by discharging various intragranular contents, such as histamine and serotonin, upon stimulation of Fc receptors. The granules also contain spermine and spermidine, which can act as modulators of mast cell function, although the mechanism underlying vesicular storage remains unknown. Vesicular polyamine transporter (VPAT), the fourth member of the SLC18 transporter family, is an active transporter responsible for vesicular storage of spermine and spermidine in neurons. In the present study, we investigated whether VPAT functions in mast cells. RT-PCR and Western blotting indicated VPAT expression in murine bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). Immunohistochemical analysis indicated that VPAT is colocalized with VAMP3 but not with histamine, serotonin, cathepsin D, VAMP2, or VAMP7. Membrane vesicles from BMMCs accumulated spermidine upon the addition of ATP in a reserpine- and bafilomycin A1-sensitive manner. BMMCs secreted spermine and spermidine upon the addition of either antigen or A23187 in the presence of Ca2+, and the antigen-mediated release, which was shown to be temperature-dependent and sensitive to bafilomycin A1 and tetanus toxin, was significantly suppressed by VPAT gene RNA interference. Under these conditions, expression of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 was unaffected, but antigen-dependent histamine release was significantly suppressed, which was recovered by the addition of 1 mm spermine. These results strongly suggest that VPAT is expressed and is responsible for vesicular storage of spermine and spermidine in novel secretory granules that differ from histamine- and serotonin-containing granules and is involved in vesicular release of these polyamines from mast cells.
Dual Circular-Polarized SIW-Fed High-Gain Scalable Antenna Array for 60 GHz Applications

In this paper, a dual circularly polarized high-gain scalable antenna array is proposed for the 60 GHz applications. The array consists of cross-slot-coupled cavity-backed square patch antenna elements fed by a novel substrate-integrated waveguide network. In our design, the two polarizations share the common radiating element and feed network so that they exhibit similar performance in terms of bandwidth, gain, and radiation patterns for both polarizations. An $8 \times 8$ element array is designed to demonstrate its function, and the simulated data exhibit an overlapped bandwidth (SWR < 2, 3 dB down gain bandwidth and AR < 3 dB) of approximately 23%, a gain up to 25.8 dBic for both ports, and a port-to-Port isolation larger than 14 dB. Good unidirectional and symmetrical radiation patterns are observed. A prototype is fabricated, and the measured results agree with the simulated ones with acceptable disparities. The reported structure is built by the conventional printed circuit board technology which is cost effective. With these advantages, the proposed scalable antenna design is a good candidate for millimeter-wave wireless communications.
Nectar and Pollen Phytochemicals Stimulate Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Immunity to Viral Infection

Abstract Parasites and pathogens are implicated in honey bee colony losses, and honey bees may also spread infection to wild pollinators. Bees consume nectar and pollen, which contain phytochemicals that can positively or negatively affect pollinator health. Certain phytochemicals can reduce parasite loads in humans and other animals. Understanding how phytochemicals affect honey bee infection and survival could help identify optimal forage sources and phytochemical treatments to ameliorate disease. We fed honey bees seven dietary phytochemicals to evaluate whether phytochemical consumption would treat preexisting infection in mature bees, or mitigate infection in young bees either inside or outside of their colonies. Phytochemicals were generally well-tolerated at levels documented in nectar, honey, and pollen, although clove oil and thymol increased mortality at high doses. Six of seven tested phytochemicals significantly increased antimicrobial peptide expression by 12.9 to 61-fold in older bees after 7 d consumption. Short-term (<24 h) phytochemical consumption reduced levels of Deformed wing virus (DWV) up to 500-fold in young bees released into field colonies. However, with the exception of high-dose clove oil, our phytochemical treatments did not alter infection with Lotmaria passim or Nosema ceranae. Phytochemicals also lacked antiviral effects for pollen-deprived bees reared outside the colony. Our results suggest that phytochemicals have potential therapeutic value for honey bees infected with DWV. Short-term phytochemical consumption may be sufficient to confer benefits against infection. Phytochemical concentrations that reduced disease were comparable with naturally occurring floral concentrations, suggesting that flowers could serve as seasonally varied, serially consumed pollinator medicines.
Pregnancy outcomes among African–American patients with systemic lupus erythematosus compared with controls

Objective In a study of Gullah African–Americans, we compared pregnancy outcomes before and after systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) diagnosis to controls to test whether there is a predisease state that negativelyaffects pregnancy outcomes. Design Cases and controls reporting at least one pregnancy were included. Controls were all Gullah African-American females. We collected demographic, socioeconomic and pregnancy data. We modelled pregnancy outcome associations with case status using multiple logistic regression to calculate ORs. Results After adjustment for age, years of education, medical coverage and pregnancy number, compared with controls, cases were more likely to have any adverse outcome (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.78 to 3.10), including stillbirth (OR 4.55, 95% CI 1.53 to 13.50), spontaneous abortion (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.40 to 3.00), preterm birth (OR 2.58, 95% CI 1.58 to 4.20), low birth weight (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.61 to 4.34) and preeclampsia (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.01). The odds of adverse pregnancy outcomes all increased after SLE diagnosis compared with before diagnosis, even after adjustment for age, years of education, pregnancy number and medical coverage. Conclusion From a large cohort of African–American women, our findings suggest there may be a predisease state that predisposes to adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Fear and Logging in the Internet of Things

—As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to proliferate, diagnosing incorrect behavior within increasingly-automated homes becomes considerably more difﬁcult. Devices and apps may be chained together in long sequences of trigger-action rules to the point that from an observable symptom (e.g., an unlocked door) it may be impossible to identify the distantly removed root cause (e.g., a malicious app). This is because, at present, IoT audit logs are siloed on individual devices, and hence cannot be used to reconstruct the causal relationships of complex workﬂows. In this work, we present ProvThings, a platform-centric approach to centralized auditing in the Internet of Things. ProvThings performs efﬁcient automated instrumentation of IoT apps and device APIs in order to generate data provenance that provides a holistic explanation of system activities, including malicious behaviors. We prototype ProvThings for the Samsung SmartThings platform, and benchmark the efﬁcacy of our approach against a corpus of 26 IoT attacks. Through the introduction of a selective code instrumentation optimization, we demonstrate in evaluation that ProvThings imposes just 5% overhead on physical IoT devices while enabling real time querying of system behaviors, and further consider how ProvThings can be leveraged to meet the needs of a variety of stakeholders in the IoT ecosystem.
Motivating Mothers to Recommend Their 20-Year-Old Daughters Receive Cervical Cancer Screening: A Randomized Study

Background In Japan, the rate of cervical cancer screening is remarkably low, especially among women in their twenties and thirties, when cervical cancer is now increasing dramatically. The aim of this study was to test whether a modified government reminder for 20-year-old women to engage in cervical cancer screening, acting through maternal education and by asking for a maternal recommendation to the daughter to receive the screening, could increase their participation rate. Methods In two Japanese cities, 20-year-old girls who had not received their first cervical cancer screening before October of fiscal year 2014 were randomized into two study arms. One group of 1,274 received only a personalized daughter-directed reminder leaflet for cervical cancer screening. In the second group of 1,274, the daughters and their mothers received a combination package containing the same reminder leaflet as did the first group, plus an additional informational leaflet for the mother, which requested that the mother recommend that her daughter undergo cervical cancer screening. The subsequent post-reminder screening rates of these two study arms were compared. Results The cervical cancer screening rate of 20-year-old women whose mothers received the information leaflet was significantly higher than that for women who received only a leaflet for themselves (11% vs 9%, P = 0.0049). Conclusions An intervention with mothers, by sending them a cervical cancer information leaflet with a request that they recommend that their daughter receive cervical cancer screening, significantly improved their daughters’ screening rate.
Influence of Burn Injury on Activity Participation of Children

Children with physical disabilities show limitations in the frequency of participation in activities and in the range of activities, such as play and recreation, chores, and social involvement, compared to their able-bodied peers. The Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE) is a standardized assessment which evaluates a child’s participation in, enjoyment of, and preferences for formal and informal activities other than school activities. In this study, the CAPE was used to evaluate activity participation of children with burns to provide an understanding of the impact of the injury on their participation in activity. The results provided preliminary information that burn injury can affect the activity participation of children. The children in this study were found to participate more in informal domain activities than formal domain, yet enjoyment scores were higher for formal domain activities. It was found that children with burn injury do not participate in social activities as much as children with other physical limitations, but they scored highest in these for enjoyment. In addition, they participate more in activities at home than outside the home. Increased awareness of activity participation of children with burns can guide healthcare professionals toward appropriate interventions and help parents increase participation in desired activities to improve the children’s positive adjustment and quality of life. Intervention needs to address all aspects of activity participation, particularly for domain, types of activities, and where they are done. These considerations add another dimension to the care required for children with burn injury.
FTA Cards for Preservation of Nucleic Acids for Molecular Assays: A Review on the Use of Cytologic/Tissue Samples.

CONTEXT - Traditional methods for storing histologic and cytologic specimens for future use in molecular assays have consisted of either snap-freezing with cryopreservation or formalin-fixing, paraffin-embedding the samples. Although snap-freezing with cryopreservation is recommended for better preservation of nucleic acids, the infrastructure and space required for archiving impose challenges for high-volume pathology laboratories. Cost-effective, long-term storage at room temperature; relatively easy shipment; and standardized handling can be achieved with formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples, but formalin fixation induces fragmentation and chemical modification of nucleic acids. Advances in next-generation sequencing platforms, coupled with an increase in diagnostic, prognostic, and predictive molecular biomarkers have created a demand for high-quality nucleic acids. To address issues of the quality of nucleic acid and logistics in sample acquisition, alternatives for specimen preservation and long-term storage have been described and include novel universal tissue fixatives, stabilizers, and technologies. OBJECTIVE - To collect, retrieve, and review information from studies describing the use of nucleic acids recovered from cytologic/tissue specimens stored on Flinders Technology Associates (FTA, GE Whatman, Maidstone, Kent, United Kingdom) cards for downstream molecular applications. DATA SOURCES - An electronic literature search in the PubMed (National Center for Biotechnology Information, Bethesda, Maryland) database allowed the selection of manuscripts addressing the use of FTA cards for storage of cytologic samples for molecular analysis. Only articles published in English were retrieved. CONCLUSIONS - The use of FTA cards is a versatile method for fostering multicenter, international collaborations and clinical trials that require centralized testing, long-distance shipment, and high-quality nucleic acids for molecular techniques. Studies with controlled temperature are required to test the quality of recovered RNA after long-term storage.
Hairy Search Trees

Random search trees have the property that their depth depends on the order in which they are built. They have to be balanced in order to obtain a more efficient storage-and-retrieval data structure. Balancing a search tree is time consuming. This explains the popularity of data structures which approximate a balanced tree but have lower amortized balancing costs, such as AVL trees, Fibonacci trees and 2-3 trees. The algorithms for maintaining these data structures efficiently are complex and hard to derive. This observation has led to insertion algorithms that perform local balancing around the newly inserted node, without backtracking on the search path. This is also called a fringe heuristic. The resulting class of trees is referred to as 1-locally balanced trees, in this note referred to as hairy trees. In this note a simple analysis of their behaviour is provided.
The Dimeric Architecture of Checkpoint Kinases Mec1ATR and Tel1ATM Reveal a Common Structural Organization*

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related protein kinases are key regulators controlling a wide range of cellular events. The yeast Tel1 and Mec1·Ddc2 complex (ATM and ATR-ATRIP in humans) play pivotal roles in DNA replication, DNA damage signaling, and repair. Here, we present the first structural insight for dimers of Mec1·Ddc2 and Tel1 using single-particle electron microscopy. Both kinases reveal a head to head dimer with one major dimeric interface through the N-terminal HEAT (named after Huntingtin, elongation factor 3, protein phosphatase 2A, and yeast kinase TOR1) repeat. Their dimeric interface is significantly distinct from the interface of mTOR complex 1 dimer, which oligomerizes through two spatially separate interfaces. We also observe different structural organizations of kinase domains of Mec1 and Tel1. The kinase domains in the Mec1·Ddc2 dimer are located in close proximity to each other. However, in the Tel1 dimer they are fully separated, providing potential access of substrates to this kinase, even in its dimeric form.