Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optimal Repair of Reed-Solomon Codes: Achieving the Cut-Set Bound

The repair problem for an (n, k) error-correcting code calls for recovery of an unavailable coordinate of the codeword by downloading as little information as possible from a subset of the remaining coordinates. Using the terminology motivated by coding in distributed storage, we attempt to repair a failed node by accessing information stored on d helper nodes, where k &#x227C; d &#x227C; n &#x2013; 1, and using as little repair bandwidth as possible to recover the lost information.By the so-called cut-set bound (Dimakis et al., 2010), the repair bandwidth of an (n,k = n &#x2013; r) MDS code using d helper nodes is at least dl/(d + 1 &#x2013; k), where l is the size of the node. A number of constructions of MDS array codes have been shown to meet this bound with equality. In a related but separate line of work, Guruswami and Wootters (2016) studied repair of Reed-Solomon (RS) codes, showing that it is possible to perform repair using a smaller bandwidth than under the trivial approach. At the same time, their work as well as follow-up papers stopped short of constructing RS codes (or any scalar MDS codes) that meet the cut-set bound with equality, which has been an open problem in coding theory.In this work we present a solution to this problem, constructing RS codes of length n over the field of size (ql, l = exp((1 + o(1)n log n) that meet the cut-set bound. We also prove an almost matching lower bound on l, showing that super-exponential scaling is both necessary and sufficient for achieving the cut-set bound using linear repair schemes. More precisely, we prove that for scalar MDS codes (including the RS codes) to meet this bound, the sub-packetization l must satisfy l &#x227D; exp((1 + o(1))k log k).
Informal recycling and occupational health in Santo André, Brazil

The collection of recyclables is a widespread activity among urban poor, particularly in countries with large socio-economic disparities. The health of recyclers is at risk because of unsafe working conditions, socio-economic exclusion, and stigmatization. Our study focuses on health problems and occupational risks of informal recyclers (in Brazil known as catadores). In 2005 we conducted an in-depth socio-economic survey of 48 informal waste collectors in Santo André, Brazil. Almost all workers reported body pain or soreness in the back, legs, shoulders, and arms. Injuries, particularly involving the hands, are frequent. Flu and bronchitis are common, and one recycler had contracted Hepatitis-B. Policy makers at all government levels need to address the pressing health issues affecting large numbers of informal recyclers in Brazil and abroad. Recyclers need to be involved in the design of waste management policies, and the public must be educated about the important environmental service these people provide.
Tuning Local Context Analysis for Farsi Documents

Farsi language is one of the dominant languages in middle-east. A lot of work has been done on Farsi retrieval systems. Local context analysis is a query expansion method to improve retrieval performance. In this paper we have tried to tune LCA for Farsi language. We used Hamshahri collection and 60 queries to tune three parameters in LCA method which are number of concepts used for query expansion, number of initially retrieved documents for local feedback and number of passages for concept discovery and weighting. The results reveal that there is a possible optimization point when 20 concepts are used; however, increasing the other two parameters which are number retrieved documents and number of passages used for local feedback almost always yields better results.
Binocular Rivalry and Motion Perception

In a series of experiments psychophysical techniques were used to study the relation between binocular rivalry and motion perception. An initial series of experiments confirmed that motion enhances the predominance of an eye during rivalry, although the direction of motion does not matter. The presence of an annulus of motion immediately surrounding one eye's rival target greatly enhances dominance of that target, but the influence of the annulus progressively decreases as the separation between disk and annulus increased. Opponent directions of motion in disk and annulus yield greater dominance than when dots in the disk and annulus moved in identical directions. In a second experiment the two eyes were adapted to orthogonal directions of motion, generating strong, distinctively different monocular motion aftereffects (MAEs). Even though the two eyes view physically identical random-motion displays following differential adaptation, binocular rivalry of the discrepant MAEs can occur. Finally, using a stimulus replacement technique to measure detectability of translational and rotational motion, it was found that both types of motion were readily detected during periods of dominance but went undetected during periods of suppression. Taken together, these results bear on the process responsible for rivalry and its neural locus relative to the analysis of different types of motion.
MUSTN1 mRNA Abundance and Protein Localization is Greatest in Muscle Tissues of Chinese Meat-Quality Chickens

The Mustang, Musculoskeletal Temporally Activated Novel-1 Gene (MUSTN1) plays an important role in regulating musculoskeletal development in mammals. We evaluated the developmental and tissue-specific regulation of MUSTN1 mRNA and protein abundance in Erlang Mountainous (EM) chickens. Results indicated that MUSTN1 mRNA/protein was expressed in most tissues with especially high expression in heart and skeletal muscle. The MUSTN1 protein localized to the nucleus in myocardium and skeletal muscle fibers. There were significant differences in mRNA and protein abundance among tissues, ages and between males and females. In conclusion, MUSTN1 was expressed the greatest in skeletal muscle where it localized to the nucleus. Thus, in chickens MUSTN1 may play a vital role in muscle development.
Scalable Greedy Feature Selection via Weak Submodularity

Greedy algorithms are widely used for problems in machine learning such as feature selection and set function optimization. Unfortunately, for large datasets, the running time of even greedy algorithms can be quite high. This is because for each greedy step we need to refit a model or calculate a function using the previously selected choices and the new candidate. Two algorithms that are faster approximations to the greedy forward selection were introduced recently ([Mirzasoleiman et al. 2013, 2015]). They achieve better performance by exploiting distributed computation and stochastic evaluation respectively. Both algorithms have provable performance guarantees for submodular functions. In this paper we show that divergent from previously held opinion, submodularity is not required to obtain approximation guarantees for these two algorithms. Specifically, we show that a generalized concept of weak submodularity suffices to give multiplicative approximation guarantees. Our result extends the applicability of these algorithms to a larger class of functions. Furthermore, we show that a bounded submodularity ratio can be used to provide data dependent bounds that can sometimes be tighter also for submodular functions. We empirically validate our work by showing superior performance of fast greedy approximations versus several established baselines on artificial and real datasets.
Collaborative Regulation of Development but Independent Control of Metabolism by Two Epidermis-specific Transcription Factors in Caenorhabditis elegans*

Background: NHR-25 and ELT-3 are required for development but not for initial specification of epidermis in C. elegans. Results: Genome-wide in vivo targets of NHR-25 are identified. Conclusion: NHR-25 and ELT-3 collaboratively regulate development but differentially control metabolism of epidermis. Significance: The results provide insight into how tissue-specific transcription factors enforce cell fate specification initiated by its master regulator. Cell fate specification is typically initiated by a master regulator, which is relayed by tissue-specific regulatory proteins (usually transcription factors) for further enforcement of cell identities, but how the factors are coordinated among each other to “finish up” the specification remains poorly understood. Caenorhabditis elegans epidermis specification is initiated by a master regulator, ELT-1, that activates its targets, NHR-25 and ELT-3, two epidermis-specific transcription factors that are important for development but not for initial specification of epidermis, thus providing a unique paradigm for illustrating how the tissue-specific regulatory proteins work together to enforce cell fate specification. Here we addressed the question through contrasting genome-wide in vivo binding targets between NHR-25 and ELT-3. We demonstrate that the two factors bind discrete but conserved DNA motifs, most of which remain in proximity, suggesting formation of a complex between the two. In agreement with this, gene ontology analysis of putative target genes suggested differential regulation of metabolism but coordinated control of epidermal development between the two factors, which is supported by quantitative analysis of expression of their specific or common targets in the presence or absence of either protein. Functional validation of a subset of the target genes showed both activating and inhibitory roles of NHR-25 and ELT-3 in regulating their targets. We further demonstrated differential control of specification of AB and C lineage-derived epidermis. The results allow us to assemble a comprehensive gene network underlying C. elegans epidermis development that is likely to be widely used across species and provides insights into how tissue-specific transcription factors coordinate with one another to enforce cell fate specification initiated by its master regulator.
A novel promoter-tethering element regulates enhancer-driven gene expression at the bithorax complex in the Drosophila embryo

A key question in our understanding of the cis-regulation of gene expression during embryonic development has been the molecular mechanism that directs enhancers to specific promoters within a gene complex. Promoter competition and insulators are thought to play a role in regulating these interactions. In the bithorax complex of Drosophila, the IAB5 enhancer is located 55 kb 3′ of the Abdominal-B (Abd-B) promoter and 48 kb 5′ of the abdominal-A (abd-A) promoter. Although roughly equidistant from the two promoters, IAB5 specifically interacts only with the Abdominal-B promoter, even though the enhancer and promoter are separated by at least two insulators. Here we demonstrate that a 255 bp element, located 40 bp 5′ of the Abd-B transcriptional start site, has a novel cis-regulatory activity as it is able to tether IAB5 to the Abd-B promoter in transgenic embryos. The tethering element is sufficient to direct IAB5 to an ectopic promoter in competition assays. Deletion of the promoter-tethering element results in the redirection of enhancer-driven gene expression on transgenes. Taken together, these results provide evidence that specific long-range enhancer-promoter interactions in the bithorax complex are regulated by a tethering element 5′ of the Abd-B promoter. We discuss a bioinformatic analysis of the tethering element across different Drosophila species and a possible molecular mechanism by which this element functions. We also examine existing evidence that this novel class of cis-regulatory elements might regulate enhancer-promoter specificity at other gene complexes.
ST radar observations of atmospheric waves over mountainous areas : a review

Lee and mountain waves are dominant dynamic processes in the atmosphere above mountain areas. ST VHF radars had been intensively used to investigate these wave processes. These studies are summarized in this work. After discussing features of long-period quasi-stationary lee waves, attention is drawn to the frequent occurrence of freely propagating waves of shorter periods, which seem to be more common and characteristic for wave processes generated over mountainous areas. Characteristics of these waves such as their relation to the topography and background winds, the possibility of trapping by and breaking in the tropopause region and their propagation into the stratosphere is investigated. These orographically produced waves transport energy and momentum into the troposphere and stratosphere, which is considered an important contribution to the kinetic energy of the lower atmosphere. The occurrence of inertia-gravity waves in the stratosphere had been confused with lee waves, which is discussed in conclusion. Finally further questions on mountain and lee waves are drawn up, which remain to be solved and where investigations with ST radars could play a fundamental role.
Genome Structure and Expression of the ev/J Family of Avian Endogenous Viruses

ABSTRACT We recently reported the identification of sequences in the chicken genome that show over 95% identity to the novel envelope gene of the subgroup J avian leukosis virus (S. J. Benson, B. L. Ruis, A. M. Fadly, and K. F. Conklin, J. Virol. 72:10157–10164, 1998). Based on the fact that the endogenous subgroup J-related env genes were associated with long terminal repeats (LTRs), we concluded that these LTR-env sequences defined a new family of avian endogenous viruses that we designated the ev/J family. In this report, we have further characterized the content and expression of the ev/J proviruses. The data obtained indicate that there are between 6 and 11 copies of ev/J proviruses in all chicken cells examined and that these proviruses fall into six classes. Of the 18 proviruses examined, all share a high degree of sequence identity and all contain an internal deletion that removes all of thepol gene and various amounts of gag andenv gene sequences. Sequencing of the gaggenes, LTRs, and untranslated regions of several ev/J proviruses revealed a high level of identity between isolates, indicating that they have not undergone significant sequence variation since their introduction into the avian germ line. Although the ev/Jgag gene showed a relatively weak relationship (46% identity and 61% similarity at the amino acid level) to that of the avian leukosis-sarcoma virus family, it retains several sequences of demonstrated importance for virus assembly, budding, and/or infectivity. Finally, evidence was obtained that at least some members of the ev/J family are expressed and, if translated, could encode Gag- and Env-related polypeptides.
Novel Trichomonacidal Spermicides

ABSTRACT Metronidazole, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved drug against trichomoniasis, is nonspermicidal and thus cannot offer pregnancy protection when used vaginally. Furthermore, increasing resistance of Trichomonas vaginalis to 5-nitro-imidazoles is a cause for serious concern. On the other hand, the vaginal spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9) does not protect against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV in clinical situations but may in fact increase their incidence due to its nonspecific, surfactant action. We therefore designed dually active, nonsurfactant molecules that were capable of killing Trichomonas vaginalis (both metronidazole-susceptible and -resistant strains) and irreversibly inactivating 100% human sperm at doses that were noncytotoxic to human cervical epithelial (HeLa) cells and vaginal microflora (lactobacilli) in vitro. Anaerobic energy metabolism, cell motility, and defense against reactive oxygen species, which are key to survival of both sperm and Trichomonas in the host after intravaginal inoculation, depend crucially on availability of free thiols. Consequently, molecules were designed with carbodithioic acid moiety as the major pharmacophore, and chemical variations were incorporated to provide high excess of reactive thiols for interacting with accessible thiols on sperm and Trichomonas. We report here the in vitro activities, structure-activity relationships, and safety profiles of these spermicidal antitrichomonas agents, the most promising of which was more effective than N-9 (the OTC spermicide) in inactivating human sperm and more efficacious than metronidazole in killing Trichomonas vaginalis (including metronidazole-resistant strain). It also significantly reduced the available free thiols on human sperm and inhibited the cytoadherence of Trichomonas on HeLa cells. Experimentally in vitro, the new compounds appeared to be safer than N-9 for vaginal use.
Evidence for corticotropin‐releasing hormone projections from Barrington's nucleus to the periaqueductal gray and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in the rat

The present study used anterograde and retrograde tract tracing and immunohistochemistry to determine the efferent projections of corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH) neurons of Barrington's nucleus in the rat. Injections of Phaseolus vulgaris‐leucoagglutinin into Barrington's nucleus resulted in anterograde labeling in the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus, periaqueductal gray, medial thalamic nuclei, lateral hypothalamus, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, lateral preoptic area, and lateral septum. The retrograde tract tracer, fluorogold, injected into the lumbosacral spinal cord labeled many, but not all, CRH‐immunoreactive neurons in Barrington's nucleus. Moreover, some Barrington's neurons that were retrogradely labeled from the spinal cord were not CRH‐immunoreactive. Several CRH‐immunoreactive Barrington's neurons were retrogradely labeled by fluorogold injections into the periaqueductal gray, and these were located predominantly in the dorsal part of the nucleus. Additionally, some CRH‐immunoreactive Barrington's neurons were retrogradely labeled from fluorogold injections into the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. In contrast, fluorogold injections into the lateral hypothalamus, lateral preoptic area, or lateral septum did not result in double labeling of CRH‐immunoreactive neurons in Barrington's nucleus. These results suggest that many, but not all, CRH‐containing neurons of Barrington's nucleus project to the lumbosacral spinal cord. In addition to their previously documented projections to the spinal cord, these neurons may be a source of CRH in the periaqueductal gray and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus. CRH projections of Barrington's nucleus may play a role in behavioral or autonomic aspects of stress responses, in addition to their proposed role in micturition. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An Integrated Approach for Non-Recursive Formulation of Connection- Coefficients of Orthogonal Functions

In this paper, an integrated approach is proposed for non-recursive formulation of connection coefficients of different orthogonal functions in terms of a generic orthogonal function. The application of these coefficients arises when the product of two orthogonal basis functions are to be expressed in terms of single basis functions. Two significant advantages are achieved; one, the non-recursive formulations avoid memory and stack overflows in computer implementations; two, the integrated approach provides for digital hardware once-designed can be used for different functions. Computational savings achieved with the proposed non-recursive formulation vis-a-vis recursive formulation, reported in the literature so far, have been demonstrated using MATLAB PROFILER.
Probability of Severe Adverse Events as a Function of Hospital Occupancy

A unique application of regression modeling is described to compare hospital bed occupancy with reported severe adverse events amongst inpatients. The probabilities of the occurrence of adverse events as a function of hospital occupancy are calculated using logistic and multinomial regression models. All models indicate that higher occupancy rates lead to an increase in adverse events. The analysis identified that at an occupancy level of 100%, there is a 22% chance of one severe event occurring and a 28% chance of at least one severe event occurring. This modeling contributes evidence toward the management of hospital occupancy to benefit patient outcomes.
Advanced applications of curriculum-based measurement

1. Advanced Applications of Curriculum-Based Measurement: "Big Ideas" and Avoiding Confusion, Shinn and Bamonto 2. Curriculum-Based Measurement: A Vehicle for Systemic Educational Reform, W. David Tilly III and Jeff Grimes 3. Contemporary Perspectives on Curriculum-Based Measurement Validity, Roland H. Good III and Gretchen Jefferson 4. Computer Applications to Address Implementation Difficulties Associated with Curriculum-Based Measurement, Lynn S. Fuchs 5. Assessing Early Literacy Skills in a Problem-Solving Model, Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills, Ruth A. Kaminski and Roland H. Good III 6. Curriculum-Based Measurement and Its Use in a Problem-Solving Model with Students from Minority Backgrounds, Mark R. Shinn, Judith Plasencia-Peinado, and Vivian Lezcano-Lytle 7. The Use of Curriculum-Based Measurement for Secondary Students, Christine A. Espin and Gerald Tindal 8. The Use of Curriculum-Based Measurement in the Reintegration of Students with Mild Disabilities, Kelly A. Powell-Smith and Lisa Habedank-Stewart
Does the Development of Information Systems Resources Lead to the Development of Information Security Resources? An Empirical Investigation

Information Systems (IS) are nowadays considered the most important leverage for organizations to operate and gain a competitive advantage. Investments in IS technology, in the recruitment of high qualified IT personnel and the establishment of internal and external robust IT related partnerships are considered determinant factors for business success and continuity. As organizations increasingly rely on IS resources, they face more advanced IS security challenges. This paper explores the relationship between the development of IS resources and security resources; are organizations willing to invest more in IS security resources as they invest more on IS resources? The authors conduct an empirical investigation in organizations located in five Mediterranean countries. The sample includes responses from 61 CEOs, information security managers and IS managers. The results reveal that IS resources positively affect the IS security resources. The human capital plays the most important role for the adoption of IS security.
Voltage ramp-rate dependence of DC breakdown in polymeric insulators: Physical models versus data

The standard handbook values for dielectric breakdown strength of necessity come from accelerated test methods. In some cases, the breakdown voltage may vary significantly with voltage ramp rates; therefore, a theoretical model for the ramp-rate dependence of breakdown is needed to extrapolate from realistic tests to long-duration material service lifetimes. Series of step-up to breakdown tests were performed for ramp rates from 0.5 to 500 V/s for biaxially-oriented polypropylene (BOPP), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and polyimide (PI) films. The data were fit with standard empirical methods, as well as two physics-based defect-driven models. Empirical models can be fit to a given data set; however, they offer little-if any-physical insight. Voltage ramp rate can, in some materials, significantly affect the breakdown field. However, the physical models, one of which was successful in describing preliminary data, were shown to be inadequate for the other materials tested.