Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Truncated poisson distribution for encoding of systematic rateless codes in massive distributed storage systems

We focus on the design of an encoded symbol degree distribution for Systematic Rateless Codes to be used for achieving fault tolerance in distributed storage systems. Major performance metrics for distributed storage codes are low repair locality, low encoding/decoding complexity and systematic encoding. In this work, we first evaluate the role of different encoded symbol degrees in ensuring low decoding overhead and low edge complexity. Then we propose the Truncated Poisson Distribution (TPD) to satisfy most of the identified distribution characteristics. To improve the overall symbol connectivity and hence achieve better decoding performance, we suggest a degree supplement to the TPD. The simulation results show that the proposed degree distribution achieves improved decoding performance when compared to using the well-known Robust Soliton Distribution (RSD) for generating encoded symbols in a systematic encoding scenario.
Unlocking Potential

ARBITRATION FINANCE By now, in spring 2017, we can all agree that third party litigation and arbitration finance is firmly established globally and recognised as an accepted and valuable tool for facilitating litigation risk sharing and providing better access to justice. Recent, and very welcome, developments in the world of international arbitration are further evidence of litigation funding’s move into the global legal mainstream. In recent months, Singapore has passed legislation to permit third party funding in arbitration, with Hong Kong likely to follow suit shortly. Each of these jurisdictions believes that it would be at a significant competitive disadvantage in the international dispute resolution market if it did not. Indeed, arbitral bodies – including the ICC’s International Court of Arbitration – have clearly signalled that third-party funding is a positive force in dispute resolution. These unambiguous endorsements have been applauded by the entire funding community. The litigation and arbitration finance market has matured, and begun to expand its investor base beyond its historical reliance on high-net-worth individuals and one or two funds. Today, banks and hedge funds are far more willing to invest in litigation than previously. Many now regard litigation funding as a relatively low-risk asset class, given its potentially impressive, non-correlated headline returns. The growing willingness of additional sources of finance to enter the market is, in turn, enabling the litigation funding market to expand. Given that litigation funding allows both firms and their clients to effectively manage and mitigate risk, there is now growing evidence that at least some managing partners, corporate chief financial officers and general counsel ‘get it’. Law firms benefit from the finance, which enables them to take on more contingency fee work. In the corporate sector, litigation funding allows businesses to run claims that they otherwise would not, because they lack either the legal budget or the risk appetite. For corporates, litigation funding also has an advantage over selffinancing from an accounting perspective. Under standard accounting rules, any additional legal expense will be clearly recognised, while the proceeds of any successful claims may well be treated as ‘exceptional items’. Litigation funding can remove significant costs from the balance sheet while delivering a steady stream of risk-free returns, explaining why it is increasingly viewed as corporate finance for law. Litigation funding clearly has much to offer the legal and corporate sector. But we should not lose sight of the important role that litigation funding plays in improving access to justice, ensuring that claimants who may not otherwise have the resources for litigation are able to pursue their case. Litigation and arbitration should not just be the preserve of the wealthy and well-resourced. In fact, litigation and L IT IG A T IO N F U N D IN G A P R IL 2 01 7
Implementation of a general purpose dataflow multiprocessor

Dataflow is one of the major models of parallel computation. Implementation of a General Purpose Dataflow Multiprocessor extends work in this area by introducing an unusually simple model of dynamic dataflow execution, called the Explicit Token Store (ETS) architecture, and its realization in Monsoon, a large-scale dataflow multiprocessor. Monsoon is currently under construction at the Motorola Microcomputer Division. Papadopoulos argues that the underlying sequential architecture of contemporary multiprocessors has not been able to support the synchronization demands of parallel execution and that these systems have largely failed to meet expectations for programmability and performance. He points out that processors must be fundamentally changed to execute a parallel machine language that coordinates parallel activities efficiently as instructions are scheduled. Although dataflow architectures have met this challenge by radically reformulating the basic specification of a machine program, they have suffered from substantial implementation shortcomings, notable the need for large associative memories. The ETS architecture Papadopoulos introduces here achieves the power of previous tagged-token dataflow architectures, but with a much leaner cycle and much less complexity. Gregory Papadopoulos is an Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science in the Laboratory for Computer Science at MIT. Contents: General Purpose Multiprocessing. The TaggedToken Dataflow Architecture. The Explicit Token Store. Compiling for an ETS Dataflow Processor. Compiling Imperative Languages for an ETS. Monsoon: An ETS Multiprocessor. A Monsoon Instruction Decoding.
Progression of pulse pressure in kidney recipients durably exposed to CsA is a risk factor for epithelial phenotypic changes: an ancillary study of the CONCEPT trial

In this ancillary study of the CONCEPT trial, we studied the role of CsA withdrawal at 3 months (3M) post‐transplant on the intensity of epithelial phenotypic changes (EPC, an early marker for kidney fibrogenesis) on the 12M surveillance biopsy. Although conversion from CsA to sirolimus (SRL) at 3M was reported to have improved mean graft function at 12M, it did not reduce the score of EPC (1.73 ± 1.15 in the SRL group vs. 1.87 ± 1 in the CsA group, P = 0.61). Acute rejection, which had occurred twice more frequently in SRL‐converted patients included here, was associated with 12M EPC. Interestingly, we observed that the patients durably exposed to CsA and who developed 12M EPC had a significant progression of blood pulse pressure (pp) from 1 to 6M post‐transplantation (Δpp = +12.3 mmHg, P = 0.0035). Pulse pressure at 4, 6, and 9M and pp progression from 1 to 6M were significantly associated with the development of EPC at 12M in renal grafts. Logistic regression analysis revealed that a high 6M pp (≥60 mmHg) was an independent risk factor for 12M EPC with an odds ratio of 2.25 per additional 10 mmHg pp (95%CI: 1.14–4.4, P = 0.02) after adjustment with recipient's and donor's age, acute rejection incidence and immunosuppressive regimen. A post hoc analysis of the data collected in the whole population CONCEPT study revealed that pp was significantly higher at 6 months in patients maintained on CsA and that at this time point pp correlated negatively with GFR at 1 year.
Comparative study of primary and secondary metabolites in apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) cultivars.

BACKGROUND Apricot is one of the most popular Prunus species grown in the temperate zone and great variation in the contents of primary and secondary metabolites has been reported in its fruit. However, little is known on the phenolic profiles and antioxidant potential of important local cultivars. The objective of the study was to identify valuable parental lines for breeding of cultivars with high health-promoting effects. RESULTS Primary metabolites (sugars, organic acids) and secondary metabolites (phenolics) were quantified by high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) in fruit of 13 apricot cultivars: total sugars ranged from 59.2 to 212.5 g kg(-1) fresh weight (FW) and total organic acids from 4.2 to 20.8 g kg(-1) FW. Four hydroxycinnamic acids and three flavonols were quantified; their content was significantly higher in skin compared to pulp. Similarly, antioxidative potential was significantly higher in skin and ranged from 125.4 to 726.5 mg ascorbic acid equivalents kg(-1) FW. A positive correlation between total phenolic content and antioxidant potential was determined. Multivariate analysis subdivided the cultivars into five major groups, mostly influenced by the content of individual and total phenolics as well as the antioxidant potential of apricot skin and pulp. CONCLUSION In regard to high phenolic content in connection with antioxidant potential, three cultivars stand out as the richest in analyzed quality parameters: 'Mula Sadik', 'Bergeron' and 'Chuan Zhi Hong'. They also contained high amounts of primary metabolites and should be promoted for further planting and included in apricot breeding programs.
Predictors of Dissection in Aortic Aneurysms From Giant Cell Arteritis

BackgroundFactors associated with dissection from inflammatory aortic aneurysms may be different from those in the general population. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors for aortic dissection/rupture in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) and aortic aneurysms. MethodsA population-based incident cohort of patients with a diagnosis of GCA from 1950 to 2004 was used. All patients with aortic aneurysms diagnosed 1 year prior to GCA diagnosis or any time thereafter were included. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate risk factors for aortic dissection/rupture. ResultsThe study included 33 patients (91% women) with GCA and aortic aneurysms. Mean age at diagnosis of aortic aneurysm was 83.6 years. There were 27 thoracic aneurysms and 19 abdominal aneurysms. Eight patients developed aortic dissection/rupture (both thoracic and abdominal aorta in 5 cases, thoracic aorta only in 2 cases, and isolated abdominal aorta in 1 case). Older age (hazard ratio [HR], 0.27 per 10 years; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.09–0.86) and later calendar year at diagnosis of aortic aneurysm (HR, 0.29 per 10 years; 95% CI, 0.13–0.69) were associated with decreased risk of dissection/rupture. Size of the thoracic aneurysm (HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 0.69–1.99) was not associated with dissection/rupture. Histopathology showed active aortitis in 4 of 7 patients with aortic dissection/rupture compared with 0 of 7 patients with aortic aneurysm without dissection/rupture. ConclusionsAneurysm size was not a predictor of aortic dissection/rupture in this cohort of patients with GCA. The higher frequency of active aortitis in patients with dissection suggests that active inflammation may play a role.
Mannose-inhibitable adhesins and T3-T7 receptors of Klebsiella pneumoniae inhibit phagocytosis and intracellular killing by human polymorphonuclear leukocytes

It has recently been shown that Klebsiella pneumoniae strains adhere to human epithelial cells and that adherence is mediated by mannose-inhibitable adhesins which are also receptors for coliphages T3 and T7. We have now found that Klebsiella strain K59, which adheres to human epithelial cells and carries the receptors for coliphages T3 and T7, adheres to human polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) at 4 degrees C. Strains KRTT1 and KRTT2, which are spontaneous mutants unable to adsorb coliphages T3 and T7 and adhere to human epithelial cells, at this temperature did not adhere to PMN. Adherence of K59 cells to PMN at 4 degrees C was inhibited by D-mannose, by UV-inactivated T7 phages, and by pepsin-digested anti-K59 antibodies absorbed with KRTT1 cells. At 37 degrees C the number of PMN with KRTT bacteria associated was fourfold higher than at 4 degrees C. On the contrary, the number of PMN with K59 bacteria associated at this temperature was fourfold lower than at 4 degrees C. Phagocytosis and intracellular killing experiments performed at 37 degrees C showed that KRTT1 and KRTT2 were phagocytized and killed at a higher rate than K59. After blocking of the mannose-inhibitable adhesins and T3-T7 receptors (MIAT) by D-mannose, UV-inactivated bacteriophage T7, or specific antibodies, K59 cells became more sensitive to phagocytosis and intracellular killing at 37 degrees C. K59 cells lysogenic for prophage AP3 were approximately as sensitive to phagocytosis and intracellular killing by human PMN as strains KRTT1 and KRTT2. Unencapsulated Klebsiella strains isolated from clinical specimens were found to carry MIAT most often. Four such strains were found much more resistant to phagocytosis and intracellular killing than their spontaneous mutants resistant to bacteriophages T3 and T7.
Determinants of E-Payment Systems Success: A User's Satisfaction Perspective

The success of an information system (IS) depends on the usersâ€™ satisfaction with the system. In this study, the Technology Acceptance Model by Davies (1989) was extended. The paper synthesized the technology acceptance model (TAM) to explain and predict the success of e-payment system using usersâ€™ satisfaction as dependent variable. The hypothesized model was validated empirically using a sample data collected from of a modified e-payment questionnaire. A total of 74 teaching and non teaching academic staff selected from the Faculty of Communication and Information Sciences, University of Ilorin, Nigeria constituted the sample for the study. The results revealed correlation among perceived benefits, perceive enjoyment, speed; service quality, perceive ease of use and actual use and e-payment success. Moreover, all the seven e-payment predictive factors together made 69% of e-payment system success. Similarly perceived benefits, perceive enjoyment, speed; service quality, perceive ease of use and actual use are good predictors of e-payment system success. One of the implications pointed out by the study is that the measures for the construct of e-payment system success used are self-reported. In the light of this, future research should develop more objective and accurate measures for determining e-payment system success.
Metabolism of melatonin by cytochrome P450s in rat liver mitochondria and microsomes

Abstract: In the present study we provide direct evidence for the involvement of rat microsomal cytochrome P450s in melatonin O‐demethylation and hydroxylation at two different positions: 2 and 6, as well as generation of N1‐acetyl‐N2‐formyl‐5‐methoxy‐kynuramine (AFMK) and two unknown products. Moreover, we found that mitochondrial cytochrome P450s also converts melatonin into AFMK, N‐acetylserotonin, 2‐hydroxymelatonin, 6‐hydroxymelatonin and the same two unknown products. Eadie–Hofstee plots for 6‐hydroxylation and O‐demethylation reactions were curvilinear for all tested fractions, suggestive of involvement of at least two components, one with a high affinity and low capacity, and another with a low affinity and high capacity. Mitochondrial cytochrome P450s exhibited higher affinity (suggesting lower Km value) and higher Vmax for melatonin 6‐hydroxylation and O‐demethylation for both high‐affinity and low‐affinity components as compared with microsomal enzymes. The intrinsic clearance for melatonin hydroxylation by high‐ and low‐affinity components displayed the highest values in all tested fractions, indicating that both mitochondrial and microsomal cytochrome P450s metabolize melatonin principally by 6‐hydroxylation, with O‐demethylation representing a minor metabolic pathway.
Neolithic nomads at El Multaga, Upper Nubia, Sudan

Investigations in the El Multaga area, located in Upper Nubia, brought to light Neolithic burials differing from other known local and contemporary burial sites. The skeletons lay under moundS in a very contracted positions inside pits just large enough to contain them. Grave goods are not regular and rather poor. The authors feel that such practices probably relate to local nomadic groups. The cemetery which had not been picked up by research surveys was discovered in a salvage project.
Changing World Prices, Women's Wages, and the Fertility Transition: Sweden, 1860-1910

This time-series analysis examines during 1860-1910 the impact of changes in local prices of agricultural commodities on wages among men and women in Sweden and the impact of changes in wages on fertility decline child mortality urbanization and improved social conditions. Linear ordinary least squares models are set up to determine whether demand-induced increases in womens wages relative to mens are significant factors in explaining Swedish total fertility rates. Data are obtained from 25 counties and the city of Stockholm among pooled observations for six time periods during 1860-64 and 1910-14. This period is marked by a total fertility decline of 28% a marital fertility decline of 26% and a child mortality decline of 52%. Explanatory variables are the relative prices of main agricultural outputs employment outside of agriculture the proportion of urban population and the child mortality rate. Findings indicate a significant relationship between child mortality and total fertility and specific fertility rates among women aged 20-39 years. A doubling of the male real wage rate was significantly associated with earlier marriage higher birth rates among women aged 15-29 years and lower birth rates among women aged 35-49 years. The ratio of male wages to female wages was associated with a decline in birth rates at all ages with the exception of teenagers. 66% of fertility increase was due to declines in child mortality but this increase was counterbalanced by fertility decline among older women. Child mortality and urbanization depressed marital fertility. Male wages increased the proportion married. A 10% increase in the male/female wage rate was associated with a 25% reduction in the total fertility rate. Another 25% increase in the male/female wage rate was associated with a 50% reduction in child mortality. It is concluded that the value of womens time had a key impact on the Swedish fertility transition.
Comparison of In-111 pentetreotide, Tc-99m (V)DMSA and I-123 mlBG scintimaging in neural crest tumors.

Three radiolabelled substances, 111In-pentetreotide, 99mTc-(V)DMSA and 123I-MIBG with different kinetics but similar tumor seeking behavior, were i.v. injected to assess and correlate their clinical value in metastatic malignant pheochromocytomas (4 patients), stage III and IV neuroblastomas (7 patients) and medullary thyroid carcinomas (6 patients). All II pheochromocytoma/neuroblastoma patients received i.v. a dose of III MBq (3 mCi) of 123I-MIBG and 185 MBq (5 mCi) of 111In-pentetreotide, within approximately weeks each other. Furthermore, in 4 of these patients as well as in all medullary thyroid carcinoma patients 111 MBq (3 mCi) of 99mTc-(V)DMSA were applied i.v. I week prior to the pentetreotide/mlBG scans. Four patients (malignant pheochromocytoma) with a total of 7 foci showing MIBG accumulation had 3 sites with pentetreotide and 1 site with (V)DMSA uptake, while in 7 patients (neuroblastora) with 15 foci showing MIBG accumulation 10 sites had detectable pentetreotide and 3 sites detectable (V)DMSA. Of the three radiotracers, 111In-pentetreotide used for somatostatin receptor identification holds promise mainly in cases where foci imaged with 123I-MIBG are negative. 111In-pentetreotide is unlikely to replace 123I-MIBG as a first-line routine diagnostic scintigraphic modality; compared to pentetreotide or MIBG, (V)DMSA seems to be highly sensitive only in medullary thyroid carcinomas.
Techniques and materials for skin closure in caesarean section.

BACKGROUND Caesarean section is a common operation with no agreed upon standard regarding certain operative techniques or materials to use. With regard to skin closure, the skin incision can be re-approximated by a subcuticular suture immediately below the skin layer, by an interrupted suture, or by staples. A great variety of materials and techniques are used for skin closure after caesarean section and there is a need to identify which provide the best outcomes for women. OBJECTIVES To compare the effects of skin closure techniques and materials on maternal and operative outcomes after caesarean section. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (10 January 2012). SELECTION CRITERIA All randomized trials comparing different skin closure materials in caesareans were selected. Two review authors independently abstracted the data. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We identified 19 trials and included 11, but only eight trials contributed data. Three trials were not randomized controlled trials; two were ongoing; one study was terminated and the results were not available for review; one is awaiting classification; and one did not compare skin closure materials, but rather suture to suture and drain placement. MAIN RESULTS The two methods of skin closure for caesarean that have been most often compared are non-absorbable staples and absorbable subcutaneous sutures. Compared with absorbable subcutaneous sutures, non-absorbable staples are associated with similar incidences of wound infection. Other important secondary outcomes, such as wound complications, were also similar between the groups in women with Pfannenstiel incisions. However, it is important to note, that for both of these outcomes (wound infection and wound complication), staples may have a differential effect depending on the type of skin incision, i.e., Pfannenstiel or vertical. Compared with absorbable subcutaneous sutures, non-absorbable staples are associated with an increased risk of skin separation, and therefore, reclosure. However, skin separation was variably defined across trials, and most staples were removed before four days postpartum. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is currently no conclusive evidence about how the skin should be closed after caesarean section. Staples are associated with similar outcomes in terms of wound infection, pain and cosmesis compared with sutures, and these two are the most commonly studied methods for skin closure after caesarean section. If staples are removed on day three, there is an increased incidence of skin separation and the need for reclosure compared with absorbable sutures.
Identifying fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in primary care

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a term that encompasses the wide range of physical, mental and behavioural effects that can occur when a person is exposed to ethanol during gestation. The diagnoses under the FASD umbrella are fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), partial FAS (p-FAS) and alcohol-
La violence sexuelle contre les femmes dans les pays en guerre et vivant des conflits ethniques : défis pour la pratique

Des 27 millions de personnes refugiees et deplacees dans le monde aujourd’hui, 80 % sont des femmes et des enfants. Entre les annees 1992 et 2001, 116 709 femmes ont demande l’asile au Canada. La violence sexuelle contre les femmes dans un contexte de guerre et de conflits ethniques est consideree comme une violation des droits humains depuis les annees 90. Cette problematique interpelle la communaute internationale et toutes les praticiennes. A leur arrivee, les femmes refugiees victimes de violence sexuelle n’ont pas acces a des services sociaux adequats, adaptes a leurs besoins. Cet article explore les dimensions du viol de guerre et de la victimisation de femmes qui peuvent eprouver des problemes d’integration lors de leur installation au pays a cause de leur grande vulnerabilite et des sequelles des violences subies. De plus, notre conception occidentale des secteurs « prive » et « public » souleve d’importantes questions sur nos approches d’intervention qui ne sont pas necessairement appropriees aux besoins de ces femmes.