Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modeling and Simulation of Large Hybrid Networks

This paper describes a modeling and simulation framework for large hybrid networks that include satellites, terrestrial wireless and mobile ad hoc networks. The purpose of the simulation framework is to parallel the actual implementation of a testbed network currently being constructed at ARL. The modeling framework uses the performance measures generated by the simulation to analytically study larger scaled versions of the testbed networks. The combination of the two methodologies allows the feasibility of the testbed architecture's widespread implementation to be studied without the associated costs of performing such experiments with actual equipment. Additionally, technological tradeo s and interoperability issues can be studied so that informed decisions can be made about the implementation of future military communication networks. Prepared through collaborative participation in the Advanced Telecommunications/Information Distribution Research Program (ATIRP) Consortium sponsored by the U.S. Army Research Laboratory under the Federal Research Laboratory Program, cooperative agreement DAAL01-96-0002 and under NASA cooperative agreement NCC3-528. Army Research Laboratory This work was supported by the Center for Satellite and Hybrid Communication Networks, under NASA cooperative agreement NCC3-528
Handling Shared, Mutable State in Stream Processing with Correctness Guarantees

S-Store is a next-generation stream processing system that is being developed at Brown, Intel, MIT, and Portland State University. It is designed to achieve very high throughput, while maintaining a number of correctness guarantees required to handle shared, mutable state in streaming applications. This paper explores these correctness criteria and describes how S-Store achieves them, including a new model of stream processing that provides support for ACID transactions.
Increasing the attractiveness of false objects of attack on the web-servers

In this paper we propose to consider a study aimed at improving the Honeypot system performance. There is observed architecture of the designed service of collecting and updating common database of exploits, which is necessary for this study, necessary for building and further Honeypot system maintenance. The data obtained using this service are analyzed in order to determine the free server software with the highest number of exploits, the intensity of the software vulnerabilities detection, and to identify the most common types of attacks on selected software. Basing on the results of this analysis, we have designed Honeypot system.
Interactive sketching for user interface design

Current interactive user interface construction tools are often more of a hindrance than a benefit during the early stages of interface design. These tools take too much time to use and force designers to specify more of the design details than they wish at this stage. Most designers prefer to sketch early interface ideas on paper. I am developing an interactive tool called SILK that allows designers to quickly sketch an interface using an electronic pad and stylus. SILK preserves the important properties of pencil and paper: a rough drawing can be produced very quickly and the medium is very flexible . However, unlike a paper sketch, this electronic sketch can easily be edited , exercised , and semi-automatically transformed into a complete, operational interface in a specified look-and-feel.
Characterization of amyloid fibril proteins from medullary carcinoma of the thyroid

Amyloid fibrils were studied from two different tissues of medullary carcinoma of the thyroid (MCT). The fibrils mainly consisted of a low molecular weight protein, AMCT, which was immunologically distinct and did not react with various antisera against known amyloid fibril proteins. A specific antiserum raised against the MCT amyloid proteins gave a reaction of identity with the degraded MCT amyloid fibrils from two patients, as well as with the isolated AMCT protein, but showed no reaction with other known amyloid proteins. The AMCT protein had a blocked N terminus, but the sequence analysis of a cyanogen bromide fragment revealed identity with human calcitonin in the 11 positions studied. Although the amino acid composition was similar, there were also distinct differences, and the mol wt of 5,700 daltons was considerably larger than that of calcitonin. For these reasons the AMCT protein may represent a prohormone of calcitonin.
Optimal switching sequences for one-dimensional linear gradient error compensation in unary DAC arrays

Gradient error can be compensated by optimizing switching sequences of DAC arrays. This paper establishes an absolute lower bound of integral nonlinearity (INL) which may be achieved by optimizing switching sequences. Optimal switching sequences that meet this lower bound are presented for one-dimensional linear gradient error compensation in unary (thermometer decoded) DAC arrays. The sequences can be used in row-column decoded current or capacitor unary arrays as well as R-string DACs, where the switching sequence is optimized in one dimension.
Multi-Criteria Scheduling of Pipeline Workflows (and Application To the JPEG Encoder)

Mapping workflow applications onto parallel platforms is a challenging problem, even for simple application patterns such as pipeline graphs. Several antagonist criteria should be optimized, such as throughput and latency (or a combination). A typical application class is digital image coding, where images are processed in steady-state mode. In this paper, we study the general bi-criteria mapping problem (minimizing period and latency) for pipeline graphs on communication homogeneous platforms. We present an integer linear programming formulation for this NP-hard problem. Furthermore, we provide several efficient polynomial bi-criteria heuristics, whose relative performance is evaluated through extensive simulations. As a case study, we provide simulations and MPI experimental results for the JPEG encoder application pipeline on a cluster of workstations.
Brief Cognitive Assessment and Prediction of Functional Outcome in Stroke

Abstract To evaluate the ability to predict outcome with a brief measure of cognitive ability, we tested consecutive admissions who received inpatient rehabilitation for stroke with the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Symptoms (RBANS). Six months later, 34 discharged patients were contacted by telephone and were interviewed using a battery of functional outcome and quality of life measures. Multiple regression analysis showed that inpatient RBANS indexes predicted cognitive disability 6 months later. The present findings support the use of cognitive evaluations of patients with acute stroke to assist with prediction of outcome to be used in treatment planning.
Sulfur Atom in its Bound State Is a Unique Element Involved in Physiological Functions in Mammals

It was in the 1950s that the term polysulfide or persulfide was introduced in biological studies. The unfamiliar term “sulfane sulfur” sometimes appeared in papers published in the 1970s, and was defined in the review article by Westley in 1983. In the article, sulfane sulfur is described as sulfur atoms that are covalently bound only with sulfur atoms, and as this explanation was somewhat difficult to comprehend, it was not generally accepted. Thus, in the early 1990s, we redefined these sulfur species as “bound sulfur”, which easily converts to hydrogen sulfide on reduction with a thiol reducing agent. In other words, bound sulfur refers to a sulfur atom that exists in a zero to divalent form (0 to −2). The first part of this review focuses on the fluorescent derivatization HPLC method—which we developed for measurement of bound sulfur—and explains the distribution of bound sulfur and the hydrogen sulfide-producing ability of various tissues, as clarified by this method. Next, we discuss diverse physiological functions and involvement of polysulfide, a typical type of bound sulfur, in the redox regulation system. Additionally, we also address its possible physiological role in the central nervous system, based on its action of scavenging reactive carbonyl compounds.
A yEGFP‐based reporter system for high‐throughput yeast two‐hybrid assay by flow cytometry

The yeast two‐hybrid (Y2H) assay is a widely used method to study protein–protein interactions, a major objective in postgenome research. Despite the tremendous utility of the Y2H assay, several issues including accuracy, speed, automation, and cost‐effectiveness limit its application in high‐throughput analysis. We have created an improved Y2H assay reporter system by integrating the codon‐optimized yeast enhanced green fluorescent protein (yEGFP) gene into the ADE2 locus of the AH109 yeast strain and evaluated reporter expression using the strong and weak triggers via flow cytometry. We also performed flow cytometry‐based Y2H assays in liquid cultures as well as in a cDNA library screening. We have shown that yEGFP, but not EGFP, is a sensitive Y2H reporter for flow cytometric detection. We also show that this yEGFP‐based Y2H could be easily adapted to high‐throughput format without conventional agar plating. Moreover, our data demonstrate that this system can be used for cDNA library screening. We have developed sensitive and efficient flow cytometry‐based Y2H assay system that is well suited for large‐scale protein–protein interaction identification and characterization. When compared with the conventional plate and filter membrane‐based nutrient and colorimetric analysis, our flow cytometric assay offers convenient, quantitative, and faster reporter analysis compatible with existing liquid handling robots. © 2008 International Society for Analytical Cytology
DC/AC High Power Cell Structure Improves Sine Generator Performance

A new generation of dc/ac sine generators, based on dc/dc, pulse-width modulation (PWM) storage converter structure operating with rectified sine wave control and associated with a controlled bridge, is described. The efficiency, harmonic distortion, and transien't behavior are better in dc/dc sine convertors than conventional dc/ac sine convertors. Continuous non-linear or linear methods previously described can be extended to design this structure.
Foot/Ankle Roll-Over Characteristics for Different Joint Alignments of the Ankle-Foot Orthosis( AFO) during Level Walking

This study investigated foot/ankle roll-over characteristics for different joint alignments of the ankle-foot orthosis(AFO). Seven volunteers without any musculoskeletal or foot problems participated in motion analyses. To obtain roll-over shape of the ankle-foot complex, we used trajectories of ankle and knee joints and the center of pressure(COP) between initial contact (lC) and opposite initial contact(OIC). After the roll-over shape was determined for each data, it was represented by a circular arc using the least-square method. Results showed that for the more dorsiflexed AFOs, the more distally the roll-over trajectory moved at initial contact. Also, we found that the radius of curvature significantly increased and the center of roll-over shape moved posteriorly and superiorly in dorsiflexed AFOs. Present results might provide a better understanding for the proper alignment of the orthotics as well as a single roll-over shape during walking.
Classical Music Concert Attendance and Older Adults

Abstract Older adults are a lucrative consumer market. In finance and health markets, considerable attention has been devoted to understanding their preferences and the factors that influence their decisions and behaviors. In a classical music concert context, older adults are extremely important; despite accounting for half of all attendees in most countries, little theory-based research explains classical music attendance in general and by these older adults in particular. Using the Model of Goal Directed Behavior (MGB) as a foundation, we collected data from attendees and propose a revised model to capture the behavioral processes involved in the formation of positive word of mouth communication among these consumers. A modified version of the MGB predicted 57% of the variance in word of mouth and the model/data fit statistics were acceptable suggesting that the revised MGB is a robust and viable option when considering leisure behavior or engagement.
Catastrophic fixes: cyclical devaluation and accumulation through climate change impacts

This paper investigates the scales and temporalities through which climate change impacts may be rendered into socio-ecological fixes for crises of overaccumulation within the (re)insurance industry. The property insurance and catastrophe reinsurance sectors are notorious for their cyclicity, with prices and returns oscillating dramatically between “soft” and “hard” markets. The problem of overaccummulation in soft market periods is often resolved by the destruction of reinsurers' capital reserves through huge catastrophic losses. This is typically followed by the revision of catastrophe models and reestimation of exposed values, processes which absorb additional (re)insurance capital and provide technoscientific legitimacy for raising rates. Reframing climate change risk in terms of ecologically-sourced devaluation suggests that, rather than posing an immediate existential threat, in the short to medium term the uncertain impacts of global climate change might constitute a recurrent “catastrophic fix” for particular segments of financial capital. This highlights both the productivity of uncertainty about climate change impacts and the limits of presuming that the operations of the private insurance market can produce a built environment more adapted to climate change. Rather, the more likely outcome is splintering protectionism: a patchwork of high risk, high reward areas where insurance is available only to those with the ability to pay rising premiums, leaving the state to manage the retreat and relocation of less remunerative properties and populations.
'Felinem', 'Garnem', and 'Monegro' Almond · Peach Hybrid Rootstocks

Felinem', 'Garnem', and 'Monegro' are three almond · peach hybrid rootstocks released to address the problems of Prunus growing in Mediterranean conditions not solved by the presently available rootstocks. These new rootstocks are characterized by red leaves, good vigor, easy clonal propagation, resistance to root-knot nematodes, adaptation to calcareous soils and other Mediterranean agroecological conditions, and graft compatibility with the whole range of peach and almond cultivars as well as some plum and apricot cultivars. Stone fruit growing has limitations in the Mediterranean area as a result of the preva- lence of calcareous soils, where most root- stocks show lime-induced chlorosis. In addition, the presence of root-knot nemato- des (Meloidogyne spp.) in many irrigated orchards renders fruit growing extremely difficult, especially after the ban on the use of methyl bromide for soil fumigation. Thus, the need for rootstocks to overcome these shortcomings has become essential for grow- ing stone fruit in many regions, not just the Mediterranean area (Felipe, 1989). 'Feli- nem', 'Garnem', and 'Monegro' had been released as potential rootstocks for several stone fruit species that are grown in soils having these limitations.
Reliability of Snellen charts for testing visual acuity for driving: prospective study and postal questionnaire

Abstract Objectives: To assess the ability of patients with binocular 6/9 or 6/12 vision on the Snellen chart (Snellen acuity) to read a number plate at 20.5 m (the required standard for driving) and to determine how health professionals advise such patients about driving. Design: Prospective study of patients and postal questionnaire to healthcare professionals. Subjects: 50 patients with 6/9 vision and 50 with 6/12 vision and 100 general practitioners, 100 optometrists or opticians, and 100 ophthalmologists. Setting: Ophthalmology outpatient clinics in Sheffield. Main outcome measures: Ability to read a number plate at 20.5 m and health professionals' advice about driving on the basis of visual acuity. Results: 26% of patients with 6/9 vision failed the number plate test, and 34% with 6/12 vision passed it. Of the general practitioners advising patients with 6/9 vision, 76% said the patients could drive, 13% said they should not drive, and 11% were unsure. Of the general practitioners advising patients with 6/12 vision, 21% said the patients could drive, 54% said they should not drive, and 25% were unsure. The level of acuity at which optometrists, opticians, and ophthalmologists would advise drivers against driving ranged from 6/9−2 (ability to read all except two letters on the 6/9 line of the Snellen chart) to less than 6/18. Conclusions: Snellen acuity is a poor predictor of an individual's ability to meet the required visual standard for driving. Patients with 6/9 vision or less should be warned that they may fail to meet this standard, but those with 6/12 vision should not be assumed to be below the standard.
Evaluating Spatially Resolved Influence of Soil and Tree Water Status on Quality of European Plum Grown in Semi-humid Climate

In orchards, the variations of fruit quality and its determinants are crucial for resource effective measures. In the present study, a drip-irrigated plum production (Prunus domestica L. “Tophit plus”/Wavit) located in a semi-humid climate was studied. Analysis of the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) of soil showed spatial patterns of sand lenses in the orchard. Water status of sample trees was measured instantaneously by means of leaf water potential, Ψleaf [MPa], and for all trees by thermal imaging of canopies and calculation of the crop water stress index (CWSI). Methods for determining CWSI were evaluated. A CWSI approach calculating canopy and reference temperatures from the histogram of pixels from each image itself was found to suit the experimental conditions. Soil ECa showed no correlation with specific leaf area ratio and cumulative water use efficiency (WUEc) derived from the crop load. The fruit quality, however, was influenced by physiological drought stress in trees with high crop load and, resulting (too) high WUEc, when fruit driven water demand was not met. As indicated by analysis of variance, neither ECa nor the instantaneous CWSI could be used as predictors of fruit quality, while the interaction of CWSI and WUEc did succeed in indicating significant differences. Consequently, both WUEc and CWSI should be integrated in irrigation scheduling for positive impact on fruit quality.
IncC of Broad-Host-Range Plasmid RK2 Modulates KorB Transcriptional Repressor Activity In Vivo and Operator Binding In Vitro

ABSTRACT The korAB operon of broad-host-range plasmid RK2 encodes five genes, two of which, incC andkorB, belong to the parA and parBfamilies, respectively, of genome partitioning functions. BothkorB and a third gene, korA, are responsible for coordinate regulation of operons encoding replication, transfer, and stable inheritance functions. Overexpression of incCalone caused rapid displacement of RK2. Using two different reporter systems, we show that incC modulates the action of KorB. Using promoter fusions to the reporter gene xylE, we show that incC potentiates the repression of transcription bykorB. This modulation of korB activity was only observed with incC1, which encodes the full-length IncC (364 amino acids [aa]), whereas no effect was observed withincC2, which encodes a polypeptide of 259 aa that lacks the N-terminal 105 aa. Using bacterial extracts with IncC1 and IncC2 or IncC1 purified through the use of a His6 tail and Ni-agarose chromatography, we showed that IncC1 potentiates the binding of KorB to DNA at representative KorB operators. The ability of IncC to stabilize KorB-DNA complexes suggests that these two proteins work together in the global regulation of many operons on the IncP-1 genomes, as well in plasmid partitioning.
A linkage study of the locus for X‐linked Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease

A large family with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth disease, showing a probable X‐linked incomplete dominant inheritance, was studied by linkage analysis. Results, obtained by the use of X chromosome specific DNA probes of known regional location, suggest that the disease locus is linked to the DXYS1 locus (ž=2.59 at θ= 0.00) and to the DXS14 locus and, places the disease locus between the DXYS1 locus and the DXS14 locus, near the centromere of the X chromosome. Together with the published data, a distance of 13 cM (ž= 6.95) was assessed between the disease locus and the DXYS1 locus.
Patterns of Health Care Expenditures, Utilization and Demand for Medical Care in Sample Philippine Households

Due to tight fiscal budget, health care planners have started to explore alternative financing mechanisms. These alternatives can be effectively implemented given thorough understanding of mechanisms that direct household demand for health care. This paper investigates the factors of households’ health seeking behavior to determine the implications for health care financing reforms. In addition, it looks into the responsiveness of households to changes in prices and income. Insights of household risk-sharing participation are also provided.
Data-Dependent Pre- and Postprocessing Multiple Description Coding of Images

Multiple description coding can be implemented as pre- and postprocessing to all standards for image and video communications, with obvious advantages. This can be achieved by generating two subsets from the original data; a controllable amount of extra redundancy between the descriptions has to be inserted to help the estimation of the possibly lost description from the received one. This redundancy can be in the form of spatial oversampling. In this paper, we propose and develop a mathematical framework for two descriptions pre- and postprocessing methods, which exploit the correlation characteristics of the visual data in order to better implement the multiple description coding paradigm. Simulation results show a noticeable performance improvement of both the proposed methods with respect to state-of-the art algorithms, in terms of both rate/redundancy/distortion tradeoff and computational complexity
A Survey of Database Dependency Concepts

A database dependency is a formal concept which is used to describe patterns in data. These patterns are employed during data analysis, data cleansing, and schema normalization. There is about dozen of major dependency types. In this paper we survey these types of database dependencies employed in the relational databases. We start from the earliest ones — functional dependencies and conclude with the state-ofthe-art findings. For each type we provide both formal and nonformal definitions and present an example and counterexample. We also briefly discuss extraction algorithms and possible use cases.
Automatic Text Summarization by Paragraph Extraction

Over the years, the amount of information available electronically has grown manifold. There is an increasing demand for automatic methods for text summarization. Domain-independent techniques for automatic summarization by paragraph extraction have been proposed in [12, 15]. In this study, we attempt to evaluate these methods by comparingthe automatically generated extracts to ones generated by humans. In view of the fact that extracts generated by two humans for the same article are surprisingly dissimilar, the performance of the automatic methods is satisfactory. Even though this observation calls into question the feasibility of producing perfect summaries by extraction, given the unavailability of other e(cid:11)ective domain-independent summarization tools, we believe that this is a reasonable, though imperfect, alternative.