Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optical backscattering properties of the "clearest" natural waters

Abstract. During the BIOSOPE field campaign October–December 2004, measurements of inherent optical properties from the surface to 500 m depth were made with a ship profiler at stations covering over 8000 km through the Southeast Pacific Ocean. Data from a ~3000 km section containing the very clearest waters in the central gyre are reported here. The total volume scattering function at 117°, βt(117°), was measured with a WET Labs ECO-BB3 sensor at 462, 532, and 650 nm with estimated uncertainties of 2×10-5, 5×10-6, and 2×10-6 m−1 sr−1, respectively. These values were approximately 6%, 3%, and 3% of the volume scattering by pure seawater at their respective wavelengths. From a methodological perspective, there were several results: – distributions were resolvable even though some of the values from the central gyre were an order of magnitude lower than the lowest previous measurements in the literature; – Direct in-situ measurements of instrument dark offsets were necessary to accurately resolve backscattering at these low levels; – accurate pure seawater backscattering values are critical in determining particulate backscattering coefficients in the open ocean (not only in these very clear waters); the pure water scattering values determined by Buiteveld et al. (1994) with a [1+0.3S/37] adjustment for salinity based on Morel (1974) appear to be the most accurate estimates, with aggregate accuracies as low as a few percent; and – closure was demonstrated with subsurface reflectance measurements reported by Morel et al. (2007) within instrument precisions, a useful factor in validating the backscattering measurements. This methodology enabled several observations with respect to the hydrography and the use of backscattering as a biogeochemical proxy: –The clearest waters sampled were found at depths between 300 and 350 m, from 23.5° S, 118° W to 26° S, 114° W, where total backscattering at 650 nm was not distinguishable from pure seawater; –Distributions of particulate backscattering bbp across the central gyre exhibited a broad particle peak centered ~100 m; –The particulate backscattering ratio typically ranged between 0.4% and 0.6% at 650 nm through the majority of the central gyre from the surface to ~210 m, indicative of "soft" water-filled particles with low bulk refractive index; and – bbp showed a distinct secondary deeper layer centered ~230 m that was absent in particulate attenuation cp data. The particulate backscattering ratio was significantly higher in this layer than in the rest of the water column, reaching 1.2% in some locations. This high relative backscattering, along with the pigment composition and ecological niche of this layer, appear to be consistent with the coccolithophorid Florisphaera profunda. Moreover, results were consistent with several expectations extrapolated from theory and previous work in oceanic and coastal regions, supporting the conclusion that particulate and total backscattering could be resolved in these extremely clear natural waters.
Quantum Fully Homomorphic Encryption With Verification ( extended abstract )

The 2009 discovery of fully-homomorphic encryption (FHE) was a major breakthrough in classical cryptography [13]. FHE enables computation on encrypted data even by parties that do not hold the decryption key; crucially, the input, the output, and all intermediate states of the computation remain hidden from the computing party. The importance of FHE stems both from its obvious applications (e.g., secure cloud computing) and from its wide-ranging connections to other cryptographic tasks, such as secure two-party computation, non-interactive zero-knowledge proofs, and indistinguishability obfuscation [3, 12, 14]. In fact, the breadth of its usefulness has led some to dub FHE “the swiss army knife of cryptography”[3]. Recent progress on constructing quantum computers has led to theoretical research on “cloud-based” quantum computing (see, e.g., [8]). A recently-constructed quantum fully-homomorphic encryption (QFHE) scheme shows that this task can be performed with only a single round of interaction [10]. The discovery of (leveled) QFHE raises an important question: do the aforementioned classical applications of FHE have suitable quantum analogues? As it turns out, these applications require an additional property which is simple classically, but non-trivial quantumly. That property is verification: the ability of the user to check that the final ciphertext produced by the server is indeed the result of a particular computation, homomorphically applied to the initial user-generated ciphertext. In the classical case, this is a simple matter: the server makes a copy of each intermediate computation step, and provides the user with all these copies. In the quantum case, such a “transcript” would appear to violate no-cloning. In fact, one might reasonably suspect that the no-cloning theorem prevents non-interactive quantum verification in principle. In this work, we show that verification of homomorphic quantum computations is in fact possible. We construct a new QFHE scheme which allows the server to generate a “computation log” which can certify to the user that a particular quantum computation was performed homomorphically on the ciphertext. The computation log itself is purely classical, and most (in some cases, all) of the verification can be performed on a classical computer. The addition of verification immediately leads to new applications, such as allowing users of a “quantum cloud service” to check that the server performed the desired quantum computation. As we show, verified QFHE (vQFHE) also leads to a simple new construction of quantum one-time programs (OTPs) from classical OTPs [9]. In this construction, the quantum OTP for a functionality Φ consists of a vQFHE ciphertext together with a classical OTP which performs verification of Φ. Finding other applications of vQFHE (including appropriate analogues of the above classical applications) is the subject of ongoing work.
An Exploration of Using Twitter Data to Predict the Results of the U.S. Primary Elections

The use of social media user feeds is a common interest of researchers exploring public views and opinions. In this exploratory study, we look to investigate how Twitter feeds during a presidential primary election can be evaluated to determine the relationships between contesting candidates and garner any predictive insight into election contest outcomes. In this study we collect data from both the REST API and STREAMING API from Twitter, each having their own data collection merits, and perform an association analysis, sentiment analysis, and linear regression to determine what insights can be captured from the data. In this work we find revealing relationships between candidate users accounts on how they interact with each other. We also show how sentiment from verified user accounts on Twitter show significance in election contest outcomes. INTRODUCTION The role of Twitter in researching the population’s perceptions regarding common pop culture topics, what they do in their everyday life, and, as the focus of this study, how the public political perceptions serve as predictions toward election results, is a growing interest to data researchers. To investigate what can be done using data from Twitter, this study is an exploratory research project to investigate how can be used Twitter use for prediction of election results and how we can use that knowledge to move forward in the analysis of data through Tweets. More specifically, we look to answer the following questions: 1. Is social media a reliable predictor of public preferences in primary election outcomes? Furthermore, are there any significant indicators in tweet data that are more reliable in the prediction of U.S. voter based contests? 2. Do users of Twitter, as a social media platform, reflect the political landscape and public perceptions that affect political contest results? And can the political landscape be identified through users’ posts? To present our approach to these questions, this paper is organized as follows: First we introduce some background literature on how Twitter data has been used in event analysis, measuring sentiment of tweets, and a brief review of other work using social media in evaluating election outcomes. We then present our key approach to collecting data followed by the analysis. Lastly, we follow the results with discussion and next steps for projects stemming from this effort.
Characterization of the complete mitochondrial DNA of Theretra japonica and its phylogenetic position within the Sphingidae (Lepidoptera, Sphingidae)

Abstract In the present study, the complete mitogenome of Theretra japonica was sequenced and compared with other sequenced mitogenomes of Sphingidae species. The mitogenome of T. japonica, containing 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, and two rRNA genes) and a region rich in adenine and thymine (AT-rich region), is a circular molecule with 15,399 base pairs (bp) in length. The order and orientation of the genes in the mitogenome are similar to those of other sequenced mitogenomes of Sphingidae species. All 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) are initiated by ATN codons except for the cytochrome C oxidase subunit 1 gene (cox1) which is initiated by the codon CGA as observed in other lepidopteran insects. Cytochrome C oxidase subunit 2 gene (cox2) has the incomplete termination codon T and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 gene (nad1) terminates with TAG while the remainder terminates with TAA. Additionally, the codon distributions of the 13 PCGs revealed that Ile and Leu2 are the most frequently used codon families and codons CGG, CGC, CCG, CAG, and AGG are absent. The 431 bp AT-rich region includes the motif ATAGA followed by a 23 bp poly-T stretch, short tandem repeats (STRs) of TC and TA, two copies of a 28 bp repeat ‘ATTAAATTAATAAATTAA TATATTAATA’ and a poly-A element. Phylogenetic analyses within Sphingidae confirmed that T. japonica belongs to the Macroglossinae and showed that the phylogenetic relationship of T. japonica is closer to Ampelophaga rubiginosa than Daphnis nerii. Phylogenetic analyses within Theretra demonstrate that T. japonica, T. jugurtha, T. suffusa, and T. capensis are clustered into one clade.
The Antiviral Activity of the Cellular Glycoprotein LGALS3BP/90K Is Species Specific

ABSTRACT Cellular antiviral proteins interfere with distinct steps of replication cycles of viruses. The galectin 3 binding protein (LGALS3BP, also known as 90K) was previously shown to lower the infectivity of nascent human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) virions when expressed in virus-producing cells. This antiviral effect was accompanied by impaired gp160Env processing and reduced viral incorporation of mature Env glycoproteins. Here, we examined the ability of 90K orthologs from primate species to reduce the particle infectivity of distinct lentiviruses. We show that 90K's ability to diminish the infectivity of lentiviral particles is conserved within primate species, with the notable exception of 90K from rhesus macaque. Comparison of active and inactive 90K orthologs and variants uncovered the fact that inhibition of processing of the HIV-1 Env precursor and reduction of cell surface expression of HIV-1 Env gp120 are required, but not sufficient, for 90K-mediated antiviral activity. Rather, 90K-mediated reduction of virion-associated gp120 coincided with antiviral activity, suggesting that 90K impairs the incorporation of HIV-1 Env into budding virions. We show that a single “humanizing” amino acid exchange in the BTB (broad-complex, tramtrack, and bric-à-brac)/POZ (poxvirus and zinc finger) domain is sufficient to fully rescue the antiviral activity of a shortened version of rhesus macaque 90K, but not that of the full-length protein. Comparison of the X-ray structures of the BTB/POZ domains of 90K from rhesus macaques and humans point toward a slightly larger hydrophobic patch at the surface of the rhesus macaque BTB domain that may modulate a direct interaction with either a second 90K domain or a different protein. IMPORTANCE The cellular 90K protein has been shown to diminish the infectivity of nascent HIV-1 particles. When produced in 90K-expressing cells, particles bear smaller amounts of the HIV-1 Env glycoprotein, which is essential for attaching to and entering new target cells in the subsequent infection round. However, whether the antiviral function of 90K is conserved across primates is unknown. Here, we found that 90K orthologs from most primate species, but, surprisingly, not from rhesus macaques, inhibit HIV-1. The introduction of a single amino acid exchange into a short version of the rhesus macaque 90K protein, consisting of the two intermediate domains of 90K, resulted in full restoration of antiviral activity. Structural elucidation of the respective domain suggests that the absence of antiviral activity in the rhesus macaque factor may be linked to a subtle change in protein-protein interaction.
An accurate estimation of the horizontal acceleration of a rower’s centre of mass using inertial sensors: a validation

Abstract For a valid determination of a rower’s mechanical power output, the anterior–posterior (AP) acceleration of a rower’s centre of mass (CoM) is required. The current study was designed to evaluate the accuracy of the determination of this acceleration using a full-body inertial measurement units (IMUs) suit in combination with a mass distribution model. Three methods were evaluated. In the first two methods, IMU data were combined with either a subject-specific mass distribution or a standard mass distribution model for athletes. In the third method, a rower’s AP CoM acceleration was estimated using a single IMU placed at the pelvis. Experienced rowers rowed on an ergometer that was placed on two force plates, while wearing a full-body IMUs suit. Correspondence values between AP CoM acceleration based on IMU data (the three methods) and AP CoM acceleration obtained from force plate data (reference) were calculated. Good correspondence was found between the reference AP CoM acceleration and the AP CoM accelerations determined using IMU data in combination with the subject-specific mass model and the standard mass model (intraclass correlation coefficients [ICC] > 0.988 and normalized root mean square errors [nRMSE] 3.81%). Correspondence was lower for the AP CoM accelerations determined using a single pelvis IMU (0.877 < ICC < 0.960 and 6.11% < nRMSE < 13.61%). Based on these results, we recommend determining a rower’s AP CoM acceleration using IMUs in combination with the standard mass model. Finally, we conclude that accurate determination of a rower’s AP CoM acceleration is not possible on the basis of the pelvis acceleration only.
Time-Trial Performance in World-Class Speed Skaters After Chronic Nitrate Ingestion.

PURPOSE Nitrate supplementation can increase tolerance to high-intensity work rates; however, limited data exist on the recovery of performance. The authors tested whether 5 d of nitrate supplementation could improve repeated time-trial performance in speed skating. METHODS Using a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 9 international-level short-track speed skaters ingested 1 high (juice blend, ∼6.5 mmol nitrate; HI) or low dose (juice blend, ∼1 mmol nitrate; LO) per day on days 1-4. After a double dose of either HI or LO on day 5, athletes performed 2 on-ice 1000-m time trials, separated by 35 min, to simulate competition races. Differences between HI and LO were compared with the smallest practically important difference. RESULTS Salivary [nitrate] and [nitrite] were higher in HI than LO before the first (nitrate: 81%, effect size [ES]: 1.76; nitrite: 72%, ES: 1.73) and second pursuits (nitrate: 81%, ES: 1.92; nitrite: 71%, ES: 1.78). However, there was no difference in performance in the first (LO: 90.92 [4.08] s; HI: 90.95 [4.06] s, ES: 0.01) or the second time trial (LO: 91.16 [4.06] s; HI: 91.55 [4.40] s, ES: 0.09). Plasma [lactate] measured after the trials (LO: 14.8 [1.1] mM; HI: 14.8 [1.2] mM, ES: 0.01) and at the end of the recovery period (LO: 9.8 [2.1] mM; HI: 10.2 [1.9] mM, ES: 0.05) was not different between treatments. CONCLUSION Five days of high-dose nitrate supplementation did not change physiological responses and failed to improve single and repeated time-trial performances in world-class short-track speed skaters. These data suggest that nitrate ingestion up to 6.5 mmol does not enhance recovery from supramaximal exercise in world-class athletes.
Sequential dialogue act recognition for Arabic argumentative debates

Dialogue act recognition remains a primordial task that helps user to automatically identify participants’ intentions. In this paper, we propose a sequential approach consisting of segmentation followed by annotation process to identify dialogue acts within Arabic politic debates.To perform DA recognition, we used the CARD corpus labeled using the SADA annotation schema. Segmentation and annotation tasks were then carried out using Conditional Random Fields probabilistic models as they prove high performance in segmenting and labeling sequential data. Learning results are notably important for the segmentation task (F-score=97.9%) and relatively reliable within the annotation process (fscore= 63.4%) given the complexity of identifying argumentative tags and the presence of disfluencies in spoken conversations.
Surgical Management of Circumscribed Conjunctival Melanomas

Summary: Circumscribed conjunctival melanoma usually arises in the bulbar conjunctiva and less often in the forniceal or palpebral conjunctiva. After simple superficial removal, employed by many ophthalmologists, these tumors have an increased tendency toward local recurrence and distant metastasis. A surgical procedure designed to remove the tumors completely and minimize the chances of recurrence would be desirable. The authors employed a surgical approach to conjunctival melanoma excision, which they believe insures more complete tumor removal and decreases the chances of recurrence and metastasis. The surgical management of melanoma in the limbal region of the bulbar conjunctiva consists of localized alcohol epitheliectomy, removal of the mass by a partial lamellar scleroconjunctivectomy, and supplemental double freeze-thaw cryotherapy to the adjacent remaining conjunctiva by a specific technique. For tumors located in the forniceal or palpebral conjunctiva, wide surgical resection with alcohol treatment to the scleral base and cryotherapy to the surrounding conjunctiva is performed. A “no touch” technique is employed and direct manipulation of the tumor is strictly avoided in an effort to prevent tumor cell seeding into a new area. The technique currently employed has evolved from experience with circumscribed conjunctival melanoma excision during a 20-year period. About 80 patients had circumscribed conjunctival melanoma unassociated with appreciable primary acquired melanosis. Although it is not the purpose of this article on surgical technique to provided a detailed statistical analysis of the results, the authors currently believe that this technique should be employed in all cases of circumscribed lesions in which conjunctival melanoma is a diagnostic consideration. Incisional biopsy and frozen sections are generally not advisable. Preliminary observations suggest that this method decreases the chances of local recurrence.
Sigma Routing Metric for RPL Protocol

This paper presents the adaptation of a specific metric for the RPL protocol in the objective function MRHOF. Among the functions standardized by IETF, we find OF0, which is based on the minimum hop count, as well as MRHOF, which is based on the Expected Transmission Count (ETX). However, when the network becomes denser or the number of nodes increases, both OF0 and MRHOF introduce long hops, which can generate a bottleneck that restricts the network. The adaptation is proposed to optimize both OFs through a new routing metric. To solve the above problem, the metrics of the minimum number of hops and the ETX are combined by designing a new routing metric called SIGMA-ETX, in which the best route is calculated using the standard deviation of ETX values between each node, as opposed to working with the ETX average along the route. This method ensures a better routing performance in dense sensor networks. The simulations are done through the Cooja simulator, based on the Contiki operating system. The simulations showed that the proposed optimization outperforms at a high margin in both OF0 and MRHOF, in terms of network latency, packet delivery ratio, lifetime, and power consumption.
Genetic Regulation of PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9) Plasma Levels and Its Impact on Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease Phenotypes

Background: Inhibition of PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) is a novel strategy to treat hypercholesterolemia and reduce cardiovascular events. However, the potential role of circulating plasma PCSK9 concentrations as a diagnostic and predictive biomarker remains uncertain as of now. Here, we aimed to identify genetic variants associated with plasma PCSK9 and investigate possible causal effects on atherosclerotic vascular disease phenotypes. Methods: We performed the first genome-wide association study of plasma PCSK9 levels in a cohort of suspected and confirmed coronary artery disease (LIFE-Heart; n=3290). Results: Several independent variants at the PCSK9 gene locus were associated with circulating PCSK9 levels at genome-wide significance (lead SNP rs11591147, PCSK9-R46L; P=1.94×10−17). We discovered 4 independent PCSK9 SNPs explaining 4.4% of the variance of plasma PCSK9. In addition, we identified a genome-wide significant locus at chromosome 7p22.1 (rs6957201; P=7.01×10−9) and 7 suggestive hits (P<1×10−6). Using MR (Mendelian Randomization), we detected significant causal effects of circulating PCSK9 on coronary artery disease status and severity, carotid plaques, and intima-media thickness. Conclusions: Variants at the PCSK9 gene locus seem to be the major genetic determinants of plasma PCSK9 levels with 4 independent variants at the PCSK9 gene locus expressing allelic heterogeneity. The detected MR estimates support the hypothesis of a causal effect of PCSK9 on coronary artery disease and other vascular phenotypes. Other observed genetic associations for PCSK9 require validation in independent cohorts. Clinical Trial Registration: URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique Identifier: NCT00497887.
Neanderthal Paintings? Production of Prototypical Human (Homo Sapiens) Faces Shows Systematic Distortions

People's sketches of human faces seem to be systematically distorted: The eye position is always higher than in reality. This bias was experimentally analyzed by a series of experiments varying drawing conditions. Participants either drew prototypical faces from memory (studies 1 and 2: free reconstruction; study 3: cued reconstruction) or directly copied average faces (study 4). Participants consistently showed this positioning bias, which is even in accord with facial depictions published in influential research articles by famous face researchers (study 5). We discuss plausible explanations for this reliable and stable bias, which is coincidentally similar to the morphology of Neanderthals.