Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using Relative Neighborhood Graphs for Reliable Database Synchronization in MANETs

Achieving reliable communication of critical data on mobile ad hoc networks is a must before MANETs can be considered practical for standard mobile and vehicular communications. This paper thus focuses on schemes that complement existing ad hoc broadcast mechanisms (inherently unreliable), which can guarantee the full diffusion of critical messages, when necessary. An interesting approach in this domain is the use of an overlay network, over which critical messages are acknowledged peer to peer, in order to verify the actual dissemination. This paper elaborates on the problem of performance, related to the discovery and the maintenance of such an overlay network, in a mobile ad hoc context. We present an analysis of a novel algorithm, SLOT (Synchronized Link Overlay - Triangular), an overlay selected based on a Relative Neighborhood Graph (RNG) scheme, and we compare its performance with that of other existing algorithms, in the context of the industry-standard IP routing protocol OSPF, which uses alternative overlay algorithms to synchronize link state databases of routers. The results presented in this paper show that SLOT outperforms other existing overlays by necessitating drastically less control traffic in order to function, enabling OSPF to scale to larger mobile ad hoc topologies.
Using transportation distances for measuring melodic similarity

Most of the existing methods for measuring melodic similarity use one-dimensional textual representations of music notation, so that melodic similarity can be measured by calculating editing distances. We view notes as weighted points in a two-dimensional space, with the coordinates of the points reflecting the pitch and onset time of notes and the weights of points depending on the corresponding notes’ duration and importance. This enables us to measure similarity by using the Earth Mover’s Distance (EMD) and the Proportional Transportation Distance (PTD), a pseudometric for weighted point sets which is based on the EMD. A comparison of our experiment results with earlier work shows that by using weighted point sets and the EMD/PTD instead of Howard’s method (1998) using the DARMS encoding for determining melodic similarity, it is possible to group together about twice as many known occurrences of a melody within the RISM A/II collection. Also, the percentage of successfully identified authors of anonymous incipits can almost be doubled by comparing weighted point sets instead of looking for identical representations in Plaine & Easie encoding as Schlichte did in 1990.
VUzzer: Application-aware Evolutionary Fuzzing

See, stats, and : https : / / www . researchgate . net / publication / 311886374 VUzzer : Application - aware Conference DOI : 10 . 14722 / ndss . 2017 . 23404 CITATIONS 0 READS 17 6 , including : Some : Systems Sanjay Vrije , Amsterdam , Netherlands 38 SEE Ashish International 1 SEE Cristiano VU 51 SEE Herbert VU 163 , 836 SEE All . The . All - text and , letting . Abstract—Fuzzing is an effective software testing technique to find bugs . Given the size and complexity of real - world applications , modern fuzzers tend to be either scalable , but not effective in exploring bugs that lie deeper in the execution , or capable of penetrating deeper in the application , but not scalable . In this paper , we present an application - aware evolutionary fuzzing strategy that does not require any prior knowledge of the application or input format . In order to maximize coverage and explore deeper paths , we leverage control - and data - flow features based on static and dynamic analysis to infer fundamental prop - erties of the application . This enables much faster generation of interesting inputs compared to an application - agnostic approach . We implement our fuzzing strategy in VUzzer and evaluate it on three different datasets : DARPA Grand Challenge binaries (CGC) , a set of real - world applications (binary input parsers) , and the recently released LAVA dataset . On all of these datasets , VUzzer yields significantly better results than state - of - the - art fuzzers , by quickly finding several existing and new bugs .
4th order statistics based blind channel estimation for multicarrier transmission

This paper presents a blind channel estimation algorithm for multicarrier systems. The proposed scheme is based on fourth order statistics estimation of received data followed by a Gauss linearization of a non-linear system. The channel estimation is performed over a very short number of symbols in order to stay compliant with the channel coherence time. The proposed approach is well suited to CP-OFDM system transmitting circular M-QAM communication symbols but, being not based on the cyclic prefix properties, it could be applied, with some adjustments, to filterbank multicarrier waveforms transmitting M-OQAM communication symbols. The blind algorithm presented provides finally an increase of the useful throughput and it gives a high flexibility for the waveform usage, avoiding the difficult time and frequency pilot location optimization problem.
A Qualitative Study on the Difference in Organizational Fit of IT Supporting Organizations

For many years, factors that increase the competitive advantage of organizations have been studied in organizational research. For an Information Technology (IT) organization, the main issues are the fitness of the IT and organization strategies and methods for revitalizing IT knowledge management (Earl, 2001; Rathnam, Johnsen, & Wen, 2005; Zack, 2002). However, there are few studies that have evaluated the competitiveness of an organization with reference to the correspondence of these constituent factors with organizational objectives. In this research a multi-contingency view was applied to Korean agencies, and the regional agencies with good performance and those with poor performance were compared with regard to this measure of fitness. The results of this study confirmed that the regions that received a favorable evaluation from experts exhibited good fit overall, and the constituent parts of the organization were consistent with the firm’s objectives.
Flavivirus Replication Complex Assembly Revealed by DNAJC14 Functional Mapping

ABSTRACT DNAJC14 is an Hsp40 family member that broadly modulates flavivirus replication. The mechanism by which DNAJC14 stoichiometrically participates in flavivirus replication complex (RC) formation is unknown; both reduced and elevated levels result in replication inhibition. Using yellow fever virus (YFV), we demonstrate that DNAJC14 redistributes and clusters with YFV nonstructural proteins via a transmembrane domain and a newly identified membrane-binding domain (MBD), which both mediate targeting to detergent-resistant membranes. Furthermore, the RC and DNAJC14 reside as part of a protein interaction network that remains after 1% Triton solubilization. Mutagenesis studies demonstrate that entry into this protein interaction network requires the DNAJC14 C-terminal self-interaction domain. Fusion of the DNAJC14 MBD and self-interaction domain with another Hsp40 family protein is sufficient to confer YFV-inhibitory activity. Our findings support a novel model of DNAJC14 action that includes specific membrane targeting of both DNAJC14 and YFV replication proteins, the formation of protein interactions, and a microdomain-specific chaperone event leading to RC formation. This process alters the properties of the RC membrane and results in the formation of a protein scaffold that maintains the RC.
A program dependence model for concurrent logic programs and its applications

The authors propose a program dependence model for concurrent logic programs. They present three types of primary program dependences named the sharing dependence, communication dependence, and unification dependence between arguments in a concurrent logic program. We formally define these primary program dependences based on mode information. We further present a dependence-based representation named the argument dependence net (ADN), which explicitly represents all primary program dependences between arguments in a concurrent logic program. We also discuss some applications of the ADN for developing software engineering tools of concurrent logic programs. Finally, we briefly introduce a program analysis system called CLPKIDS for concurrent logic programs, which is a prototype implementation of the techniques introduced.
The Parallel Improved Apriori Algorithm Research Based on Spark

Apriori algorithm is one of the classical algorithm in the association rule mining field, this paper analyzes the shortcomings of classical Apriori algorithm, then improves it by constructing a new data structure and optimizing the prepruning step. Based on the improved Apriori algorithm and combined with the Spark support for fine-grained data processing, we elaborate the idea of the improved Apriori algorithm's parallel processing, and propose the SIAP algorithms. We experimented by comparing with the Apriori algorithms based on Hadoop and the Apriori algorithms based on Spark, and the results show that the SIAP algorithm has a higher efficiency.
SNMP-Based Approach to Load Distribution in IEEE 802.11 Networks

In an IEEE 802.11 network, the traffic load collectively given by wireless stations (WSs) is usually not fairly shared by all available access points (APs), as WSs independently select APs to camp on. Prior approaches toward this problem either need to modify AP's behavior or require bandwidth negotiation and agreement enforcement between APs and WSs. These approaches are not practical due to their inability to apply to APs already in use. This paper proposes an application-layer approach, where a dedicated server is deployed to collect load-related information from APs utilizing SNMP (simple network management protocol). Our approach applies to off-the-shelf APs and has been proven very effective through thoughtful experiments
Visual analysis of goal-directed network defense decisions

Security visualization has been focused largely on graphic representation of data and relationships between network activity, security sensor output, and attacker activity. Visual analysis tools have not been designed to facilitate the analysis of data related to defender activities and decisions. This paper reports on the initial effort of a research team to use visual analytics to support the modeling of the computer network defense (CND) decision process of an organization. We describe a tool to support the visual analysis of a hierarchical decision structure represented in a portable, file-based database. The tool visualizes and traces relationships between decision goals, sub-goals, decisions, information requirements, and data sources.
Computational Modeling of the Hematopoietic Erythroid-Myeloid Switch Reveals Insights into Cooperativity, Priming, and Irreversibility

Hematopoietic stem cell lineage choices are decided by genetic networks that are turned ON/OFF in a switch-like manner. However, prior to lineage commitment, genes are primed at low expression levels. Understanding the underlying molecular circuitry in terms of how it governs both a primed state and, at the other extreme, a committed state is of relevance not only to hematopoiesis but also to developmental systems in general. We develop a computational model for the hematopoietic erythroid-myeloid lineage decision, which is determined by a genetic switch involving the genes PU.1 and GATA-1. Dynamical models based upon known interactions between these master genes, such as mutual antagonism and autoregulation, fail to make the system bistable, a desired feature for robust lineage determination. We therefore suggest a new mechanism involving a cofactor that is regulated as well as recruited by one of the master genes to bind to the antagonistic partner that is necessary for bistability and hence switch-like behavior. An interesting fallout from this architecture is that suppression of the cofactor through external means can lead to a loss of cooperativity, and hence to a primed state for PU.1 and GATA-1. The PU.1–GATA-1 switch also interacts with another mutually antagonistic pair, –FOG-1. The latter pair inherits the state of its upstream master genes and further reinforces the decision due to several feedback loops, thereby leading to irreversible commitment. The genetic switch, which handles the erythroid-myeloid lineage decision, is an example of a network that implements both a primed and a committed state by regulating cooperativity through recruitment of cofactors. Perturbing the feedback between the master regulators and downstream targets suggests potential reprogramming strategies. The approach points to a framework for lineage commitment studies in general and could aid the search for lineage-determining genes.
Inter-Allelic Prion Propagation Reveals Conformational Relationships among a Multitude of [PSI] Strains

Immense diversity of prion strains is observed, but its underlying mechanism is less clear. Three [PSI] prion strains—named VH, VK, and VL—were previously isolated in the wild-type yeast genetic background. Here we report the generation and characterization of eight new [PSI] isolates, obtained by propagating the wild-type strains with Sup35 proteins containing single amino-acid alterations. The VH strain splits into two distinct strains when propagated in each of the three genetic backgrounds, harboring respectively single mutations of N21L, R28P, and Gi47 (i.e. insertion of a glycine residue at position 47) on the Sup35 N-terminal prion-forming segment. The six new strains exhibit complex inter-conversion patterns, and one of them continuously mutates into another. However, when they are introduced back into the wild-type background, all 6 strains revert to the VH strain. We obtain two more [PSI] isolates by propagating VK and VL with the Gi47 and N21L backgrounds, respectively. The two isolates do not transmit to other mutant backgrounds but revert to their parental strains in the wild-type background. Our data indicate that a large number of [PSI] strains can be built on three basic Sup35 amyloid structures. It is proposed that the three basic structures differ by chain folding topologies, and sub-strains with the same topology differ in distinct ways by local structural adjustments. This “large number of variations on a small number of basic themes” may also be operative in generating strain diversities in other prion elements. It thus suggests a possible general scheme to classify a multitude of prion strains.
Evaluation of novel particles as pulmonary delivery systems for insulin in rats

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of calcium phosphate (CAP) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) particles on the systemic delivery of insulin administered by the pulmonary route. Two methods of pulmonary delivery were employed: intratracheal instillation and spray instillation. Insulin-CAP-PEG particles in suspension (1.2 U/kg, 110–140 μL) were administered to the lungs of fasted rats by intratracheal instillation (INCAPEG) or spray instillation (SINCAPEG). Control treatments consisted of insulin solution (1.2 U/kg) by intratracheal instillation, spray instillation, and subcutaneous administration (SC). Plasma concentrations of insulin and glucose were determined by chemiluminescence and colorimetric methods, respectively. Data were analyzed by compartmental and non-compartmental methods, and pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) parameters of insulin disposition were determined. PK analysis suggested that insulin administered in particles had a longer half-life, a longer mean residence time, and a smaller rate of elimination than insulin in solution. In addition, insulin bioavailability after SINCAPEG was 1.8-fold that of insulin solution administered SC. PD analysis showed that smaller areas under the effect curve and, conversely, larger areas above the effect curve were obtained after INCAPEG in comparison to insulin solution. The magnitude of this effect was increased after SINCAPEG. The presence of CAP-PEG particles appears to positively influence the disposition of insulin administered to the lungs of Sprague-Dawley rats. Spray instillation appears to be a more efficient method of delivering insulin to the lungs of rats than intratracheal instillation.
The Effect of Stand-Off Distance on the Structure and Properties of Zirconium - Carbon Steel Bimetal Produced by Explosion Welding

This study focuses on the effect of the stand-off distance between the bonded plates on the properties of zirconium (Zr700) – steel (P355NL2) bimetal produced by explosion welding. Bonding trials were carried out in parallel arrangement at constant detonation velocity. The analyses of microstructural transformations occurring in the bond zone and mechanical properties of the clad were performed for as-bonded welds, i.e. immediately following explosion welding. A general description of the obtained welds was made (height and length of the wave was determined) and the quantitative fraction of the melt zones was calculated along the bond’s length. Using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) enabled the assessment of the quality of the formed bonds, initial identification of phases and quantitative analysis of the individual phases on the longitudinal section. The microhardness results were used in the analysis of hardening changes at the interface area. The completed research proves the potential to obtain a proper bond for zirconium/carbon steel sheets. A strong effect of the stand-off distance on the strength properties of the fabricated plates was observed, and the ’direction’ of these transformations was pointed out. Optical microscopy and SEM examinations allowed determining the characteristic of the bond interface for diverse stand-off distances. It was established that increasing the stand-off distance between the plates causes the reduction of the melt area along the length of the bond, which improves strength properties of the bimetal. The analysis of the strength distribution performed based on the microhardness measurements showed that the changes occur within the distances up to 500μm from the bond interface and the highest hardening, for both zirconium and steel, is directly at the interface and then successively decreases.
Fast Rotation Invariant 3D Feature Computation Utilizing Efficient Local Neighborhood Operators

We present a method for densely computing local rotation invariant image descriptors in volumetric images. The descriptors are based on a transformation to the harmonic domain, which we compute very efficiently via differential operators. We show that this fast voxelwise computation is restricted to a family of basis functions that have certain differential relationships. Building upon this finding, we propose local descriptors based on the Gaussian Laguerre and spherical Gabor basis functions and show how the coefficients can be computed efficiently by recursive differentiation. We exemplarily demonstrate the effectiveness of such dense descriptors in a detection and classification task on biological 3D images. In a direct comparison to existing volumetric features, among them 3D SIFT, our descriptors reveal superior performance.
An epidemiological appraisal of the association between heart rate variability and particulate air pollution: a meta-analysis

Objective Studies on the association between short-term exposure to ambient air pollution and heart rate variability (HRV) suggest that particulate matter (PM) exposure is associated with reductions in measures of HRV, but there is heterogeneity in the nature and magnitude of this association between studies. The authors performed a meta-analysis to determine how consistent this association is. Data source The authors searched the Pubmed citation database and Web of Knowledge to identify studies on HRV and PM. Study selection Of the epidemiologic studies reviewed, 29 provided sufficient details to be considered. The meta-analysis included 18667 subjects recruited from the population in surveys, studies from patient groups, and from occupationally exposed groups. Data extraction Two investigators read all papers and computerised all relevant information. Results The authors computed pooled estimates from a random-effects model. In the combined studies, an increase of 10 μg/m3 in PM2.5 was associated with significant reductions in the time-domain measurements, including low frequency (−1.66%, 95% CI −2.58% to −0.74%) and high frequency (−2.44%, 95% CI −3.76% to −1.12%) and in frequency-domain measurements, for SDNN (−0.12%, 95% CI −0.22% to −0.03%) and for rMSSD (−2.18%, 95% CI −3.33% to −1.03%). Funnel plots suggested that no publication bias was present and a sensitivity analysis confirmed the robustness of our combined estimates. Conclusion The meta-analysis supports an inverse relationship between HRV, a marker for a worse cardiovascular prognosis, and particulate air pollution.
Different Roles of Negative and Positive Components of the Circadian Clock in Oncogene-induced Neoplastic Transformation*

In mammals, circadian rhythms in physiological function are generated by a molecular oscillator driven by transcriptional-translational feedback loop consisting of negative and positive regulators. Disruption of this circadian clock machinery is thought to increase the risk of cancer development, but the potential contributions of each component of circadian clock to oncogenesis have been little explored. Here we reported that negative and positive transcriptional regulators of circadian feedback loop had different roles in oncogene-induced neoplastic transformation. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts prepared from animals deficient in negative circadian clock regulators, Period2 (Per2) or Cryptochrome1/2 (Cry1/2), were prone to transformation induced by co-expression of H-rasV12 and SV40 large T antigen (SV40LT). In contrast, mouse embryonic fibroblasts prepared from mice deficient in positive circadian clock regulators, Bmal1 or Clock, showed resistance to oncogene-induced transformation. In Per2 mutant and Cry1/2-null cells, the introduction of oncogenes induced expression of ATF4, a potent repressor of cell senescence-associated proteins p16INK4a and p19ARF. Elevated levels of ATF4 were sufficient to suppress expression of these proteins and drive oncogenic transformation. Conversely, in Bmal1-null and Clock mutant cells, the expression of ATF4 was not induced by oncogene introduction, which allowed constitutive expression of p16INK4a and p19ARF triggering cellular senescence. Although genetic ablation of either negative or positive transcriptional regulators of the circadian clock leads to disrupted rhythms in physiological functions, our findings define their different contributions to neoplastic cellular transformation.
MUMMALS: multiple sequence alignment improved by using hidden Markov models with local structural information

We have developed MUMMALS, a program to construct multiple protein sequence alignment using probabilistic consistency. MUMMALS improves alignment quality by using pairwise alignment hidden Markov models (HMMs) with multiple match states that describe local structural information without exploiting explicit structure predictions. Parameters for such models have been estimated from a large library of structure-based alignments. We show that (i) on remote homologs, MUMMALS achieves statistically best accuracy among several leading aligners, such as ProbCons, MAFFT and MUSCLE, albeit the average improvement is small, in the order of several percent; (ii) a large collection (>10 000) of automatically computed pairwise structure alignments of divergent protein domains is superior to smaller but carefully curated datasets for estimation of alignment parameters and performance tests; (iii) reference-independent evaluation of alignment quality using sequence alignment-dependent structure superpositions correlates well with reference-dependent evaluation that compares sequence-based alignments to structure-based reference alignments.