Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficiency of error-control schemes for real-time wireless applications on the Gilbert channel

The design of a bandwidth-efficient physical layer for wireless access has always been a challenging task, due to the harsh environment, characterized by impairing phenomena such as radio interference, fading, and shadowing. With circuit switching, a bit-error rate suitable for real-time applications such as voice and video is guaranteed by adopting robust forward error correction (FEC) codes and proper power-budget margins to face fading problems. With this approach, automatic repeat request (ARQ) is used only for applications that require a much lower error rate and can tolerate high delays. The introduction of the packet technique allows the use of ARQ even for real-time traffic. We compare the efficiency of three error-recovering techniques in the presence of traffic with delay constraints, when the memory property of the wireless segment is represented by the Gilbert-Elliot channel. The techniques compared are FEC with interleaving, real-time ARQ, and erasure coding (EC). The comparisons are performed by using both analytical and simulation tools. Two new analytical models are introduced to evaluate the performance of FEC and EC. Simulation is used to validate the analytical results and to derive the performance of real-time ARQ. The numerical results show that when the channel memory increases well beyond the packet-transmission time, the performance of FEC impairs due to the limited interleaving depth, while ARQ and EC remain effective.
Metabolic Fate of Glucose in Purified Islet Cells

Previous studies in rat islets have suggested that anaplerosis plays an important role in the regulation of pancreatic β cell function and growth. However, the relative contribution of islet β cells versus non-β cells to glucose-regulated anaplerosis is not known. Furthermore, the fate of glucose carbon entering the Krebs cycle of islet cells remains to be determined. The present study has examined the anaplerosis of glucose carbon in purified rat β cells using specific 14C-labeled glucose tracers. Between 5 and 20 mm glucose, the oxidative production of CO2 from [3,4-14C]glucose represented close to 100% of the total glucose utilization by the cells. Anaplerosis, quantified as the difference between14CO2 production from [3,4-14C]glucose and [6-14C]glucose, was strongly influenced by glucose, particularly between 5 and 10 mm. The dose dependence of glucose-induced insulin secretion correlated with the accumulation of citrate and malate in β(INS-1) cells. All glucose carbon that was not oxidized to CO2 was recovered from the cells after extraction in trichloroacetic acid. This indirectly indicates that lactate output is minimal in β cells. From the effect of cycloheximide upon the incorporation of 14C-glucose into the acid-precipitable fraction, it could be calculated that 25% of glucose carbon entering the Krebs cycle via anaplerosis is channeled into protein synthesis. In contrast, non-β cells (approximately 80% glucagon-producing α cells) exhibited rates of glucose oxidation that were 1 3 to 1 6 those of the total glucose utilization and no detectable anaplerosis from glucose carbon. This difference between the two cell types was associated with a 7-fold higher expression of the anaplerotic enzyme pyruvate carboxylase in β cells, as well as a 4-fold lower ratio of lactate dehydrogenase to FAD-linked glycerol phosphate dehydrogenase in β cells versus α cells. Finally, glucose caused a dose-dependent suppression of the activity of the pentose phosphate pathway in β cells. In conclusion, rat β cells metabolize glucose essentially via aerobic glycolysis, whereas glycolysis in α cells is largely anaerobic. The results support the view that anaplerosis is an essential pathway implicated in β cell activation by glucose.
Fungal evolutionary genomics provides insight into the mechanisms of adaptive divergence in eukaryotes

Fungi are ideal model organisms for dissecting the genomic bases of adaptive divergence in eukaryotes. They have simple morphologies and small genomes, occupy contrasting, well‐identified ecological niches and tend to have short generation times, and many are amenable to experimental approaches. Fungi also display diverse lifestyles, from saprotrophs to pathogens or mutualists, and they play extremely important roles in both ecosystems and human activities, as wood decayers, mycorrhizal fungi, lichens, endophytes, plant and animal pathogens, and in fermentation or drug production. We review here recent insights into the patterns and mechanisms of adaptive divergence in fungi, including sources of divergence, genomic variation and, ultimately, speciation. We outline the various ecological sources of divergent selection and genomic changes, showing that gene loss and changes in gene expression and in genomic architecture are important adaptation processes, in addition to the more widely recognized processes of amino acid substitution and gene duplication. We also review recent findings regarding the interspecific acquisition of genomic variation and suggesting an important role for introgression, hybridization and horizontal gene transfers (HGTs). We show that transposable elements can mediate several of these genomic changes, thus constituting important factors for adaptation. Finally, we review the consequences of divergent selection in terms of speciation, arguing that genetic incompatibilities may not be as widespread as generally thought and that pleiotropy between adaptation and reproductive isolation is an important route of speciation in fungal pathogens.
Should We Discard the Graft? Analysis of the Renal Grafts with a Total Ischemia Time of More Than 24 Hours Donated After Cardiac Death

The objective is to investigate the outcome of transplantation using kidney grafts from donors after cardiac death (DCDs) with a total ischemia time (TIT) longer than 24 h. All 373 kidneys were procured from DCDs. They were procured using the in‐situ regional cooling technique. Grafts were classified into two groups according to TIT. Fifty‐three grafts had a TIT longer than 24 h (group 1), and the other 320 grafts (group 2) were less than 24 h. The numbers of never functioning grafts (PGF) were 3 in group 1 (5.7%) and 17 in group 2 (5.3%), a nonsignificant difference. Graft survival rates at 3, 5 and 10 years posttransplant were 84.9%, 73.0% and 64.1% in group 1, and 76.3%, 69.9% and 57.1% in group 2, which demonstrate no significant difference. The significant risk factors for graft failure were donor age, serum creatinine level on hospitalization and WIT. However, TIT longer than 24 h was not employed. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that only WIT was associated with an increase in the risk of PGF. Our results demonstrate that kidneys from DCDs, even if their TIT is more than 24 h, should be considered a worthwhile source of renal grafts.
Laccase-Catalyzed Surface Modification of Thermo-Mechanical Pulp (TMP) for the Production of Wood Fiber Insulation Boards Using Industrial Process Water

Low-density wood fiber insulation boards are traditionally manufactured in a wet process using a closed water circuit (process water). The water of these industrial processes contains natural phenolic extractives, aside from small amounts of admixtures (e.g., binders and paraffin). The suitability of two fungal laccases and one bacterial laccase was determined by biochemical characterization considering stability and substrate spectra. In a series of laboratory scale experiments, the selected commercial laccase from Myceliophtora thermophila was used to catalyze the surface modification of thermo-mechanical pulp (TMP) using process water. The laccase catalyzed the covalent binding of the phenolic compounds of the process water onto the wood fiber surface and led to change of the surface chemistry directly via crosslinking of lignin moieties. Although a complete substitution of the binder was not accomplished by laccase, the combined use of laccase and latex significantly improved the mechanical strength properties of wood fiber boards. The enzymatically-treated TMP showed better interactions with the synthetic binder, as shown by FTIR-analysis. Moreover, the enzyme is extensively stable in the process water and the approach requires no fresh water as well as no cost-intensive mediator. By applying a second-order polynomial model in combination with the genetic algorithm (GA), the required amount of laccase and synthetic latex could be optimized enabling the reduction of the binder by 40%.
Headache associated with low CSF pressure

In this article, the author reviews new concepts in spontaneous intracranial hypotension. He discusses the role of CSF volume depletion and addresses the substantial variability in the clinical aspects, imaging findings, and CSF abnormalities related to this disorder. Preexisting dural defects, likely related to disorders of the connective tissue matrix, are sometimes seen and contribute to the often complex anatomy of these spontaneous leaks, presenting therapeutic challenges far beyond the expected management of post-lumbar puncture or even post-epidural catheterization CSF leaks. An update with special emphasis on recent advances of the imaging techniques to localize CSF leaks and treatment options is provided.
Working Paper Series Testing for differences in survey-based density expectations: a compositional data approach

We propose to treat survey-based density expectations as compositional data when testing either for heterogeneity in density forecasts across different groups of agents or for changes over time. Monte Carlo simulations show that the proposed test has more power relative to both a bootstrap approach based on the KLIC and an approach which involves multiple testing for differences of individual parts of the density. In addition, the test is computaionally much faster than the KLIC-based one, which relies on simulations, and allows for comparisons across multiple groups. Using density expectations from the ECB Survey of Professional Forecasters and the U.S. Survey of Consumer Expectations, we show the usefulness of the test in detecting possible changes in density expectations over time and across different types of forecasters.
Eﬃcient and adaptive parameterized algorithms on modular decompositions

We study the inﬂuence of a graph parameter called modular-width on the time complexity for optimally solving well-known polynomial problems such as maximum matching , triangle counting , and maximum s - t vertex-capacitated flow . The modular-width of a graph depends on its (unique) modular decomposition tree, and can be computed in linear time O ( n + m ) for graphs with n vertices and m edges. Modular decompositions are an important tool for graph algorithms, e.g., for linear-time recognition of certain graph classes. Throughout, we obtain eﬃcient parameterized algorithms of running times O ( f ( mw ) n + m ), O ( n + f ( mw ) m ) , or O ( f ( mw ) + n + m ) for graphs of modular-width mw . Our algorithm for maximum matching , running in time O ( mw 2 log mw n + m ), is both faster and simpler than the recent O ( mw 4 n + m ) time algorithm of Coudert et al. (SODA 2018). For several other problems, e.g., triangle counting and maximum b -matching , we give adaptive algorithms, meaning that their running times match the best unparameterized algorithms for worst-case modular-width of mw = Θ( n ) and they outperform them already for mw = o ( n ), until reaching linear time for mw = O (1).
COVID-19 and Firm Response: Evidence from China

: This paper explores the effects of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on firm response. Using a novel COVID-19 sentiment index, our estimation shows that the pandemic significantly reduced the overseas revenue and profits of firms listed on the Chinese A-share market. Moreover, we observe that an increase in loans, and a drop in debt financing cost and trade credit, were prominent during the pandemic. We contend that reduced cash flows, which damaged firm operations; government support, which provided more financing channels; and increased default risks, which placed barriers on trade credit, are the plausible mechanisms through which the COVID-19 pandemic affects firm performance. Profit contraction was more pronounced for firms with a lower ratio of domestic content in exports and state-owned enterprises, while external financing was easier for firms subject to stringent financial constraints despite their lowered trade credit.
Compact Proof Certiﬁcates For Linear Logic

Linear logic is increasingly being used as a tool for communicating reasoning agents in domains such as authorization, access control, electronic voting, etc., where proof certiﬁcates represent evidence that must be veriﬁed by proof consumers as part of higher protocols. Controlling the size of these certiﬁcates is critical. We assume that the proof consumer is allowed to do some search to reconstruct details of the full proof that are omitted from the certiﬁcates. Because the decision problem for linear logic is unsolvable, the certiﬁcate must contain at least enough information to bound the search: we show how to use the sequence of contractions in the sequent proof for this bound. The remaining content of the proof, in particular the information about resource divisions, can then be omitted from the certiﬁcate. We also describe a technique for giving a variable amount of additional search hints to the proof consumer to limit its non-determinism.
Speech overlap detection using convolutive non-negative sparse coding: New improvements and insights

This paper presents recent advances in the application of convolutive non-negative sparse coding (CNSC) to the problem of overlap detection in the context of conference meetings and speaker diarization. CNSC is used to project a mixed speaker signal onto separate speaker bases and hence to detect intervals of competing speech. We present new energy ratio and total energy features which give significant improvements over our previous work. The system is assessed using a subset of the AMI meeting corpus. We report results which are comparable to the state of the art which support the potential of a new approach to overlap detection. An analysis of system performance highlights the importance of further work to addresses weaknesses in detecting particularly short segments of overlapping speech.
Extracción secuencial de plomo y vanadio en sedimentos del río Catatumbo utilizando FAAS, ETAAS e ICP-AES

Se presenta la evaluacion del procedimiento de extraccion secuencial aprobado por la BCR (BCR, por sus siglas en ingles, Community Bureau of Reference) para determinar metales en muestras de sedimentos del rio Catatumbo, Venezuela. Las fracciones consistieron en 4 etapas: en la primera, llamada intercambiable, se extrajo utilizando acido acetico; la segunda, o reducible, con hidroxicloruro de amonio; la tercera, u oxidable, con peroxido de hidrogeno y acetato de amonio y la residual, que es la etapa remanente, se digirio con agua regia. El analisis se realizo por espectrometria de absorcion atomica con llama (FAAS), horno de grafito (ETAAS) y espectrometria de emision atomica con plasma inductivamente acoplado (ICP-AES). Los metales determinados fueron Pb y V. Las determinaciones por FAAS, ETAAS e ICP-AES indicaron que no hubo diferencias estadisticamente significativas (p < 0,05) cuando se compararon los resultados de 24 muestras de sedimentos del rio Catatumbo realizadas por triplicado. La exactitud encontrada sumando las cuatro etapas de la BCR para Pb y V fueron comparables a los resultados obtenidos por digestion acida, lo cual indica que el procedimiento es adecuado para la cuantificacion de los metales estudiados. El Pb y V se encontro mayormente (55-97 %) en la etapa residual lo que los hace no disponibles. Palabras clave: digestion acida, extraccion BCR, sedimento, plomo, vanadio Abstract: The aim of the present work is the evaluation of the procedure of sequential extraction approved by the BCR and used to determine metals in samples of sediments from Catatumbo River in Venezuela. The fractions consisted in four (4) stages: the first one or interchangeable was extracted using acetic acid, the second one or reducible with ammonia hydroxi-chloride, the third one or oxidable with hydrogen peroxide and ammonium acetate and the residual which is the remnant stage was digested with aqua regia. The analysis was made by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS), Electrothermal Atomisation Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (ETA-AAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The metals evaluated were Pb and V. The evaluations for FAAS, ETA-AS and ICP-AES indicated that there were not statistically significant differences (p <0.05) when the results of 24 samples of sediments from the Catatumbo River carried out in triplicate were compared. The exact result found by adding the four stages of the BCR for Pb and V were comparable to the results obtained by acid digestion. The Pb and V were found mainly (55-97 %) in the residual stage which makes them not available and these results are comparable to other studies published. Key words: Acid Digestion, Extraction of BCR, sediment, Pb, V
Economic and environmental effects of collection and primary recycling of packaging waste from hygiene and cleaning products in Serbia

Collection and primary recycling of packaging waste from hygiene and cleaning products occupy an important place in an integral waste management system. It is a fact that management of such waste helps reduce negative economic and environmental impact on one hand and helps bring direct and indirect benefits from collection and primary recycling of the packaging waste on the other hand. In order to obtain more comprehensive data on the economic effects of management of packaging waste from hygiene and cleaning products, this paper presents a methodology for calculating the relevant values associated with the waste. The paper also provides data on the amount, type, and market value of packaging waste from hygiene and cleaning products. Using the data on economic and environmental impact of the packaging waste from hygiene and cleaning products, as well as the data on economic benefits from this type of waste, it is possible to analyse the profitability of its collection and primary recycling in Serbia.
Pervasive and Mobile Computing ( ) – Pervasive and Mobile Computing Analysis of Power Saving and Its Impact on Web Traffic in Cellular Networks with Continuous Connectivity

In this work, we analyze the power saving and its impact on web traffic performance when customers adopt the continuous connectivity paradigm. To this end, we provide a model for packet transmission and cost. We model each mobile user's traffic with a realistic web traffic profile, and study the aggregate behavior of the users attached to a base station by means of a processor-shared queueing system. In particular, we evaluate user access delay, download time and expected economy of energy in the cell. Our study shows that dramatic energy saving can be achieved by mobile devices and base stations, e.g., as much as 70%–90% of the energy cost in cells with realistic traffic load and the considered parameter settings.
Reduction of 1-Cys peroxiredoxins by ascorbate changes the thiol-specific antioxidant paradigm, revealing another function of vitamin C

Peroxiredoxins (Prx) are widely distributed peroxidases that can be divided into 1-Cys and 2-Cys Prx groups based on the number of conserved cysteine residues that participate in their catalytical cycle. Prx have been described to be strictly dependent on thiols, but here, we show that ascorbate (vitamin C) also reduces 1-Cys Prx, but not 2-Cys Prx, from several taxonomic groups. Reduction by ascorbate is partly related to the fact that the oxidized form of 1-Cys Prx is a stable sulfenic acid (Cys-SOH) instead of a disulfide. In addition, a histidine residue in the active site is required. In fact, we engineered a 2-Cys Prx with these two features, and it displayed ascorbate peroxidase activity. These data represent a breakthrough in the thiol-specific antioxidant paradigm. Ascorbate may be the long-sought-after biological reductant of 1-Cys Prx. Because ascorbate is present in high amounts in cells, the ascorbate/protein sulfenic acid pair represents an aspect of redox biochemistry that has yet to be explored in vivo.
vertebral arteries associated with cervical carotid Bilateral dissecting aneurysms of the extracranial

Dissecting aneurysms of the vertebrobasilar system are infrequent. Most of the commonly reported cases describe iatrogenic or traumatic aneurysms of the extracranial vertebral artery. Spontaneous dissecting aneurysms of the extracranial vertebral artery are frequently associated with carotid artery lesions; however, such association is poorly documented in the literature. We describe a case of vertebrobasilar stroke due to dissection of the vertebral arteries associated with a saccular and unruptured mid-cervical internal carotid artery aneurysm
2. TWIN SPECIFIC RISK FACTORS IN PRIMARY SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS

The main aim of this study was to examine twin specific risk factors that influence educational achievement in primary school. We included prenatal factors that are not unique to twins, except for zygosity, but show a higher prevalence in twins than in singletons. In addition, educational achievement was compared between twins and their non-twin siblings in a within-family design. Data were obtained from parents and teachers of approximately 10,000 twins and their non-twin siblings registered with the Netherlands Twin Register. Teachers rated the proficiency of the children on arithmetic, language, reading, and physical education, and reported a national educational achievement test score. Structural equation modeling showed that gestational age, birth weight, and sex were significant predictors of educational achievement, even after correction for socioeconomic status. Mode of delivery and zygosity did not have an effect, while parental age only influenced arithmetic. Mode of conception, incubator time, and birth complications negatively affected achievement in physical education. The comparison of educational achievement of twins and singletons showed significantly lower ratings on arithmetic, reading, and language in twins, compared to their older siblings, but not compared to their younger siblings. Low birth weight and small for gestational age were the most important risk factors for lower educational achievement of twins in primary school. It seems that the differences observed between twins and their non-twin siblings in educational achievement can largely be explained by birth order within the family.