Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Opportunistic Adaptive Transmission for Network Coding Using Nonbinary LDPC Codes

Network coding allows to exploit spatial diversity naturally present in mobile wireless networks and can be seen as an example of cooperative communication at the link layer and above. Such promising technique needs to rely on a suitable physical layer in order to achieve its best performance. In this paper, we present an opportunistic packet scheduling method based on physical layer considerations. We extend channel adaptation proposed for the broadcast phase of asymmetric two-way bidirectional relaying to a generic number of sinks and apply it to a network context. The method consists of adapting the information rate for each receiving node according to its channel status and independently of the other nodes. In this way, a higher network throughput can be achieved at the expense of a slightly higher complexity at the transmitter. This configuration allows to perform rate adaptation while fully preserving the benefits of channel and network coding. We carry out an information theoretical analysis of such approach and of that typically used in network coding. Numerical results based on nonbinary LDPC codes confirm the effectiveness of our approach with respect to previously proposed opportunistic scheduling techniques.
Author ' s personal copy Bootstrapping in a language of thought : A formal model of numerical concept learning

In acquiring number words, children exhibit a qualitative leap in which they transition from understanding a few number words, to possessing a rich system of interrelated numerical concepts. We present a computational framework for understanding this inductive leap as the consequence of statistical inference over a sufficiently powerful representational system. We provide an implemented model that is powerful enough to learn number word meanings and other related conceptual systems from naturalistic data. The model shows that bootstrapping can be made computationally and philosophically wellfounded as a theory of number learning. Our approach demonstrates how learners may combine core cognitive operations to build sophisticated representations during the course of development, and how this process explains observed developmental patterns in num-
Quantum Logic of Word Meanings : Concept Lattices in Vector Space Models

This paper systematically develops the logical and algebraic possibilities inherent in vector space models for language, considerably beyond those which are customarily used in semantic applications such as information retrieval and word sense disambiguation. The cornerstone of the approach lies in a simple implementation of the connectives of quantum logic as introduced by Birkhoff and von Neumann (1936), which defines the negation of a concept as the projection onto its orthogonal subspace, and the disjunction and conjunction of two concepts as the vector sum and intersection of their subspaces. This enables us to use the full lattice structure of a vector space, bringing these models much closer to traditional semantic lattice representations such as taxonomic concept hierarchies. We describe selected examples of this process with both negation and disjunction, and summarise experiments which show that the non-local nature of these connectives has clear advantages over their Boolean counterparts in removing the synonyms and neighbours of negated terms in information retrieval, as well as removing the negated terms themselves. Having thus validated the approach, we explore its implications for assigning semantics to some compositional phrases, showing cases where a quantum interpretation is preferable to a traditional Boolean formulation (and vice versa). Finally, we draw attention to the danger that quantum connectives may overgeneralise, and suggest another (also non-Boolean) alternative.
Coincidences of Catalan and q-Catalan Numbers

Abstract Let Cn and Cn (q) be the nth Catalan number and the nth q-Catalan number, respectively. In this paper, we show that the Diophantine equation Cn = Cm (q) has only finitely many integer solutions (m, n, q) with m > 1, n > 1, q > 1. Moreover, they are all effectively computable.
DNS tunneling detection through statistical fingerprints of protocol messages and machine learning

The use of covert‐channel methods to bypass security policies has increased considerably in the recent years. Malicious users neutralize security restriction by encapsulating protocols like peer‐to‐peer, chat or http proxy into other allowed protocols like Domain Name Server (DNS) or HTTP. This paper illustrates a machine learning approach to detect one particular covert‐channel technique: DNS tunneling.
Improved Signal-to-Noise Ratio in Parallel Coronary Artery Magnetic Resonance Angiography using Graph Cuts based Bayesian Reconstruction

High resolution 3D coronary artery MR angiography is time-consuming and can benefit from accelerated data acquisition provided by parallel imaging techniques without sacrificing spatial resolution. Currently, popular maximum likelihood based parallel imaging reconstruction techniques such as the SENSE algorithm offer this advantage at the cost of reduced signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Maximum a posteriori (MAP) reconstruction techniques that incorporate globally smooth priors have been developed to recover this SNR loss, but they tend to blur sharp edges in the target image. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the feasibility of employing edge-preserving Markov random field priors in a MAP reconstruction framework, which can be solved efficiently using a graph cuts based optimization algorithm. The preliminary human study shows that our reconstruction provides significantly better SNR than the SENSE reconstruction performed by a commercially available scanner for navigator gated steady state free precession 3D coronary magnetic resonance angiography images (n = 4)
Development of kidney-specific antigens: an immunohistological study.

In principle, it can be stated that initiation of histogenesis is preceded or accompanied by synthesis of molecular species, specific for cells belonging to a particular type of tissue. It has long been suggested that such molecular species, if present, must display immunological tissue-specificity, and an immunological approach to describe tissue-differentiation in embryogenesis at the molecular level is also not new (recent reviews by Tyler, 1955; Edds, 1958; Ebert, 1959; Flickinger, 1962). In fact, a number of important contributions have been made along this line, especially on the development of the antigenic constituents of muscle (e.g. Ebert, 1953; Ebert et al , 1955; Holtzer et al , 1957; Holtzer, 1961) and lens (recent works by Flickinger & Stone, 1960; Maisel & Langman, 1961 Takata et al , 1964). As for other tissue cells, however, our knowledge is still scanty, largely owing to the difficulty of characterizing and isolating tissue-specific antigens, even from differentiated adult tissues.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Quality Control and the Unfolded Protein Response: Insights from Plants

Protein quality control (QC) within the endoplasmic reticulum and the related unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway of signal transduction are major regulators of the secretory pathway, which is involved in virtually any aspect of development and reproduction. The study of plant‐specific processes such as pathogen response, seed development and the synthesis of seed storage proteins and of particular toxins is providing novel insights, with potential implications for the general recognition events and mechanisms of action of QC and UPR.
Light-Dependent Regulation of DEL1 Is Determined by the Antagonistic Action of E2Fb and E2Fc1[W][OA]

Endoreduplication represents a variation on the cell cycle in which multiple rounds of DNA replication occur without subsequent chromosome separation and cytokinesis, thereby increasing the cellular DNA content. It is known that the DNA ploidy level of cells is controlled by external stimuli such as light; however, limited knowledge is available on how environmental signals regulate the endoreduplication cycle at the molecular level. Previously, we had demonstrated that the conversion from a mitotic cell cycle into an endoreduplication cycle is controlled by the atypical E2F transcription factor, DP-E2F-LIKE1 (DEL1), that represses the endocycle onset. Here, the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) DEL1 gene was identified as a transcriptional target of the classical E2Fb and E2Fc transcription factors that antagonistically control its transcript levels through competition for a single E2F cis-acting binding site. In accordance with the reported opposite effects of light on the protein levels of E2Fb and E2Fc, DEL1 transcription depended on the light regime. Strikingly, modified DEL1 expression levels uncoupled the link between light and endoreduplication in hypocotyls, implying that DEL1 acts as a regulatory connection between endocycle control and the photomorphogenic response.
Toxic interaction between acid yellow 23 and trypsin: Spectroscopic methods coupled with molecular docking

Acid yellow 23 (AY23) is a pervasive azo dye used in many fields which is potentially harmful to the environment and human health. This paper studied the toxic effects of AY23 on trypsin by spectroscopic and molecular docking methods. The addition of AY23 effectively quenched the intrinsic fluorescence of trypsin via static quenching with association constants of K290,K = 3.67 × 105 L mol−1 and K310,K = 1.83 × 105 L mol−1. The calculated thermodynamic parameters conformed that AY23 binds to trypsin predominantly via electrostatic forces with one binding site. Conformational investigations indicated the skeletal structure of trypsin unfolded and the microenvironment of tryptophan changed with the addition of AY23. Molecular docking study showed that AY23 interacted with the His 57 and Lys 224 residue of trypsin and led to the inhibition of enzyme activity. This study offers a more comprehensive picture of AY23–trypsin interaction and indicates their interaction may perform toxic effects within the organism. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 26:360–367, 2012; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21430
The Bereavement Response: A Cluster Analysis

Background Literature and clinical experience suggest that some people experience atypical, complicated or pathological bereavement reactions in response to a major loss. Method Three groups of community-based bereaved subjects – spouses (n=44), adult children (n=40), and parents (n=36) – were followed up four times in the 13 months after a loss. A 17-item scale of core bereavement times was developed and used to investigate the intensity of the bereavement response over time. Results Cluster analysis revealed a pattern of bereavement-related symptoms approximating a syndrome of chronic grief in 11 (9.2%) of the 120 subjects. None of the respondents displayed a pattern consistent with delayed or absent grief. Conclusions In a non-clinical community sample of bereaved people, delayed or absent grief is infrequently seen, unlike chronic grief, which is demonstrated in a minority.
PerC Manipulates Metabolism and Surface Antigens in Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli

Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli is an important cause of profuse, watery diarrhea in infants living in developing regions of the world. Typical strains of EPEC (tEPEC) possess a virulence plasmid, while related clinical isolates that lack the pEAF plasmid are termed atypical EPEC (aEPEC). tEPEC and aEPEC tend to cause acute vs. more chronic type infections, respectively. The pEAF plasmid encodes an attachment factor as well as a regulatory operon, perABC. PerC, a poorly understood regulator, was previously shown to regulate expression of the type III secretion system through Ler. Here we elucidate the regulon of PerC using RNA sequencing analysis to better our understanding of the role of the pEAF in tEPEC infection. We demonstrate that PerC controls anaerobic metabolism by increasing expression of genes necessary for nitrate reduction. A tEPEC strain overexpressing PerC exhibited a growth advantage compared to a strain lacking this regulator, when grown anaerobically in the presence of nitrate, conditions mimicking the human intestine. We show that PerC strongly down-regulates type I fimbriae expression by manipulating fim phase variation. The quantities of a number of non-coding RNA molecules were altered by PerC. In sum, this protein controls niche adaptation, and could help to explain the function of the PerC homologs (Pch), many of which are encoded within prophages in related, Gram-negative pathogens.
What is Central and Eastern Europe?

The historical trajectory of Central and Eastern Europe differed significantly from that of the West. The region became the periphery of a transforming West during the early modern centuries. The nineteenth and twentieth centuries were characterized by repeated attempts to catch up with the West. Romanticism brought in Western ideas and generated struggles for national independence and modernization. Failures paved the way for desperate revolts in the inter-war years. Left- and right-wing revolutions engulfed the region. Authoritarian, Fascist and Communist regimes looked for short cuts to finish nation-building and industrialization. In the end, all versions of state-run modernization failed, and the region revolted against them. At least its western rim seems to be successfully returning to Europe at the turn of the millennium.
Values as constraints on affordances: Perceiving and acting properly

At the bottom of all human activities are “values,” the conviction that some things “ought to be” and others not. Science, however, with its immense interest in mere facts seems to lack all understanding of such‘requiredness. ’… A science … which would seriously admit nothing but indifferent facts … could not fail to destroy itself. (Kohler, 1938/1966, p. 38-39)
What is the Size of the Semantic Web ?

When attempting to build a scaleable Semantic Web application, one has to know about the size of the Semantic Web. In order to be able to understand the characteristics of the Semantic Web, we examined an interlinked dataset acting as a representative proxy for the Semantic Web at large. Our main finding was that regarding the size of the Semantic Web, there is more than the sheer number of triples; the number and type of links is an equally crucial measure.
Bidirectional Notch activation represses fusion competence in swarming adult Drosophila myoblasts

A major aspect of indirect flight muscle formation during adult Drosophila myogenesis involves transition of a semi-differentiated and proliferating pool of myoblasts to a mature myoblast population, capable of fusing with nascent myotubes and generating mature muscle fibers. Here we examine the molecular genetic programs underlying these two phases of myoblast differentiation. We show that the cell adhesion proteins Dumbfounded (Duf) and Sticks and stones (Sns), together with their paralogs Roughest (Rst) and Hibris (Hbs), respectively, are required for adhesion of migrating myoblasts to myotubes and initiation of myoblast-myotube fusion. As myoblasts approach their myotube targets, they are maintained in a semi-differentiated state by continuous Notch activation, where each myoblast provides the ligand Delta to its neighbors. This unique form of bidirectional Notch activation is achieved by finely tuning the levels of the ligand and receptor. Activation of Notch signaling in myoblasts represses expression of key fusion elements such as Sns. Only upon reaching the vicinity of the myotubes does Notch signaling decay, leading to terminal differentiation of the myoblasts. The ensuing induction of proteins required for fusion enables myoblasts to fuse with the myotubes and give rise to subsequent muscle fiber growth.
Increased matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity in unstable carotid plaques. A potential role in acute plaque disruption.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Acute disruption of atherosclerotic plaques precedes the onset of clinical syndromes, and studies have implicated a role for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in this process. The aim of this study was to establish the character, level, and expression of MMPs in carotid plaques and to correlate this with clinical status, cerebral embolization, and histology. METHODS Plaques were obtained from 75 consecutive patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy and divided into 4 groups according to symptomatology (group 1, asymptomatic; group 2, symptomatic >6 months before surgery; group 3, symptomatic within 1 to 6 months; group 4, symptomatic within 1 month). All patients underwent preoperative and intraoperative transcranial Doppler monitoring. Plaques were subjected to histological examination and quantification of MMPs by zymography and ELISA. RESULTS The level of MMP-9 was significantly higher in group 4 (median 125.7 ng/mL for group 4, median <32 ng/mL for all other groups; P=0.003), with no difference in the levels of MMPs 1, 2, or 3. Furthermore, the MMP-9 concentration was significantly higher in plaques undergoing spontaneous embolization (P=0.019) and those with histological evidence of plaque instability (P<0.03). In situ hybridization demonstrated increased MMP-9 expression in highly symptomatic plaques in areas of intense inflammatory infiltrate. CONCLUSIONS The concentration, production, and expression of MMP-9 is significantly higher in unstable carotid plaques. If this proves to be a causal relationship, MMP-9 may be a strong candidate for pharmacotherapy aimed at stabilizing plaques and preventing stroke.
Unmyelinated axons in the rat hippocampus hyperpolarize and activate an H current when spike frequency exceeds 1 Hz

The mammalian cortex is densely populated by extensively branching, thin, unmyelinated axons that form en passant synapses. Some thin axons in the peripheral nervous system hyperpolarize if action potential frequency exceeds 1‐5 Hz. To test the hypothesis that cortical axons also show activity‐induced hyperpolarization, we recorded extracellularly from individual CA3 pyramidal neurons while activating their axon with trains consisting of 30 electrical stimuli. Synaptic excitation was blocked by kynurenic acid. We observed a positive correlation between stimulation strength and the number of consecutive axonal stimuli that resulted in soma spikes, suggesting that the threshold increased as a function of the number of spikes. During trains without response failures there was always a cumulative increase in the soma response latency. Intermittent failures, however, decreased the latency of the subsequent response. At frequencies of > 1 Hz, the threshold and latency increases were enhanced by blocking the hyperpolarization‐activated H current (Ih)by applying the specific Ih blocker ZD7288 (25 μM) or 2 mM Cs+. Under these conditions, response failures occurred after 15–25 stimuli, independent of the stimulation strength. Adding GABA receptor blockers (saclofen and bicuculline) and a blocker of metabotropic glutamate receptors did not change the activity‐induced latency increase in recordings of the compound action potential. We interpret these results as an activity‐induced hyperpolarization that is partly counteracted by Ih. Such a hyperpolarization may influence transmitter release and the conduction reliability of these axons.
Colorectal liver metastasis after 90Y radioembolization therapy: pilot study of change in MDCT attenuation as a surrogate marker for future FDG PET response.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate whether changes in attenuation and size of liver metastatic lesions of colorectal cancer at MDCT 1 month after (90)Y radioembolization treatment are predictive of response at FDG PET 3 months after treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients with colorectal liver metastasis consecutively treated with (90)Y radioembolization underwent triphasic MDCT of the liver at baseline and 1 and 3 months after treatment and FDG PET at baseline and 3 months after treatment. Percentage change in tumor attenuation at MDCT (volumetric attenuation), tumor size at MDCT (according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST] and World health Organization [WHO] criteria), and volume-weighted maximum standardized uptake value at FDG PET were evaluated. The correlation between FDG PET response 3 months after treatment and response according to RECIST, WHO criteria, and attenuation 1 month after treatment was evaluated. RESULTS Only 13.3% of patients with FDG PET findings of response 3 months after treatment were identified according to RECIST and WHO criteria 1 month after treatment. According to attenuation criteria at 1 month, however, 53.3% of patients with an FDG PET response at 3 months were identified. A strong association was found between FDG PET response at 3 months and response based on attenuation criteria (odds ratio, 12.4; 95% CI, 0.58-265.3; p = 0.05). CONCLUSION Early changes in the attenuation of liver metastatic lesions of colon cancer after (90)Y radioembolization treatment may be predictive of future response at FDG PET.
Estado y familia en el cuidado de las personas: Sustitución o complemento

The relationship between family and State has been conceptualised in terms of substitution of the former by the latter, which would have a weakening effect of private solidarity (“crowding-out”). From an opposite approach, the mechanisms through which the internal solidarity of the family is reinforced by social policies have been studied. In this case, both institutions complement each other and mutual support between relatives can even increase (“crowding-in”). In different social contexts, though, the meaning of substitution and complement varies. The article studies the relationship between family and State in care for the Spanish case, where the delayed and limited social policies invert the relation between these two institutions. Substitution takes place, but it is rather the family that substitutes the expected State intervention which does not appear. This is a new role for the family beyond the nuclear circle and beyond women as carers. Family networks, and especially grandparents, assume a key role in child care. The family substitutes the absent State. Empirical data come form the Family Networks Survey of Andalusia which allows detailed analysis of the explaining factors of solidarity in the family.
SOCIAL SECURITY AND EMPLOYMENT: AN INSTRUMENTAL LINK

The present social security system has reached a point where it has outgrown its traditional structures. The system envisaged for the future is one in which the state decides what minimum protection everyone must receive and how much tax this entails, and in which a body representing all workers decides on how much of their income they will pay to insure themselves. Policy recommendations for restructuring social security systems in Europe should take into account the fact that social security benefits enjoy a privileged status within the context of public spending; that every country adopts a minimum level of expenditure in line with its considered minimum standard of social protection; and that greater efficiency of social security budgets should be aimed at, through rationalisation of choices, structures, means and services.
Lexicons and Minimum Risk Training for Neural Machine Translation: NAIST-CMU at WAT2016

This year, the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST)/Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) submission to the Japanese-English translation track of the 2016 Workshop on Asian Translation was based on attentional neural machine translation (NMT) models. In addition to the standard NMT model, we make a number of improvements, most notably the use of discrete translation lexicons to improve probability estimates, and the use of minimum risk training to optimize the MT system for BLEU score. As a result, our system achieved the highest translation evaluation scores for the task.