Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Near Optimal Leader Election in Multi-Hop Radio Networks

We design leader election protocols for multi-hop radio networks that elect a leader in almost the same time TBC that it takes for broadcasting one message (one ID). For the setting without collision detection our algorithm runs whp. in O(D log n/D + log3 n) · min{log log n, log n/D} rounds on any n-node network with diameter D. Since TBC = Θ(D log n/D + log2 n) is a lower bound, our upper bound is optimal up to a factor of at most log log n and the extra log n factor on the additive term. Our algorithm is furthermore the first O(n) time algorithm for this setting. Our algorithm improves over a 23 year old simulation approach of Bar-Yehuda, Goldreich and Itai with a O(TBC log n) running time: In 1987 they designed a fast broadcast protocol and subsequently in 1989 they showed how it can be used to simulate one round of a single-hop network that has collision detection in TBC time. The prime application of this simulation was to simulate Willards single-hop leader election protocol, which elects a leader in O(log n) rounds whp. and O(log log n) rounds in expectation. While it was subsequently shown that Willards bounds are tight, it was unclear whether the simulation approach is optimal. Our results break this barrier and essentially remove the logarithmic slowdown over the broadcast time TBC. This is achieved by going away from the simulation approach. We also give an O(D + log n log log n) · min{log log n, log n/D} = O(D + log n) · O(log log n)2 leader election algorithm for the setting with collision detection (even with single-bit messages). This is optimal up to log log n factors and improves over a deterministic algorithm that requires Θ(n) rounds independently of D. Our almost optimal leader election protocols are especially important because countless communication protocols in radio networks use leader election as a crucial first step to solve various, seemingly unrelated, communication primitives such as gathering, multiple unicasts or multiple broadcasts. Even though leader election seems easier than these tasks, its best-known O(TBC log n) running time had become a bottleneck, preventing optimal algorithms. Breaking the simulation barrier for leader election in this paper has subsequently led to the development of near optimal protocols for these communication primitives.
The Importance of Traceability Why Software Requirements Traceability Remains a Challenge

S oftware products are increasingly being deployed in complex, potentially dangerous products such as weapons systems, aircraft, and medical devices. Software products are critical because failure in these areas could result in loss of life, significant environmental damage, and major financial loss. This might lead one to believe that care would be taken to implement these software products using proven, reproducible methods. Unfortunately , this is not always the case. In 1994, a Standish Group study [1] found that 53 percent of software projects failed outright and another 31 percent were challenged by extreme budget overruns. Since that time, many responses to the high rate of software project failures have been proposed. Examples include the SEI's CMMI ® , the ISO's 9001:2000 for software development, and the IEEE's J-STD-016. One feature that these software development standards have in common is that they all impose requirements traceability practices on the software development process. Requirements traceability can be defined as " the ability to describe and follow the life of a requirement, in both a forward and backward direction " [2]. This concept is shown in Figure 1. Although many facets of a software project can be traced, the focus of this article is on requirements traceability; therefore, the term traceability is used to refer to requirements traceability throughout. See Figure 2, which provides an alternative view to Figure 1. Research has shown that inadequate traceability is an important contributing factor to software project failures and budget overruns [3]. As a response, there has been an outpouring of research and literature on the subject of traceability, and many organizations have been striving to improve their traceability practices. These efforts have not been in vain. In 2006, The Standish Group updated their 1994 study [4], showing that only 19 percent of software projects failed outright with another 46 percent challenged by budget overruns. The improvement since 1994 is clearly shown in Table 1 (see page 16); however, room for growth remains. Although the importance of traceabil-ity seems to be well-accepted in the software engineering industry, research suggests that many organizations still do not understand the principles of traceability and are struggling with implementing traceability practices in the software development life cycle [5]. Perhaps the biggest need is for a better understanding of why traceability is important and the challenges facing its implementation. This article attempts to address this need by studying the factors …
Rule-based reasoning for altering pattern navigation in Programming Tutoring System

Semantic Web technologies seem to be a promising technological foundation for the next generation of e-learning systems. Although ontologies have a set of basic implicit reasoning mechanisms derived from the description logic which they are typically based on (such as classification, relations, instance checking, etc.), they need rules to make further inferences and to express relations that cannot be represented by ontological reasoning. In our previous work, we presented tutoring system named Protus (PRogramming TUtoring System) that is used for learning Java programming basics. One of the most important features of Protus is the adaptation of the presentation and navigation system of a course based on the level of particular learner knowledge. It uses principles of adaptive hypermedia and content recommendation for course personalization. There can be different sequence of resources that depends on navigational sequence determined for particular learner. In this paper we present set of proposed SWRL rules for altering navigation sequences.
Creation of automobile exterior color design approach model “A-ACAM”

The quality of a car's exterior color has become a major aesthetic factor (preference) influencing the car buying process. Thus, for this study, the authors have created “A-ACAM” (Automobile Exterior Color Design Approach Model) and the model's effectiveness has been verified. In creating the model, the authors utilized information from their own research, entitled “Kansei engineering in automobile”. They first determined the four elements most desired by young people when choosing exterior colors (classy, luxurious, dignified, and sporty). Next, they determined the six elements of color (hue, luminosity, intensity, shine, opacity, and graininess) that influence young buyers the most. Correspondence analysis was then applied with the aid of statistical science (multivariate analysis) in order to correlate the young people's preferences with the color elements, enabling the authors to determine the degree of influence of each of the color elements. Based on these findings, the model has subsequently been applied in exterior color development (paints and painting methods), demonstrating significant results.
High Circulating Frequencies of Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha- and Interleukin-2-Secreting Human T-Lymphotropic Virus Type 1 (HTLV-1)-Specific CD4+ T Cells in Patients with HTLV-1-Associated Neurological Disease

ABSTRACT Significantly higher frequencies of tumor necrosis factor alpha- and interleukin-2-secreting human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)-specific CD4+ T cells were present in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) patients than in those of asymptomatic carriers with similar provirus loads. The data suggest that HTLV-1-specific CD4+ T cells play a role in the pathogenesis of HAM/TSP.
GMP-Compliant Isolation and Expansion of Bone Marrow-Derived MSCs in the Closed, Automated Device Quantum Cell Expansion System

The estimated frequency of MSCs in BM is about 0.001–0.01% of total nucleated cells. Most commonly, one applied therapeutic cell dose is about 1–5 million MSCs/kg body weight, necessitating a reliable, fast, and safe expansion system. The limited availability of MSCs demands for an extensive ex vivo amplification step to accumulate sufficient cell numbers. Human platelet lysate (PL) has proven to be a safe and feasible alternative to animal-derived serum as supplement for MSC cultivation. We have investigated the functionally closed automated cell culture hollow fiber bioreactor Quantum cell expansion system as an alternative novel tool to conventional tissue flasks for efficient clinical-scale MSC isolation and expansion from bone marrow using PL. Cells expanded in the Quantum system fulfilled MSC criteria as shown by flow cytometry and adipogenic, chondrogenic, and osteogenic differentiation capacity. Cell surface expression of a variety of chemokine receptors, adhesion molecules, and additional MSC markers was monitored for several passages by flow cytometry. The levels of critical media components like glucose and lactate were analyzed. PDGF-AA, PDGF-AB/BB, bFGF, TGF-β1, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, RANTES, GRO, VEGF, sCD40L, and IL-6 were assessed using a LUMINEX platform. Originally optimized for the use of fetal calf serum (FCS) as supplement and fibronectin as coating reagent, we succeeded to obtain an average of more than 100 × 106 of MSCs from as little as 18.8–28.6 ml of BM aspirate using PL. We obtained similar yields of MSCs/μl BM in the FCS-containing and the xenogen-free expansion system. The Quantum system reliably produces a cellular therapeutic dose in a functionally closed system that requires minimal manipulation. Both isolation and expansion are possible using FCS or PL as supplement. Coating of the hollow fibers of the bioreactor is mandatory when loading MSCs. Fibronectin, PL, and human plasma may serve as coating reagents.
Anatomical transformation in mammals: developmental origin of aberrant cervical anatomy in tree sloths

SUMMARY Mammalian cervical count has been fixed at seven for more than 200 million years. The rare exceptions to this evolutionary constraint have intrigued anatomists since the time of Cuvier, but the developmental processes that generate them are unknown. Here we evaluate competing hypotheses for the evolutionary origin of cervical variants in Bradypus and Choloepus, tree sloths that have broken the seven cervical vertebrae barrier independently and in opposite directions. Transitional and mediolaterally disjunct anatomy characterizes the cervicothoracic vertebral boundary in each genus, although polarities are reversed. The thoracolumbar, lumbosacral, and sacrocaudal boundaries are also disrupted, and are more extreme in individuals with more extreme cervical counts. Hypotheses of homologous, homeotic, meristic, or associational transformations of traditional vertebral column anatomy are not supported by these data. We identify global homeotic repatterning of abaxial relative to primaxial mesodermal derivatives as the origin of the anomalous cervical counts of tree sloths. This interpretation emphasizes the strong resistance of the “rule of seven” to evolutionary change, as morphological stasis has been maintained primaxially coincident with the generation of a functionally longer (Bradypus) or shorter (Choloepus) neck.
Seasonal modulation of sickness behavior in free-living northwestern song sparrows (Melospiza melodia morphna)

SUMMARY A variety of vertebrate species modulate immune function on a seasonal basis to cope with seasonal energy deficits and competing life-history demands, such as reproduction. Most studies to date have focused upon seasonal variation of cellular and humoral immunity, while neglecting behavioral responses to infection. These behavioral strategies are collectively termed sickness behaviors and are hypothesized to divert energy away from normal activities to combat and overcome infection. Sickness behavior can be triggered experimentally by injecting bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In this study, we provide the first evidence for seasonal modulation of sickness behavior in a free-living animal. Male song sparrows of western Washington state (Melospiza melodia morphna) are sedentary and territorial year round, except for a brief time during molt. Treatment with LPS decreased territorial aggressive behavior of males in the winter (nonbreeding), but not in the spring (breeding). Subjects were recaptured approx. 25 h after treatment. Recaptured LPS males in the winter lost more body mass than saline-injected controls while LPS males in the spring did not. These data indicate that birds in breeding condition were relatively insensitive to the effects of LPS. On a proximate level, suppression of sickness behavior during breeding is likely mediated by seasonal differences in energy allocation, as wintering sparrows were significantly heavier and had larger subcutaneous fat reserves and lower baseline corticosterone levels than breeding birds. Ultimately, suppression of sickness behavior may represent an allocation strategy to balance current reproductive opportunities with the life-history costs of self-defense.
The “Oblique Popliteal Ligament”: A Macro- and Microanalysis to Determine If It Is a Ligament or a Tendon

Introduction. This study investigated the importance of the “oblique popliteal ligament” (OPL), and challenges its alleged ligament status. The currently named OPL is indigenous to the distal semimembranosus (SMT); therefore, by definition is not a ligament inserting from bone to bone. Clinically, a muscle-tendon unit is different then a ligament regarding proprioception and surgery. Methods. Literature search was conducted on texts, journals and websites regarding the formation of the OPL. Dissection of 70 knees included macro analysis, harvesting OPL, distal SMT and LCL samples and performing immunohistochemistry to 16 knees with antibody staining to the OPL, distal SMT and LCL. Results. All but one text claimed the OPL receives fibers from SMT. Macro dissection of 70 knees revealed the OPL forming from the distal SMT (100%). Microanalysis of OPL, distal SMT and LCL samples from 16 knees demonstrated expression of nervous tissue within selected samples. Discussion. No journals or texts have hypothesized that the OPL is a tendon. Clinically it is important we know the type of tissue for purposes of maximizing rehabilitation and surgical techniques. Conclusion. This study suggests the OPL be considered the oblique popliteal tendon as a result of the macro and micro evidence revealed.
A 10mW stereo audio CODEC in 0.13µm CMOS

Low-power and full-featured stereo audio CODECs are increasingly needed in wireless devices, such as Bluetooth headsets and smart phones. These portable devices are usually powered by low-voltage batteries with limited capacities. It is of particular importance that such CODECs be optimized for low-voltage operation and low-power consumption. The paper presents a 1.5V 10mW full-featured stereo audio CODEC that is integrated with a Bluetooth radio and PMU on a single die. As depicted in Fig. 4.5. 1, the CODEC contains microphone PGAs, audio ΔΣ ADCs and DACs, speaker drivers and microphone bias generators.
Breast milk feeding and cognitive ability at 7–8 years

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between duration of breast milk feeding and cognitive ability at 7–8 years in a birth cohort of very low birthweight infants. DESIGN 280 survivors from a national birth cohort of 413 New Zealand very low birthweight infants born in 1986 were assessed at age 7–8 years on measures of verbal and performance intelligence quotient (IQ) using the WISC-R. At the same time mothers were questioned as to whether they had elected to provide expressed breast milk at birth and the total duration of breast milk feeding. RESULTS Some 73% of mothers provided expressed breast milk and 37% breast fed for four months or longer. Increasing duration of breast milk feeding was associated with increases in both verbal IQ (p < 0.001) and performance IQ (p < 0.05): children breast fed for eight months or longer had mean (SD) verbal IQ scores that were 10.2 (0.56) points higher and performance IQ scores that were 6.2 (0.35) points higher than children who did not receive breast milk. These differences were substantially reduced after control for selection factors associated with receipt of breast milk. Nevertheless, even after control for confounding, there remained a significant (p < 0.05) association between duration of breast milk feeding and verbal IQ: children breast fed for eight months or longer had adjusted mean (SD) verbal IQ scores that were 6 (0.36) points higher than the scores of those who did not receive breast milk. CONCLUSIONS These findings add to a growing body of evidence to suggest that breast milk feeding may have small long term benefits for child cognitive development.
The effects of cross‐orientation masking on the visual gamma response in humans

Electrophysiological recordings in primates indicate that visual gamma contains distinct broad‐ and narrowband components that reflect different neuronal processes. Evidence suggests that cross‐orientation masking of luminance‐defined gratings should differentially modulate these two components. To test this we measured the effect of cross‐orientation masking on the gamma response in 12 human participants using magentoencephalography (MEG). Although both the amplitude and the frequency of gamma were modulated by the presence of a cross‐orientation mask, we failed to find evidence for distinguishable components: both broadband gamma at stimulus onset and sustained narrowband gamma were similarly modulated by mask contrast. However, we could not confirm the presence of masking effects due to mask contrast being confounded with the contrast of the stimulus as a whole. We therefore tested a further 12 participants in a second experiment in which the stimuli were: a plaid stimulus, the two component gratings which formed the plaid and the same two gratings but with Michelson contrast matched to the plaid. We found that gamma amplitude was reduced and gamma frequency increased to the plaid stimulus when compared with the contrast‐matched gratings or with the sum of the two component gratings, indicating that visual gamma was indeed modulated by cross‐orientation masking. Surprisingly, masking did not affect the pattern‐onset evoked response, challenging previous hypotheses that cross‐orientation suppression – the phenomenon by which the response to an orientated grating is suppressed by a cross‐orientation mask – is driven by feedforward inputs to V1.
Fuzzy data mining based on the compressed fuzzy FP-trees

In this paper, we design the compressed fuzzy FP-tree structure to mine fuzzy frequent itemsets from the transactions with quantitative values. It consists of two phases. In the first phase, a compressed fuzzy frequent pattern tree (CFFP tree) is constructed from the given quantitative transactions. In the second phase, a fuzzy mining approach is then proposed to mine the fuzzy frequent itemsets from the CFFP tree constructed. Experiments are also made to show the performance of the proposed approach.
Some Reflections on Rationality, Argument, and Conflict

In Democratic Governance, Mark Bevir (2010) offers a forceful historical critique of the influence that mainstream social science has exercised over public administration thinking and practice across the past century or more, and especially over contemporary thinking and practice about governance. As Bevir sees it, “Modernist social science has undermined faith in representative democracy and led policy actors to turn increasingly to an expertise based on modernist social science itself” (p. 3). As a result, “democratic action has lost out to scientific expertise” (p. xi). Notable in Bevir’s book is his celebration of the contestability that is characteristic of democratic politics. Bevir is critical, quite correctly, in my view, of those policy makers who “assume, as social science often encourages them to, that contingency and contest can be tamed” (p. 244), and he attacks “modernist social science” for relying on “economic and sociological concepts of rationality that downplay the contestable and contingent nature of social life” (p. 249). As he sees it, we need to “recognize that governance consists of contingent, changing, and contested practices” so that “we may rethink democratic ideals and practices” (p. 269).
The Deep Correlation between Energy Metabolism and Reproduction: A View on the Effects of Nutrition for Women Fertility

In female mammals, mechanisms have been developed, throughout evolution, to integrate environmental, nutritional and hormonal cues in order to guarantee reproduction in favorable energetic conditions and to inhibit it in case of food scarcity. This metabolic strategy could be an advantage in nutritionally poor environments, but nowadays is affecting women’s health. The unlimited availability of nutrients, in association with reduced energy expenditure, leads to alterations in many metabolic pathways and to impairments in the finely tuned inter-relation between energy metabolism and reproduction, thereby affecting female fertility. Many energetic states could influence female reproductive health being under- and over-weight, obesity and strenuous physical activity are all conditions that alter the profiles of specific hormones, such as insulin and adipokines, thus impairing women fertility. Furthermore, specific classes of nutrients might affect female fertility by acting on particular signaling pathways. Dietary fatty acids, carbohydrates, proteins and food-associated components (such as endocrine disruptors) have per se physiological activities and their unbalanced intake, both in quantitative and qualitative terms, might impair metabolic homeostasis and fertility in premenopausal women. Even though we are far from identifying a “fertility diet”, lifestyle and dietary interventions might represent a promising and invaluable strategy to manage infertility in premenopausal women.
‘Through speaking, he finds himself … a bit’: Dialogues Open for Moving and Living through Inviting Attentiveness, Expressive Vitality and New Meaning

Studies exploring the experiences of recovering from mental health difficulties show the significance of social and relational aspects. Dialogical practices operate within the realm of social relations; individual perspectives are not the primary focus of attention. The present study is part of a series of qualitative studies from southern Norway, exploring dialogical practices and change from the perspective of lived experience and in relationship with network meetings. Two co-researchers, who themselves had experienced mental health difficulties, were part of the research team. Material from qualitative interviews was analysed through a dialogical hermeneutical process where ideas from Emmanuel Levinas and Mikhail Bakhtin were used as analytical lenses. Six interdependent dimensions emerged from our interpretative analysis, comprising three temporal dimensions (1. Dialogues open the moment, 2. Dialogues open the past, and 3. Dialogues open the future) and three dimensions of speaking, which operated across the three temporal dimensions (4. Ethical: Dialogues open through inviting attentiveness and valuing, 5. Expressive: Dialogues open for new vitality, and 6. Hermeneutical: Dialogues open for new meaning). These dimensions were incorporated into one main theme: Dialogues – beginning by others being invitingly attentive – open for moving and living. The way the findings point to change events as an opening for movement – ‘moving in’ as if from the outside, and ‘moving on’ as opposed to being stuck – are discussed in relation to other studies. We conclude by suggesting that the salient point of change-generating conversations is in the ethics of being invitingly attentive, and such conversations should take into account multidimensionality, that relates to the past and the future.