Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Game-Theoretic Study of CSMA/CA Under a Backoff Attack

CSMA/CA, the contention mechanism of the IEEE 802.11 DCF medium access protocol, has recently been found vulnerable to selfish backoff attacks consisting in nonstandard configuration of the constituent backoff scheme. Such attacks can greatly increase a selfish station's bandwidth share at the expense of honest stations applying a standard configuration. The paper investigates the distribution of bandwidth among anonymous network stations, some of which are selfish. A station's obtained bandwidth share is regarded as a payoff in a noncooperative CSMA/CA game. Regardless of the IEEE 802.11 parameter setting, the payoff function is found similar to a multiplayer Prisoners' Dilemma; moreover, the number (though not the identities) of selfish stations can be inferred by observation of successful transmission attempts. Further, a repeated CSMA/CA game is defined, where a station can toggle between standard and nonstandard backoff configurations with a view of maximizing a long-term utility. It is argued that a desirable station strategy should yield a fair, Pareto efficient, and subgame perfect Nash equilibrium. One such strategy, called CRISP, is described and evaluated
A Developmental Switch for Hebbian Plasticity

Hebbian forms of synaptic plasticity are required for the orderly development of sensory circuits in the brain and are powerful modulators of learning and memory in adulthood. During development, emergence of Hebbian plasticity leads to formation of functional circuits. By modeling the dynamics of neurotransmitter release during early postnatal cortical development we show that a developmentally regulated switch in vesicle exocytosis mode triggers associative (i.e. Hebbian) plasticity. Early in development spontaneous vesicle exocytosis (SVE), often considered as 'synaptic noise', is important for homogenization of synaptic weights and maintenance of synaptic weights in the appropriate dynamic range. Our results demonstrate that SVE has a permissive, whereas subsequent evoked vesicle exocytosis (EVE) has an instructive role in the expression of Hebbian plasticity. A timed onset for Hebbian plasticity can be achieved by switching from SVE to EVE and the balance between SVE and EVE can control the effective rate of Hebbian plasticity. We further show that this developmental switch in neurotransmitter release mode enables maturation of spike-timing dependent plasticity. A mis-timed or inadequate SVE to EVE switch may lead to malformation of brain networks thereby contributing to the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders.
Prevalence of Willis-Ekbom Disease/Restless Legs Syndrome DuringPregnancy: A Review

Willis-Ekbom Disease/Restless Legs Syndrome (WED/RLS), a disorder frequently unrecognized and under diagnosed during pregnancy, may affect one out of every three women in this population. Symptoms can lead to disrupted sleep and adversely affect daytime alertness and performance. The exact prevalence of WED/RLS during pregnancy is unknown, largely due to lack of standardization for assessment of the disorder. We present a review of articles examining this, so clinicians can appreciate assessment and treatment of the up to 34% of pregnant women who may suffer from WED/RLS and its consequences.
Continuous Travel Time Prediction for Transit Signal Priority Based on a Deep Network

It has been recognized by many researchers that accurate bus travel time prediction is critical for successful deployment of traffic signal priority (TSP) systems. Although there exist a lot of studies on travel time prediction for Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS), this problem for TSP purpose is a little different and the amount of literature is limited. This paper proposes a deep learning based approach for continuous travel time prediction problem. Parameters of the deep network are fine-tuned following a layer-by-layer pre-training procedure on a dataset generated by traffic simulations. Variables that may affect continuous travel time are selected carefully. Experiments are conducted to validate the performance of the proposed model. The results indicate that the proposed model produces prediction with mean absolute error less than 4 seconds, which is accurate enough for TSP operations. This paper also reveals that, except for obvious factors like speed, travel distance and traffic density, the signal time when the prediction is made is also an important factor affecting travel time.
Reconfigurable Acceleration of Short Read Mapping

Recent improvements in the throughput of nextgeneration DNA sequencing machines poses a great computational challenge in analysing the massive quantities of data produced. This paper proposes a novel approach, based on reconfigurable computing technology, for accelerating short read mapping, where the positions of millions of short reads are located relative to a known reference sequence. Our approach consists of two key components: an exact string matcher for the bulk of the alignment process, and an approximate string matcher for the remaining cases. We characterise interesting regions of the design space, including homogeneous, heterogeneous and run-time reconfigurable designs and provide back of envelope estimations of the corresponding performance. We show that a particular implementation of this architecture targeting a single FPGA can be up to 293 times faster than BWA on an Intel X5650 CPU, and 134 times faster than SOAP3 on an NVIDIA GTX 580 GPU.
Appelbaum consult : monosomal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia Blood

A 24-year-old woman presented to her primary care physician for persistent bilateral otitis media and frequent night sweats. Laboratory evaluation revealed a white blood cell count of 26 000/mL with 84% blasts on differential, hemoglobin 6.8 g/dL, and platelet 90 000/mL. Her total serum lactate dehydrogenase level was 888 U/L. She underwent a diagnostic bone marrow aspirate and biopsy, which demonstrated hypercellularity with flow cytometry demonstrating 87% blasts expressing CD4, CD11c, HLA-DR, CD33, CD15, CD64, dim CD117, dim CD13, and partial CD56, but lacking MPO and CD34. Cytogenetic analysis revealed the following karyotype: 45,XY,del(5)(q11.2q35), 8,der,(12)der(16; 18)(p10;q10), 7, 17[17]/46,XY[3]. Molecular studies were negative for a FLT3-ITD or mutations in NPM1, CEBPA, or FLT3-TKD. These findings were consistent with a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with monosomal karyotype (MK AML). She was transferred to our medical center for further management. Review of her medical history demonstrated good health, no prior medications, and no known drug allergies. She has no history of smoking or alcohol. Family history was significant for her maternal grandmother having pancreatic cancer. On physical examination, she was noted to have multiple cervical lymph nodes all less than 0.5 cm with the remaining otherwise completely normal. Her bone marrow specimens were reviewed, and a management decision was made. Following institutional guidelines, she was given induction chemotherapy consisting of idarubicin 12 mg/m2 by intravenous injection on days 1 through 3, and cytarabine 3000 mg/m2 by intravenous infusion over 3 hours every 12 hours for 4 days. Her persistent otitis media had been caused by adenoid hypertrophy with subsequent eustachian tube obstruction, which improved after starting chemotherapy. Her course was complicated by neutropenic fever, and workup revealed fungal pulmonary nodules, which were treated with antifungal therapy, and anthracycline-induced pericarditis, which responded to a 14-day course of prednisone. Fourteen days after the beginning of induction chemotherapy, bone marrow aspirate and biopsy were performed, which revealed hypocellularity and 0% residual blasts. Subsequent bone marrow aspirate and biopsy after peripheral blood count recovery demonstrated hypercellularity with less than 1% blasts and no morphologic or immunophenotypic evidence of disease, and cytogenetics showed normal female karyotype, 46,XX, consistent with a first complete cytogenetic remission.1 HLA typing showed that she and her brother are a 10-of-10 match. She now presents for discussion of treatment strategy after induction therapy. Discussion
The potential role of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors in combination therapy for type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are a new class of glucose-lowering agents developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). These agents have a mechanism of action that is independent of pancreatic β-cell function or the degree of insulin resistance; consequently, SGLT2 inhibitors have the potential to be used not only as monotherapy but also in combination with any of the existing classes of glucose-lowering agents, including insulin. As part of the extensive clinical development programs for modern T2DM therapies, SGLT2 inhibitors have been studied in combination with the most commonly used classes of glucose-lowering medications. Areas covered: This report summarizes the key clinical trials data for combination therapies using SGLT2 inhibitors currently approved in the United States and/or the European Union, namely, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, and empagliflozin. Expert opinion: When given as add-on combination therapy with other glucose-lowering agents, or as monotherapy, SGLT2 inhibitors produced modest but clinically meaningful reductions in glycated hemoglobin, body weight, and systolic blood pressure. These changes have been sustained over long-term follow-up. SGLT2 inhibitors have a generally favorable safety profile similar to that of placebo, and are well tolerated. The risk of hypoglycemia appears to depend on coadministered glucose-lowering agents: when used as monotherapy, the frequency is comparable to that of placebo, but an increased risk is associated with concomitant use of sulfonylureas or insulin. In addition, an increased risk of genitourinary infections has been reported with SGLT2 inhibitors. However, these infections are usually mild, nonrecurrent, and respond to standard treatment.
Comparison of a new renin inhibitor and enalaprilat in renal hypertensive dogs.

The hypotensive efficacy of a potent new renin inhibitor (N alpha-isovaleryl-L-histidyl-L-prolyl-L-phenylalanyl-L-histidyl-ACHPA+ ++-L- phenylalanyl amide) containing (3S,4S)-4-amino-5-cyclohexyl-3-hydroxy pentanoic acid (ACHPA) was compared with the converting enzyme inhibitor (enalaprilat) (MK-422) in conscious one-kidney dogs before and after tightening a renal artery clamp. Dose-response curves to 0.003 to 0.1 mg/kg/min i.v. infusions of the ACHPA-containing renin inhibitory peptide or enalaprilat (0.003-0.1 mg/kg i.v. bolus) were obtained in one-kidney dogs before and 3 days and 14 days after renal artery constriction. The ACHPA-containing renin inhibitory peptide and enalaprilat maximally decreased blood pressure by 10 +/- 2 and 9 +/- 2 mm Hg before constriction and by 12 +/- 2 and 12 +/- 4 mm Hg in dogs treated 14 days after renal artery constriction, respectively. Glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow were unaltered or slightly improved. In sharp contrast, both compounds elicited significant, dose-related decreases in blood pressure (-26 +/- 4 and -20 +/- 4 mm Hg, respectively), glomerular filtration rate (-21 +/- 3 and -23 +/- 3 ml/min), and renal plasma flow (-45 +/- 14 and -48 +/- 13 ml/min) in dogs examined 3 days after renal artery constriction. These data demonstrate that ACHPA-containing renin inhibitory peptide and enalaprilat are equally effective antihypertensive agents in dogs with renin-dependent renovascular hypertension and lend credence to the contention that the renin-angiotensin system supports renal function in hypertensive states in which renin levels are elevated.
Solar-Thermal Energy Conversion and Storage: Conductive Heat Transfer Using Self-Assembled Bulk Graphite

Consideration of technologies for the use of concentrated solar power (CSP) leads to the conclusion that there is substantially more energy in the sun’s heat than there is in its light. At present, solar-thermal energy conversion and storage systems using CSP have the shortcomings of the use of high pressures and potential problems with corrosion. In the development of new materials and designs, two of the key issues of consideration are the: (a) thermal properties of the materials and (b) heat transfer within the system. Most current technologies utilise convective heat transfer of liquids but there are none that use conductive heat transfer with solid-state systems. The present work introduces such a system in the form of highly dense and aligned self-assembled graphite, which can be heated in air, provided the hot face temperature is at a temperature sufficiently low to avoid the onset of oxidation. Modelling of a small domestic-scale system, which has no competition in the marketplace, consisting of: (a) 4 m diameter concentrator, (b) block of graphite weighing ~160 kg, and (c) electricity generation system demonstrates that, in only 90 min and at ≤420°C, sufficient heat can be stored to supply 25% more than is required for a typical 24 h, domestic, electricity usage cycle.
Toward the identification and regulation of the Arabidopsis thaliana ABI3 regulon

The plant-specific, B3 domain-containing transcription factor ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3) is an essential component of the regulatory network controlling the development and maturation of the Arabidopsis thaliana seed. Genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP-chip), transcriptome analysis, quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and a transient promoter activation assay have been combined to identify a set of 98 ABI3 target genes. Most of these presumptive ABI3 targets require the presence of abscisic acid for their activation and are specifically expressed during seed maturation. ABI3 target promoters are enriched for G-box-like and RY-like elements. The general occurrence of these cis motifs in non-ABI3 target promoters suggests the existence of as yet unidentified regulatory signals, some of which may be associated with epigenetic control. Several members of the ABI3 regulon are also regulated by other transcription factors, including the seed-specific, B3 domain-containing FUS3 and LEC2. The data strengthen and extend the notion that ABI3 is essential for the protection of embryonic structures from desiccation and raise pertinent questions regarding the specificity of promoter recognition.
Filtering Soil Surface and Antenna Effects From GPR Data to Enhance Landmine Detection

The detection of antipersonnel landmines using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is particularly hindered by the predominant soil surface and antenna reflections. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to filter out these effects from 2-D off-ground monostatic GPR data by adapting and combining the radar antenna subsurface model of Lambot with phase-shift migration. First, the antenna multiple reflections originating from the antenna itself and from the interaction between the antenna and the ground are removed using linear transfer functions. Second, a simulated Green's function accounting for the surface reflection is subtracted. The Green's function is derived from the estimated soil surface dielectric permittivity using full-wave inversion of the radar signal for a measurement taken in a local landmine-free area. Third, off-ground phase-shift migration is performed on the 2-D data to filter the effect of the antenna radiation pattern. We validate the approach in laboratory conditions for four differently detectable landmines embedded in a sandy soil. Compared to traditional background subtraction, this new filtering method permits a better differentiation of the landmine and estimation of its depth and geometrical properties. This is particularly beneficial for the detection of landmines in low-contrast conditions
Mining Maple Code for Contracts

We wish to answer the following question: what is the most appropriate language for describing the “contracts” that Maple routines offer? In this , we are seeking much more than types (which Maple does not have, at least statically), as th ese are not sufficiently expressive to capture what is going on. We also wish to study what is actually in Maple, rather than what should be there. Put another way, we do not expect to find that a type system like Aldor’s or Axiom’s would be especially helpful in expla ining Maple. Our real goal is a mathematical description of the interfaces between routines. As such, the only current terminology flexible enough to encompass reality is that of c ontracts, by which we mean simply statements of complex properties (static as well as dynamic) in a sufficiently general logic. This works focuses mainly on the requirements analysis phase of this project: we perform automated analyses of the complete Maple library, to understand the kinds of contracts that are in actual use. We wish to know which kinds of theorems would need to be proved in order to formally analyze the types, effects, invariants, a nd contracts present in the current code base. As this is a monumental task, we describe what knowledge we have currently been able to extract from a very systematic approach to the problem.
Mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of starch/montmorillonite nanocomposites

Results of an investigation into an unmodified-montmorillonite (MMT)-filled nanocomposite based on plasticized starch are reported. Data on the influence of MMT content on the tensile mechanical properties of the material are presented. Particular attention is given to the water vapor permeability of the nanocomposite. It is found that the resistance to water permeation of plasticized starch can be improved considerably by introducing a rather small amount of the filler into it. Data on the influence of MMT content on the coefficients of moisture diffusion, solubility, and permeability are reported. Also, a simple method for determining the effect of irregularly oriented platelike filler particles on the permeability of the composite material is suggested. The calculation results are compared with experimental data. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers
On Benchmarking Optical Flow

Evaluating the performance of optical flow algorithms has been difficult because of the lack of ground truth data sets for complex scenes. We present a new method for generating motion fields from real sequences containing polyhedral objects and present a test suite for benchmarking optical flow algorithms consisting of complex synthetic sequences and real scenes with ground truth. We provide a preliminary quantitative evaluation of seven optical flow algorithms using these synthetic and real sequences. Ultimately, we feel that researchers should benchmark their own algorithms using a standard suite. To that end, we offer our Web site as a repository for standard sequences and results.
Women's Treatment Utilization and Its Relationship to Childhood Sexual Abuse History and Lifetime PTSD

A central issue in the substance abuse literature is whether a history of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a risk factor for poorer treatment outcomes. Although there is a strong belief that CSA is associated with increased substance abuse treatment utilization and relapse among women clients, most empirical evidence does not support this position. This study addresses this conundrum by exploring several possible explanations among a sample of women in substance abuse treatment. Unexpectedly, the results indicate that women with more severe histories of CSA were likely to have received less lifetime substance abuse treatment, although they were likely to have received more mental health treatment. In addition, the expected interaction between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) status and CSA status and increased rates of both types of treatment was not found. However, participants with both PTSD and CSA concentrated on mental health treatment while those with only PTSD focused on substance abuse treatment.
Use of Antibody Responses against Locus of Enterocyte Effacement (LEE)-Encoded Antigens To Monitor Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli Infections on Cattle Farms

ABSTRACT Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC) is a significant zoonotic pathogen causing severe disease associated with watery and bloody diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, and the hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS) in humans. Infections are frequently associated with contact with EHEC-contaminated ruminant feces. Both natural and experimental infection of cattle induces serum antibodies against the LEE-encoded proteins intimin, EspA, EspB, and Tir and the Shiga toxins Stx1 and Stx2, although the latter are poorly immunogenic in cattle. We determined whether antibodies and/or the kinetics of antibody responses against intimin, Tir, EspA, and/or EspB can be used for monitoring EHEC infections in beef cattle herds in order to reduce carcass contamination at slaughter. We examined the presence of serum antibodies against recombinant O157:H7 E. coli intimin EspA, EspB, and Tir during a cross-sectional study on 12 cattle farms and during a longitudinal time course study on two EHEC-positive cattle farms. We searched for a possible correlation between intimin, Tir, EspA, and/or EspB antibodies and fecal excretion of EHEC O157, O145, O111, O103, or O26 seropathotypes. The results indicated that serum antibody responses to EspB and EspA might be useful for first-line screening at the herd level for EHEC O157, O26, and most likely also for EHEC O103 infections. However, antibody responses against EspB are of less use for monitoring individual animals, since some EHEC-shedding animals did not show antibody responses and since serum antibody responses against EspB could persist for several months even when shedding had ceased.
Determination of the ratio of HA/TCP mixtures by x-ray diffraction

Previous studies have shown that synthetic calcium phosphate ceramics are biocompatible materials capable of providing scaffolding for new bone growth as well as osteogenesis. In particular, hydroxylapatite (HA) is less soluble than β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) which has a higher degree of bioactivity. An implant made of dense hydroxylapatite shows substantially less bone growth than an implant made of a suitable HA/TCP ratio.1 Therefore, since biological response to the two materials is different, it is essential to have some means of determining the ratio of hydroxylapatite to β-tricalcium phosphate to ensure quality control of the synthetic ceramic as well as optimum biological response. In this study, a calibration curve was developed for x-ray diffractometer examination of mixtures of HA and β-TCP. The accuracy of using the diffractometer was compared to the accuracy of a powder camera, and it was determined that the diffractometer correctly identified the ratio within a range of 3% while the powder camera was accurate within a 20% range. This study showed that with an appropriate calibration curve, the HA/TCP ratio can be determined to a greater degree of accuracy using an x-ray diffractometer than by powder camera methods.