Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
More consequences of falsifying SETH and the orthogonal vectors conjecture

The Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis and the OV-conjecture are two popular hardness assumptions used to prove a plethora of lower bounds, especially in the realm of polynomial-time algorithms. The OV-conjecture in moderate dimension states there is no ε>0 for which an O(N2−ε) poly(D) time algorithm can decide whether there is a pair of orthogonal vectors in a given set of size N that contains D-dimensional binary vectors. We strengthen the evidence for these hardness assumptions. In particular, we show that if the OV-conjecture fails, then two problems for which we are far from obtaining even tiny improvements over exhaustive search would have surprisingly fast algorithms. If the OV conjecture is false, then there is a fixed ε>0 such that: - For all d and all large enough k, there is a randomized algorithm that takes O(n(1−ε)k) time to solve the Zero-Weight-k-Clique and Min-Weight-k-Clique problems on d-hypergraphs with n vertices. As a consequence, the OV-conjecture is implied by the Weighted Clique conjecture. - For all c, the satisfiability of sparse TC1 circuits on n inputs (that is, circuits with cn wires, depth clogn, and negation, AND, OR, and threshold gates) can be computed in time O((2−ε)n).
PAMELA/ATIC Anomaly from Exotic Mediated Dark Matter Decay

We discuss dark matter decay mediated by exotically charged particles (``exotics'') in a supersymmetric model with two dark matter (DM) components: one is the (bino-like) lightest supersymmetric particle (LSP) χ, and the other is a newly introduced meta-stable neutral singlet N. N decays to χe+e− via a dimension 6 operator induced by a penguin-type one loop diagram with the life time of 1026 sec. , explaining energetic cosmic e± excess observed recently by PAMELA and ATIC/PPB-BETS. The superheavy masses of exotics ( ~ 1015−16 GeV) are responsible for the longevity of N. The superpartner of N develops the vacuum expectation value (VEV) of order TeV so that the DM N achieves the desired mass of 2 TeV. By the VEV, the U(1)R symmetry is broken to the discrete Z2 symmetry, which is identified with the matter parity in the minimal supersymmetric standard model (MSSM). Since we have the two DM components, even extremely small amount of N [(10−10) (nN/nχ)] could account for the observed positron flux with relatively light exotics' masses [1012 GeV Mexo 1016 GeV].
Evaluation of a Low Dose Ketamine in Post Tonsillectomy Pain Relief: A Randomized Trial Comparing Intravenous and Subcutaneous Ketamine in Pediatrics

Background Pain control in children is still a therapeutic dilemma. Preschool patients are affected from undesirable effects of postoperative pain more than adults. Tonsillectomy is associated with a high incidence of postoperative pain, not only complicating the recovery, but also delaying patients discharge. Objectives Despite employing different surgical and anesthetic strategies in post-tonsillectomy pain relief, this is still a clinical problem. The study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of a low dose ketamine in post tonsillectomy pain relief. Patients and Methods Our prospective randomized double blinded study enrolled 75 pediatric patients (3-10 years old) who were scheduled for a tonsillectomy procedure. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups receiving; intravenous (IV) ketamine 0.5mg/kg, subcutaneous (SC) ketamine 0.5 mg/kg and placebo at the end of the operation. Post-operative pain score was assessed using modified CHEOPS. Results In our study we did not find any significant difference among the three groups regarding sex, age, and weight, duration of operation, hemodynamic stability, and nausea and vomiting. However, in ketamine groups, pain score and analgesic consumption were significantly lower (P < 0.00). The efficacy of the both ketamine groups was similar. Conclusions The study demonstrated that the both subcutaneous and intravenous injections of ketamine, at the end of the operation, were safe and effective for post-tonsillectomy pain control. Ketamine reduced postoperative analgesic medications consumption without increasing the risk of complications.
Assessing the viability of long-acting β2-agonists in paediatric asthma patients: a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic perspective

ABSTRACT Introduction: Long-acting β2-agonists (LABAs) combined with inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are still commonly prescribed to asthmatic children. Unfortunately, pediatric LABA use is based primarily on data from adults, despite the fact that children are not simply small adults and the magnitude of changes in dose exposure and/or exposure response may not be solely reflected by differences in body weight. Areas covered: The differences in pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of LABAs are described and discussed with reference children and adults. Expert opinion: Data on the PK behavior of LABAs is very limited and there is almost no data on once-daily LABAs available in the pediatric population. We do not believe that this is due to a fundamental lack of information because therapeutic response and adverse effects are more useful for the optimization of β2-agonist treatment than measurement of plasma drug concentrations per se. Nevertheless, population PK-PD studies in children are needed according to the European rules in order to define rational, patient-tailored dosing schemes. Population PK-PD modeling and simulation using non-linear mixed effect modeling should be considered as the preferred tool to develop effective and safe dosing regimens for children because they present an opportunity to analyze sparse and unbalanced datasets, thereby minimizing the burden for each child.
dTip60 HAT Activity Controls Synaptic Bouton Expansion at the Drosophila Neuromuscular Junction

Background Histone acetylation of chromatin plays a key role in promoting the dynamic transcriptional responses in neurons that influence the neuroplasticity linked to cognitive ability, yet the specific histone acetyltransferases (HATs) that create such epigenetic marks remain to be elucidated. Methods and Findings Here we use the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) as a well-characterized synapse model to identify HATs that control synaptic remodeling and structure. We show that the HAT dTip60 is concentrated both pre and post-synaptically within the NMJ. Presynaptic targeted reduction of dTip60 HAT activity causes a significant increase in synaptic bouton number that specifically affects type Is boutons. The excess boutons show a suppression of the active zone synaptic function marker bruchpilot, suggesting defects in neurotransmission function. Analysis of microtubule organization within these excess boutons using immunohistochemical staining to the microtubule associated protein futsch reveals a significant increase in the rearrangement of microtubule loop architecture that is required for bouton division. Moreover, α-tubulin acetylation levels of microtubules specifically extending into the terminal synaptic boutons are reduced in response to dTip60 HAT reduction. Conclusions Our results are the first to demonstrate a causative role for the HAT dTip60 in the control of synaptic plasticity that is achieved, at least in part, via regulation of the synaptic microtubule cytoskeleton. These findings have implications for dTip60 HAT dependant epigenetic mechanisms underlying cognitive function.
Computational Aspects of Protein Functionality

The purpose of this short article is to examine certain aspects of protein functionality with relation to some key organizing ideas. This is important from a computational viewpoint in order to take account of modelling both biological systems and knowledge of these systems. We look at some of the lexical dimensions of the function and how certain constructs can be related to underlying ideas. The pervasive computational metaphor is then discussed in relation to protein multifunctionality, and the specific case of von Willebrand factor as a ‘smart’ multifunctional protein is briefly considered. Some diagrammatic techniques are then introduced to better articulate protein function.
Smoothing of photovoltaic power generation using batteries as energy storage

The intermittent nature of renewable energy sources originates technical challenges for the integration of renewable generation plants to the existing power grid. Using energy storage devices is an option to solve these problems. In this paper, a study of energy storage using batteries with photovoltaic (PV) generation is presented. Models of a PV array and battery were implemented and validated, and then used to perform power smoothing of the PV array power output by means of a smooth power reference obtained with a filter. The goal is to reduce unwanted power variations originated from the energy source variability. Different limits of State of Charge (SOC) were imposed to the battery, in order to observe its response and capability of smoothing power variations. Real irradiance and temperature profiles measured by a weather station were used to calculate the PV array power output.
EFFECT OF HABITAT AND FORAGING HEIGHT ON BAT ACTIVITY IN THE COASTAL PLAIN OF SOUTH CAROLINA

Abstract We compared bat activity levels in the Coastal Plain of South Carolina among 5 habitat types: forested riparian areas, clearcuts, young pine plantations, mature pine plantations, and pine savannas. We used time-expansion radio-microphones and integrated detectors to simultaneously monitor bat activity at 3 heights (30, 10, 2 m) in each habitat type. Variation in vegetative clutter among sampling heights and among habitat types allowed us to examine the differential effect of forest vegetation on the spatial activity patterns of clutter-adapted and open-adapted bat species. Moreover, monitoring activity at 30, 10, and 2 m permitted us to also compare bat activity above and below the forest canopy. We detected calls of 5 species or species groups: eastern red/Seminole bats (Lasiurus borealis/L. seminolus), eastern pipistrelles (Pipistrellus subflavus), evening bats (Nycticeius humeralis), big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), and hoary bats (Lasiurus cinerius). At 2 and 10 m, bat activity was concentrated in riparian areas, whereas we detected relatively low levels of bat activity in upland habitats at those heights. Activity was more evenly distributed across the landscape at 30 m. Bat activity levels above the forest canopy were almost 3 times greater than within or below the canopy. We detected significantly greater activity levels of 2 open-adapted species (hoary and big brown bats) above rather than within or below the forest canopy. However, activity levels of 2 clutter-adapted species (eastern red/Seminole bats and eastern pipistrelles) did not differ above, within, or below the forest canopy. Despite classification as a clutter-adapted species, evening bat activity was greater above rather than within or below the forest canopy. We believe our results highlight the importance of riparian areas as foraging habitat for bats in pine-dominated landscapes in the southeastern United States. Although acoustical surveys conducted below forest canopies can provide useful information about species composition and relative activity levels of bats that forage in cluttered environments, our results showing activity above canopy suggest that such data may not accurately reflect relative activity of bats adapted to forage in more open conditions, and therefore may provide an inaccurate picture of bat community assemblage and foraging habitat use.
Sign Language Structure

The designation "sign language" has been used for a wide variety of semi­ otic systems ranging from the expression of emotions in men and animals (24) to the transmission and reception of genuinely linguistic structures. Sign language is a misnomer, however, when such structures result from spoken language processing up to the point where gestured signs replace the vocal output. The kind of sign language research reviewed here contem­ plates human cultural systems in which not just the output signal but also the processes for forming words and sentences operate without any connec­ tion to speech or sound. Sign languages of this kind are used for interaction by members of deaf populations as spoken languages are used by those who can hear. Other sign languages may more or less completely and unambigu­ ously mediate general or special interaction (6, 7, 57, 87), but these are generally learned and used by persons already competent in some spoken language, and hence they differ from sign languages acquired as their native languages by persons who cannot hear speech and by children of deaf parents (82). Research reviewed here is primarily or entirely concerned with sign languages of deaf populations, and in what follows it is these languages that will be meant by the term "sign languages. " Reasons for studying sign languages and the results of such research also show wide variety. Earliest to emerge was educational research: from 1880 when a congress of educators in Milan decided that deaf children should see and use no sign language in their educational experience, incredible as this may seem to those unacquainted with the rise of "oralism" (2, 25, 40). Recent research reveals the inevitable effect on children who cannot hear of depriving them of sign language (23); it also strongly indicates the use of bilingual strategies (16, 21). In another direction, sign language research has helped focus new consideration of the origins and evolution of language
Energy Metabolism in Children with Newly Diagnosed Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

ABSTRACT: The effect of tumor burden in acute lymphoblastic leukemia on resting energy expenditure, thermic effect of food, and substrate utilization was investigated with open-circuit indirect calorimetry after an overnight fast. Nine patients (six females, three males) ages 6.5 to 15.8 y were studied. Patients were divided into two groups according to their tumor burden at diagnosis (i.e. white cell count, presence or absence of mediastinal mass, or massive organomegaly). The patients with a greater tumor burden had increased energy expenditure. Their resting energy expenditure returned to normal in response to chemotherapy. These results must be interpreted with caution due to the small patient numbers (high tumor burden n = 3; low tumor burden n = 6). Substrate utilization was altered by chemotherapy with an increase in carbohydrate utilization and a decrease in fat oxidation (p < 0.009). The magnitude of the thermic effect of food tended to increase on treatment (p < 0.016). Inasmuch as most chemotherapy programs for children last up to 3 y, we believe it is important that the effects of chemotherapy on intermediary metabolism be studied, particularly in relationship to any possible permanent effects on growth and development.
Capital Accumulation, Labour Market Institutions, and Unemployment in the Medium Run

According to the mainstream view, labour market institutions (LMI) are the key determinants of unemployment in the medium run. The actual empirical explanatory power of measures for labour market institutions, however, has been called into question recently (Baker et al 2005, Baccaro and Rei 2007). The Keynesian view holds periods of high real interest rates and insufficient capital accumulation responsible for unemployment (Arestis et al 2007). Empirical work in this tradition has paid little attention to role of LMI. This paper contributes to the debate by highlighting the role of autonomous changes in capital accumulation as a macroeconomic shock. In the empirical analysis, medium-term unemployment is explained by capital accumulation, labour market institutions and a number of macroeconomic shocks in a panel analysis covering 20 OECD countries. The economic effects of institutional changes, variations in capital accumulation and other macro shocks are compared. Capital accumulation and the real interest rate are found to have statistically significant effects that are robust to the inclusion of control variables and show larger effects than LMI.
Competing on Time: An Integrated Framework to Optimize Dynamic Time-to-Market and Production Decisions

This paper develops a comprehensive framework to optimize new product introduction timing and subsequent production decisions faced by a component supplier. Prior to market entry and production, the supplier performs process design activities, which improve manufacturing yield and the chances of getting qualified for the customer's product. However, a long delay in market entry and application for qualification allows competitors to enter the market and pass the customer's qualification process before the supplier, reducing the supplier's share of the customer's business. After entering the market and if qualified, the supplier also needs to decide how much to produce for a finite planning horizon by considering several factors such as manufacturing yield and stochastic demand, both of which depend on the earlier time-to-market and qualification process. To capture this dependency, we develop a sequential, nested, two-stage decision framework to optimize the time-to-market and production decisions in relation to each other. We show that the supplier's optimal market entry and qualification timing decision need to be revised in real time based on the number of qualified competitors at the time of market entry decision. We establish the optimality of a threshold policy. Following this policy, at the beginning of each decision epoch, the supplier optimally stops preparing for qualification and decides whether to enter the market by applying for qualification if her order among qualified competitors exceeds a predetermined threshold. We also prove that the supplier's optimal production policy is a state-dependent, base-stock policy, which depends on the time-to-market and qualification decisions. We quantify the value of a dynamic optimal time-to-market strategy and when such a policy significantly improves profits. We also identify market characteristics and operating conditions under which dynamic optimal qualification timing and production policy has a high pay-off.
Membrane current responses of skate photoreceptors

Light-evoked membrane currents were recorded with suction electrodes from the outer segments of individual photoreceptors enzymatically dissociated from the skate retina. The intensity-response relation of dark-adapted cells closely followed a Michaelis function for which a half-saturating response was elicited by a flash intensity that produced about 36 photoisomerizations. Dim-light responses, as well as the early rising phase of the responses to a wide range of flash intensities, could be described by a reaction scheme that involved a series of four first-order delay stages. The number of delay stages required to model the rising phase of the photocurrents did not change in light adaptation. However, background illumination that reduced sensitivity by 1.5 log units, or a bleaching exposure that resulted in a nearly equivalent desensitization, shortened significantly the time scale of the responses. In both instances there were two- to threefold increases in the rate constants of the transitional delays, and almost complete suppression of the tail current that characterized the response of the dark-adapted cell. These findings suggest that although light adaptation alters the gain and kinetics of the transduction mechanism, the nature of the intervening processes is the same in dark- and light-adapted photoreceptors. Moreover, the results show clearly that there is no need to postulate the existence of a second class of cone-like rods to account for the remarkable ability of skate photoreceptors to respond to incremental stimuli presented on "saturating" background fields or after exposure to an intense bleaching light.
Spiral Architecture of the Nucleoid in Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus

ABSTRACT We present a cryo-electron tomographic analysis of the three-dimensional architecture of a strain of the Gram-negative bacterium Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus in which endogenous MreB2 was replaced with monomeric teal fluorescent protein (mTFP)-labeled MreB2. In contrast to wild-type Bdellovibrio cells that predominantly displayed a compact nucleoid region, cells expressing mTFP-labeled MreB2 displayed a twisted spiral organization of the nucleoid. The more open structure of the MreB2-mTFP nucleoids enabled clear in situ visualization of ribosomes decorating the periphery of the nucleoid. Ribosomes also bordered the edges of more compact nucleoids from both wild-type cells and mutant cells. Surprisingly, MreB2-mTFP localized to the interface between the spiral nucleoid and the cytoplasm, suggesting an intimate connection between nucleoid architecture and MreB arrangement. Further, in contrast to wild-type cells, where a single tight chemoreceptor cluster localizes close to the single polar flagellum, MreB2-mTFP cells often displayed extended chemoreceptor arrays present at one or both poles and displayed multiple or inaccurately positioned flagella. Our findings provide direct structural evidence for spiral organization of the bacterial nucleoid and suggest a possible role for MreB in regulation of nucleoid architecture and localization of the chemotaxis apparatus.
Vanilla- Its Science of Cultivation, Curing, Chemistry, and Nutraceutical Properties

Vanilla is a tropical orchid belonging to the family Orchidaceae and it is mainly used in food, perfumery, and pharmaceutical preparations. The quality of the bean depends on the volatile constituent's, viz., the vanillin content, the species of the vine used, and the processing conditions adopted. Hence, proper pollination during flowering and curing by exercising utmost care are the important aspects of vanilla cultivation. There are different methods of curing, and each one is unique and named after the places of its origin like Mexican process and Bourbon process. Recently, Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore has developed know-how of improved curing process, where the green vanilla beans are cured immediately after harvest and this process takes only 32 days, which otherwise requires minimum of 150–180 days as reported in traditional curing methods. Vanillin is the most essential component of the 200 and odd such compounds present in vanilla beans. Vanillin as such has not shown any antioxidant properties, it is along with other compounds has got nutraceutical properties and therefore its wide usage. The medicinal future of vanilla may definitely lie in further research on basic science and clinical studies on the constituents and their mechanism of action.