Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Association between Genetic Variants in DNA and Histone Methylation and Telomere Length

Telomere length, a biomarker of aging and age-related diseases, exhibits wide variation between individuals. Common genetic variation may explain some of the individual differences in telomere length. To date, however, only a few genetic variants have been identified in the previous genome-wide association studies. As emerging data suggest epigenetic regulation of telomere length, we investigated 72 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 46 genes that involve DNA and histone methylation as well as telomerase and telomere-binding proteins and DNA damage response. Genotyping and quantification of telomere length were performed in blood samples from 989 non-Hispanic white participants of the Sister Study, a prospective cohort of women aged 35–74 years. The association of each SNP with logarithmically-transformed relative telomere length was estimated using multivariate linear regression. Six SNPs were associated with relative telomere length in blood cells with p-values<0.05 (uncorrected for multiple comparisons). The minor alleles of BHMT rs3733890 G>A (p = 0.041), MTRR rs2966952 C>T (p = 0.002) and EHMT2 rs558702 G>A (p = 0.008) were associated with shorter telomeres, while minor alleles of ATM rs1801516 G>A (p = 0.031), MTR rs1805087 A>G (p = 0.038) and PRMT8 rs12299470 G>A (p = 0.019) were associated with longer telomeres. Five of these SNPs are located in genes coding for proteins involved in DNA and histone methylation. Our results are consistent with recent findings that chromatin structure is epigenetically regulated and may influence the genomic integrity of telomeric region and telomere length maintenance. Larger studies with greater coverage of the genes implicated in DNA methylation and histone modifications are warranted to replicate these findings.
Two Efficient Stopping Criteria for Iterative Decoding

The paper proposes two new stopping criteria for iterative decoding of turbo codes. The first criterion is based on the mutual information between the logarithm likelihood ratio and the data bits, and the second one is based on the a posteriori error probability of the decoded information bits. Compared to the existing stopping rules, the proposed criteria need not to store any extra data, and can reduce the average number of iterations much closer to the genie stopping rule when the performance degradation is negligible.
Stability and stabilization of Boolean networks

The stability of Boolean networks and the stabilization of Boolean control networks are investigated. Using semi‐tensor product of matrices and the matrix expression of logic, the dynamics of a Boolean (control) network can be converted to a discrete time linear (bilinear) dynamics, called the algebraic form of the Boolean (control) network. Then the stability can be revealed by analyzing the transition matrix of the corresponding discrete time system. Main results consist of two parts: (i) Using logic coordinate transformation, the known sufficient condition based on incidence matrix has been improved. It can also be used in stabilizer design. (ii) Based on algebraic form, necessary and sufficient conditions for stability and stabilization, respectively, are obtained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
KONSERVASI HUTAN BELAJAR DARI NILAI-NILAI ETIK DAN TRADISI BEJERNANG SUKU ANAK DALAM DI TAMAN NASIONAL BUKIT DUABELAS, PROVINSI JAMBI

Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) adalah salah satu suku di Indonesia yang sampai saat ini masih hidup secara tradisional di kawasan hutan. Salah satu hutan tempat tinggal dan sumber penghidupan mereka adalah Taman Nasional Bukit Dua Belas (TNDB) di Provinsi Jambi. Interaksi masyarakat SAD dengan hutan yang berlangsung sejak dulu ini melahirkan tradisi-tradisi dan nilai-nilai kultural yang berakar pada nilai-nilai konservasi hutan. Hal ini tercermin dari perilaku mereka terhadap sumberdaya hutan, yakni; perilaku pemanfaatan sumberdaya hutan secara lestari. Salah satu tradisi yang mereka lakukan adalah tradisi bejernang, yakni; tradisi memanfaatkan buah rotan jernang (Daemonorops spp) untuk memenuhi kebutuhan spiritual, sosial dan ekonomi mereka. Rotan jernang (Daemonorops spp) memiliki nilai ekologis dan nilai ekonomis bagi masyarakat SAD. Rotan jernang untuk bertahan hidup memerlukan pohon-pohon di sekitarnya sebagai tempat rambat guna mendapat iklim mikro yang sesuai, sinar matahari dan guna dapat tumbuh tegak. Apabila Rotan jernang rebah maka tidak dapat menghasilkan buah. Masyarakat SAD mengumpulkan buah Rotan jernang kemudian diolah menjadi jernang dan menjualnya kepada pengumpul di desa, dengan harga Rp. 2.800. 000 sampai dengan Rp. 3.000. 000 per kg. Jernang memiliki harga yang tinggi karena menurut literatur memiliki khasiat obat, seperti; aktifitas apoptic, antiplatelet effects, anticoagulant, antiviral activity, anti-inflammatory, aktifitas cytotoxic.
Secure mechanism based on concurrent signature for mobile payment services

Due to the inherent security limitation of electronic commerce and the openness of mobile network, security issue has become the bottleneck of mobile payment. Based on above, this paper makes researches on the mobile payment system and the related security issues, takes security requirements into consideration and establishes the mobile payment model first, and then puts forward a mobile payment protocol based on concurrent signature scheme, the analysis of the protocol such as fairness, non-repudiation and efficiency is given at last.
Statistical discrimination of seabed textures in sonar images using co-occurrence statistics

We propose a general framework to evaluate similarities from cooccurrence statistics between seabed textures within sonar images. Our approach aim at defining a texture based similarity as a weighted sum of the distances between cooccurrence distributions for a considered set of interaction types. The weighting factor introduces the discrimination power of each distribution and also cope, with the dependence of the cooccurrence statistics on the incidence angle. Classification experiments of the proposed approach show improved classification results with the weighting scheme compared to the method where the cooccurrence parameters are randomly chosen.
Same-side Hand Interactions with Arm-placed Devices Using EMG

We present a preliminary evaluation of an approach utilizing eyes-free, same-side hand interactions with arm-placed devices based on electromyography (EMG). We hypothesize that the approach is well-suited for situations that do not allow for opposite-side hand interactions, e.g. while carrying something. In contrast to other methods such as speech input, it does not depend on external factors such as surrounding noise. In our pilot study in a laboratory setting, we compared same-side hand interactions using EMG against traditional opposite-side hand touch interactions to control a music player on a smartwatch. The results indicate that the same-side hand interaction approach is in general feasible for the envisaged type of interactions.
An Improved Way of Multicast in Wearable WSN

Modern wearable system requires users to transmit their own information of exact location and physical characteristics timely. It is required to reduce the network delay and excessive energy consumption, which are caused by network code in wearable WSNs. A fast random linear mechanism of network coding based on nodes collaboration is introduced. Energy consumption of nodes is reduced by transmitting the initial code of the node, and transmitting linear independent packets received merely. After gathering node coding, ACK return along the best path to reduce the network delay. Simulation results show that delay of data transmission is reduced greatly by introducing random linear network coding for sensor network, and the improved coded mode balances the network load.
Standard Operating Procedures: Collaborative development and distributed use

This paper describes a system that supports the distributed development and deployment of Standard Operating Procedures. The system is based on popular, open-source wiki software for the SOP development, and the I-X task-centric agent framework for deployment. A preliminary evaluation using an SOP for virtual collaboration is described and shows the potential of the approach.
Secure Data Replication over Untrusted Hosts

Data replication is a widely used technique for achieving fault tolerance and improved performance. With the advent of content delivery networks, it is becoming more and more frequent that data content is placed on hosts that are not directly controlled by the content owner, and because of this, security mechanisms to protect data integrity are necessary. In this paper we present a system architecture that allows arbitrary queries to be supported on data content replicated on untrusted servers. To prevent these servers from returning erroneous answers to client queries, we make use of a small number of trusted hosts that randomly check these answers and take corrective action whenever necessary. Additionally, our system employs an audit mechanism that guarantees that any untrusted server acting maliciously will eventually be detected and excluded from the system.
Fibrous nanoinclusions in massive rose quartz: HRTEM and AEM investigations

Abstract Pink fibrous crystals within massive rose quartz from localities in California, South Dakota, Brazil, Madagascar, and Namibia were examined with high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and analytical electron microscopy (AEM). This study reveals that the nanofibers in all samples are related to dumortierite. Selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) patterns and HRTEM images indicate that the dumortierite-related fibers have a superstructure with a doubled periodicity along the a and b axes of dumortierite, giving cell parameters a = 2adum = 2.36 nm, b = 2bdum = 4.05 nm, c = cdum = 0.47 nm. Computer simulations suggest that periodic arrangements of two different M1 site occupancies in the octahedral face-sharing chains give rise to the superstructure. One type of M1 site is occupied mainly by Al, whereas the other type is dominated by Ti and Fe. Simulated HRTEM images based on our proposed model match the experimental images. Most of the fibers, elongated along the c axis, are free of defects. AEM analysis shows that the dumortierite-related fibers have a composition similar to well-characterized dumortierite, but that they contain a greater amount of Fe substituting for Al in the M1 sites. Boron was detected in all fibers examined by electron energy loss spectroscopy as well as in sillimanite crystals found as a minor component in one rose quartz from Brazil.
Histopathology and clinical course of MOG-antibody-associated encephalomyelitis

We present histological, MRI, and clinical features of an adult patient with relapsing encephalomyelitis and antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG). Furthermore, we report molecular details of the recognized epitope that is specific for human MOG. A brain biopsy revealed multiple sclerosis (MS)‐type II pathology. Some features overlapped with both MS and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), whereas others were distinct from both MS and NMOSD. Immunoadsorption and rituximab induced clinical stabilization. This case contributes a new, so far missing link in the emerging spectrum of MOG‐antibody‐associated encephalomyelitis.
A neural net based approach to Test Oracle

In this paper an attempt has been made to explore the possibility of the usage of artificial neural networks as Test Oracle. The triangle classification problem has been used as a case study. Results for the usage of unsupervised artificial networks indicate that they are not suitable for this purpose. The Feed-forward back propagation neural networks are demonstrated to be suitable.
The Nature and Value of Geographic Information

If geographic information is to be traded as a commodity, it must be possible to measure its quantity, to compare the contents of two data sets, and to perform other simple functions such as the measurement of similarity of content. Shannon-Weaver information theory is found to be inadequate for this purpose. In current practice geographic information is priced by such medium-dependent measures as area, or data volume. A theoretical framework is proposed in which geographic information is defined by atomic tuples, to which other structures can be reduced. Although the potential number of such tuples is infinite, the ubiquity of spatial dependence and the impossibility of determining location exactly allow useful representations to be created from finite numbers of tuples. Based on this definition of geographic information, formal definitions are proposed for geographic information systems and geographic queries. It proves difficult to incorporate naïve geography within this framework because of its logical inconsistencies. A semantic theory of geographic information is proposed, based on networks of linkages expressed as tuples. Unresolved questions are identified.
Abstraction Layer Based Virtual Data Center Architecture for Network Function Chaining

Network virtualization is one of the most promising technology for the data centers. It was innovated to use the network resources efficiently to evaluate new protocols and services on the same hardware. This paper discusses a virtual distributed data center network architecture in the network function virtualization environment. This architecture virtualize physical resources into multiple virtual clusters where each cluster consists of a group of machines (physical/virtual) and an abstraction layer. Optical technologies are used to construct the core of the network. Our abstraction layer construction algorithm selects the minimum optical switches that provide connectivity to all the machines of the group. One of the main use case of this architecture is orchestration of network function chains, where each chain corresponds to one cluster and network functions can be deployed over the optical switches of the abstraction layer. We also showed that this deployment can also save expensive optical/electronic/optical conversion cost.
Parallel Generation of t-Ary Trees in A-order

We present a cost-optimal and adaptive parallel algorithm for generating t-ary trees in A-order. The generation is based on an encoding using integer sequences (z-sequences) due to Zaks [(1980), Lexicographic generation of ordered tree. Theor. Comput. Sci., 10, 63–82]. Our algorithm is the first introduced parallel generation algorithm, which generates t-ary trees in A-order in the literature. The used computational model is CREW SM SIMD multi-processors. This algorithm is designed based on a novel sequential generation algorithm that is also discussed. Ranking and unranking algorithms for z-sequences are also presented.
Evaluation of a water, sanitation, and hygiene education intervention on diarrhoea in northern Pakistan.

OBJECTIVE Inadequate water and sanitation services adversely affect the health and socioeconomic development of communities. The Water and Sanitation Extension Programme (WASEP) project, undertaken in selected villages in northern Pakistan between 1997 and 2001, was designed to deliver an integrated package of activities to improve potable water supply at village and household levels, sanitation facilities and their use, and awareness and practices about hygiene behaviour. METHODS A case-control study was conducted during July-September 2001 to evaluate whether, after selected confounders were controlled for, children aged <6 years with diarrhoea were more or less likely to reside in villages that participated in the project than in villages that did not participate. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed. FINDINGS Children not living in WASEP villages had a 33% higher adjusted odds ratio for having diarrhoea than children living in WASEP villages (adjusted odds ratio, 1.331; P<0.049). Boys had 25% lower odds of having diarrhoea than girls (adjusted odds ratio, 0.748; P<0.049). A 2.6% decrease was found in the odds of diarrhoea for every yearly increase in the mother's age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.974; P<0.044) and a 1.4% decrease for every monthly increase in the child's age (adjusted odds ratio, 0.986; P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The findings in this study may help refine the approach to future water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives in northern Pakistan. The integrated approach taken by WASEP, which incorporates engineering solutions with appropriate education to maximize facility usage and improve hygiene practices, is a useful example of how desired health benefits can be obtained from projects of this type.
The BDNF Val66Met Polymorphism Impairs NMDA Receptor-Dependent Synaptic Plasticity in the Hippocampus

The Val66Met polymorphism in the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene results in a defect in regulated release of BDNF and affects episodic memory and affective behaviors. However, the precise role of the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism in hippocampal synaptic transmission and plasticity has not yet been studied. Therefore, we examined synaptic properties in the hippocampal CA3–CA1 synapses of BDNFMet/Met mice and matched wild-type mice. Although basal glutamatergic neurotransmission was normal, both young and adult mice showed a significant reduction in NMDA receptor-dependent long-term potentiation. We also found that NMDA receptor-dependent long-term depression was decreased in BDNFMet/Met mice. However, mGluR-dependent long-term depression was not affected by the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. Consistent with the NMDA receptor-dependent synaptic plasticity impairment, we observed a significant decrease in NMDA receptor neurotransmission in the CA1 pyramidal neurons of BDNFMet/Met mice. Thus, these results show that the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism has a direct effect on NMDA receptor transmission, which may account for changes in synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.
Efficintie en continuteit in pensioenen: het FTK nader bezien

Vijf jaar na de beurskrach, die een schokgolf teweeg bracht bij Nederlandse pensioenfondsen, kan worden geconstateerd dat het Financieel Toetsingskader (FTK) zijn succes heeft bewezen. In de afgelopen jaren heeft zich een stille revolutie voltrokken binnen de aanvullende pensioenen. Met de overgang op flexibeler pensioencontracten op basis van middelloon en transparantere voorwaardelijke indexering, betere waarderingsmethoden en duidelijkere regels voor dekking en herstelperioden, is de schokbestendigheid van de Nederlandse pensioenen aanmerkelijk verstevigd.
Glucose Metabolism Effects of Vitamin D in Prediabetes: The VitDmet Randomized Placebo-Controlled Supplementation Study

Epidemiological evidence suggests a role for vitamin D in type 2 diabetes prevention. We investigated the effects of vitamin D3 supplementation on glucose metabolism and inflammation in subjects with prediabetes. A 5-month randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled intervention with three arms (placebo, 40 μg/d, or 80 μg/d vitamin D3) was carried out among sixty-eight overweight (BMI 25–35) and aging (≥60 years) subjects from Finland, with serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25(OH)D3] < 75 nmol/L and either impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance. Analyses included 66 subjects who completed the trial. Glucose metabolism was evaluated by fasting and 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test-derived indices and glycated hemoglobin. Inflammation was evaluated by high-sensitive C-reactive protein and five cytokines. Although a dose-dependent increase in serum 25(OH)D3 over the supplementation period was observed (P trend < 0.001), there were no other statistically significant differences in changes in the 13 glucose homeostasis indicators between the study groups other than increase in the 120 min glucose concentration (P trend = 0.021) and a decreasing trend both in 30 min plasma insulin (P trend = 0.030) and glycated hemoglobin (P trend = 0.024) concentrations. A borderline statistically significant decreasing trend in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist concentration was observed (P = 0.070). Vitamin D3 supplementation does not improve glucose metabolism in ageing subjects with prediabetes but may have modest anti-inflammatory effects.
Computing the volume is difficult

AbstractFor every polynomial time algorithm which gives an upper bound % MathType! MTEF! 2! 1! +-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVC0xe9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Gqpi0x% c9q8qqaqFj0df9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaWaa0aaaeaaie% aacaWF2bGaa83Baiaa-Xgaaaaaaa! 3A2B! $$\overline {vol}$$ (K) and a lower boundvol(K) for the volume of a convex setK⊂Rd, the ratio % MathType! MTEF! 2! 1! +-% feaafiart1ev1aaatCvAUfeBSjuyZL2yd9gzLbvyNv2CaerbuLwBLn% hiov2DGi1BTfMBaeXatLxBI9gBaerbd9wDYLwzYbItLDharqqtubsr% 4rNCHbGeaGqiVC0xe9sqqrpepC0xbbL8F4rqqrFfpeea0xe9Gqpi0x% c9q8qqaqFj0df9pwe9Q8fs0-yqaqpepae9pg0FirpepeKkFr0xfr-x% fr-xb9adbaqaaeGaciGaaiaabeqaamaabaabaaGcbaWaa0aaaeaaie% aacaWF2bGaa83Baiaa-Xgaaaaaaa! 3A2B! $$\overline {vol}$$ (K)/vol(K) is at least (cd/logd)d for some convex setK⊂Rd.
MiR-125b Reduces Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Replication by Negatively Regulating the NF-κB Pathway

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) is an Arterivirus that has been devastating the swine industry worldwide since the late 1980s. To investigate the impact of cellular microRNAs (miRNAs) on the replication of PRRSV, we screened 10 highly conserved miRNAs implicated in innate immunity or antiviral function and identified miR-125b as an inhibitor of PRRSV replication. Virus titer and western blot assays demonstrated that miR-125b reduced PRRSV replication and viral gene expression in a dose-dependent manner in both MARC-145 cell line and primary porcine alveolar macrophages. Mechanistically, miR-125b did not target the PRRSV genome. Rather, it inhibited activation of NF-κB, which we found to be required for PRRSV replication. PRRSV, in turn, down-regulated miR-125b expression post-infection to promote viral replication. Collectively, miR-125b is an antiviral host factor against PRRSV, but it is subject to manipulation by PRRSV. Our study reveals an example of manipulation of a cellular miRNA by an arterivirus to re-orchestrate host gene expression for viral propagation and sheds new light on targeting host factors to develop effective control measures for PRRS.