A Tight Lower Bound on the Sub-Packetization Level of Optimal-Access MSR and MDS Codes

The first focus of the present paper, is on lower bounds on the sub-packetization level $\alpha$ of an MSR code that is capable of carrying out repair in help-by-transfer fashion (also called optimal-access property). We prove here a lower bound on $\alpha$ which is shown to be tight for the case $d=(n-1)$ by comparing with recent code constructions in the literature. We also extend our results to an $[n,k]$ MDS code over the vector alphabet. Our objective even here, is on lower bounds on the sub-packetization level $\alpha$ of an MDS code that can carry out repair of any node in a subset of $w$ nodes, $1 \leq w \leq (n-1)$ where each node is repaired (linear repair) by help-by-transfer with minimum repair bandwidth. We prove a lower bound on $\alpha$ for the case of $d=(n-1)$. This bound holds for any $w (\leq n-1)$ and is shown to be tight, again by comparing with recent code constructions in the literature. Also provided, are bounds for the case $d<(n-1)$. We study the form of a vector MDS code having the property that we can repair failed nodes belonging to a fixed set of $Q$ nodes with minimum repair bandwidth and in optimal-access fashion, and which achieve our lower bound on sub-packetization level $\alpha$. It turns out interestingly, that such a code must necessarily have a coupled-layer structure, similar to that of the Ye-Barg code.Comment: Revised for ISIT 2018 submissio

Mutagenicity and Carcinogenicity Prediction of Compounds from Cardamom (\u3cem\u3eElettaria cardamom\u3c/em\u3e Maton)

In silico approaches are currently not employed in any of the spices to study the toxicity. The aim of this study is to find the most efficacious molecule which does not have any adverse effects. In the present study one hundred and eight compounds from cardamom were used to predict mutagenicity and carcinogenecity. The results of these studies indicate that only four compounds are non-mutagenic and non-carcinogenic. The rest of the compounds do not have the characteristics necessary to become therapeutic agents have been identified early and prevented (i.e., the fail early, fail fast approach) from entering the drug development process

Utility of nucleated RBCs in critical care patients in a tertiary care centre

Background: In healthy adults and older children, NRBCs are normally found only in the blood-building bone marrow where they mature. Their appearance in peripheral blood points to extramedullary erythropoiesis or disruption of the blood-bone marrow barrier. Aim of current study was to evaluate and compare the prognostic significance of NRBCs in the peripheral blood of intensive care patients (ICU) and non-intensive care patients (non-ICI) and to assess the morbidity and mortality risk associated with NRBCs among ICU and non-ICU patients. Methods: Relevant clinical details and investigations were collected from the Haematology nominal Register of the Department of Pathology, Saveetha Medical College. Blood samples were routinely drawn in the morning. The presence of NRBCs in the peripheral blood was detected with the help of an automated analyser (Sysmex XN 1000) and confirmed by a peripheral smear. Results: Among the NRBC-positive study population, mortality rate was 28% and was associated with ICU admission status, and death was predominantly due to cardiovascular causes. The highest NRBC value during the period of admission was significantly associated with deceased patients and ICU patients (p values of &lt;0.001 and 0.002 respectively). The Pearson correlation of NRBC shows a significant positive correlation with serum creatinine and a negative correlation with platelets. Conclusions: The presence of NRBCs in the peripheral blood of critically ill adults is a significant prognostic marker of morbidity and mortality, laying down the emphasis on daily screening of peripheral smears for NRBCs