How to determine linear complexity and kk-error linear complexity in some classes of linear recurring sequences

Several fast algorithms for the determination of the linear complexity of $d$-periodic sequences over a finite field \F_q, i.e. sequences with characteristic polynomial $f(x) = x^d-1$, have been proposed in the literature. In this contribution fast algorithms for determining the linear complexity of binary sequences with characteristic polynomial $f(x) = (x-1)^d$ for an arbitrary positive integer $d$, and $f(x) = (x^2+x+1)^{2^v}$ are presented. The result is then utilized to establish a fast algorithm for determining the $k$-error linear complexity of binary sequences with characteristic polynomial $(x^2+x+1)^{2^v}$

A complete characterization of plateaued Boolean functions in terms of their Cayley graphs

In this paper we find a complete characterization of plateaued Boolean functions in terms of the associated Cayley graphs. Precisely, we show that a Boolean function $f$ is $s$-plateaued (of weight $=2^{(n+s-2)/2}$) if and only if the associated Cayley graph is a complete bipartite graph between the support of $f$ and its complement (hence the graph is strongly regular of parameters $e=0,d=2^{(n+s-2)/2}$). Moreover, a Boolean function $f$ is $s$-plateaued (of weight $\neq 2^{(n+s-2)/2}$) if and only if the associated Cayley graph is strongly $3$-walk-regular (and also strongly $\ell$-walk-regular, for all odd $\ell\geq 3$) with some explicitly given parameters.Comment: 7 pages, 1 figure, Proceedings of Africacrypt 201

Yeast Protein Interactome Topology Provides Framework for Coordinated-Functionality

The architecture of the network of protein-protein physical interactions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is exposed through the combination of two complementary theoretical network measures, betweenness centrality and `Q-modularity'. The yeast interactome is characterized by well-defined topological modules connected via a small number of inter-module protein interactions. Should such topological inter-module connections turn out to constitute a form of functional coordination between the modules, we speculate that this coordination is occurring typically in a pair-wise fashion, rather than by way of high-degree hub proteins responsible for coordinating multiple modules. The unique non-hub-centric hierarchical organization of the interactome is not reproduced by gene duplication-and-divergence stochastic growth models that disregard global selective pressures.Comment: Final, revised version. 13 pages. Please see Nucleic Acids open access article for higher resolution figure

Functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to assess cognitive function in infants in rural Africa

Cortical mapping of cognitive function during infancy is poorly understood in low-income countries due to the lack of transportable neuroimaging methods. We have successfully piloted functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) as a neuroimaging tool in rural Gambia. Four-to-eight month old infants watched videos of Gambian adults perform social movements, while haemodynamic responses were recorded using fNIRS. We found distinct regions of the posterior superior temporal and inferior frontal cortex that evidenced either visual-social activation or vocally selective activation (vocal > non-vocal). The patterns of selective cortical activation in Gambian infants replicated those observed within similar aged infants in the UK. These are the first reported data on the measurement of localized functional brain activity in young infants in Africa and demonstrate the potential that fNIRS offers for field-based neuroimaging research of cognitive function in resource-poor rural communities

On the irrationality measure function in average

We study asymptotics for the intergal of irrationality measure functions.Comment: Summary in English, fulltext in Russia

Mental Health in Commercial Aviation - Depression & Anxiety of Pilots

Two landmark accidents invigorated the discussion regarding pilot mental health. Other incidents may also have a mental health component that is related to, but not the direct cause of, the event. It is suspected that these “other incidents” are much more commonplace and while not catastrophic, erode safety. Depression and anxiety are two commonly occurring mental health concerns. Research indicates that a considerable portion of the U. S. population suffers from some form of mental health issue. Most go undiagnosed and untreated. A similar rate of occurrence appears to be found within the airline pilot population. The stigma of mental health may lead many to not seek treatment. This may be especially true for pilots who face the potential loss of their medical certificate or complications in maintaining medical certification. As a result of discussions regarding pilot mental health, the FAA is now providing enhanced mental health screening guidance to designated aviation medical examiners. Additionally, employers and labor organizations are being encouraged to implement and improve pilot assistance programs better suited to helping pilots who may be suffering from mental health issues. The availability and effectiveness of these programs varies. Ultimately, removing the stigma of mental health in the greater population and improving the understanding of mental health within the aviation medical community may be necessary to encourage more pilots who have mental health concerns to seek treatment. This approach would have the most significant effect on aviation safety

The diminished effect of index rebalances

The author revisits the strategy of trading S&P 500 index re-compositions under the pre- and post-crisis financial environments, proving that the return structure has significantly changed. The results show for the first time, that there are currently no tradable abnormal returns between announcement and event dates in the post-crisis sample period, indicating smoother rebalancing mechanisms by bank’s client facing desks and better services for passive end-investors. The newly added firms inflate the S&P 500 index by less than 10 basis points per year. The results could be attributed to improved execution algorithms used by the banks, and potentially to the new regulatory reforms in the sector, which prevents financial institutions from taking large trading positions with their balance sheets

A UK wide cohort study describing management and outcomes for infants with surgical Necrotising Enterocolitis

The Royal College of Surgeons have proposed using outcomes from necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) surgery for revalidation of neonatal surgeons. The aim of this study was therefore to calculate the number of infants in the UK/Ireland with surgical NEC and describe outcomes that could be used for national benchmarking and counselling of parents. A prospective nationwide cohort study of every infant requiring surgical intervention for NEC in the UK was conducted between 01/03/13 and 28/02/14. Primary outcome was mortality at 28-days. Secondary outcomes included discharge, post-operative complication, and TPN requirement. 236 infants were included, 43(18%) of whom died, and eight(3%) of whom were discharged prior to 28-days post decision to intervene surgically. Sixty infants who underwent laparotomy (27%) experienced a complication, and 67(35%) of those who were alive at 28 days were parenteral nutrition free. Following multi-variable modelling, presence of a non-cardiac congenital anomaly (aOR 5.17, 95% CI 1.9-14.1), abdominal wall erythema or discolouration at presentation (aOR 2.51, 95% CI 1.23-5.1), diagnosis of single intestinal perforation at laparotomy (aOR 3.1 95% CI 1.05-9.3), and necessity to perform a clip and drop procedure (aOR 30, 95% CI 3.9-237) were associated with increased 28-day mortality. These results can be used for national benchmarking and counselling of parents