Lightweight LCP Construction for Very Large Collections of Strings

The longest common prefix array is a very advantageous data structure that, combined with the suffix array and the Burrows-Wheeler transform, allows to efficiently compute some combinatorial properties of a string useful in several applications, especially in biological contexts. Nowadays, the input data for many problems are big collections of strings, for instance the data coming from "next-generation" DNA sequencing (NGS) technologies. In this paper we present the first lightweight algorithm (called extLCP) for the simultaneous computation of the longest common prefix array and the Burrows-Wheeler transform of a very large collection of strings having any length. The computation is realized by performing disk data accesses only via sequential scans, and the total disk space usage never needs more than twice the output size, excluding the disk space required for the input. Moreover, extLCP allows to compute also the suffix array of the strings of the collection, without any other further data structure is needed. Finally, we test our algorithm on real data and compare our results with another tool capable to work in external memory on large collections of strings.Comment: This manuscript version is made available under the CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ The final version of this manuscript is in press in Journal of Discrete Algorithm

Two-Way Optical Frequency Comparisons Over 100km Telecommunication Network Fibers

By using two-way frequency transfer, we demonstrate ultra-high resolution comparison of optical frequencies over a telecommunication fiber link of 100 km operating simultaneously digital data transfer. We first propose and experiment a bi-directional scheme using a single fiber. We show that the relative stability at 1 s integration time is 7 10^18 and scales down to 5 10^21. The same level of performance is reached when an optical link is implemented with an active compensation of the fiber noise. We also implement a real-time two-way frequency comparison over a uni-directional telecommunication network using a pair of parallel fibers. The relative frequency stability is 10^15 at 1 s integration time and reaches 2 10^17 at 40 000 s. The fractional uncertainty of the frequency comparisons was evaluated for the best case to 2 10^20. These results open the way to accurate and high resolution frequency comparison of optical clocks over intercontinental fiber networks

Reproductive Cycle of Spondylus varius (Sowerby, 1827) in Lianga Bay, Surigao Del Sur, Eastern Mindanao, Philippines

The reproductive cycle of the Spondylus varius in Lianga Bay, Surigao del Sur, Philippines, was studied from September 2018 to October 2019. Histological examination showed that this species is gonochoric. The spawning occurred at the size of 80-100 mm shell length. Spondylus varius showed a continuous breeding season from December to April. The highest peak was recorded in April 2019. From August to October, the early and late gametogenesis stage predominates. Annual gonad development and spawning period coincided with the increase in sea surface temperature. In terms of management, it is important to leave a proportion of reproductively mature individuals in the population to allow breeding and recruitment. Thus, it is recommended that the collection of individuals smaller than 65 mm should be restricted and a ban on fishing imposed from February to May

Evolving Diversity II: Participation of students with an immigrant background in European Higher Education

EQUNET is a 3-year project researching the state of equity in Higher Education in Europe. The project aims to create an evidence-based policy advocacy network, so as to promote its conclusions as a way to promote better-informed policy making on equity issues in Europe. This is the second of three reports, and is dedicated to improving the picture of equity in access to Higher Education in Europe for persons of immigrant origin. The report provides a theoretical framework for discussion of the topic, a statistical cross-country analysis of access-figures, as well as detailed country-studies for Germany, Norway and the United Kingdom. It is the result of a year of research conducted by a multi-disciplinary team of researchers originating from across Europe. (DIPF/Orig.

Inpatient charges among HIV/AIDS patients in Rhode Island from 2000–2004

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Inpatient HIV/AIDS charges decreased from 1996–2000. This decrease was mainly attributable to treatment of HIV/AIDS patients with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). This study aims to evaluate the trend in inpatient charges from 2000–2004.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Rhode Island Hospital Discharge Data (HDD) from 2000 to 2004 was used. International Classification of Disease (ICD-9) diagnosis code 042–044 was used to identify HIV/AIDS admissions. The final study population included 1927 HIV/AIDS discharges. We used a multivariable linear regression model to examine the factors associated with inflation adjusted inpatient charges.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We found a significant increase in inpatient charges from 2000–2004 after adjusting for length of stay (LOS), gender, age, race and point of entry for hospitalization. In addition to calendar year, LOS, gender and race were also associated with inpatient charges.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>HIV/AIDS inpatient charges increased after adjusting for inflation despite earlier studies that showed a decline. Our results have implications for uninsured, as well as insured HIV/AIDS patients who do not have a medical plan that covers their charges sufficiently. Future research should investigate what factors are contributing to rising inpatient charges among HIV/AIDS patients.</p