Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deletion-Robust Submodular Maximization under a Knapsack Constraint

In recent years, as one of the important problems in machine learning optimization theory, submodular maximization has received extensive research attention. Due to the property of diminishing returns of submodular function, many natural problems can be cast to the submodular maximization problem and that can be addressed relatively efficiently. In this paper, we investigate the deletion robust sub modular maximization problem under the knapsack constraint. The robustness means the algorithm can guarantee the quality of its output even after an adversary deleted some elements from the ground set $V$. During the period when $V$ is accessed, the algorithm does not know the elements the adversary deleted. We consider the scenario where the adversary deletes elements randomly, which is consistent with unexpected events in nature. For offline and streaming scenarios, we present two algorithms that achieve an approximation ratio of $(\frac{1}{4} - \epsilon)$ in expectation and a summary size of $O (k+ \frac{d\log^{2}B}{\epsilon^{3}})$ and $O(\frac{k\log B}{\epsilon}+\frac{d\log^{3} B}{\epsilon^{4}})$ respectively, where $k$ represents the maximum element number of any feasible solution with budget $B$ and $d$ is the maximum number of deleted elements. We conduct experiments on real-world applications to evaluate our proposed algorithms and the experimental results confirm the superiority of our proposed algorithms.
Multiple TSC22D4 iso‐/phospho‐glycoforms display idiosyncratic subcellular localizations and interacting protein partners

Proteins of the TSC22 domain (TSC22D) family, including TSC22D1 and TSC22D4, play pivotal roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis, interacting with other factors in a still largely unknown manner. This study explores this issue by biochemically characterizing various TSC22D4 forms (both iso‐ and glyco‐phospho‐, namely the splice variants 42 and 55 kDa and the post‐translationally modified 67 and 72 kDa forms) and their subcellular localization and protein partners during cerebellar granule neuron (CGN) differentiation. The TSC22D4‐42 form is mostly cytosolic, and is the only TSC22D4 form that associates with TSC22D1.2 in undifferentiated but not differentiated CGNs. In contrast, TSC22D4‐55 is prominently associated with the nuclear matrix in differentiated but not undifferentiated CGNs. As for TSC22D4‐67, it is localized in the cytosol and nuclei of undifferentiated CGNs and enters mitochondria of differentiated CGNs, associating with apoptosis‐inducing factor. TSC22D4‐72 is modified by O‐linked beta‐N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAcylated) and phosphorylated and is always associated with chromatin irrespective of CGN differentiation. The various subcellular localization patterns and interacting protein partners of TSC22D4 forms during CGN differentiation suggest the existence of form‐specific function(s) and provide a novel framework to further investigate the biological functions of TSC22D proteins.
Honored guest presentation: lifetime experiences and where we are going: Chiari I with syringohydromyelia--controversies and development of decision trees.

The hindbrain herniation syndrome (51), often referred to as the Chiari I malformation, is a disorder that has traditionally been defined as a downward herniation of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum (8, 9, 36). The extent of tonsillar herniation is recognized as being more than 4 to 5 mm below the plane of foramen magnum on sagittal magnetic resonance images (11, 13, 28, 30, 33, 38). This anomaly is associated with syringohydromyelia in 45 to 68% of cases (17, 30, 38). It occurs in conjunction with osseous abnormalities of the craniovertebral junction (12, 16, 22, 24, 25, 30, 42, 43, 49). This is distinguished from the more familiar Chiari II malformation, which is present at birth and consists of downward herniation of the cerebellum and medulla into the spinal canal in association with complex anomalies such as aqueductal forking, polymicrogyria, and myelodysplasia (7). It is now felt that the Chiari I malformation, or the hindbrain herniation, is inherently different from the Chiari II malformation. The Chiari I occurs sporadically, and there is no inherent nervous system abnormality except for that which is the result of crowding of the posterior fossa, which predisposes to the hindbrain herniation (21, 27, 30, 33). Changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics contribute to the symptoms and the clinical syndrome characterized by occipital Valsalva-type headaches, lower cranial nerve abnormalities, and a spinal cord myelopathy that may be overshadowed by the syringohydromyelia.
Cucurbitacin IIb Exhibits Anti-Inflammatory Activity through Modulating Multiple Cellular Behaviors of Mouse Lymphocytes

Cucurbitacin IIb (CuIIb) is one of the major active compounds in Hemsleyadine tablets which have been used for clinical treatment of bacillary dysentery, enteritis and acute tonsilitis. However, its action mechanism has not been completely understood. This study aimed to explore the anti-inflammatory activity of CuIIb and its underlying mechanism in mitogen-activated lymphocytes isolated from mouse mesenteric lymph nodes. The results showed that CuIIb inhibited the proliferation of concanavalin A (Con A)-activated lymphocytes in a time- and dose-dependent manner. CuIIb treatment arrested their cell cycle in S and G2/M phases probably due to the disruption of the actin cytoskeleton and the modulation of p27Kip1 and cyclin levels. Moreover, the surface expression of activation markers CD69 and CD25 on Con A-activated CD3+ T lymphocytes was suppressed by CuIIb treatment. Both Con A- and phorbol ester plus ionomycin-induced expression of TNF-α, IFN-γ and IL-6 proteins was attenuated upon exposure to CuIIb. Mechanistically, CuIIb treatment suppressed the phosphorylation of JNK and Erk1/2 but not p38 in Con A-activated lymphocytes. Although CuIIb unexpectedly enhanced the phosphorylation of IκB and NF-κB (p65), it blocked the nuclear translocation of NF-κB (p65). In support of this, CuIIb significantly decreased the mRNA levels of IκBα and TNF-α, two target genes of NF-κB, in Con A-activated lymphocytes. In addition, CuIIb downregulated Con A-induced STAT3 phosphorylation and increased cell apoptosis. Collectively, these results suggest that CuIIb exhibits its anti-inflammatory activity through modulating multiple cellular behaviors and signaling pathways, leading to the suppression of the adaptive immune response.
Tolvaptan for improvement of hepatic edema: A phase 3, multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial

Hepatic edema is manifested by ascites, lower limb edema and intolerable symptoms. Some patients insufficiently respond to the conventional diuretic therapy. Therefore, a novel therapeutic option is required. We conducted a phase 3 study to confirm therapeutic effect of tolvaptan on hepatic edema associated with liver cirrhosis.
Improved recognition of Hungarian call center conversations

This paper summarizes our recent efforts made to automatically transcribe call center conversations in real-time. Data sparseness issue is addressed due to the small amount of transcribed training data. Accordingly, first the potentials in the inclusion of additional non-conventional training texts are investigated, and then morphological language models are introduced to handle data insufficiency. The baseline system is also extended with explicit models for non-verbal speech events such as hesitation or consent. In addition, all the above techniques are efficiently combined in the final system. The benefit of each approach is evaluated on real-life call center recordings. Results show that by utilizing morphological language models, significant error rate reduction can be achieved over the word baseline system, which is preserved across experimental setups. The results can be further improved if nonverbal events are also modeled.
Intersection-based routing for urban vehicular communications with traffic-light considerations

In this article, we explore the impact of traffic lights on routing protocol design in vehicular ad hoc networks. Specifically, we focus on intersection-based routing protocols designed for vehicular communications in urban areas. We find that traffic lights greatly impact routing in urban areas, but this issue has not been well treated in existing routing protocols. In this article, we propose a new protocol called Shortest-Path-Based Traffic-Light-Aware Routing (STAR) for VANETs with traffic light considerations. For STAR, the signals of traffic lights on the intersection, together with the traffic patterns, determine how packets are forwarded. We show via analysis and simulation that our proposed STAR protocol is superior to Green Light First forwarding (i.e., packets are forwarded on the path with green lights). We also conduct ns-2 simulations to evaluate the performance of STAR. The results show that STAR achieves shorter average delay, higher delivery ratio and higher TCP throughput than existing routing protocols for urban VANET communications.
Opus: University of Bath Online Publication Store Chronic Treatment with 13-cis-retinoic Acid Changes Aggressive Behaviours in the Resident- Intruder Paradigm in Rats

Chronic treatment with 13-cis-retinoic acid changes aggressive behaviours in the resident-intruder paradigm in rats. This version is made available in accordance with publisher policies. Please cite only the published version using the reference above. Abstract Retinoids, vitamin A related compounds, have an established role in the development of the nervous system and are increasingly recognized to play a role in adult brain function. The synthetic retinoid, 13-cis-retinoic acid (13-cis-RA, Roaccutane) is widely used to treat severe acne but has been linked to an increased risk of neuropsychiatric side effects, including depression. Here we report that chronic administration with 13-cis-RA (1 mg/kg i.p. daily, 7­ 14 days) in adult rats reduced aggression-and increased flight-related behaviours in the resident-intruder paradigm. However, in the forced swim, sucrose consumption and open field tests treatment for up to 6 weeks with 13-cis-RA did not modify behaviour in adult or juvenile animals. The behavioural change observed in the resident-intruder paradigm is directly opposite to that observed with chronic antidepressant administration. These findings indicate that when a suitably sensitive behavioural test is employed then chronic administration of 13-cis-RA in adult rats induces behavioural changes consistent with a pro-depressant action.
A novel model of megavoltage radiation-induced oral mucositis in hamsters: Role of inflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide

Abstract Purpose: To design a novel model to study Cobalt-60 (Co-60)-induced radiation mucositis and to describe the pathways involved in its development. Materials and methods: Hamsters’ cheeks were treated with Co-60 radiation (10, 20, 30 or 35 Gy). Three days later, oral mucosa scarification was performed with a needle. The animals were euthanized at day 13 (D + 13) after irradiation. Gross and microscopic alterations were evaluated by a new score system that we developed. Also, neutrophil infiltration, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nitric oxide (NO) and nitrite were assessed in oral mucosa. We also tried to establish the roles of TNF-α and IL-1β and iNOS in our model using pharmacological approaches with pentoxiphylline (PTX) and aminoguanidine (AMG), respectively. Results: We found that a single administration of 35 Gy of Co-60, followed by mechanical scratches 3 days later, induced oral mucositis in hamsters. Animals with mucositis lost weight and had a survival median of 13 days, the time at which peak inflammation occurs. We noticed increased levels of NO, iNOS, TNF-α and IL-1β and a reduced concentration of IL-10. PTX partially prevented the mucositis phenotype by reducing the levels of inflammatory mediators and iNOS expression. Additionally, AMG, a selective inhibitor of iNOS, reduced Co-60-induced oral mucositis through reducing NO production. Conclusion: We described a novel model of megavoltage radiation-induced oral mucositis in hamsters. TNF-α, IL-1β and NO seem to play a role in the pathophysiology of this model.
Adaptive TCP: A Sender Side Mechanism with Dynamic Adjustment of Congestion Control Parameters for Performance Improvement in WLAN

This paper presents a sender side only TCP mechanism to prevent compromise for bandwidth utilization in IEEE 802.11 wireless networks. In absence of mechanism for accurate and immediate loss discrimination, the TCP sender unnecessarily reduces its Loss Window in response to the packet losses due to transmission errors. At the same time, frequent transmission losses and associated link retransmissions cause inaccuracy for available bandwidth estimate. The proposal, Adaptive TCP tackles the above issues using two refinements. First, sender estimates the degree of congestion by exploiting the statistics for estimated Round Trip Time (RTT). With this, it prevents unnecessary shrinkage of Loss Window and bandwidth estimate. Second, by concluding the uninterrupted evolution of its sending rate in recent past, the Adaptive TCP advances bandwidth estimate under favorable network conditions. This in turn, facilitates for quick growth in TCP’s sending rate after loss recovery and consequently alleviates bandwidth utilization. The authors implement the algorithm on top of TCP NewReno, evaluate and compare its performance with the wireless TCP variants deployed in current Internet. Through intensive simulations it is demonstrated that the Adaptive TCP outperforms other well-established TCP variants, and yields more than 100% of the throughput performance and more than 60% of improvement for bandwidth utilization, compared to TCP NewReno. The simulation results also demonstrated compatibility of Adaptive TCP in a shared wireless environment.
The constitutive production of the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol participates in oligodendrocyte differentiation

Endocannabinoids have recently emerged as instructive cues in the developing central nervous system, and, based on the expression of their receptors, we identified oligodendrocytes as potential targets of these molecules. Here, we show that the enzymes responsible for the synthesis of the endocannabinoid 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), diacylglycerol lipase alpha (DAGLα) and beta (DAGLβ), and degradation, monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL), can be found in oligodendrocytes at different developmental stages. Moreover, cultured oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) express DAGLα and β abundantly, resulting in the stronger production of 2‐AG than in differentiated oligodendrocytes. The opposite is observed with MAGL. CB1 and CB2 receptor antagonists (SR141716 and AM630) impaired OPC differentiation into mature oligodendrocytes and likewise, inhibiting DAGL activity with RHC‐80267 or tetrahydrolipstatin also blocked oligodendrocyte maturation, an effect reversed by the addition of exogenous 2‐AG. Likewise, 2‐AG synthesis disruption using specific siRNAs against DAGLα and DAGLβ significantly reduced myelin protein expression in vitro, whereas a pharmacological gain‐of‐function approach by using cannabinoid agonists or MAGL inhibition had the opposite effects. ERK/MAPK pathway is implicated in oligodendrocyte differentiation because PD98059, an inhibitor of MEK1, abrogated oligodendrocyte maturation. The cannabinoid receptor antagonists and RHC‐80267 all diminished basal ERK1/2 phosphorylation, effects that were partially reversed by the addition of 2‐AG. Overall, our data suggest a novel role of endocannabinoids in oligodendrocyte differentiation such that constitutive release of 2‐AG activates cannabinoid receptors in an autocrine/paracrine way in OPCs, stimulating the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The organizational practices of innovation and the performances of firms : an empirical investigation

On a weighted sample of more than 1500 firms from the French manufacturing industries, we explore the relation between individual organizational practices dedicated to innovation and the output of the process. 16 different organizational practices are identified dealing with the constraints or objective applied to employees. The belonging to a national and foreign group is also considered. Controlling for numerous variables usually included in econometric regressions at the individual level, the estimations are conducted on four different variables measuring performances: radical innovation, patent deposit, encountered failure, global innovation (process, product, commercial and design). The main finding is that the organization of innovation, for a firm within a sector, with a given innovative effort and public support, has often a significant impact on the productivity of innovation. The results give consistency to previous investigations trying to identify the organization “best practices” for innovation. However, this investigation underline the bias of the previous results that do not investigate the possible complementarities among the individual organizational practices. Clusters of organizational practices explain the main part of the model whereas a marginal change in the practices seems to have a small effect on the level of the innovation output.
Direct multi-wavelength limb-darkening measurements of three late-type giants with the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer

We present direct measurements of the limb-darkened intensity proles of the late-type giant stars HR 5299, HR 7635, and HR 8621 obtained with the Navy Prototype Optical Interferometer (NPOI) at the Lowell Observatory. A triangle of baselines with lengths of 18.9 m, 22.2 m, and 37.5 m was used. We utilized squared visibility amplitudes beyond the rst minimum, as well as triple amplitudes and phases in up to 10 spectral channels covering a wavelength range of 650 nm to 850 nm. We nd that our data can best be described by featureless symmetric limb-darkened disk models while uniform disk and fully darkened disk models can be rejected. We derive high-precision angular limb-darkened diameters for the three stars of 7.44 mas 0.11 mas, 6:18 mas 0:07 mas, and 6:94 mas 0:12 mas, respectively. Using the HIPPARCOS parallaxes, we determine linear limb-darkened radii of 114 R 13 R ,5 6R 4 R ,a nd 98R 9 R, respectively. We compare our data to a grid of Kurucz stellar model atmospheres, with them derive the eective temperatures and surface gravities without additional information, and nd agreement with independent estimates derived from empirical calibrations and bolometric fluxes. This conrms the consistency of model predictions and direct observations of the limb-darkening eect.
Exercise as a Potential Treatment for Drug Abuse: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

Epidemiological studies reveal that individuals who engage in regular aerobic exercise are less likely to use and abuse illicit drugs. Until recently, very few studies had examined the causal influences that mediate this relationship, and it was not clear whether exercise was effective at reducing substance use and abuse. In the past few years, several preclinical studies have revealed that exercise reduces drug self-administration in laboratory animals. These studies have revealed that exercise produces protective effects in procedures designed to model different transitional phases that occur during the development of, and recover from, a substance use disorder (e.g., acquisition, maintenance, escalation, and relapse/reinstatement of drug use). Moreover, recent studies have revealed several behavioral and neurobiological consequences of exercise that may be responsible for its protective effects in these assays. Collectively, these studies have provided convincing evidence to support the development of exercise-based interventions to reduce compulsive patterns of drug intake in clinical and at-risk populations.
GROWTH, YIELD AND ROOT DEVELOPMENT OF MAIZE AS INFLUENCED BY TILLAGE AND TRACTOR TRAFFIC

A field study was carried out to determine the effect of tillage treatments on growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.). The experiment was conducted in the autumn 2012 and was repeated in the spring 2013. Four tillage treatments included in the study were: conventional tillage (CT), minimum tillage (MT), zero tillage (ZT) and controlled traffic farming (CTF). Randomized complete block design was used to arrange treatments with three replications. The crop parameters studied were: seedling emergence, crop growth, root development and yield. The seed emergence of maize crop was greater under CT, followed by MT, CTF and ZT during both seasons. The plant height was highest under CT (181.5 and 181.6 cm), followed by MT (173.3 and 173.6 cm), CTF (172.8 and 173.0 cm) and ZT (166.6 and 167.1 cm). Leaves plant -1, grains cob-1, 1000-grain weight were maximum under CT, followed by MT, CTF, while minimum under ZT for both the seasons. The grain yield was maximum under CT (5359.3 and 5378.0 kg ha-1), followed by MT (4939 and 4963 kg ha-1), CTF (4907.2 and 4961.2 kg ha-1) and minimum under ZT (4321.4 and 4331.7 kg ha-1). However, there was no significant difference among MT and CT treatments. The similar trends were observed during both seasons. Root length, fresh and dry root weights were maximum under CT, followed by MT, CTF and ZT during autumn 2012 and similar trends were observed during spring 2013. However, non-significant difference was found between MT and CTF during both seasons. Significant effects of root development on plant height and grain yield were recorded. It is concluded that CT is suitable for maize cultivation in a clay loam soil.
Effect of taurine on biomarkers of oxidative stress in tissues of fructose-fed insulin-resistant rats.

INTRODUCTION The present study was designed to investigate whether taurine mitigates fructose-induced oxidative stress in rat tissues such as heart and kidney. METHODS Male Wistar rats of body weight 170-190 g were divided into four groups containing six rats each. Control animals received the control diet containing starch while fructose-fed animals received a fructose-enriched diet (greater than 60 percent of total calories). Fructose and taurine rats received the fructose diet and two percent taurine solution to drink. Control and taurine rats received the control diet and two percent taurine solution. After the treatment period of 30 days, insulin resistance index, by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) was determined. The levels of lipid peroxidation markers, the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants status in heart and kidney tissues were measured. RESULTS Fructose rats showed high values of HOMA, increased lipid peroxidation and impaired antioxidant status. Taurine treatment to fructose rats attenuated the increased lipid peroxidation, enhanced the levels of antioxidants and improved insulin sensitivity. CONCLUSION Inhibition of peroxidation markers and upregulation of antioxidant activity in rat tissues by taurine signify the potential utility of taurine as an adjunct in treatment of insulin resistance.