Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distributed Statistical Machine Learning in Adversarial Settings: Byzantine Gradient Descent

We consider the distributed statistical learning problem over decentralized systems that are prone to adversarial attacks. This setup arises in many practical applications, including Google's Federated Learning. Formally, we focus on a decentralized system that consists of a parameter server and m working machines; each working machine keeps N/m data samples, where N is the total number of samples. In each iteration, up to q of the m working machines suffer Byzantine faults -- a faulty machine in the given iteration behaves arbitrarily badly against the system and has complete knowledge of the system. Additionally, the sets of faulty machines may be different across iterations. Our goal is to design robust algorithms such that the system can learn the underlying true parameter, which is of dimension d, despite the interruption of the Byzantine attacks. In this paper, based on the geometric median of means of the gradients, we propose a simple variant of the classical gradient descent method. We show that our method can tolerate q Byzantine failures up to 2(1+ε)q łe m for an arbitrarily small but fixed constant ε>0. The parameter estimate converges in O(łog N) rounds with an estimation error on the order of max √dq/N, ~√d/N , which is larger than the minimax-optimal error rate √d/N in the centralized and failure-free setting by at most a factor of √q . The total computational complexity of our algorithm is of O((Nd/m) log N) at each working machine and O(md + kd log 3 N) at the central server, and the total communication cost is of O(m d log N). We further provide an application of our general results to the linear regression problem. A key challenge arises in the above problem is that Byzantine failures create arbitrary and unspecified dependency among the iterations and the aggregated gradients. To handle this issue in the analysis, we prove that the aggregated gradient, as a function of model parameter, converges uniformly to the true gradient function.
Association of RNA with the Cytoskeleton and the Nuclear Matrix

SUMMARY Heteronuclear RNA (hnRNA) is preferentially associated (76%) with the nuclear matrix in mammalian cells. Active mRNA, in the form of polyribosomes, is associated (>97 %) with the cytoskeletal framework. In this report, we present evidence that the association of both hnRNA and mRNA with structural networks of the cell may be essential features of gene expression. To study the association of polyribosomes with the cytoskeletal framework, cytochalasin D was used to release mRNA from the cytoskeletal framework. Protein synthesis was inhibited by cytochalasin D in direct proportion to the release of mRNA. The released mRNA is unaltered in its translatability as measured in vitro but is no longer translated in the cytochalasin-treated HeLa cells. The residual protein synthesis occurs on polyribosomes that are reduced in amount but display a normal sedimentation distribution. The results support the hypothesis that mRNA binding to the cytoskeletal framework is necessary, though not sufficient, for translation. Further fractionation of the cytoskeletal framework separates nuclear constituents into three distinct protein fractions. Chromatin proteins and 94% of the DNA are released by 0.25 m-ammonium sulphate after inter-nucleosomal DNA is cut with DNase I. The resulting structure retains 76 % of the hnRNA in the form of ribonucleoprotein and is designated the RNP-containing nuclear matrix. The proteins of hnRNP complex are those associated with the nucleus only if RNA is intact. These proteins and 97 % of the hnRNA are released after brief digestion with RNase A. Visualizing the nuclear matrix using resinless sections shows that nuclear RNA plays an important role in the organization of the nuclear matrix. Electron micrographs of resinless sections show the interior of the matrix to be a three-dimensional network of thick filaments bounded by the nuclear lamina. The filaments are densely covered with 20–30 nm electron-dense particles, which may contain the hnRNA. The RNP-depleted matrix is disordered and the interior fibres aggregated. These results suggest that hnRNA is involved in the spatial organization of the interior of the nuclear matrix.
Achievement motivation and self-efficacy in relation to adjustment among university students

Problem statement: University students' adjustment to the campus environment is regarded as an important factor in predicting university outcomes. Studies have shown that students who do not adjust themselves well, have left the university even before graduation. Approach: A study was conducted to examine some psychological characteristics of university students which may have bearing on students’ adjustment in university environment. How students adjust themselves especially in the initial years at university may have impact on how successful they will be in tertiary education. An on line survey was conducted on 178 students from junior to senior students enrolled in education courses in a university in Malaysia. Achievement motivation, self-efficacy and student adjustment were measured using questionnaires available on-line. Results: The results showed that overall the students’ level of adjustment was moderate (M = 5.05, SD = 0.31) suggesting that they are facing some problems in adjusting to the campus environment. The senior students were better adjusted (M = 5.12, SD = 0.32) compared to the junior students (M = 4.95, SD = 0.27), t(177) = -3.66, p = 0.001). Achievement motivation and self-efficacy range from moderate (M = 3.17, SD = 0.43) to high levels (M = 5.15, SD = 0.78) indicating that they have the potentials to succeed. The three variables namely adjustment, achievement motivation and self-efficacy were found to be correlated positively with one another. Conclusion: The implications of the findings are discussed in terms of teaching and learning in higher education. Recommendations include providing the relevant courses and counseling sessions especially for the first year students.
The impact of risk stratification by early bone‐marrow response in childhood lymphoblastic leukaemia: results from the United Kingdom Medical Research Council trial ALL97 and ALL97/99

The 1997 acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) trial (ALL97) was a randomised comparison of prednisolone versus dexamethasone and of 6‐mercaptopurine versus 6‐thioguanine. During the first 2 years of the trial, review of survival data showed the preceding trial, UKALL XI, was no better than its predecessor and that survival for childhood ALL in the UK had not improved in the fashion witnessed by other cooperative treatment groups. The therapy template was therefore altered to an American Children’s Cancer Group (CCG) style regimen, including stratification by age, white cell count and early response to therapy by assessment of the bone marrow. This phase of the trial was designated ALL97/99. Comparison of the two phases showed that the event‐free survival (EFS) for both ALL97 and ALL97/99 was better than previous UKALL trials, as was overall survival (OS) for ALL97/99. Both EFS and OS were significantly better in ALL97/99 than in ALL97 (at five years, 80·0% vs. 74·0%, P = 0·002; and 88·0% vs. 83·5%, P = 0·005, respectively). Isolated central nervous system (CNS) relapse for patients in ALL97/99 was half that in ALL97 (3·0% vs. 4·9%), P = 0·03) and the overall CNS relapse rate was halved in ALL97/99 (4·4% vs. 9·6%, P < 0·00005). There were no significant differences for non‐CNS relapse, induction deaths or deaths in remission between the two phases of the trial.
Longitudinal Changes in Attachment Orientation Over a 59-Year Period

Research on individual differences in attachment—and their links to emotion, cognition, and behavior in close relationships—has proliferated over the last several decades. However, the majority of this research has focused on children and young adults. Little is known about mean-level changes in attachment orientation beyond early life, in part due to a dearth of longitudinal data on attachment across the life span. The current study used a Q-Sort-based measure of attachment to examine mean-level changes in attachment orientation from age 13 to 72 using data from the Block and Block Longitudinal Study, the Intergenerational Studies, and the Radcliffe College Class of 1964 Sample (total N = 628). Multilevel modeling was employed to estimate growth curve trajectories across the combined samples. We found that attachment anxiety declined on average with age, particularly during middle age and older adulthood. Attachment avoidance decreased in a linear fashion across the life span. Being in a relationship predicted lower levels of anxiety and avoidance across adulthood. Men were higher in attachment avoidance at each point in the life span. Taken together, these findings provide much-needed insight into how attachment orientations change over long stretches of time. We conclude with a discussion about the challenges of studying attachment dynamics across the life course and across specific transitions.
Self-efficacy in stressful life transitions.

During the revolutionary events in East Germany in 1989, more than 300,000 citizens left that country and moved to West Germany. As a result of this exodus, more than 50,000 migrants settled in West Berlin. Some came via the West German embassies in Warsaw, Prague, or Budapest, or fled the country under other dubious and dangerous conditions. A larger number crossed the border after the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. The aim of our program of research was to investigate psychoemotional and health-related adaptation processes within a subgroup of these migrants, that is, young adults. The focus centers on two research issues, both of which concern the contribution of perceived self-efficacy to adaptation processes. The first issue is concerned with whether general self-efficacy beliefs are affected by this stressful life transition. The stressors include the environmental constraints in the new country, unemployment, and lack of social support. The second issue examined the extent to which interindividual differences in stress appraisals, emotional states, and health can be predicted by general beliefs in personal efficacy, employment status, and partnership status as an indicator of access to social support. In this context, self-efficacy is conceived of not as a domain-specific or situation-specific cognition but as a traitlike general sense of confidence in one's own capabilities to master different types of environmental demands.
Normal and abnormal biology of the beta-amyloid precursor protein.

Few macromolecules have become the object of more intense chemical and biological scrutiny in recent years than has the l3-amyloid precursor protein. This highly conserved and widely expressed integral membrane protein is the focus of a rapidly growing number of studies aimed at its characterization by protein chemical, molecular biological , cell biological , and neuroanatomical methods. The principal reason for this attention is clear. The early promise that a 39-43 residue fragment of I3APP, the amyloid l3-protein (AI3), might play a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease has increasingly been borne out. Although there is still substantial debate about exactly when AI3 becomes involved in Alzheimer's disease and how attractive a therapeutic target it represents , accumulating evidence now points to an early and sometimes causative role in the pathogenetic cascade. I3APP has become a compelling example of the phenomenon of research that begins with a strictly disease-oriented focus giving rise to novel insights about the normal biology of a whole family of macromolecules, in this case about the processing of certain cell surface, single membrane-spanning polypeptides. Here, I review recent information about the normal structure and function of I3APP and how its AI3 fragment contributes to Alzheimer's disease. Such
The eco-field: A new paradigm for landscape ecology

In the spirit of the theory of biocomplexity and of the non-linear emergent characters of ecological systems, the eco-field is a new paradigm that integrates the vision of the landscape as a neutral matrix (like a habitat) in which organisms are living, and contemporarily as a product of the human mind. Eco-field is defined a ‘cognitive field’ created by the interference between functional traits and the ‘real world’. Species-specific environmental suitability is the result of the quality of the different eco-fields and the landscape becomes a cognitive entity. The eco-field paradigm can be extended to the emergent properties of the systems. The eco-field of emergences is the geographic space in which the emergent properties appear. The eco-field of organisms and the eco-field of emergences, like results of aggregated entities, have in common the multidimensionality of landscapes, refusing the vision of landscape like a neutral geographic matrix for organisms and processes.
Model-Associated Forest Parameter Retrieval Using VHF SAR Data at the Individual Tree Level

A simple statistical extension at the individual tree level for an earlier-developed very high frequency forest backscatter model is proposed. This extended model treats trunk volumes as random quantities. A concept of random forest reflection coefficient is also introduced to characterize radar returns from individual trees. Based on the extended model, a set of algorithms for estimating the mean trunk (stem) volume from synthetic aperture radar data at the individual tree level is developed assuming that the areal tree density is known. The algorithms are specified for different scenarios related to a priori information on parameters of statistical distributions for the trunk volume and fluctuations of the forest reflection coefficient. An approximate lower bound on the standard deviation in the unbiased estimation of the mean trunk (stem) volume is proposed. This bound can be readily obtained by means of computer simulation for any specified statistical distribution for the trunk volume and fluctuations of the forest reflection coefficient. Performance analysis for the proposed algorithms is numerically performed by means of Monte Carlo simulation for a variety of scenarios. This analysis has shown that the algorithms provide nearly unbiased and efficient estimates, and the proposed lower bound is a very accurate approximation. The results of the study have demonstrated that the approach and methods developed in this paper suggest promising solutions in accurate forest parameter retrieval.
Differential Expression of Livin, Caspase-3, and Second Mitochondria-Derived Activator of Caspases in Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps

Background and Objectives The pathogenesis of human chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) remains undetermined. Livin is a member of the inhibitor of the apoptosis protein family proteins. Caspase-3 and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac) are critical in the induction of apoptosis. However, little is known about their roles in CRSwNP. We aimed to investigate the expression and role of Livin, caspase-3, and Smac in CRSwNP. Study Design Basic research and descriptive study. Setting Fuzhou General Hospital, Fuzhou, Fujian, China. Methods The immunohistochemistry method was employed for detecting Livin, caspase-3, and Smac protein expression, and real-time polymerase chain reaction was used for assaying mRNA expression of Livin, caspase-3, and Smac in CRSwNP and controls. Moreover, the effects of various stimulators on Livin were evaluated on human nasal epithelial cells (HNECs) culture. Then, the effects of Livin on caspase-3 and Smac were observed on the culture of HNECs. Results Stronger protein and mRNA expression of Livin was observed in CRSwNP, especially eosinophilic CRSwNP, weaker protein and mRNA expression of caspase-3 and Smac was observed in CRSwNP, and Livin expression was negatively related to caspase-3 or Smac expression, respectively. Livin mRNA was augmented by interleukin (IL)–4, IL-17A, and IL-1β but suppressed by interferon-γ. Caspase-3 and Smac mRNA expression were inhibited by Livin. Conclusions Upregulation of Livin and downregulation of caspase-3 and Smac were observed in CRSwNP, especially in eosinophilic CRSwNP. Livin may exert its anti-apoptosis effect by suppressing caspase-3 and Smac in CRSwNP. IL-4, IL-17A, and IL-1β may be critical for Livin expression.
Identification of the Functionally Active Methanotroph Population in a Peat Soil Microcosm by Stable-Isotope Probing

ABSTRACT The active population of low-affinity methanotrophs in a peat soil microcosm was characterized by stable-isotope probing. “Heavy” 13C-labeled DNA, produced after microbial growth on 13CH4, was separated from naturally abundant 12C-DNA by cesium chloride density gradient centrifugation and used as a template for the PCR. Amplification products of 16S rRNA genes and pmoA, mxaF, and mmoX, which encode key enzymes in the CH4 oxidation pathway, were analyzed. Sequences related to extant type I and type II methanotrophs were identified, indicating that these methanotrophs were active in peat exposed to 8% (vol/vol) CH4. The 13C-DNA libraries also contained clones that were related to β-subclass Proteobacteria, suggesting that novel groups of bacteria may also be involved in CH4 cycling in this soil.
What Do Pneumocystis Organisms Tell Us about the Phylogeography of Their Hosts? The Case of the Woodmouse Apodemus sylvaticus in Continental Europe and Western Mediterranean Islands

Pneumocystis fungi represent a highly diversified biological group with numerous species, which display a strong host-specificity suggesting a long co-speciation process. In the present study, the presence and genetic diversity of Pneumocystis organisms was investigated in 203 lung samples from woodmice (Apodemus sylvaticus) collected on western continental Europe and Mediterranean islands. The presence of Pneumocystis DNA was assessed by nested PCR at both large and small mitochondrial subunit (mtLSU and mtSSU) rRNA loci. Direct sequencing of nested PCR products demonstrated a very high variability among woodmouse-derived Pneumocystis organisms with a total number of 30 distinct combined mtLSU and mtSSU sequence types. However, the genetic divergence among these sequence types was very low (up to 3.87%) and the presence of several Pneumocystis species within Apodemus sylvaticus was considered unlikely. The analysis of the genetic structure of woodmouse-derived Pneumocystis revealed two distinct groups. The first one comprised Pneumocystis from woodmice collected in continental Spain, France and Balearic islands. The second one included Pneumocystis from woodmice collected in continental Italy, Corsica and Sicily. These two genetic groups were in accordance with the two lineages currently described within the host species Apodemus sylvaticus. Pneumocystis organisms are emerging as powerful tools for phylogeographic studies in mammals.
Psychopathology Related to Energy Drinks: A Psychosis Case Report

Energy drinks (ED) are nonalcoholic beverages that have caffeine as their most common active substance. The rapid expansion of ED consumption has created concern in the scientific community as well as in the public opinion. We report a psychotic episode probably triggered by ED abuse in a young adult without previous psychotic disorders. We have reviewed the literature regarding the relationship between caffeine, energy drinks, and psychopathology. Few articles have been published about mental health effects of energy drinks and caffeine abuse. Nevertheless, this relationship has been suggested, specifically with anxiety disorders, manic episodes, suicide attempts, psychotic decompensation, and substance use disorder. ED consumption could represent a global public health problem because of the potential severe adverse effects in mental and physical health. To our knowledge, this article is probably the first case of psychosis related to ED abuse in an individual without previous psychotic disorders.
Anatomical, architectural, and biochemical diversity of the murine forelimb muscles

We characterized the architecture, fiber type, titin isoform distribution, and collagen content of 27 portions of 22 muscles in the murine forelimb. The mouse forelimb was different from the human arm in that it had the extensor digitorum lateralis muscle and no brachioradialis muscle. Architecturally, the mouse forelimb differed from humans with regard to load bearing, having a much larger contribution from extensors than flexors. In mice, the extensor : flexor PCSA ratio is 2.7, whereas in humans it is only 1.4. When the architectural difference index was calculated, similarities became especially apparent between flexors and extensors of the distal forelimb, as well as pronators. Discriminant analysis revealed that biochemical measures of collagen, titin, and myosin heavy chain were all strong between‐species discriminators. In terms of composition, when compared with similar muscles in humans, mice had, on average, faster muscles with higher collagen content and larger titin isoforms. This report establishes the anatomical and biochemical properties of mouse forelimb muscles. Given the prevalence of this species in biological studies, these data will be invaluable for studying the biological basis of mouse muscle structure and function.
Sodium valproate has a prophylactic effect in migraine without aura

We included 43 patients with migraine without aura in a triple-blind, placebo- and dose-controlled, crossover study of the prophylactic effect of slow-release sodium valproate; 34 patients completed the trial. The number of days with migraine was 3.5 per 4 weeks during treatment with sodium valproate and 6.1 during placebo (p = 0.002). The severity and duration of the migraine attacks that did occur were not affected by sodium valproate when compared with placebo. Fifty percent of the patients were responders, ie, their initial migraine frequency was reduced to 50% or less during sodium valproate as compared with 18% during placebo. The number of responders increased during the trial to 65% in the last 4 weeks of the active treatment period. There were no serious side effects requiring withdrawal of patients from the study. We conclude that sodium valproate is an effective and well-tolerated prophylactic medication for migraine without aura.
Air pollution, oxidative stress and dietary supplementation: a review

The aim of the present review was to provide an up-to-date overview of the biological and epidemiological evidence of the role of oxidative stress as a major underlying feature of the toxic effect of air pollutants, and the potential role of dietary supplementation in enhancing antioxidant defences. A bibliographic search was conducted through PubMed. The keywords used in the search were “air pollutant”, “oxidative stress”, “inflammation”, “antioxidant polyunsaturated fatty acids” and “genetics”. In addition, the authors also searched for biomarkers of oxidative stress and nutrients. The review presents the most recent data on: the biological and epidemiological evidence of the oxidative stress response to air pollutants; the role of dietary supplementation as a modulator of these effects; and factors of inter-individual variation in human response. The methodology for further epidemiological studies will be discussed in order to improve the current understanding on how nutritional factors may act. There is substantial evidence that air pollution exposure results in increased oxidative stress and that dietary supplementation may play a modulating role on the acute effect of air pollutants. Further epidemiological studies should address the impact of supplementation strategies in the prevention of air-pollution-related long-term effects in areas where people are destined to be exposed for the distant future.