Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Privacy-preserving statistical estimation with optimal convergence rates

Consider an analyst who wants to release aggregate statistics about a data set containing sensitive information. Using differentially private algorithms guarantees that the released statistics reveal very little about any particular record in the data set. In this paper we study the asymptotic properties of differentially private algorithms for statistical inference. We show that for a large class of statistical estimators T and input distributions P, there is a differentially private estimator AT with the same asymptotic distribution as T. That is, the random variables AT(X) and T(X) converge in distribution when X consists of an i.i. d. sample from P of increasing size. This implies that AT(X) is essentially as good as the original statistic T(X) for statistical inference, for sufficiently large samples. Our technique applies to (almost) any pair T,P such that T is asymptotically normal on i.i. d. samples from P---in particular, to parametric maximum likelihood estimators and estimators for logistic and linear regression under standard regularity conditions. A consequence of our techniques is the existence of low-space streaming algorithms whose output converges to the same asymptotic distribution as a given estimator T (for the same class of estimators and input distributions as above).
Fluoride Release, pH change and Recharge Ability of Different Types of Glass Ionomer Restorative Materials: A Comparative In-Vitro Study

4 Dedication. 5 Acknowledgments. 6 Introduction and Literature Review. 7 Fluoride. 7 Demineralization and remineralization . 8 Glass ionomer restoratives . 9 Compomers. 11 Aims and Hypothesis. 12 Research Design . 13 Sample Size Calculation. 13 Materials. 14 Methods.15 Statistical Analysis. 17 Results. 18 Discussion. 21 Limitations of the Study. 24 Conclusion. 25 Appendix A: Tables. 26 Appendix B: Figures. 32 References. 45
Differences in the Evolution of the Ischemic Penumbra in Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive and Wistar-Kyoto Rats

Background and Purpose— Stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) are a highly pertinent stroke model with increased sensitivity to focal ischemia compared with the normotensive reference strain (Wistar-Kyoto rats; WKY). Study aims were to investigate temporal changes in the ischemic penumbra in SHRSP compared with WKY. Methods— Permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced with an intraluminal filament. Diffusion- (DWI) and perfusion- (PWI) weighted magnetic resonance imaging was performed from 1 to 6 hours after stroke, with the PWI-DWI mismatch used to define the penumbra and thresholded apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps used to define ischemic damage. Results— There was significantly more ischemic damage in SHRSP than in WKY from 1 to 6 hours after stroke. The perfusion deficit remained unchanged in WKY (39.9±6 mm2 at 1 hour, 39.6±5.3 mm2 at 6 hours) but surprisingly increased in SHRSP (43.9±9.2 mm2 at 1 hour, 48.5±7.4 mm2 at 6 hours; P=0.01). One hour after stroke, SHRSP had a significantly smaller penumbra (3.4±5.8 mm2) than did WKY (9.7±3.8, P=0.03). In WKY, 56% of the 1-hour penumbra area was incorporated into the ADC lesion by 6 hours, whereas in SHRSP, the small penumbra remained static owing to the temporal increase in both ADC lesion size and perfusion deficit. Conclusions— First, SHRSP have significantly more ischemic damage and a smaller penumbra than do WKY within 1 hour of stroke; second, the penumbra is recruited into the ADC abnormality over time in both strains; and third, the expanding perfusion deficit in SHRSP predicts more tissue at risk of infarction. These results have important implications for management of stroke patients with preexisting hypertension and suggest ischemic damage could progress at a faster rate and over a longer time frame in the presence of hypertension.
Orbitofrontal Cortex Mediates Outcome Encoding in Pavlovian But Not Instrumental Conditioning

Previous studies have implicated the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) in outcome encoding. However, it remains unknown whether the OFC is selectively involved in pavlovian stimulus–outcome learning or whether it also contributes to instrumental action–outcome learning. In experiment 1, we investigated this issue by assessing the effects of bilateral lesions of the OFC on the sensitivity of instrumental lever press performance to a reduction in the incentive value of the training outcome (a test of action–outcome encoding) and to outcome-specific pavlovian-instrumental transfer (a test of stimulus–outcome encoding). We found that post-training lesions of the OFC did not affect instrumental outcome devaluation, but abolished the transfer effect. Interestingly, lesions made before training had no effect on either task. In experiment 2, we explored the involvement of the OFC in updating stimulus–outcome associations after the underlying contingency, or predictive relationship, between these two events has been degraded. Shams displayed clear contingency learning, withholding conditioned responding to a stimulus that no longer reliably predicted its outcome while continuing to respond to a control stimulus that remained a good predictor of a different outcome. In contrast, OFC-lesioned rats stopped responding to both stimuli, regardless of their predictive status. Together, these findings suggest that the OFC supports outcome encoding in pavlovian, but not instrumental conditioning.
Massive MIMO proof-of-concept: Emulations and hardware-field trials at 3.5 GHz

Massive MIMO and beamforming is commonly considered as one of the key technologies for future cellular communications. It is targeted to solve the capacity requirements in enhanced mobile broadband and enable new services in other communication fields, e.g. machine type communications. In this work, we study M-MIMO technology in a novel approach, combining system simulations and modeling with hardware prototyping and measurements. In particular, we study different beamforming techniques in an indoor lab environment with real over-the-air experiments. In a next step, we compare our results with a modeled environment and finally extrapolate this to full 3-D beamforming techniques using an urban-micro scenario model.
A systematic review of serial peak expiratory flow measurements in the diagnosis of occupational asthma

This work systematically reviews literature on the application of serial peak expiratory flow (PEF) measurements in the diagnosis of occupational asthma (OA) and calculates summary estimates of the sensitivity, specificity and feasibility of serial PEFs. Methods: Papers were searched for on the Medline database via the PubMed website (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez) and on the Birmingham Chest Clinic departmental website www.occupationalasthma. com from 2004 until April 2009 using the search terms “Peak flow AND occupational asthma” and “Peak flow AND work related asthma”. Abstracts were screened to select those justifying a full paper review. Papers used in the British Occupational Health Research Foundation (BOHRF) guidelines (current until June 2004) were also reviewed. Case studies and narrative reviews were excluded. Type of analysis, quality of paper, sensitivity and specificity of serial PEFs compared to reference tests and return rates were documented. Results were pooled from all studies to produce overall estimates. Results: A total of 80 abstracts were reviewed, leading to 23 full papers plus 15 papers from the 2004 BOHRF review. 7 papers were excluded. The pooled sensitivity of serial PEF fulfilling minimum data quantity requirements for a diagnosis of OA was 82% (95% CI 76-90) and the pooled specificity 88% (95% CI 80-95). Return rates were similar between PEFs requested through workplace studies (85%) and those requested in a clinical setting (78%). Conclusion: Based on a systematic literature search, serial PEF measurement is a feasible, sensitive and specific test for the diagnosis of OA, when potential sources of error are understood.
Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for analysis of endogenous steroids in the luteal phase and early pregnancy in dogs: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND Blood samples from dogs are often limited in volume, only allowing few steroids to be quantified with immunoassays. In addition, immunoassays may be compromised by interferences such as anti-reagent antibodies. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) can be used for the simultaneous quantitation of several steroids. This has not been described in dogs before. OBJECTIVES The aims were to use LC-MS/MS to study steroid profiles in early pregnancy and luteal phase in dogs, and to determine if differences exist between pregnant (P) and nonpregnant (NP) dogs. METHODS Nine female dogs were included, 4 during a NP luteal phase, 4 during a P luteal phase, and one during one NP and one P luteal phase. Blood samples were collected around the time of the LH surge (Day 0) and on Day 26. Serum was analyzed for 5 classes of steroids, including glucocorticoids, androgens, estrogens, pregnanes, and progestins, using LC-MS/MS methods. RESULTS The concentration of progesterone was significantly higher on Day 26 in P than in NP bitches. Distribution of concentrations of glucocorticoids, androgens, estrogens, or pregnanes in P and NP dogs were not statistically different. The predominating glucocorticoid was cortisol, and dihydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was the predominating androgen. Concentration of estrone was comparable to oestradiol, whereas concentrations of pregnenolone were higher than those of 17-OH pregnenolone. CONCLUSIONS Only concentration of progesterone differed between P and NP bitches, being significantly higher on Day 26 in P than in NP bitches. LC-MS/MS offers interesting possibilities for studies of canine reproductive endocrinology.
Fine tuning the parameters of back propagation algorithm for optimum learning performance

The back propagation algorithm has wide range of applications for training of feed forward neural networks. Over the years, many researchers have used back propagation algorithm to train their neural network based systems without emphasizing on how to fine tune the parameters of the algorithm. The paper throws the light on how researchers can manipulate and experiment with the parameters of the back propagation algorithm to achieve the optimum learning performance. The paper presents the results of the laboratory experiments of fine tuning the parameters of the back propagation algorithm. The process of fine tuning the parameters was applied on the neural network based expert system prototype. The prototype aims to analyze and design customized motivational strategies based on employees' perspective. The laboratory experiments were conducted on the following parameters of back propagation algorithm: learning rate, momentum rate and activation functions. Learning performance are measured and recorded. At the same time, the impact of activation function on the final output is also measured. Based on the results, the values of the above parameters which provide the optimum learning performance is chosen for the full scale system implementation.
Dichlorido{N-[(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)methylidene]-2-(pyridin-2-yl)ethanamine-κ2 N,N′}palladium(II)

In the title compound, [PdCl2(C13H14N2S)], the PdII ion is coordinated by two N atoms of the chelating bidentate ligand and two chloride anions, giving rise to a distorted square-planar geometry. The methyl-substituted thiophene arm and the pyridine ring are connected to the metal cation through N atoms to form a six-membered chelate ring with a boat conformation, making the complex stable.
Intersection of Reward and Memory in Monkey Rhinal Cortex

In humans and other animals, the vigor with which a reward is pursued depends on its desirability, that is, on the reward's predicted value. Predicted value is generally context-dependent, varying according to the value of rewards obtained in the recent and distant past. Signals related to reward prediction and valuation are believed to be encoded in a circuit centered around midbrain dopamine neurons and their targets in the prefrontal cortex and basal ganglia. Notably absent from this hypothesized reward pathway are dopaminergic targets in the medial temporal lobe. Here we show that a key part of the medial temporal lobe memory system previously reported to be important for sensory mnemonic and perceptual processing, the rhinal cortex (Rh), is required for using memories of previous reward values to predict the value of forthcoming rewards. We tested monkeys with bilateral Rh lesions on a task in which reward size varied across blocks of uncued trials. In this experiment, the only cues for predicting current reward value are the sizes of rewards delivered in previous blocks. Unexpectedly, monkeys with Rh ablations, but not intact controls, were insensitive to differences in predicted reward, responding as if they expected all rewards to be of equal magnitude. Thus, it appears that Rh is critical for using memory of previous rewards to predict the value of forthcoming rewards. These results are in agreement with accumulating evidence that Rh is critical for establishing the relationships between temporally interleaved events, which is a key element of episodic memory.
Genetic Syndromes, Maternal Diseases and Antenatal Factors Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affecting about 1% of all children is associated, in addition to complex genetic factors, with a variety of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal etiologies. In addition, ASD is often an important clinical presentation of some well-known genetic syndromes in human. We discuss these syndromes as well as the role of the more important prenatal factors affecting the fetus throughout pregnancy which may also be associated with ASD. Among the genetic disorders we find Fragile X, Rett syndrome, tuberous sclerosis, Timothy syndrome, Phelan–McDermid syndrome, Hamartoma tumor syndrome, Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes, and a few others. Among the maternal diseases in pregnancy associated with ASD are diabetes mellitus (PGDM and/or GDM), some maternal autoimmune diseases like antiphospholipid syndrome (APLS) with anti-β2GP1 IgG antibodies and thyroid disease with anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, preeclampsia and some other autoimmune diseases with IgG antibodies that might affect fetal brain development. Other related factors are maternal infections (rubella and CMV with fetal brain injuries, and possibly Influenza with fever), prolonged fever and maternal inflammation, especially with changes in a variety of inflammatory cytokines and antibodies that cross the placenta and affect the fetal brain. Among the drugs are valproic acid, thalidomide, misoprostol, and possibly SSRIs. β2-adrenergic receptor agonists and paracetamol have also lately been associated with increased rate of ASD but the data is too preliminary and inconclusive. Associations were also described with ethanol, cocaine, and possibly heavy metals, heavy smoking, and folic acid deficiency. Recent studies show that heavy exposure to pesticides and air pollution, especially particulate matter < 2.5 and 10 μm in diameter (PM2.5 and PM10) during pregnancy is also associated with ASD. Finally, we have to remember that many of the associations mentioned in this review are only partially proven, and not all are “clean” of different confounding factors. The associations described in this review emphasize again how little we know about the etiology and pathogenesis of ASD. It is obvious that we need more epidemiologic data to establish many of these associations, but if proven, they might be promising avenues for prevention.
Early maternal separation and the trajectory of borderline personality disorder symptoms

Abstract Extended maternal separations before age 5 were evaluated as a predictor of long-term risk for offspring borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms in longitudinal data from a large random community sample. Early separations from mother predicted elevations in BPD symptoms assessed repeatedly from early adolescence to middle adulthood. Early separations also predicted a slower than normal rate of decline in symptoms with age. Other theoretically grounded risks were examined and shown to predict elevated BPD symptoms over the developmental trajectory. Long-term effects of early separations were largely independent of childhood temperament, child abuse, maternal problems, and parenting risks. These data provide the first prospectively collected data on the developmental course of BPD symptoms and suggest a series of environmental and other influences on these very disabling problems.
Autoimmune Predisposition in Down Syndrome May Result from a Partial Central Tolerance Failure due to Insufficient Intrathymic Expression of AIRE and Peripheral Antigens

Down syndrome (DS), or trisomy of chromosome 21, is the most common genetic disorder associated with autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune regulator protein (AIRE), a transcription factor located on chromosome 21, plays a crucial role in autoimmunity by regulating promiscuous gene expression (pGE). To investigate if autoimmunity in DS is promoted by the reduction of pGE owing to dysregulation of AIRE, we assessed the expression of AIRE and of several peripheral tissue-restricted Ag genes by quantitative PCR in thymus samples from 19 DS subjects and 21 euploid controls. Strikingly, despite the 21 trisomy, AIRE expression was significantly reduced by 2-fold in DS thymuses compared with controls, which was also confirmed by fluorescent microscopy. Allele-specific quantification of intrathymic AIRE showed that despite its lower expression, the three copies are expressed. More importantly, decreased expression of AIRE was accompanied by a reduction of pGE because expression of tissue-restricted Ags, CHRNA1, GAD1, PLP1, KLK3, SAG, TG, and TSHR, was reduced. Of interest, thyroid dysfunction (10 cases of hypothyroidism and 1 of Graves disease) developed in 11 of 19 (57.9%) of the DS individuals and in none of the 21 controls. The thymuses of these DS individuals contained significantly lower levels of AIRE and thyroglobulin, to which tolerance is typically lost in autoimmune thyroiditis leading to hypothyroidism. Our findings provide strong evidence for the fundamental role of AIRE and pGE, namely, central tolerance, in the predisposition to autoimmunity of DS individuals.
Approximation and heuristic algorithms for minimum delay application-layer multicast trees

We investigate the problem of finding the minimum delay application-layer multicast trees, such as the trees constructed in overlay networks. It is accepted that shortest path trees are not a good solution for the problem since such trees can have nodes with very large degree, termed high load nodes. The load on these nodes makes them a bottleneck in the distribution tree, due to computation load and access link bandwidth constrains. Many previous solutions limited the maximal degree of the nodes by introducing arbitrary constraints. In this work, we show how to directly map the node load to the delay penalty at the application host, and create a new model that captures the trade offs between the desire to select shortest path trees and the need to constrain the load on the hosts. In this model the problem is shown to be NP-hard. Therefore, we present a logarithmic approximation algorithm and an alternative heuristic solution. Our heuristic algorithm is shown by simulations to be scalable for large group sizes, and produces results that are very close to optimal.
Immunogenicity to the bivalent HPV-16/18 vaccine among adolescent African students exposed to helminths and malaria.

INTRODUCTION Efficacious vaccines that prevent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, the recognized cause of cervical cancer, are now available. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, immune-modulating infections such as helminths and malaria may affect immunogenicity to the HPV vaccine. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of helminth infections and exposure to malaria on the immune response to the bivalent HPV-16/18 vaccine. METHODOLOGY AS04-adjuvanted HPV-16/18 vaccinated students between 10 and 16 years of age from western Uganda, at 18 months-post vaccination were followed up for six months. After consent was obtained, demographic data, blood, and stool samples were collected. Multiplex HPV serology technology was used to determine HPV-16/18 antibody levels expressed as median fluorescent intensity (MFI). The malaria antibody immunoassay test was used to detect antibodies to malaria parasites. The Kato-Katz method was used to detect the presence of helminths. HPV-16/18 antibody levels among students exposed to malaria or helminths were compared with those who were not exposed using the Student's t-test. RESULTS A total of 211 students participated in the study. There was no difference between MFI levels to HPV-16/18 antibodies at 18- and 24-month follow-ups among students who were positive and negative to malaria or helminth exposure. There was an increase in HPV-18 MFI antibody levels at month 24 among the students who were positive for malaria at enrolment (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Immune-modulating parasites (malaria/helminths) were not associated with reduced immune response to the bivalent HPV-16/18 vaccine. The data may support the use of this vaccine in sub-Saharan Africa.
Comparison of intermittent pneumatic compression with manual lymphatic drainage for treatment of breast cancer-related lymphedema.

BACKGROUND The aim of this prospective controlled study was to assess the efficacy of two different combination treatment modalities of lymphedema (LE). Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) and compression bandage combination (complex decongestive therapy) have been compared with intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) plus self-lymphatic drainage (SLD). METHODS AND RESULTS Both MLD with compression bandage (complex decongestive therapy) group (Group I, n=15) and IPC with SLD group (Group II, n=15) received treatment for LE 3 days in a week and every other day for 6 weeks. Arm circumferences were measured before and the 1st, 3rd, and 6th weeks of the treatment. EORTC-QLQ and ASES-tests were performed to assess the quality of life before and after 6 week-treatment. Patients in both groups had similar demographic and clinical characteristics. Even though both treatment modalities resulted in significant decrease in the total arm volume (12.2% decrease in Group II and 14.9% decrease in Group I) (p<0.001), no significant difference (p=0.582) was found between those two groups. Similarly, ASES scores were significantly (p=0.001) improved in both Group I and II without any significant difference between the groups. While emotional functioning, fatigue, and pain scores were significantly improved in both groups, global health status, functional and cognitive functioning scores appeared to be improved only in patients of group I. CONCLUSIONS Different treatment modalities consisting of MLD and compression bandage(complex decongestive therapy) or IPC and SLD appear to be effective in the treatment of LE with similar therapeutic efficacy in patients with breast cancer. However, combination modalities including IPC and SLD may be the preferred choices for their applicability at home.