Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional Mechanism: Regression Analysis under Differential Privacy

e-differential privacy is the state-of-the-art model for releasing sensitive information while protecting privacy. Numerous methods have been proposed to enforce e-differential privacy in various analytical tasks, e.g., regression analysis. Existing solutions for regression analysis, however, are either limited to non-standard types of regression or unable to produce accurate regression results. Motivated by this, we propose the Functional Mechanism, a differentially private method designed for a large class of optimization-based analyses. The main idea is to enforce e-differential privacy by perturbing the objective function of the optimization problem, rather than its results. As case studies, we apply the functional mechanism to address two most widely used regression models, namely, linear regression and logistic regression. Both theoretical analysis and thorough experimental evaluations show that the functional mechanism is highly effective and efficient, and it significantly outperforms existing solutions.
Rarity Value and Species Extinction: The Anthropogenic Allee Effect

Standard economic theory predicts that exploitation alone is unlikely to result in species extinction because of the escalating costs of finding the last individuals of a declining species. We argue that the human predisposition to place exaggerated value on rarity fuels disproportionate exploitation of rare species, rendering them even rarer and thus more desirable, ultimately leading them into an extinction vortex. Here we present a simple mathematical model and various empirical examples to show how the value attributed to rarity in some human activities could precipitate the extinction of rare species—a concept that we term the anthropogenic Allee effect. The alarming finding that human perception of rarity can precipitate species extinction has serious implications for the conservation of species that are rare or that may become so, be they charismatic and emblematic or simply likely to become fashionable for certain activities.
Fatty Acid Synthesis in Obese Insulin Resistant Diabetic Mice

Diabetes is associated with hypertriglyceridemia and it has been suggested that the intestine contributes to this elevation. Recent studies have shown that in animals with IDDM, fatty acid (FA) synthesis is decreased in the liver and increased in the small intestine (SI). The purpose of the present study was to measure FA synthesis in the liver and SI of animals with NIDDM. In both db/db and ob/ob animals the incorporation of 3H2O into FA was increased in the SI (10 fold in db/db and 2.2 fold in ob/ob). FA synthesis was also increased in the liver of NIDDM (9 fold in db/db and 6 fold in ob/ob). These results provide further evidence that diabetes leads to changes in lipid metabolism in the SI.
Proteoglycan biosynthesis in chondrocytes: protein A-gold localization of proteoglycan protein core and chondroitin sulfate within Golgi subcompartments

The intracellular pathway of cartilage proteoglycan biosynthesis was investigated in isolated chondrocytes using a protein A-gold electron microscopy immunolocalization procedure. Proteoglycans contain a protein core to which chondroitin sulfate and keratan sulfate chains and oligosaccharides are added in posttranslational processing. Specific antibodies have been used in this study to determine separately the distribution of the protein core and chondroitin sulfate components. In normal chondrocytes, proteoglycan protein core was readily localized only in smooth-membraned vesicles which co-labeled with ricin, indicating them to be galactose-rich medial/trans-Golgi cisternae, whereas there was only a low level of labeling in the rough endoplasmic reticulum. Chondroitin sulfate was also localized in medial/trans-Golgi cisternae of control chondrocytes but was not detected in other cellular compartments. In cells treated with monensin (up to 1.0 microM), which strongly inhibits proteoglycan secretion (Burditt, L.J., A. Ratcliffe, P. R. Fryer, and T. Hardingham, 1985, Biochim. Biophys. Acta., 844:247-255), there was greatly increased intracellular localization of proteoglycan protein core in both ricin- positive vesicles, and in ricin-negative vesicles (derived from cis- Golgi stacks) and in the distended rough endoplasmic reticulum. Chondroitin sulfate also increased in abundance after monensin treatment, but continued to be localized only in ricin-positive vesicles. The results suggested that the synthesis of chondroitin sulfate on proteoglycan only occurs in medial/trans-Golgi cisternae as a late event in proteoglycan biosynthesis. This also suggests that glycosaminoglycan synthesis on proteoglycans takes place in a compartment in common with events in the biosynthesis of both O-linked and N-linked oligosaccharides on other secretory glycoproteins.
Mergers and Acquisitions in Network Industries

Information goods characterized by strong positive network externalities and effects are playing an increasingly prominent economic role. In this paper, a merger simulation is performed using a logit model of oligopolistic competition incorporating network externalities and effects. While the model possesses features common to models detailed in the network literature, it provides a variety of new insights into producer and consumer behavior in such markets. Oligopoly producers are found to respond to higher price elasticities with lower prices and markups. Strategic behaviors arise that do not exist in the absence of network externalities. Network externalities are found to dramatically impact post-merger prices and market concentration. JEL classification: D11; D43; L13; L40
Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem Cells Isolated from Menstrual Blood by Adherence

Objective. To find a convenient and efficient way to isolate MSCs from human menstrual blood and to investigate their biological characteristics, proliferative capacity, and secretion levels. Methods. MSCs were isolated from menstrual blood of 3 healthy women using adherence. Cell immunological phenotype was examined by flow cytometry; the adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs was examined by Oil-Red-O staining, ALP staining, and Alcian Blue staining, respectively; and the secretion of cytokines, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results. MB-MSCs were successfully isolated from human menstrual blood using adherence. They were positive for CD73, CD105, CD29, and CD44, but negative for CD31 and CD45. The differentiated MB-MSCs were positive for ALP staining, Oil-Red-O staining, and Alcian Blue staining. In addition, they could secrete antiapoptotic cytokines, such as VEGF, IGF-1, and HGF. Conclusion. It is feasible to isolate MSCs from human menstrual blood, thus avoiding invasive procedures and ethical controversies. Adherence could be a promising alternative to the density gradient centrifugation for the isolation of MSCs from menstrual blood.
Combinatorial Optimization on Graphs of Bounded Treewidth

There are many graph problems that can be solved in linear or polynomial time with a dynamic programming algorithm when the input graph has bounded treewidth. For combinatorial optimization problems, this is a useful approach for obtaining fixed-parameter tractable algorithms. Starting from trees and series-parallel graphs, we introduce the concepts of treewidth and tree decompositions, and illustrate the technique with the Weighted Independent Set problem as an example. The paper surveys some of the latest developments, putting an emphasis on applicability, on algorithms that exploit tree decompositions, and on algorithms that determine or approximate treewidth and find tree decompositions with optimal or close to optimal treewidth. Directions for further research and suggestions for further reading are also given.
Newborn horizontal cells migrate bi-directionally across the neuroepithelium during retinal development

Cell migration plays an important role during the development of the retina. In this work we have studied the migration of newborn horizontal cells in avian embryonic retina. Using the pattern of the early expressed transcription factors Lim1 and Prox1 we have shown that horizontal cells migrate bi-directionally from their site of birth, close to the ventricular side, to the adjacent (vitreal) side of the neuroepithelium, where they align just next to the prospective ganglion cell layer before migrating back again to their final laminar position in the external part of the inner nuclear layer. The migration occurs between Hamburger and Hamilton stages 24 and 33, which is equivalent to embryonic day 4.5 and 8. Between stages 26 and 30 the horizontal cells reside close to the ganglion cell layer and intra ocular injections of a cytochalasin D, an actin polymerisation blocker that inhibit migration, at stage 29 interfered with the migration of the horizontal cells to their final destination. Furthermore, using biolistic gene transfer with a green fluorescence protein expression vector of retinal slices we were able to record ventricle-directed migration by time-lapse microscopy. Combining biolistics with immunohistochemistry we showed that transfected cells, which have also been translocated in a ventricular direction were positive for the horizontal cell markers Lim1 and Prox1. The alternative path of migration that is described in this work differs from the generally accepted one for horizontal cells and this knowledge will influence the view of how the molecular determination of horizontal cells is specified.
In vitro and in vivo comparison of transport media for detecting nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae

Background As a standard method for pneumococcal carriage studies, the World Health Organization recommends nasopharyngeal swabs be transported and stored at cool temperatures in a medium containing skim-milk, tryptone, glucose and glycerol (STGG). An enrichment broth used for transport at room temperature in three carriage studies performed in Norway may have a higher sensitivity than STGG. We therefore compared the media in vitro and in vivo. Methods For the in vitro component, three strains (serotype 4, 19F and 3) were suspended in STGG and enrichment broth. Recovery was compared using latex agglutination, quantification of bacterial loads by real-time PCR of the lytA gene, and counting colonies from incubated plates. For the in vivo comparison, paired swabs were obtained from 100 children and transported in STGG at cool temperatures or in enrichment broth at room temperature. Carriage was identified by latex agglutination and confirmed by Quellung reaction. Results In vitro, the cycle threshold values obtained by PCR did not differ between the two media (p = 0.853) and no clear difference in colony counts was apparent after incubation (p = 0.593). In vivo, pneumococci were recovered in 46% of swabs transported in STGG and 51% of those transported in enrichment broth (Kappa statistic 0.90, p = 0.063). Discussion Overall, no statistical differences in sensitivity were found between STGG and enrichment broth. Nevertheless, some serotype differences were observed and STGG appeared slightly less sensitive than enrichment broth for detection of nasopharyngeal carriage of pneumococci by culturing. We recommend the continued use of STGG for transport and storage of nasopharyngeal swabs in pneumococcal carriage studies for the benefit of comparability between studies and settings, including more resource-limited settings.
Gene therapies for inherited retinal disorders

Abstract Significant advances have been made over the last decade or two in the elucidation of the molecular pathogenesis of inherited ocular disorders. In particular, remarkable successes have been achieved in exploration of gene-based medicines for these conditions, both in preclinical and in clinical studies. Progress in the development of gene therapies targeted toward correcting the primary genetic defect or focused on modulating secondary effects associated with retinal pathologies are discussed in the review. Likewise, the recent utilization of genes encoding light-sensing molecules to provide new functions to residual retinal cells in the degenerating retina is discussed. While a great deal has been learned over the last two decades, the next decade should result in an increasing number of preclinical studies progressing to human clinical trial, an exciting prospect for patients, those active in research and development and bystanders alike.
Space for both no boundary and tunneling quantum states of the universe

At the minisuperspace level of homogeneous models, the bare probability for a classical universe has a huge peak at small universes for the Hartle-Hawking `no-boundary' wavefunction, in contrast to the suppression at small universes for the `tunneling' wavefunction. If the probability distribution is cut off at the Planck density (say), this suggests that the former quantum state is inconsistent with our observations. For inhomogeneous models in which stochastic inflation can occur, it is known that the idea of including a volume factor in the observational probability distribution can lead to arbitrarily large universes' being likely. Here this idea is shown to be sufficient to save the Hartle-Hawking proposal even at the minisuperspace level (for suitable inflaton potentials), by giving it enough space to be consistent with observations.
Modulation of Acetylcholinesterase and Voltage‐Gated Na+ Channels in Choline Acetyltransferase‐ Transfected Neuroblastoma Clones

Abstract: Neurotransmitters appear early in the developing embryo and may play a role in the regulation of neuronal differentiation. To study potential effects of acetylcholine production in neuronal differentiation, we used the FB5 subclone of N18TG2 murine neuroblastoma cells stably transfected with cDNA for choline acetyltransferase. We tested whether the forced acetylcholine production can modify the expression or the cellular localization of different neuronal markers. We studied the activity, localization, and secretion of acetylcholinesterase in view of its possible role in the modulation of the morphogenetic action of acetylcholine and of its proposed role of a regulator of neurite outgrowth. FB5 cells are characterized by a high level of acetylcholinesterase, predominantly released into the culture medium. Acetylcholinesterase secretion into the medium was lower in choline acetyltransferase‐transfected clones than in nontransfected and antisense‐transfected controls. Moreover, sequential extraction of acetylcholinesterase revealed that detergent‐extracted, i.e., membrane‐associated, activity was higher in the transfected clones expressing choline acetyltransferase activity than in both control groups. These observations suggest that a shift occurs in the utilization of acetylcholinesterase in choline acetyltransferase‐transfected clones from a secretion pathway to a pathway leading to membrane localization. In addition, the choline acetyltransferase‐positive clones showed higher densities of voltage‐gated Na+ channels and enhanced high‐affinity choline uptake, suggesting the accomplishment of a more advanced differentiated neuronal phenotype. Finally, binding experiments demonstrated the presence of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in all examined clones. This observation is consistent with the proposed existence of an autocrine loop, which may be important for the enhancement in the expression of neurospecific traits.
NETWORK DIMENSIONS AND FIRM PERFORMANCE AMONG MANUFACTURING SMES: EVIDENCE FROM KENYA

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of network dimensions on the performance of Kenyan manufacturing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). There is evidence from literature that SMEs have positively impacted global economies, are agents of poverty alleviation and are seeds of large companies. Further, networking has been recognized as a vital element for enhancing competitive among SMEs. Networking dimensions was conceptualized under two variables. These two variables are network intensity and range. The study used descriptive design and targeted firms in the Kenyan manufacturing sector. Data was collected using self administered questionnaires from a sample of 132 manufacturing SMEs operating in Kenya registered by Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM). The main theory that informs this study is the social capital theory. Data was analyzed quantitatively using
Optimization of a Linear Superconducting Levitation System

The Laboratory for Applied Superconductivity of the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (LASUP) has been developing a superconducting magnetic levitation urban train named MagLev-Cobra. It is a kind of light rail vehicle where the conventional wheel-rail track is substituted by a rail of Ne-Fe-B magnets and carbon steel interacting with superconductor bulks installed in the vehicle to promote levitation. The main cost of this levitation system is the magnetic rail. Therefore, any improvement in the shape and configuration of magnets and iron has a significant budgetary impact. In this paper, the optimizations carried out with the feasible direction interior point algorithm, extensive search, and genetic algorithm of magnetic rails are presented. The objective is to find the geometry that minimizes the total cost, for a given levitation force, considering some practical restrictions. The levitation force restriction is calculated using a finite-element method. During the optimization process, the superconductor null permeability model is used. Finally, the results are checked with the Bean model and verified experimentally. Measurements of the levitation force and the field mapped over the magnetic rails are presented. Significant reduction of soft and hard ferromagnetic materials was reached.
Indoxyl sulfate-lowering capacity of oral sorbents affects the prognosis of kidney function and oxidative stress in chronic kidney disease.

OBJECTIVES Indoxyl sulfate shows nephrotoxicity and is a stimulating factor for progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study was conducted to determine (1) whether the indoxyl sulfate-lowering capacity of oral sorbents (Kremezin [AST-120], Kureha Corporation, Tokyo, Japan; Merckmezin, Merck Hoei Ltd., Osaka, Japan) affects the prognosis of kidney function in CKD, and (2) whether oral sorbents reduce the markers of oxidative stress. METHODS Rats with CKD were produced by 4/5 nephrectomy and were randomized into 3 groups: control rats, Merckmezin-treated rats, and Kremezin-treated rats. Kremezin and Merckmezin were administered to rats at a dose of 4 g/kg with powder chow for 16 weeks, whereas powder chow alone was administered to control rats. RESULTS Administration of Kremezin significantly decreased serum and urine levels of indoxyl sulfate and serum creatinine and significantly increased creatinine clearance as compared with control values. The change in serum indoxyl sulfate noted from the initial to the final week showed a positive correlation with the change in serum creatinine and a negative correlation with the change in creatinine clearance. Kremezin significantly reduced urine levels of acrolein, a marker of oxidative stress, as compared with control levels. CONCLUSIONS The indoxyl sulfate-lowering capacity of oral adsorbents affects the prognosis of kidney function in CKD. The more serum indoxyl sulfate is reduced, the better kidney function is preserved. Kremezin alleviates oxidative stress in the kidneys by reducing serum levels of indoxyl sulfate.
The Feasibility Conditions for Interference Alignment in MIMO Networks

Interference alignment (IA) has attracted great attention in the last few years for its breakthrough performance in interference networks. However, despite the numerous works dedicated to IA, the feasibility conditions of IA remains unclear for most network topologies. The IA feasibility analysis is challenging as the IA constraints are sets of high-degree polynomials, for which no systematic tool to analyze the solvability conditions exists. In this work, by developing a new mathematical framework that maps the solvability of sets of polynomial equations to the linear independence of their first-order terms, we propose a sufficient condition that applies to MIMO interference networks with general configurations. We have further proved that this sufficient condition coincides with the necessary conditions under a wide range of configurations. These results further consolidate the theoretical basis of IA.
Release mode of large and small dense-core vesicles specified by different synaptotagmin isoforms in PC12 cells

Different synaptotagmin isoforms (syt I, VII, and IX) sort to populations of dense-core vesicles with different sizes. These isoforms differ in their sensitivities to divalent cations and trigger different modes of exocytosis. Exocytosis triggered by these isoforms also differs in its sensitivity to inhibition by another isoform, syt IV.
The Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt in the Treatment of Portal Hypertension: Current Status

The transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) represents a major advance in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. Technical improvements and increased experience over the past 24 years led to improved clinical results and a better definition of the indications for TIPS. Randomized clinical trials indicate that the TIPS procedure is not a first-line therapy for variceal bleeding, but can be used when medical treatment fails, both in the acute situation or to prevent variceal rebleeding. The role of TIPS to treat refractory ascites is probably more justified to improve the quality of life rather than to improve survival, except for patients with preserved liver function. It can be helpful for hepatic hydrothorax and can reverse hepatorenal syndrome in selected cases. It is a good treatment for Budd Chiari syndrome uncontrollable by medical treatment. Careful selection of patients is mandatory before TIPS, and clinical followup is essential to detect and treat complications that may result from TIPS stenosis (which can be prevented by using covered stents) and chronic encephalopathy (which may in severe cases justify reduction or occlusion of the shunt). A multidisciplinary approach, including the resources for liver transplantation, is always required to treat these patients.
General-Purpose Text Categorization Applied to the Medical Domain.

This paper presents work where a general-purpose text categorization method was applied to categorize medical free-texts. The purpose of the experiments was to examine how such a method performs without any domain-specific knowledge, hand-crafting or tuning. Additionally, we compare the results from the general-purpose method with results from runs in which a medical thesaurus as well as automatically extracted keywords were used when building the classifiers. We show that standard text categorization techniques using stemmed unigrams as the basis for learning can be applied directly to categorize medical reports, yielding an F-measure of 83.9, and outperforming the more sophisticated methods.