Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
FALCON: A Fourier Transform Based Approach for Fast and Secure Convolutional Neural Network Predictions

Deep learning as a service has been widely deployed to utilize deep neural network models to provide prediction services. However, this raises privacy concerns since clients need to send sensitive information to servers. In this paper, we focus on the scenario where clients want to classify private images with a convolutional neural network model hosted in the server, while both parties keep their data private. We present FALCON, a fast and secure approach for CNN predictions based on fast Fourier Transform. Our solution enables linear layers of a CNN model to be evaluated simply and efficiently with fully homomorphic encryption. We also introduce the first efficient and privacy-preserving protocol for softmax function, which is an indispensable component in CNNs and has not yet been evaluated in previous work due to its high complexity.
Reappraisal of incentives ameliorates choking under pressure and is correlated with changes in the neural representations of incentives

&NA; It has been observed that the performing for high stakes can, paradoxically, lead to uncharacteristically poor performance. Here we investigate a novel approach to attenuating such ‘choking under pressure’ by instructing participants performing a demanding motor task that rewards successful performance with a monetary gain, to reappraise this incentive as a monetary loss for unsuccessful performance. We show that when participants applied this simple strategy, choking was significantly reduced. This strategy also influenced participants' neural and physiological activity. When participants reappraised the incentive as a potential monetary loss, the representation of the magnitude of the incentive in the ventral striatum Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) signal was attenuated. In addition, individual differences in the degree of attenuation of the neural response to incentive predicted the effectiveness of the reappraisal strategy in reducing choking. Furthermore, participants' skin conductance changed in proportion to the magnitude of the incentive being played for, and was exaggerated on high incentive trials on which participants failed. Reappraisal of the incentive abolished this exaggerated skin conductance response. This represents the first experimental association of sympathetic arousal with choking. Taken together, these results suggest that reappraisal of the incentive is indeed a promising intervention for attenuating choking under pressure.
Analysis of the bond interface between self-adhesive resin cement to eroded dentin in vitro

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bonding interface between a self-adhesive resin cement to in vitro eroded dentin. Seventy-two third molars were used and divided into two groups: sound dentin and in vitro eroded dentin. The in vitro erosion was performed following a demineralization protocol, in which the specimens were immersed in a demineralizing solution for 2 minutes per cycle and remineralizing solution for 10 minutes per cycle for 9 days. Both groups were submitted to four dentin surface treatments: control group (without any treatment), 2% chlorhexidine, 20% polyacrylic acid, and 0.1 M EDTA (n = 9). Blocks of resin-based composite were bonded with RelyX U200 self-adhesive resin cement applied on the pretreated dentin surfaces. The teeth were sectioned into beams (1mm2) and submitted to microtensile bond strength testing to evaluate the bond strength of self-adhesive resin cement to dentin after 24 hours and 8 months of immersion in artificial saliva. Three specimens of each group were longitudinally cut and evaluated using confocal laser scanning microscopy to analyze the dentin/cement interface. Eroded dentin showed higher bond strength values when compared to sound dentin for the 2% chlorhexidine group (p = 0.03), 24 hours after adhesion. When considering eroded dentin, the 0.1M EDTA group showed higher bond strength values with a statistically significant difference only for the control group (p = 0.002). After 8 months of storage, the present results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two substrates for all experimental groups (p>0.05). Analysis of the microscopy confocal showed different types of treatments performed on dentin generally increased tags formation when compared to the control group. The eroded dentin showed a significant increase in density and depth of resinous tags when compared to sound dentin. The storage of samples for 8 months seems to have not caused significant degradation of the adhesive interface.
G Proteins and GPCRs in C. elegans Development: A Story of Mutual Infidelity

Many vital processes during C. elegans development, especially the establishment and maintenance of cell polarity in embryogenesis, are controlled by complex signaling pathways. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), such as the four Frizzled family Wnt receptors, are linchpins in regulating and orchestrating several of these mechanisms. However, despite being GPCRs, which usually couple to G proteins, these receptors do not seem to activate classical heterotrimeric G protein-mediated signaling cascades. The view on signaling during embryogenesis is further complicated by the fact that heterotrimeric G proteins do play essential roles in cell polarity during embryogenesis, but their activity is modulated in a predominantly GPCR-independent manner via G protein regulators such as GEFs GAPs and GDIs. Further, the triggered downstream effectors are not typical. Only very few GPCR-dependent and G protein-mediated signaling pathways have been unambiguously defined in this context. This unusual and highly intriguing concept of separating GPCR function and G-protein activity, which is not restricted to embryogenesis in C. elegans but can also be found in other organisms, allows for essential and multi-faceted ways of regulating cellular communication and response. Although its relevance cannot be debated, its impact is still poorly discussed, and C. elegans is an ideal model to understand the underlying principles.
Assessing the Impact of Data Practices on User Privacy

Interactions with online, mobile and Internet-of-Things (IoT) technologies generate intimate data about our lives and how we think, feel and behave. Products and services collect, share and combine large amount of user data including sensitive data such as personal health, income and religion data. To understand user privacy, we need to identify data practices of products and services and assess their impact on data privacy. In this thesis, we use qualitative and quantitative methods to identify data practices of websites, trackers, aggregators and mobile apps, and assess their impact on user data privacy.
Mathematical modeling to reduce the cost of complex system testing:Characterizing test coverage to assess and improve information return

Abstract : Effective, cost-efficient testing is critical to the long-term success of Open Architecture within the Navy's Integrated Warfare System. In previous research, we developed a simple, effective framework for examining the testing of complex systems. This model and its prototype decision aid provide a rigorous yet tractable approach to improve system testing, and to better understand and document the system and component interdependencies across the enterprise. An integral part of this model is characterizing test coverages on modules. Using idealized simulations of complex systems, we investigate the sensitivity of test selection strategy to the precision with which these coverages are specified. Monte Carlo analysis indicates that best-test selection strategies are somewhat sensitive to the precision of test coverage specification, suggesting a significant impact on testing under fixed-cost constraints. We extend this work with further study of real-world systems by applying, and refining, the mathematical analysis and computer simulation within this framework. The current decision-aid software will be further developed using these operational test and evaluation data, thereby improving the fidelity of the current modeling while making available to program managers and system designers a usable and relevant tool for test-retest decisions.
Reproducibility of the fetal cerebral vessels assessment in full and late term pregnancies

Abstract Objective: Data concerning feasibility of the fetal cerebral Doppler examination in full term and late term pregnancy is lacking. Our purpose was to perform an evaluation of these arteries with power Doppler ultrasound, calculating the percentage of identification and measurement and the intraobserver reproducibility. Methods: This was a cross sectional study evaluating a population of 578 normally grown fetuses divided according to the week of examination. The first group included fetuses examined at week 40 (N = 323) and the second fetuses examined at week 41 (N = 255). The three major branches of the internal carotid artery (anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries, ACA, middle cerebral artery (MCA), posterior cerebral arteries (PCA)) and their anastomosis (A1, A2, P1, P2) were examined with power Doppler ultrasonography by three independent ultrasonographers. The proportion of vessel identified and measured was calculated and the reproducibility among the three operators was investigated. Results: The major arteries at the circle of Willis were fully identified/measured in 65/56 and 62/48% of fetuses at 40 and 41 weeks. The MCA obtained the higher percentage of identification and measurement at both periods (> 80 and >70%). The entire set of anastomosis were less frequently identified/measured at both periods (50/< 50% of cases), especially in the A2 segment. The best agreement was obtained in the MCA and the worst in the PCA-P1 segment. Conclusions: At 40 and 41 weeks, the fetal cerebral vessels, especially the MCA, are suitable for power Doppler evaluation, providing an interesting tool to evaluate fetal hemodynamics in full and late term pregnancy.
Self-organizing maps for storage and transfer of knowledge in reinforcement learning

The idea of reusing or transferring information from previously learned tasks (source tasks) for the learning of new tasks (target tasks) has the potential to significantly improve the sample efficiency of a reinforcement learning agent. In this work, we describe a novel approach for reusing previously acquired knowledge by using it to guide the exploration of an agent while it learns new tasks. In order to do so, we employ a variant of the growing self-organizing map algorithm, which is trained using a measure of similarity that is defined directly in the space of the vectorized representations of the value functions. In addition to enabling transfer across tasks, the resulting map is simultaneously used to enable the efficient storage of previously acquired task knowledge in an adaptive and scalable manner. We empirically validate our approach in a simulated navigation environment and also demonstrate its utility through simple experiments using a mobile micro-robotics platform. In addition, we demonstrate the scalability of this approach and analytically examine its relation to the proposed network growth mechanism. Furthermore, we briefly discuss some of the possible improvements and extensions to this approach, as well as its relevance to real-world scenarios in the context of continual learning.
Label-Noise Robust Generative Adversarial Networks

Generative adversarial networks (GANs) are a framework that learns a generative distribution through adversarial training. Recently, their class conditional extensions (e.g., conditional GAN (cGAN) and auxiliary classifier GAN (AC-GAN)) have attracted much attention owing to their ability to learn the disentangled representations and to improve the training stability. However, their training requires the availability of large-scale accurate class-labeled data, which are often laborious or impractical to collect in a real-world scenario. To remedy this, we propose a novel family of GANs called label-noise robust GANs (rGANs), which, by incorporating a noise transition model, can learn a clean label conditional generative distribution even when training labels are noisy. In particular, we propose two variants: rAC-GAN, which is a bridging model between AC-GAN and the label-noise robust classification model, and rcGAN, which is an extension of cGAN and solves this problem with no reliance on any classifier. In addition to providing the theoretical background, we demonstrate the effectiveness of our models through extensive experiments using diverse GAN configurations, various noise settings, and multiple evaluation metrics (in which we tested 402 conditions in total).
Parallel implementation of Newton-Euler algorithm with one step ahead prediction

The authors propose a parallel Newton-Euler algorithm for calculating the inverse dynamics of manipulators whose computational time is independent of the number of links. The algorithm consists of two paths: a forward path for calculating a kinematic chain, i.e., linear velocities, linear accelerations, etc.; and a backward path for determining a dynamic chain, i.e., forces and moments. In order to determine each moment or force perfectly, the paths must be tracked sequentially. Complete parallel implementation of the Newton-Euler algorithm with data buffering is proposed for constructing a control scheme whose control period can be reduced drastically and is independent of the number of links. Delays due to the data buffering are suppressed by a one-step-ahead prediction using a linear model. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is demonstrated by extensive numerical simulations. <<ETX>>
Chemotherapy in the Combined Modality Treatment of Penile Carcinoma

Penile carcinoma is a rare malignancy accounting for 0.4% to 0.6% of all cancers in men in the United States and Europe (Perksy, 1977). Penile cancers usually originate from the epithelium of the inner prepuce and glans with squamous cell histology accounting for >95% of cancers; melanoma and basal cell carcinoma account for another 3% (Cubilla, 2009). There is a predictable pattern of spread with the first site of metastasis occurring at the regional femoral and iliac nodes (Wood, 2010). The lymphatics of the prepuce connect to the lymphatics from the skin of the shaft, and the lymphatics of the glans and corporal bodies join together in the superficial inguinal nodes. The superficial lymph nodes drain into the deep inguinal nodes, which in turn, drain into the pelvic nodes (internal and external iliac nodes and obturator nodes). This lymphatic system is illustrated in Figure 1. Penile lymphatic drainage occurs bilaterally through crossover drainage at multiple levels. Direct metastasis to the deep inguinal lymph nodes can uncommonly occur, but metastasis directly to the pelvic lymph nodes is rare. Histologic subtypes appear to possess different risks of developing metastatic lymph nodes with sarcomatoid tumors having the highest risk of around 90% (Cubilla, 2009). Once a diagnosis of penile cancer is determined, treatment is based on stage of disease. The most recent seventh edition of the TNM staging system for penile carcinoma as designated by the American Joint Committee on Cancer is presented in Tables 1 and 2 (Edge et al., 2010). The Netherlands Cancer Institute evaluated the prognostic value of the TNM staging classification. The current inconsistencies between staging and prognosis include different clinical 5 year disease-specific survival for tumors invading corpus spongiosum and corpora cavernosa and no significant differences in the 5-year disease-specific survival between T2 and T3 tumors or N1 and N2 disease (Leijte et al., 2007). A revision of the current T2 TNM staging system to take this prognostic difference into consideration has been proposed.
Functional cognitive disorders: demographic and clinical features contribute to a positive diagnosis.

AIM To examine features associated with functional cognitive disorders (FCDs) compared with neurological cognitive disorders (dementia, mild cognitive impairment, transient amnesias) in consecutive patients referred to a secondary care cognitive disorders clinic. METHODS Patients diagnosed with either neurological cognitive disorder or FCD were compared by demographic (age, gender, handedness, referral source) and clinical features (family history of dementia, clinical signs, Likert screening measure of subjective memory complaint, mini-Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination). RESULTS Patients diagnosed with FCD were younger than those with neurological cognitive disorders, and more likely to attend alone, have a family history of dementia and be categorized as positive for subjective memory complaint. CONCLUSION These data suggest features which may be helpful in making a positive diagnosis of FCD and differentiating from neurological cognitive disorders.
Benchmarking Inverse Rashba-Edelstein Magnetoelectric Devices for Neuromorphic Computing

We propose a new design for a cellular neural network with spintronic neurons and CMOS-based synapses. Harnessing the magnetoelectric and inverse Rashba-Edelstein effects allows natural emulation of the behavior of an ideal cellular network. This combination of effects offers an increase in speed and efficiency over other spintronic neural networks. A rigorous performance analysis via simulation is provided.
NGC 2849 and NGC 6134: two more BOCCE open clusters

We present CCD photometry of two southern open clusters. As part of the Bologna Open Cluster Chemical Evolution project we obtained BVI and UBVI imaging for NGC 2849 and NGC 6134, respectively. By means of the synthetic colour–magnitude diagram method and using various evolutionary sets of stellar evolution tracks with various metallicities, we determined at the same time age, distance and reddening. We also determined an approximate metallicity for NGC 2849, for which the information is not available from sounder methods like high-resolution spectroscopy. NGC 2849 turned to be 0.85–1.0 Gyr old with a solar metallicity. The foreground reddening is E(B − V) = 0.28 − 0.32, and the true distance modulus (m − M)0 = 13.8–13.9. For NGC 6134 we did not obtain fully consistent answers from the V, B − V and V, V − I photometry, an unexpected problem, since both the metallicity and the reddening are known (from high-resolution spectroscopy and the U − B, B − V two colours diagram, respectively). This may either indicate a difficulty of current models (evolutionary tracks and/or models of atmosphere) to accurately reproduce colours, or be related to differences in the metal mixture assumed by the models and those of the clusters. Assuming the spectroscopic abundance and the colour excess [E(B − V) = 0.35] from the U − B, B − V plot, we derived a best age between 0.82 and 0.95 Gyr and a distance modulus 10.5. In agreement with previous studies, the NGC 6134 colour–magnitude diagram shows also a clear main sequence gap at V ∼ 15 and B − V ∼ 0.9–1.0 that is unexplained by canonical stellar evolution models.
Paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract To reconcile and unify available results regarding paraquat exposure and Parkinson’s disease (PD), we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to provide a quantitative estimate of the risk of PD associated with paraquat exposure. Six scientific databases including PubMed, Cochrane libraries, EMBASE, Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge, and TOXLINE were systematically searched. The overall odds ratios (ORs) with corresponding 95% CIs were calculated using a random-effects model. Of 7,309 articles identified, 13 case control studies with 3,231 patients and 4,901 controls were included into our analysis. Whereas, one prospective cohort studies was included into our systematic review. A subsequent meta-analysis showed an association between PD and paraquat exposure (odds ratio = 1.64 (95% CI: 1.27–2.13; I2 = 24.8%). There is a statistically significant association between paraquat exposure and PD. Thus, future studies regarding paraquat and Parkinson’s disease are warranted.
An improved shape annealing algorithm for truss topology

An improved shape annealing algorithm for truss topology generation and optimization, based on the techniques of shape grammars and simulated annealing, is introduced. The algorithm features a shape optimization method using only simulated annealing with a shape grammar move set; while no traditional gradient-based techniques are employed, the algorithm demonstrates more consistent convergence characteristics. By penalizing the objective function for violated constraints, the algorithm incorporates geometric constraints to avoid obstacles. The improved algorithm is illustrated on various structural examples taking into account stress, Euler buckling and geometric constraints, generating a variety of solutions based on a simple grammar.
Body Weight Evolution in Suffolk x Turcana Crossbred Lambs Reared in Sibiu Region During Lambing up to Weaning Period

Current study wascarried out in a commercial farm from Sibiu county. In autumn 2010, two groupof Turcana breed ewes were established, first group was mated with Suffolkrams, while the second group was mated with Turcana rams. During the lambingseason which occurred in February 2011, two experimental groups of lambs wereestablished, made up of one of the two genotypes each, F1 Suffolk xTurcana and Turcana purebreds, both male and female lambs, respectively. Lambswere allowed to suckle maternal milk from birth until weaning (90 days of age). Body weight of the lambs was evaluated at 30, 60 and 90 days of age. Bodyweight of the Suffolk x Turcana crossbreds from both sexes was significantlyhigher (p≤0.001) at all four stages of the evaluation (birth, 30, 60 and 90days of age), compared with Turcana lambs. Differences in body weight betweenthe two genotypes increased with age, and at the age of 90 days reached 6.33 kgin male lambs and 7.47 kg in females. Results have shown that Suffolk x Turcanacrossbred lambs weaned at the age of 90 days register heavier weights of 25.52kg in males and 23.87 kg in females, compared with purebred Turcana lambs,which register average weights of 18.58 kg in males and 16.69 kg in females.