Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Approximation Trees: Statistical Stability in Model Distillation

This paper examines the stability of learned explanations for black-box predictions via model distillation with decision trees. One approach to intelligibility in machine learning is to use an understandable `student' model to mimic the output of an accurate `teacher'. Here, we consider the use of regression trees as a student model, in which nodes of the tree can be used as `explanations' for particular predictions, and the whole structure of the tree can be used as a global representation of the resulting function. However, individual trees are sensitive to the particular data sets used to train them, and an interpretation of a student model may be suspect if small changes in the training data have a large effect on it. In this context, access to outcomes from a teacher helps to stabilize the greedy splitting strategy by generating a much larger corpus of training examples than was originally available. We develop tests to ensure that enough examples are generated at each split so that the same splitting rule would be chosen with high probability were the tree to be re trained. Further, we develop a stopping rule to indicate how deep the tree should be built based on recent results on the variability of Random Forests when these are used as the teacher. We provide concrete examples of these procedures on the CAD-MDD and COMPAS data sets.
Approximation and Hardness of Token Swapping

Given a graph G=(V,E) with V={1,. ,n}, we place on every vertex a token T_1,. ,T_n. A swap is an exchange of tokens on adjacent vertices. We consider the algorithmic question of finding a shortest sequence of swaps such that token T_i is on vertex i. We are able to achieve essentially matching upper and lower bounds, for exact algorithms and approximation algorithms. For exact algorithms, we rule out any 2^{o(n)} algorithm under the ETH. This is matched with a simple 2^{O(n*log(n))} algorithm based on a breadth-first search in an auxiliary graph. We show one general 4-approximation and show APX-hardness. Thus, there is a small constant delta > 1 such that every polynomial time approximation algorithm has approximation factor at least delta. Our results also hold for a generalized version, where tokens and vertices are colored. In this generalized version each token must go to a vertex with the same color.
An Overview of Datatype Quantization Techniques for Convolutional Neural Networks

Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) are becoming increasingly popular due to their superior performance in the domain of computer vision, in applications such as objection detection and recognition. However, they demand complex, power-consuming hardware which makes them unsuitable for implementation on low-power mobile and embedded devices. In this paper, a description and comparison of various techniques is presented which aim to mitigate this problem. This is primarily achieved by quantizing the floating-point weights and activations to reduce the hardware requirements, and adapting the training and inference algorithms to maintain the network's performance.
Establishment and Characterization of a Functionally Competent Type 2 Conventional Dendritic Cell Line

Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen presenting cells and possess an incomparable ability to activate and instruct T cells, which makes them one of the cornerstones in the regulation of the cross-talk between innate and adaptive immunity. Therefore, a deep understanding of DC biology lays the foundations to describe and to harness the mechanisms that regulate the development of the adaptive response, with clear implications in a vast array of fields such as the study of autoimmune diseases and the development of new vaccines. However, the great difficulty to obtain large quantities of viable non-activated DCs for experimentation have considerably hindered the progress of DC research. Several strategies have been proposed to overcome these limitations by promoting an increase of DC abundance in vivo, by inducing DC development from DC progenitors in vitro and by generating stable DC lines. In the past years, we have described a method to derive immortalized stable DC lines, named MutuDCs, from the spleens of Mushi1 mice, a transgenic mouse strain that express the simian virus 40 Large T-oncogene in the DCs. The comparison of these DC lines with the vast variety of DC subsets described in vivo has shown that all the MutuDC lines that we have generated so far have phenotypic and functional features of type 1 conventional DCs (cDC1s). With the purpose of deriving DC lines with characteristics of type 2 conventional DCs (cDC2s), we bred a new Batf3−/− Mushi1 murine line in which the development of the cDC1 subset is severely defective. The new MutuDC line that we generated from Batf3−/− Mushi1 mice was phenotypically and functionally characterized in this work. Our results demonstrated that all the tested characteristics of this new cell line, including the expression of subset-determining transcription factors, the profile of cytokine production and the ability to present antigens, are comparable with the features of splenic CD4− cDC2s. Therefore, we concluded that our new cell line, that we named CD4− MutuDC2 line, represents a valuable model for the CD4− cDC2 subset.
Calcitriol, the Bioactive Metabolite of Vitamin D, Increases Ventricular K+ Currents in Isolated Mouse Cardiomyocytes

Calcitriol, the bioactive metabolite of vitamin D, interacts with the ubiquitously expressed nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) to induce genomic effects, but it can also elicit rapid responses via membrane-associated VDR through mechanisms that are poorly understood. The down-regulation of K+ currents is the main origin of electrophysiological remodeling in pathological hypertrophy and heart failure (HF), which can contribute to action potential prolongation and subsequently increase the risk of triggered arrhythmias. Adult mouse ventricular myocytes were isolated and treated with 10 nM calcitriol or vehicle for 15–30 min. In some experiments, cardiomyocytes were pretreated with the Akt inhibitor triciribine. In the adult mouse ventricle, outward K+ currents involved in cardiac repolarization are comprised of three components: the fast transient outward current (Itof), the ultrarapid delayed rectifier K+ current (Ikur), and the non-inactivating steady-state outward current (Iss). K+ currents were investigated using the whole-cell or the perforated patch-clamp technique and normalized to cell capacitance to obtain current densities. Calcitriol treatment of cardiomyocytes induced an increase in the density of Itof and Ikur, which was lost in myocytes isolated from VDR-knockout mice. In addition, calcitriol activated Akt in cardiomyocytes and pretreatment with triciribine prevented the calcitriol-induced increase of outward K+ currents. In conclusion, we demonstrate that calcitriol via VDR and Akt increases both Itof and Ikur densities in mouse ventricular cardiomyocytes. Our findings may provide new mechanistics clues for the cardioprotective role of this hormone in the heart.
Control of Germinal Center Responses by T-Follicular Regulatory Cells

Regulatory T-cells (Treg cells), expressing the transcription factor Foxp3, have an essential role in the control of immune homeostasis. In order to control diverse types of immune responses Treg cells must themselves show functional heterogeneity to control different types of immune responses. Recent advances have made it clear that Treg cells are able to mirror the homing capabilities of known T-helper subtypes such as Th1, Th2, Th17, and T-follicular helper cells (Tfh), allowing them to travel to the sites of inflammation and deliver suppression in situ. One of the more recent discoveries in this category is the description of T-follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells, a specialized subset of Treg cells that control Tfh and resulting antibody responses. In this review we will discuss recent advances in our understanding of Tfr biology and the role of both Tfr and activated extra-follicular Tregs (eTreg) in the control of humoral immunity.
Contribution of peripheral airway function to changes in FEV1/FVC and RV/TLC with aging.

Multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBNW) indices provide insight into ventilation heterogeneity globally [lung clearance index (LCI)] and within acinar (Sacin) and conducting (Scond) airways. Normal aging leads to an accelerated deterioration of Sacin in older adults, but little is known about the contribution of peripheral airway function to changes in pulmonary function indices reflecting expiratory airflow [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC)] and gas trapping [residual volume (RV)/total lung capacity (TLC)] with aging. We aimed to examine associations between MBNW and FEV1/FVC as well as RV/TLC in healthy adults, and to determine if these relationships differ in older (≥50 yr) versus younger subjects (<50 yr). Seventy-nine healthy adult volunteers aged 23-89 yr with no cardiac or respiratory disease and a smoking history of <5 pack-years underwent spirometry, plethysmography, and MBNW. After adjustment for sex, height, and body mass index, the following relationships were present across the entire cohort: Sacin was inversely related to FEV1/FVC (R2 = 0.22, P < 0.001); Sacin and Scond were positively related to RV/TLC (R2 = 0.53, P < 0.001); on separate analyses, the relationship between Sacin and FEV1/FVC was strongest in the older group (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.003) but markedly weaker in the younger group (R2 = 0.09, P = 0.04); and Sacin and Scond were related to RV/TLC in older (R2 = 0.20, P = 0.003) but not younger subgroups. No relationships were observed between LCI and FEV1/FVC or RV/TLC. Changes in FEV1/FVC and RV/TLC are at least in part due to changes in peripheral airway function with aging. Further studies of the relationships between MBNW and standard pulmonary function indices may prove useful for their combined application and interpretation in obstructive airways disease. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study explores associations between multiple breath nitrogen washout (MBNW) and standard pulmonary function indices reflecting expiratory airflow [forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC)] and gas trapping [residual volume (RV)/total lung capacity (TLC)] in healthy adults across a wide range of ages. We have demonstrated statistically significant relationships between MBNW and FEV1/FVC as well as RV/TLC. These findings provide novel evidence of the contribution of peripheral airway function to changes in standard pulmonary function indices with aging.
Antagonistic Activities and Probiotic Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria Derived From a Plant-Based Fermented Food

In this study, antagonistic activities and probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) derived from a plant-based fermented food, kimchi, were demonstrated. The cell free supernatants (CFS) from Lactobacillus curvatus KCCM 43119, Leuconostoc mesenteroides KCCM 43060, Weissella cibaria KCTC 3746, and W. koreensis KCCM 41517 completely inhibited the growth of foodborne pathogenic bacteria, while neutralized CFS (pH 6.5) partially inhibited the growth. The competition, exclusion, and displacement of foodborne pathogenic bacteria by the LAB strains from adhesion to HT-29 cells were investigated. The LAB strains were able to compete with, exclude, and displace the foodborne pathogenic bacteria. However, the degree of inhibition due to the adhesion was found to be a LAB strain-dependent phenomenon. The LAB strains showed high coaggregation with foodborne pathogenic bacteria, and they also exhibited high resistance to acidic condition. Except W. cibaria KCTC 3746, all LAB strains were capable of surviving in the presence of bile salts. Furthermore, while all LAB strains were resistant to chloramphenicol, kanamycin, streptomycin, gentamicin, and erythromycin, only W. cibaria KCTC 3746 and W. koreensis KCCM 41517 displayed resistance to vancomycin. These results suggest that the LAB strains derived from kimchi exerted antagonistic activities against foodborne pathogenic bacteria with probiotic potential.
Self-reported Patient Motivations for Seeking Cosmetic Procedures

Importance Despite the growing popularity of cosmetic procedures, the sociocultural and quality-of-life factors that motivate patients to undergo such procedures are not well understood. Objective To estimate the relative importance of factors that motivate patients to seek minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Design, Setting, and Participants This prospective, multicenter observational study was performed at 2 academic and 11 private dermatology practice sites that represented all US geographic regions. Adult patients presenting for cosmetic consultation or treatment from December 4, 2016, through August 9, 2017, were eligible for participation. Exposures Participants completed a survey instrument based on a recently developed subjective framework of motivations and a demographic questionnaire. Main Outcomes and Measures Primary outcomes were the self-reported most common motivations in each quality-of-life category. Secondary outcomes were other frequently reported motivations and those associated with specific procedures. Results Of 529 eligible patients, 511 agreed to participate, were enrolled, and completed the survey. Typical respondents were female (440 [86.1%]), 45 years or older (286 [56.0%]), white (386 [75.5%]), and college educated (469 [91.8%]) and had previously received at least 2 cosmetic procedures (270 [52.8%]). Apart from motivations pertaining to aesthetic appearance, including the desire for beautiful skin and a youthful, attractive appearance, motives related to physical health, such as preventing worsening of condition or symptoms (253 of 475 [53.3%]), and psychosocial well-being, such as the desire to feel happier and more confident or improve total quality of life (314 of 467 [67.2%]), treat oneself or celebrate (284 of 463 [61.3%]), and look good professionally (261 of 476 [54.8%]) were commonly reported. Motivations related to cost and convenience were rated as less important (68 of 483 [14.1%]). Most motivations were internally generated, designed to please the patients and not others, with patients making the decision to undergo cosmetic procedures themselves and spouses seldom being influential. Patients younger than 45 years were more likely to undertake procedures to prevent aging (54 of 212 [25.5%] vs 42 of 286 [14.7%] among patients ≥45 years; P < .001). Patients seeking certain procedures, such as body contouring (19 of 22 [86.4%]), acne scar treatment (36 of 42 [85.7%]), and tattoo removal (8 of 11 [72.7%]), were more likely to report psychological and emotional motivations. Conclusions and Relevance This initial prospective, multicenter study comprehensively assessed why patients seek minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. Common reasons included emotional, psychological, and practical motivations in addition to the desire to enhance physical appearance. Differences relative to patient age and procedures sought may need further exploration.
Disentangling the facets of sharing: A categorization of what we know and don't know about the Sharing Economy

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a categorization of sharing practices from a structured interdisciplinary literature review on the Sharing Economy. Instead of striving for a new definition, the authors distinguish nine types of sharing practices and provide an overview of prior investigations on sharing practices across three levels of analysis and 15 research areas. The structured analysis is translated into opportunities for future research on the Sharing Economy. Design/methodology/approach The study follows a structured literature review approach to uncover practices related to the Sharing Economy and similar phenomena. The authors analyze 210 articles from a broad number of disciplines, and develop a categorizing framework for Sharing Economy practices. Findings The paper identifies nine different types of sharing practices and provides a structured way for analyzing, comparing and positioning research on the Sharing Economy and related phenomena. Research limitations/implications The categorization of sharing practices and the embedded interdisciplinary overview of studies on the Sharing Economy help to explain potentially contradictory research results and uncovers opportunities for future research in the topic area. Originality/value Given the variety of disciplines dealing with the Sharing Economy and the plenitude of definitions and related concepts, the categorization and research overview provides a consolidated view of the knowledge in the topic area and an effective tool for identifying paths for future research.
Knowledge‐based approaches for identity management in online social networks

When we meet a new person, we start by introducing ourselves. We share our names, and other information about our jobs, cities, family status, and so on. This is how socializing and social interactions can start: we first need to identify each other. Identification is a cornerstone in establishing social contacts. We identify ourselves and others by a set of civil (e.g., name, nationality, ID number, gender) and social (e.g., music taste, hobbies, religion) characteristics. This seamlessly carried out identification process in face‐to‐face interactions is challenged in the virtual realms of socializing, such as in online social network (OSN) platforms. New identities (i.e., online profiles) could be created without being subject to any level of verification, making it easy to create fake information and forge fake identities. This has led to a massive proliferation of accounts that represent fake identities (i.e., not mapping to physically existing entities), and that poison the online socializing environment with fake information and malicious behavior (e.g., child abuse, information stealing). Within this milieu, users in OSNs are left unarmed against the challenging task of identifying the real person behind the screen. OSN providers and research bodies have dedicated considerable effort to the study of the behavior and features of fake OSN identities, trying to find ways to detect them. Some other research initiatives have explored possible techniques to enable identity validation in OSNs. Both kinds of approach rely on extracting knowledge from the OSN, and exploiting it to achieve identification management in their realms. We provide a review of the most prominent works in the literature. We define the problem, provide a taxonomy of related attacks, and discuss the available solutions and approaches for knowledge‐based identity management in OSNs.
Effect of shear stress on the reduction of bacterial adhesion to antifouling polymers

In this work, two antifouling polymer brushes were tested at different shear stress conditions to evaluate their performance in reducing the initial adhesion of Escherichia coli. Assays were performed using a parallel plate flow chamber and a shear stress range between 0.005 and 0.056 Pa. These shear stress values are found in different locations in the human body where biomedical devices are placed. The poly(MeOEGMA) and poly(HPMA) brushes were characterized and it was shown that they can reduce initial adhesion up to 90% when compared to glass. Importantly, the performance of these surfaces was not affected by the shear stress, which is an indication that they do not collapse under this shear stress range. The brushes displayed a similar behavior despite the differences in their chemical composition and surface energy. Both surfaces have shown ultra-low adsorption of macromolecules from the medium when tested with relevant biological fluids (urine and serum). This indicates that these surfaces can potentially be used in biomedical devices to reduce initial bacterial colonization and eventually reduce biofilm formation on these devices.
The influence of episodic memory decline on value-based choice

ABSTRACT Recent studies suggest the involvement of episodic memory in value-based decisions as a source of information about subjective values of choice options. We therefore tested the link between age-related memory decline and inconsistencies in value-based decisions in 30 cognitively healthy older adults. Within the pre-registered experiment, the inconsistencies were measured in two ways: i) the consistency between stated preferences and revealed choices; ii) the amount of intransitivities in choice triplets, revealed in a forced paired choice task including all possible pairings of 20 food products. Although no significant association of memory functions to number of intransitive triplets was observed, participants with lower memory scores were more likely to choose the item for which they stated a lower preference. The results suggest a higher noise in the underlying preference signal in participants with lower memory. We discuss the results in the context of the unique needs of elderly consumers.
Orbital decompression surgery for the treatment of Graves' ophthalmopathy: comparison of different techniques and long-term results.

AIM To evaluate the long-term results of different orbital decompression techniques performed in patients with Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). METHODS Totally 170 cases with GO underwent orbital decompression between 1994 and 2014. Patients were divided into 4 groups as medial-inferior, medial-lateral (balanced), medial-lateral-inferior, and lateral only according to the applied surgical technique. Surgical indications, regression degrees on Hertel exophthalmometer, new-onset diplopia in the primary gaze and new-onset gaze-evoked diplopia after surgery and visual acuity in cases with dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON) were compared between different surgical techniques. RESULTS The study included 248 eyes of 149 patients. The mean age for surgery was 42.3±13.2y. DON was the surgical indication in 36.6% of cases, and three-wall decompression was the most preferred technique in these cases. All types of surgery significantly decrease the Hertel values (P<0.005). Balanced medial-lateral, and only lateral wall decompression caused the lowest rate of postoperative new-onset diplopia in primary gaze. The improvement of visual acuity in patients with DON did not significantly differ between the groups (P=0.181). CONCLUSION The study show that orbital decompression surgery has safe and effective long term results for functional and cosmetic rehabilitation of GO. It significantly reduces Hertel measurements in disfiguring proptosis and improves visual functions especially in DON cases.