Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Privacy Loss in Apple's Implementation of Differential Privacy on MacOS 10.12

In June 2016, Apple announced that it will deploy differential privacy for some user data collection in order to ensure privacy of user data, even from Apple. The details of Apple's approach remained sparse. Although several patents have since appeared hinting at the algorithms that may be used to achieve differential privacy, they did not include a precise explanation of the approach taken to privacy parameter choice. Such choice and the overall approach to privacy budget use and management are key questions for understanding the privacy protections provided by any deployment of differential privacy. In this work, through a combination of experiments, static and dynamic code analysis of macOS Sierra (Version 10.12) implementation, we shed light on the choices Apple made for privacy budget management. We discover and describe Apple's set-up for differentially private data processing, including the overall data pipeline, the parameters used for differentially private perturbation of each piece of data, and the frequency with which such data is sent to Apple's servers. We find that although Apple's deployment ensures that the (differential) privacy loss per each datum submitted to its servers is $1$ or $2$, the overall privacy loss permitted by the system is significantly higher, as high as $16$ per day for the four initially announced applications of Emojis, New words, Deeplinks and Lookup Hints. Furthermore, Apple renews the privacy budget available every day, which leads to a possible privacy loss of 16 times the number of days since user opt-in to differentially private data collection for those four applications. We advocate that in order to claim the full benefits of differentially private data collection, Apple must give full transparency of its implementation, enable user choice in areas related to privacy loss, and set meaningful defaults on the privacy loss permitted.
Synthetic lethality of sep1 (xrn1) ski2 and sep1 (xrn1) ski3 mutants of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is independent of killer virus and suggests a general role for these genes in translation control

Strand exchange protein 1 (Sep1) (also referred to as exoribonuclease I [Xrn1]) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been implicated in DNA recombination, RNA turnover, karyogamy, and G4 DNA pairing among other disparate cellular processes. Using a genetic approach to study the role of SEP1/XRN1 in mitotic yeast cells, we identified mutations in the genes superkiller 2 (SKI2) and superkiller 3 (SKI3) as synthetically lethal with an sep1 null mutation. The SKI genes are thought to comprise an intracellular antiviral system controlling the expression of killer toxin from double-stranded RNA virus found in many yeast strains. However, the lethality of sep1 ski2 and sep1 ski3 mutants was independent of the L-A and M viruses, suggesting that the SKI genes act in a general cellular process in addition to virus control. We propose that Sep1/Xrn1 and Ski2 both act to block translation on transcripts targeted for degradation. Using a temperature-sensitive allele of SEP1/XRN1, we show that double mutants display a synthetic cell cycle arrest in late G1 at Start.
UPC: unified parallel C

UPC extends ISO C into a Partioned Global Address Space (PGAS) programming language. UPC allows programmers to exploit data locality and parallelism in their applications, while maintaining ease of use. UPC is running ubiquitously across nearly all HPC platforms and has been gaining rising support from the community. UPC is relatively very easy to use for irregular access patterns which can enable many new applications that are hard to express in other paradigms. In this BoF, the UPC consortium will share with the community the progress made in applications, specifications, tools, and implementations of UPC. Future plans will be also presented. The First half of the BOF will follow a panel format, where the members will represent the UPC consortium and will speak to different aspects of the UPC developments. The second half will be a question and answer session to promote the exchange of ideas.
Legitimacy Theory: A Story of Reporting Social and Environmental Matters within the Australian Food and Beverage Industry

This paper utilises legitimacy theory to explore whether a company's level of profile is related to the company's choice of legitimation strategies.Prior applications of legitimacy theory are extended to the examination of CSR disclosure by focusing on a single industry and customising the disclosure instrument to include industryspecific issues. The paper examines both web-based and annual report disclosures in acknowledgement that the internet has revolutionised how companies disseminate information to their stakeholders.The paper is based on two propositions. The first is that companies considered tobe more 'high profile' than others are likely to disclose more CSR information than those considered to be lower in profile. This was supported by the research data. The findings indicated that the level of company profile might influence disclosure levels.The second is that companies with high profiles are likely to employ more disclosure strategies relating to changing public perceptions and expectations and deflecting attention. This was also supported by the research data.The paper concludes that CSR is likely to be a feature of contemporary corporate reporting. This research provides some more evidence about why corporations voluntarily disclose. However, it also highlights possible policy implications and several possible future research issues.
On the Power of Graph Searching for Cocomparability Graphs

In this paper we study how graph searching on a cocomparability graph $G$ can be used to produce cocomp orderings (i.e., orderings that are linear extensions of some transitive orientation of $\overline{G}$) that yield simple algorithms for various intractable problems in general. Such techniques have been used to find a simple certifying algorithm for the minimum path cover problem. In particular we present a characterization of the searches that preserve cocomp orderings when used as a “$^+$” sweep. This allows us to present a toolbox of different graph searches and a framework to solve various problems on cocomparability graphs. We illustrate these techniques by describing a very simple certifying algorithm for the maximum independent set problem as well as a simple permutation graph recognition algorithm.
Hierarchical Word Structure-based Parsing: A Feasibility Study on UD-style Dependency Parsing in Japanese

In applying word-based dependency parsing such as Universal Dependencies (UD) to Japanese, the uncertainty of word segmentation emerges for defining a word unit of the dependencies. We introduce the following hierarchical word structures to dependency parsing in Japanese: morphological units (a short unit word, SUW) and syntactic units (a long unit word, LUW). An SUW can be used to segment a sentence consistently, while it is too short to represent syntactic construction. An LUW is a unit including functional multiwords and LUW-based analysis facilitates the capturing of syntactic structure and makes parsing results more precise than SUW-based analysis. This paper describes the results of a feasibility study on the ability and the effectiveness of parsing methods based on hierarchical word structure (LUW chunking+parsing) in comparison to single layer word structure (SUW parsing). We also show joint analysis of LUW-chunking and dependency parsing improves the performance of identifying predicate-argument structures, while there is not much difference between overall results of them. not much difference between overall results of them.
Design and comparison of LQG / LTR and H N controllers for a VSTOL flight control system

In this paper two robust controllers for a multivariable vertical short take-off and landing (VSTOL) aircraft system are designed and compared. The aim of these controllers is to achieve robust stability margins and good performance in step response of the system. LQG/LTR method is a systematic design approach based on shaping and recovering open-loop singular values while mixed-sensitivity HN method is established by defining appropriate weighting functions to achieve good performance and robustness. Comparison of the two controllers show that LQG method requires rate feedback to increase damping of closed-loop system, while HN controller by only proper choose the weighting functions, meets the same performance for step response. Output robustness of both controllers is good but HN controller has poor input stability margin. The net controller order of HN is higher than the LQG/LTR method and the control effort of them is in the acceptable range. r 2006 The Franklin Institute. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Structure ensemble based on fuzzy c-means

Clustering ensemble is a momentous technique in machine learning and contribute much to the applications in many areas. General clustering ensemble methods pay more attention to predicting cluster labels than structures of clusters. In fact, learning cluster structures implicates sufficient information to rebuild the dataset and is competent for being the replacement of redundant predicted cluster labels. In this paper, we introduce the fuzzy theory into the structure framework and propose a newfangled double fuzzy c-means structure ensemble framework, named as FCM2SE. FCM2SE makes use of the cluster structure information instead of predicted labels to gain a representative ensemble structure. We also design two novel labeling criteria to distribute the samples to the corresponding clusters. The empirical results on synthetic datasets and UCI machine learning datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Alternative Security Options in the 5G and IoT Era

This article attempts to provide a set of new directions and ideas for research in the ever vibrant fields of telecom and IoT security. It attempts by no means to present a complete set of security solutions; this would be by definition impossible. It rather serves as a short but comprehensive introduction to various technologies and cryptographic techniques in the area of lightweight cryptography in our quest to address the security challenges in the IoT and 5G-connectivity era. We use the term lightweight cryptography interchangeably both for symmetric and suitable asymmetric ciphers, thus covering all aspects of traditional cryptography namely encryption/decryption, authentication, identification, nonrepudiation, integrity protection, and key exchange. Possible usecases that challenge the applicability of lightweight cryptography as well future projections for further discussions are also offered.
Effect of the synthetic glucocorticoid, deflazacort, on body growth, pulsatile secretion of GH and thymolysis in the rat.

DESIGN Deflazacort (DFZ) is a relatively new glucocorticoid that has been reported to exhibit fewer side-effects than other commonly used corticosteroids. The present study was designed to test the effects of DFZ on thymus gland involution (thymolysis), as compared with body growth and the secretory pattern of GH in the rat. Beginning at 38 days of age, male animals were treated for 8 consecutive days by s.c. injection of DFZ (0.15mg/day), cortisone (CORT) (5mg/day) or vehicle (control, CTRL). RESULTS Both glucocorticoids had a similar thymolytic effect and caused growth failure, but the growth rate for the DFZ group was significantly higher than that of the CORT group. On day 46, pulsatile GH secretion was quantitated by blood sampling via an indwelling catheter at 10 min intervals for 6h. GH was assayed by RIA and analyzed by multiparameter deconvolution. CORT caused an increase in pulse frequency (5.8+/-0.4 (s.e.m.)) in comparison to DFZ (4.4+/-0. 4) and CTRL (3.8+/-0.3). Both glucocorticoids significantly shortened the interval between secretory bursts. In CTRL animals the interval between bursts was 69.3+/-4.5 min. In DFZ animals this was reduced to 58.5+/-7.1 min, and in CORT rats it was further reduced to 47.0+/-2.6 min. The mass of GH secreted per burst was reduced in CORT animals (52% of CTRL), while DFZ did not alter this parameter. A similar trend was observed for total GH production, with CORT causing a reduction and DFZ not affecting the secretion. CONCLUSION Rats treated with glucocorticoid show a profound thymolytic effect, as well as important changes in growth. While CORT suppresses GH secretion and alters its pulsatile mode of release, DFZ causes a less significant alteration in the pattern of GH secretion and does not negatively affect the overall amount of GH secreted.
Atopic dermatitis: quality of life of young Italian children and their families and correlation with severity score

The aim of this study was to determine the ways in which atopic dermatitis (AD) affects the lives of young Italian children and their families, in terms of quality of life, and correlate it with AD severity and the perception of severity as estimated by the family. The parents of 45 children aged 3–84 months affected by AD were asked to complete two validated questionnaires after clinical examination. The first questionnaire was about the child's quality of life (Infants’ Dermatitis Quality of Life Index); the second regarded the family's quality of life (Dermatitis Family Impact questionnaire). In a further question parents were asked to estimate the severity of the disease of the child. Children's quality of life appeared slightly‐moderately altered (mean score 10.2) compared with the value of a control group (3.3), and itching, sleep problems and the influence of the disease on the child's mood were the cause of greatest discomfort for the child. Family quality of life appeared moderately altered (mean score 11) compared with the value of the control group (7.4). The greatest problem was the disturbed sleep of the family members. Other important problems were the economic cost for the management of the disease and the tiredness and irritability caused by the disease in parents. Analysis of the responses confirms the incorrect estimation of the severity of the disease perceived by the family. In our opinion, the two questionnaires may be useful in clinical practice to understand better the difficulties suffered by a family with a child affected by AD. They also provide data that may help to improve the clinical approach for the child and the family, and to assess the degree of under‐/overestimation of the disease by the family.
Follistatin‐like 5 is expressed in restricted areas of the adult mouse brain: Implications for its function in the olfactory system

Follistatin‐like 5 (Fstl5), a member of the follistatin family of genes, encodes a secretory glycoprotein. Previous studies revealed that other members of this family including Fstl1 and Fstl3 play an essential role in development, homeostasis, and congenital disorders. However, the in vivo function of Fstl5 is poorly understood. To gain insight into the function of Fstl5 in the mouse central nervous system, we examined the Fstl5 expression pattern in the adult mouse brain. The results of in situ hybridization analysis showed a highly restricted pattern of Fstl5, namely, with localization in the olfactory system, hippocampal CA3 area and granular cell layer of the cerebellum. Restricted expression in the olfactory system suggests a possible role for Fstl5 in maintaining odor perception.
Evaluation of User Engagement on Social Media to Leverage Active and Passive Communication

Individuals in society differ ideologically both online and offline. As the nature of discussions and communication evolve, so do the dynamics within collective groups. User participation on issues such as political discourse affect the opinions of collective groups prior to, during, and after the occurrence of significant events. Changes in engagement can be influenced by choice in words during these discussions. This results in naturally insulating effects that prevent a more comprehensive discussion, and a further challenge exists when opposing, less vocal voices, have a disproportional impact in less conspicuous ways. This paper introduces a communicative model to understand event stimuli triggering user participation of both active and passive actors. This approach contributes to developing more engaging on-line discussion as the nature of the communication evolves.
Absence of IFN-γ Increases Brain Pathology in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis–Susceptible DRB1*0301.DQ8 HLA Transgenic Mice through Secretion of Proinflammatory Cytokine IL-17 and Induction of Pathogenic Monocytes/Microglia into the Central Nervous System

Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the CNS of presumed autoimmune origin. Of all the genetic factors linked with multiple sclerosis, MHC class II molecules have the strongest association. Generation of HLA class II transgenic (Tg) mice has helped to elucidate the role of HLA class II genes in chronic inflammatory and demyelinating diseases. We have shown that the human HLA-DRB1*0301 gene predisposes to proteolipid protein (PLP)–induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), whereas HLA-DQβ1*0601 (DQ6) was resistant. We also showed that the DQ6 molecule protects from EAE in DRB1*0301.DQ6 double-Tg mice by producing anti-inflammatory IFN-γ. HLA-DQβ1*0302 (DQ8) Tg mice were also resistant to PLP91–110–induced EAE, but production of proinflammatory IL-17 exacerbated disease in DRB1*0301.DQ8 mice. To further confirm the role of IFN-γ in protection, we generated DRB1*0301.DQ8 mice lacking IFN-γ (DRB1*0301.DQ8.IFN-γ−/−). Immunization with PLP91–110 peptide caused atypical EAE in DRB1*0301.DQ8. IFN-γ−/− mice characterized by ataxia, spasticity, and dystonia, hallmarks of brain-specific disease. Severe brain-specific inflammation and demyelination in DRB1*0301.DQ8. IFN-γ−/− mice with minimal spinal cord pathology further confirmed brain-specific pathology. Atypical EAE in DRB1*0301.DQ8. IFN-γ−/− mice was associated with increased encephalitogenicity of CD4 T cells and their ability to produce greater levels of IL-17 and GM-CSF compared with DRB1*0301.DQ8 mice. Further, areas with demyelination showed increased presence of CD68+ inflammatory cells, suggesting an important role for monocytes/microglia in causing brain pathology. Thus, our study supports a protective role for IFN-γ in the demyelination of brain through downregulation of IL-17/GM-CSF and induction of neuroprotective factors in the brain by monocytes/microglial cells.
Power consumption in shaking flasks on rotary shaking machines: II. Nondimensional description of specific power consumption and flow regimes in unbaffled flasks at elevated liquid viscosity.

This article is the second part of a series presenting and modeling the hydrodynamics and specific power consumption in shaking flasks on rotary (orbital) shaking machines. In part I, a new method was introduced that enables the accurate determination of the specific power consumption in shaking flasks. The method was first applied to investigate unbaffled flasks with a nominal volume of < or =1 L at low viscosity. In part II, the results for the specific power consumption of unbaffled shaking flasks at elevated viscosities are investigated after varying shaking frequency, flask size, filling volume, and shaking diameter. The theory introduced in part I is extended to liquids of elevated viscosities using nondimensional equations. With these results, the specific power consumption in unbaffled shaking flasks can now be fully described. For the first time, the phenomenon of the liquid being "out of phase" is observed and described. This occurs at certain operating conditions and is characterized by an increasing amount of liquid not following the movement of the shaking table, thus reducing the specific power consumption. This, of course, has much relevance for practical work with microbial cultures. The phenomenon of being "out-of-phase" is described in the form of a newly defined nondimensional phase number (Ph) in analogy to a partially filled, rotating horizontal drum. The Ph can be used to determine reasonable operating conditions for shaking flask experiments when using viscous media, avoiding unfavorable "out-of-phase" operation.
Use of liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry for isolation and characterization of hydrolyzed fumonisins and relevant analysis in maize-based products.

The synthesis of partially hydrolyzed fumonisins (PHFB1 and PHFB2) and hydrolyzed fumonisins (HFB1 and HFB2) by chemical hydrolysis of pure fumonisins (FB1 and FB2) is reported together with the isolation and characterization by liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS). Two structural isomers of partially hydrolyzed forms of FB1 and FB2 were identified, namely PHFB(1a) and PHFB(1b) and PHFB(2a) and PHFB(2b). Reaction yields were 21% for PHFB1 (sum of the two isomers), 52% for HFB1, 31% for PHFB2 (sum of the two isomers) and 30% for HFB2. Purity of each isolated compound was >98%. An LC-HRMS method for the simultaneous determination of fumonisins and their partially and totally hydrolyzed derivatives was applied to 24 naturally contaminated samples of maize and maize-based products. The majority of samples (18 out of 24) were contaminated with fumonisins B1 and B2. Fumonisins co-occurred with both partially hydrolyzed and hydrolyzed fumonisins in four nixtamalized samples (three masa flours and one tortilla chips). Co-occurrence of fumonisins with partially hydrolyzed fumonisins was also recorded in one sample of maize kernels and four samples of maize-based products (i.e. maize meal, cous-cous, corn-cakes and cornflakes). Mycotoxins levels ranged from 60 to 5700 µg/kg for fumonisins (sum of FB1 and FB2), from 10 to 210 µg/kg for partially hydrolyzed fumonisins (sum of PHFB1 and PHFB2) and from 30 to 200 µg/kg for hydrolyzed fumonisins (sum of HFB1 and HFB2). This is the first report of the isolation of PHFB2 and the co-occurrence of FB1, FB2, PHFB1, PHFB2, HFB1 and HFB2 in maize products. Considering the growing use of nixtamalized and maize-based products, the monitoring of fumonisins and their partially and totally hydrolyzed forms in these products may represent an important contributing factor in evaluating the relevant human risk exposure.
The Effect of Coherence on Sampling from Matrices with Orthonormal Columns, and Preconditioned Least Squares Problems

Motivated by the least squares solver Blendenpik, we investigate three strategies for uniform sampling of rows from $m\times n$ matrices $Q$ with orthonormal columns. The goal is to determine, with high probability, how many rows are required so that the sampled matrices have full rank and are well-conditioned with respect to inversion. Extensive numerical experiments illustrate that the three sampling strategies (without replacement, with replacement, and Bernoulli sampling) behave almost identically, for small to moderate amounts of sampling. In particular, sampled matrices of full rank tend to have two-norm condition numbers of at most 10. We derive a bound on the condition number of the sampled matrices in terms of the coherence $\mu$ of $Q$. This bound applies to all three different sampling strategies; it implies a, not necessarily tight, lower bound of $\mathcal{O}(m\mu\ln{n})$ for the number of sampled rows; and it is realistic and informative even for matrices of small dimension and the stringent.