Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secure multiparty computation without one-way functions

We describe protocols for secure computation of the sum, product, and some other functions of two or more elements of an arbitrary constructible ring, without using any one-way functions. One of the new inputs that we offer here is that, in contrast with other proposals, we conceal intermediate results of a computation. For example, when we compute the sum of k numbers, only the final result is known to the parties; partial sums are not known to anybody. Other applications of our method include voting/rating over insecure channels and a rather elegant and efficient solution of the “two millionaires problem”. We also give a protocol, without using a one-way function, for the so-called “mental poker”, i.e., a fair card dealing (and playing) over distance. Finally, we describe a secret sharing scheme where an advantage over Shamir’s and other known secret sharing schemes is that nobody, including the dealer, ends up knowing the shares (of the secret) owned by any particular player. It should be mentioned that computational cost of our protocols is negligible to the point that all of them can be executed without a computer. In memory of Grigori Mints Part of this research was presented by the first author at the conference “Philosophy, Mathematics, Linguistics: Aspects of Interaction 2012” (PhML-2012), Euler International Mathematical Institute, May 22-25, 2012. Research of the second author was partially supported by the NSF grant CNS-1117675 and by the ONR (Office of Naval Research) grant N000141210758. Vol. \jvolume No. \jnumber \jyear IFCoLog Journal of Logic and its Applications Grigoriev and Shpilrain
The allogeneic graft‐versus‐cancer effect

Allogeneic haematological stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has developed into immunotherapy. Donor CD4+, CD8+ and natural killer (NK) cells have been reported to mediate graft‐versus‐leukaemia (GVL) effects, using Fas‐dependent killing and perforin degranulation to eradicate malignant cells. Cytokines, such as interleukin‐2, interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor‐α potentiate the GVL effect. Post‐transplant adoptive therapy of cytotoxic T‐cells (CTL) against leukaemia‐specific antigens, minor histocompatibility antigens, or T‐cell receptor genes may constitute successful approaches to induce anti‐tumour effects. Clinically, a significant GVL effect is induced by chronic rather than acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). An anti‐tumour effect has also been reported for myeloma, lymphoma and solid tumours. Reduced intensity conditioning enables HSCT in older and disabled patients and relies on the graft‐versus‐tumour effect. Donor lymphocyte infusions promote the GVL effect and can be given as escalating doses with response monitored by minimal residual disease. A high CD34+ cell dose of peripheral blood stem cells increases GVL. There is a balance between effective immunosuppression, low incidence of GVHD and relapse. For instance, T‐cell depletion of the graft increases the risk of relapse. This paper reviews the current knowledge in graft‐versus‐cancer effects. Future directions, such as immunotherapy using leukaemia‐specific CTLs, allo‐depleted T‐cells and suicide gene manipulated T‐cells, are presented.
An Empirical Spatial Model of Congressional Campaigns

Testing and estimating formal models of political behavior has not advanced as far as theoretical applications. One of the major literatures in formal theory is the spatial model of electoral competition which has its origins in the work of Black (1948) and Downs (1957). These models are used to make predictions about the policy positions candidates take in order to win elections. A lack of data on these candidate positions, especially challengers who never serve in Congress, has made direct testing of these models on congressional elections difficult. Recently, researchers have begun to incorporate campaign finance into the standard Downsian model. These models of position-induced contributions examine the tradeoff that candidates make between choosing positions favorable to interest group contributors and positions favorable to voters. A major premise of these models is that interest group contributions are based on the policy positions of candidates. This has been borne out empirically in the case of incumbents, but not challengers. To test key hypotheses of these models, we develop a simple spatial model of position-induced campaign contributions where the PAC's decision to contribute or abstain from each race is a function of the policy distance between the PAC and the candidates. We use data from political action committee contributions in order to estimate the locations of incumbents, challengers and PACs. Our model reliably estimates the spatial positions as well as correctly predicts nearly 74 percent of the contribution and abstention decisions of the PACs. Conditional upon making a contribution, we correctly predict the contribution in 94 percent of the cases. These results are strong evidence for position-induced campaign contributions. Furthermore, our estimates of candidate positions allow us to address issues of platform convergence between candidates.
Viral Latency in Blood and Saliva of Simian Foamy Virus-Infected Humans

Simian foamy viruses (SFV) are widespread retroviruses among non-human primates (NHP). SFV actively replicate in the oral cavity and can be transmitted to humans through NHP bites, giving rise to a persistent infection. We aimed at studying the natural history of SFV infection in human. We have analyzed viral load and gene expression in 14 hunters from Cameroon previously shown to be infected with a gorilla SFV strain. Viral DNA could be detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) targeting the pol-in region, in most samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) (7.1 ± 6.0 SFV DNA copies/105 PBMCs) and saliva (2.4 ± 4.3 SFV DNA copies/105 cells) derived from the hunters. However, quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT)-qPCR revealed the absence of SFV viral gene expression in both PBMCs and saliva, suggesting that SFV was latent in the human samples. Our study demonstrates that a latent infection can occur in humans and persist for years, both in PBMCs and saliva. Such a scenario may contribute to the putative lack of secondary human-to-human transmissions of SFV.
Genetic and Environmental Contributions to Personality Trait Stability and Change Across Adolescence: Results From a Japanese Twin Sample

We examined developmental trends and sources of stability and change in adolescent personality by using twin data collected from 1981 to 2010 (273 monozygotic (MZ) and 48 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs) from a secondary school affiliated with the University of Tokyo. Phenotypic analyses showed high rank-order stability and substantial mean-level increases in neuroticism and declines in extraversion over the adolescent years. Longitudinal bivariate genetic analyses revealed that the best-fitting model for adolescent personality includes additive genetic and non-shared environmental influences. Heritability estimates ranged approximately from 0.30 to 0.60. Additionally, three-year stability in adolescent personality was influenced mainly by genetic factors, and there were both genetic and environmental innovations in mid-adolescence. Our findings suggest that both genetic and environmental effects have significant roles in the etiology of personality development across adolescence.
Antibiotic resistance and antibiotic sensitivity based treatment in Helicobacter pylori infection: advantages and outcome

AIMS To compare two strategies for the eradication of Helicobacter pyloriinfection. METHODS Groups 1 and 2 each consisted of 75 consecutive patients. Patients in group 1 were treated with two antibiotics based on antibiotic susceptibility testing; those in group 2 received amoxycillin and clarithromycin for eight days, together with either ranitidine or omeprazole. Eradication rate was assessed in both groups six months after treatment. RESULTS In group 1,H pylori grew in culture in 63/75 cases. Susceptibility testing showed that 35/63 isolates were resistant to metronidazole, 10/63 to clarithromycin, 2/63 to ampicillin, 1/63 to tetracycline, and 5/63 to both clarithromycin and metronidazole. In group 1 the infection was eradicated in 96% of the initial 75 subjects, and in 98% of the subjects treated according to the antibiotic assay (62/63). As two patients were lost at follow up the overall eradication rate was 99%. In group 2, eradication was achieved in 61/75 subjects (81%). This was significantly lower than the percentage of eradication observed in group 1 (81% versus 99%). CONCLUSIONS Antibiotic susceptibility tests are useful in childhood as a very high percentage of subjects are cured. This approach is costly, but selective antibiotic treatment contributes to limit further development of antibiotic resistance, and money is saved in terms of reinvestigation and further repeated treatments.
Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Automated Blood Cell Measurements

The aim of this study is to investigate whether the electromagnetic fields associated with mobile phones and/or laptops interfere with blood cell counts of hematology analyzers. Random blood samples were analyzed on an Aperture Impedance hematology analyzer. The analysis was performed in four ways: (A) without the presence of any mobile phone or portable computer in use, (B) with mobile phones in use (B1: one mobile, B4: four mobiles), (C) with portable computers (laptops) in use (C1: one laptop, C3: three laptops), and (D) with four mobile phones and three laptops in use simultaneously. The results obtained demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in neutrophil, erythrocyte, and platelet count and an increase in lymphocyte count, mean corpuscular volume, and red blood cell distribution width, notably in the B4 group. Despite this statistical significance, in clinical practice, only the red blood cell reduction could be taken into account, as the mean difference between the A and B4 group was 60,000 cells/µL. In group D, the analyzer gave odd results after 11 measurements and finally stopped working. The combined and multiple use of mobile phones and computers affects the function of hematology analyzers, leading to false results. Consequently, the use of such electronic devices must be avoided.
A multigrid finite volume method for solving the Euler and Navier-Stokes equations for high speed flows

A node centered, finite volume, central difference scheme is used to solve both the unsteady Euler and Navier-Stokes equations for high speed flows in a spherical coordinate system. The steady state solution is obtained using multi-stage modified Runge-Kutta integration with local time stepping and residual smoothing to accelerate convergence. The basic scheme is augmented by a multigrid method to further enhance convergence. The method is applied to a variety of inviscid and viscous conical flows to determine the advantages of multigrid in conjunction with the basic scheme. Various numerical dissipation models used for viscous flows are also studied to determine their accuracy and effect on convergence.
Bound into a Fateful Union: Henry Williams' Translation of the Treaty of Waitangi into Maori in February 1840

A discussion of why and where Rev. Henry Williams went wrong in translating of the Treaty of Waitangi into the Maori language is presented. The common opinion is that Williams was ignorant of the Maori words that could have rendered a more accurate translation, however the argument is put that Williams colluded with the Crown by deliberately arranging the wording and using ambiguous words to secure Maori agreement to the Treaty.
Statistical Inference with Unnormalized Discrete Models and Localized Homogeneous Divergences

In this paper, we focus on parameters estimation of probabilistic models in discrete space. A naive calculation of the normalization constant of the probabilistic model on discrete space is often infeasible and statistical inference based on such probabilistic models has difficulty. In this paper, we propose a novel estimator for probabilistic models on discrete space, which is derived from an empirically localized homogeneous divergence. The idea of the empirical localization makes it possible to ignore an unobserved domain on sample space, and the homogeneous divergence is a discrepancy measure between two positive measures and has a weak coincidence axiom. The proposed estimator can be constructed without calculating the normalization constant and is asymptotically consistent and Fisher efficient. We investigate statistical properties of the proposed estimator and reveal a relationship between the empirically localized homogeneous divergence and a mixture of the α-divergence. The α-divergence is a non-homogeneous discrepancy measure that is frequently discussed in the context of information geometry. Using the relationship, we also propose an asymptotically consistent estimator of the normalization constant. Experiments showed that the proposed estimator comparably performs to the maximum likelihood estimator but with drastically lower computational cost.
THE CORRELATION BETWEEN COGNITIVE DECLINE AND THE INCIDENCE AND THE INFLUENCE OF METABOLIC SYNDROME IN ELDERLY SUBJECTS WITH MILD COGNITIVE DECLINE

Introduction: The leading causes of irreversible cognitive impairment of late life are Alzheimer disease (AD) and vascular cognitive impairment, vascular dementia (VD). Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and the influence of the metabolic syndrome and metabolic syndrome components on a third age population with mild cognitive impairment and no prior history of cognitive decline. Material and method: The subjects included in this study were admitted in the ER and the Neurology Clinic of "Vasile Goldis" Western University of Arad during a period of 4 years, beginning with 2004. 198 subjects qualified the inclusion/exclusion criteria set for this study. Results: Most of the included subjects were men (56.57%). The average age was 68.3 +/- 4.5 years. The incidence of the MetSy in the study group was 39.39. The most significant cognitive decline is associated to the presence of HTA, leukoaraiosis and age with a mean decrease in MMSE score of -4.556, - 4.235 and -3.568. Conclusions: Mild cognitive impairment is more frequent and significantly associated to metabolic syndrome and other vascular risk factors.
TV White Space in Europe

In this paper, we study the availability of TV white spaces in Europe. Specifically, we focus on the 470-790 MHz UHF band, which will predominantly remain in use for TV broadcasting after the analog-to-digital switch-over and the assignment of the 800 MHz band to licensed services have been completed. The expected number of unused, available TV channels in any location of the 11 countries we studied is 56 percent when we adopt the statistical channel model of the ITU-R. Similarly, a person residing in these countries can expect to enjoy 49 percent unused TV channels. If, in addition, restrictions apply to the use of adjacent TV channels, these numbers reduce to 25 and 18 percent, respectively. These figures are significantly smaller than those recently reported for the United States. We also study how these results change when we use the Longley-Rice irregular terrain model instead. We show that while the overall expected availability of white spaces is essentially the same, the local variability of the available spectrum shows significant changes. This underlines the importance of using appropriate system models before making far-reaching conclusions.
Low whole grain intake in the UK: results from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme 2008–11

Increased whole grain intake has been shown to reduce the risk of many non-communicable diseases. Countries including the USA, Canada, Denmark and Australia have specific dietary guidelines on whole grain intake but others, including the UK, do not. Data from 1986/87 and 2000/01 have shown that whole grain intake is low and declining in British adults. The aim of the present study was to describe whole grain intakes in the most current dietary assessment of UK households using data from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey rolling programme 2008–11. In the present study, 4 d diet diaries were completed by 3073 individuals between 2008 and 2011, along with details of socio-economic status (SES). The median daily whole grain intake, calculated for each individual on a dry weight basis, was 20 g/d for adults and 13 g/d for children/teenagers. The corresponding energy-adjusted whole grain intake was 27 g/10 MJ per d for adults and 20 g/10 MJ per d for children/teenagers. Whole grain intake (absolute and energy-adjusted) increased with age, but was lowest in teenagers (13–17 years) and younger adults up to the age of 34 years. Of the total study population, 18 % of adults and 15 % of children/teenagers did not consume any whole-grain foods. Individuals from lower SES groups had a significantly lower whole grain intake than those from more advantaged classifications. The whole grain intake in the UK, although higher than in 2000/01, remains low and below that in the US and Danish recommendations in all age classes. Favourable pricing with increased availability of whole-grain foods and education may help to increase whole grain intake in countries without whole-grain recommendations. Teenagers and younger adults may need targeting to help increase whole grain consumption.
Orexin-A/Hypocretin-1 Mediates Cocaine-Seeking Behavior in the Posterior Paraventricular Nucleus of the Thalamus via Orexin/Hypocretin Receptor-2

Orexin/hypocretin (Orx/Hcrt) projections from the lateral hypothalamus to the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) are implicated in drug addiction. Specifically, the posterior section of the PVT (pPVT) innervates brain structures that modulate motivated behavior. This study investigated the role of pPVT-Orx/Hcrt transmission in cocaine-seeking behavior. Because the effects of Orx/Hcrt are mediated by two Orx/Hcrt receptors (Hcrt-r1 and Hcrt-r2), we examined the extent to which Hcrt-r1 and Hcrt-r2 are involved in Orx/Hcrt-induced cocaine seeking. Male Wistar rats were made cocaine dependent by self-administering cocaine 6 hours/day (long access) for 21 days. After self-administration training, the rats underwent daily extinction training, during which cocaine was withheld. After extinction, the rats were injected into the pPVT with Orx-A/Hcrt-1 (0–2 µg) alone or, using a single dose of 0.5 µg, in combination with an Hcrt-r1 antagonist (SB334867; 0–15 µg) or an Hcrt-r2 antagonist (TCSOX229; 0–15 µg). Orx-A/Hcrt-1 alone reinstated (primed) cocaine seeking. Unexpectedly, coadministration of Orx-A/Hcrt-1 with SB334867 did not have any effects on Orx-A/Hcrt-1-induced reinstatement, whereas when coadministered with Orx-A/Hcrt-1, TCSOX229 prevented cocaine-seeking behavior. These results indicate that Hcrt-r2 in the pPVT mediates the reinstating effect of Orx-A/Hcrt-1 in animals with a history of cocaine dependence and further identify Hcrt-r2 as a possible molecular target that can guide future therapeutic approaches for the prevention of drug-seeking behavior.
All roads lead to Rome (but some may be harder to travel): SRP-independent translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum

Abstract Translocation into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is the first biogenesis step for hundreds of eukaryotic secretome proteins. Over the past 30 years, groundbreaking biochemical, structural and genetic studies have delineated one conserved pathway that enables ER translocation- the signal recognition particle (SRP) pathway. However, it is clear that this is not the only pathway which can mediate ER targeting and insertion. In fact, over the past decade, several SRP-independent pathways have been uncovered, which recognize proteins that cannot engage the SRP and ensure their subsequent translocation into the ER. These SRP-independent pathways face the same challenges that the SRP pathway overcomes: chaperoning the preinserted protein while in the cytosol, targeting it rapidly to the ER surface and generating vectorial movement that inserts the protein into the ER. This review strives to summarize the various mechanisms and machineries which mediate these stages of SRP-independent translocation, as well as examine why SRP-independent translocation is utilized by the cell. This emerging understanding of the various pathways utilized by secretory proteins to insert into the ER draws light to the complexity of the translocational task, and underlines that insertion into the ER might be more varied and tailored than previously appreciated.
Event driven semantics based ad selection

The growth of digital television over satellite, cable, and terrestrial networks has driven advertisers to "better target" users by customized and personalized advertisements. Advertisements, whose content and theme are relevant and related to ongoing programs, content and theme, are known to have better impact on viewers. We propose a system for the selection, filtering, and presentation of advertisements based on detected program events and profiles contained in the home information system. A comprehensive event prediction and event analysis is performed based on which relevant ads are either selected for transport stream insertion or for caching purposes. The system also describes the notion of ActiveAd to achieve self-evaluation and self-transformation of an ad to increase its relevance with respect to an event.
Erythritol-Enriched Air-Polishing Powder for the Surgical Treatment of Peri-Implantitis

Peri-implantitis represents a major complication that can compromise the success and survival of implant-supported rehabilitations. Both surgical and nonsurgical treatment protocols were proposed to improve clinical parameters and to treat implants affected by peri-implantitis. A systematic review of the literature was performed on electronic databases. The use of air-polishing powder in surgical treatment of peri-implantitis was investigated. A total of five articles, of different study designs, were included in the review. A meta-analysis could not be performed. The data from included studies reported a substantial benefit of the use of air-polishing powders for the decontamination of implant surface in surgical protocols. A case report of guided bone regeneration in sites with implants affected by peri-implantitis was presented. Surgical treatment of peri-implantitis, though demanding and not supported by a wide scientific literature, could be considered a viable treatment option if an adequate decontamination of infected surfaces could be obtained.
Effects of Perceived Parental Acceptance–Rejection and Interpersonal Power–Prestige on the Psychological Adjustment of Croatian Adolescents

This article explored the effects of perceived maternal and paternal acceptance, parental power, and parental prestige on adolescents’ psychological adjustment. The sample consisted of 269 high school students (48% boys) ages 15 through 19 years (M = 15.75) from Zagreb, Croatia. The measures used were the child versions of the Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire for mothers and fathers, the youth version of the Parental Power–Prestige Questionnaire, and the child version of the Personality Assessment Questionnaire. Perceived maternal and paternal acceptances were significantly correlated with youth’s psychological adjustment. Paternal acceptance, power, and prestige were positively intercorrelated among males. Maternal acceptance, power, and prestige were negatively intercorrelated among females. Neither power nor prestige was correlated with youth’s psychological adjustment. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that both perceived maternal and paternal acceptance made significant independent contributions to the psychological adjustment of both males and females. Finally, parental power made an independent contribution to females’ (but not males’) psychological adjustment. Neither power nor prestige moderated the relation between perceived parental acceptance and youth’s psychological adjustment.