Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Privacy Preserving Social Network Publication against Mutual Friend Attacks

Publishing social network data for research purposes has raised serious concerns for individual privacy. There exist many privacy-preserving works that can deal with different attack models. In this paper, we introduce a novel privacy attack model and refer it as a mutual friend attack. In this model, the adversary can re-identify a pair of friends by using their number of mutual friends. To address this issue, we propose a new anonymity concept, called k-NMF anonymity, i.e., k-anonymity on the number of mutual friends, which ensures that there exist at least k-1 other friend pairs in the graph that share the same number of mutual friends. We devise algorithms to achieve the k-NMF anonymity while preserving the original vertex set in the sense that we allow the occasional addition but no deletion of vertices. Further we give an algorithm to ensure the k-degree anonymity in addition to the k-NMF anonymity. The experimental results on real-word datasets demonstrate that our approach can preserve the privacy and utility of social networks effectively against mutual friend attacks.
On generalized sum rules for Jacobi matrices

This work is in a stream (see e.g. (4), (8), (10), (11), (7)) initiated by a paper of Killip and Simon (9), an earlier paper (5) also should be mentioned here. Using methods of Functional Analysis and the classical Szego Theorem we prove sum rule identities in a very general form. Then, we apply the result to obtain new asymptotics for orthonormal polynomials.
Immunostimulatory, but not antiendotoxin, activity of lipid X is due to small amounts of contaminating N,O-acylated disaccharide-1-phosphate: in vitro and in vivo reevaluation of the biological activity of synthetic lipid X

Lipid X, a precursor in the biosynthesis of lipid A, has been claimed to possess most of the immunostimulatory activity but none of the toxicity of endotoxin. However, recent work shows that synthetic lipid X can be contaminated with small amounts of N,O-acylated disaccharide-1-phosphate (H. Aschauer, A. Grob, J. Hildebrandt, E. Schuetze, and P. Steutz, J. Biol. Chem. 265:9159-9164, 1990). Because the impurities themselves exhibit immunostimulatory properties, it was necessary to establish whether chemically pure synthetic lipid X exhibits any of the endotoxinlike biological activities previously attributed to the native compound extracted from the Escherichia coli MN7 mutant. In the present study, two batches of synthetic lipid X were used: batch A contained the contaminating disaccharide, and batch B was pure lipid X. Batch A, previously believed to be pure on the basis of spectroscopic and microanalysis data, induced murine peritoneal macrophages to secrete tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, and prostaglandin E2 at a minimal dose of 10 micrograms/ml in vitro. Batch B, further purified by Sephadex LH 20 chromatography, was found virtually inactive in these in vitro assays. Furthermore, batch A was pyrogenic in rabbits at a dose of 0.05 mg/kg, whereas batch B was not pyrogenic at doses of up to greater than or equal to 2 mg/kg. However, both batches were equally tolerated by galactosamine-loaded mice at doses of up to 100 mg/kg. Surprisingly, while only batch A protected neutropenic mice against lethal infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (50% effective dose, 12.4 mg/kg), both batches were equally protective against infection with herpes simplex virus type 1 in mice and guinea pigs, even when lipid X was administered therapeutically. Interestingly, both batches of lipid X blocked endotoxin-induced expression of monocyte procoagulant activity and priming of human neutrophils for superoxide anion release. Similarly, both batches protected galactosamine-sensitized mice from otherwise lethal endotoxemia when administered prophylactically or simultaneously with the lipopolysaccharide challenge. Thus, our findings suggest that chemically pure lipid X (batch B) is devoid of the immunostimulatory properties of lipid A or endotoxin. Rather, it behaves as a competitive inhibitor of lipopolysaccharide. We conclude, therefore, that previous studies which attributed immunostimulatory activities to any batch of synthetic lipid X should be interpreted with caution.
A Home Healthcare System in the Cloud--Addressing Security and Privacy Challenges

Cloud computing is an emerging technology that is expected to support Internet scale critical applications which could be essential to the healthcare sector. Its scalability, resilience, adaptability, connectivity, cost reduction, and high performance features have high potential to lift the efficiency and quality of healthcare. However, it is also important to understand specific risks related to security and privacy that this technology brings. This paper focuses on a home healthcare system based on cloud computing. It introduces several use cases and draws an architecture based on the cloud. A comprehensive methodology is used to integrate security and privacy engineering process into the software development lifecycle. In particular, security and privacy challenges are identified in the proposed cloud-based home healthcare system. Moreover, a functional infrastructure plan is provided to demonstrate the integration between the proposed application architecture with the cloud infrastructure. Finally, the paper discusses several mitigation techniques putting the focus on patient-centric control and policy enforcement via cryptographic technologies, and consequently on digital rights management and attribute based encryption technologies.
Genetic analysis of adventitious root formation with a novel series of temperature-sensitive mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana

When cultured on media containing the plant growth regulator auxin, hypocotyl explants of Arabidopsis thaliana generate adventitious roots. As a first step to investigate the genetic basis of adventitious organogenesis in plants, we isolated nine temperature-sensitive mutants defective in various stages in the formation of adventitious roots: five root initiation defective (rid1 to rid5) mutants failed to initiate the formation of root primordia; in one root primordium defective (rpd1) mutant, the development of root primordia was arrested; three root growth defective (rgd1, rgd2, and rgd3) mutants were defective in root growth after the establishment of the root apical meristem. The temperature sensitivity of callus formation and lateral root formation revealed further distinctions between the isolated mutants. The rid1 mutant was specifically defective in the reinitiation of cell proliferation from hypocotyl explants, while the rid2 mutant was also defective in the reinitiation of cell proliferation from root explants. These two mutants also exhibited abnormalities in the formation of the root apical meristem when lateral roots were induced at the restrictive temperature. The rgd1 and rgd2 mutants were deficient in root and callus growth, whereas the rgd3 mutation specifically affected root growth. The rid5 mutant required higher auxin concentrations for rooting at the restrictive temperature, implying a deficiency in auxin signaling. The rid5 phenotype was found to result from a mutation in the MOR1/GEM1 gene encoding a microtubule-associated protein. These findings about the rid5 mutant suggest a possible function of the microtubule system in auxin response.
A Single Coxsackievirus B2 Capsid Residue Controls Cytolysis and Apoptosis in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cells

ABSTRACT Coxsackievirus B2 (CVB2), one of six human pathogens of the group B coxsackieviruses within the enterovirus genus of Picornaviridae, causes a wide spectrum of human diseases ranging from mild upper respiratory illnesses to myocarditis and meningitis. The CVB2 prototype strain Ohio-1 (CVB2O) was originally isolated from a patient with summer grippe in the 1950s. Later on, CVB2O was adapted to cytolytic replication in rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells. Here, we present analyses of the correlation between the adaptive mutations of this RD variant and the cytolytic infection in RD cells. Using reverse genetics, we identified a single amino acid change within the exposed region of the VP1 protein (glutamine to lysine at position 164) as the determinant for the acquired cytolytic trait. Moreover, this cytolytic virus induced apoptosis, including caspase activation and DNA degradation, in RD cells. These findings contribute to our understanding of the host cell adaptation process of CVB2O and provide a valuable tool for further studies of virus-host interactions.
Identification de questions pour traiter les courriels par une m ethode question-reponse

An archery quiver, for holding a broadhead, having a support structure with at least one mounting bore and an insert positionable within each mounting bore. The insert has a plurality of arms which extend radially outward from a center portion of the insert, each arm forming a void for housing a blade of the broadhead. When the broadhead is in an inserted position within the insert, a plurality of areas of an inner surface of the insert preferably contact a portion of at least one of a ferrule of the broadhead and an arrow shaft attached to the broadhead to securely center the broadhead within the insert.
Optimization of Group Elevator Scheduling With Advance Information

Group elevator scheduling has received considerable attention due to its importance to transportation efficiency for mid-rise and high-rise buildings. One important trend to improve elevator systems is to collect advance traffic information. Nevertheless, it remains a challenge to develop new scheduling methods which can effectively utilize such information. This paper is to solve the group elevator scheduling problem with advance traffic information. This problem is difficult due to various traffic patterns, complicated car dynamics, and combinatorial explosion of the search space. A two-level formulation is developed with passenger-to-car assignment at the high-level and single car dispatching that is innovatively formulated as passenger-to-trip assignment at the low-level. Detailed car dynamics are embedded in simulation models for performance evaluation. Taking advantage of advance information, a new door action control method is suggested to increase the flexibility of elevators. In view of the hierarchical problem structure, a two-level optimization framework is established. Key problem characteristics are exploited to develop an effective trip-based heuristic for single car dispatching, and a hybrid nested partitions and genetic algorithm method for passenger-to-car assignment which can be extended to solve a generic class of sequential decision problems. Numerical results demonstrate solution quality, computational efficiency, benefit of advance information and the new door action control method, and values of new features in our hybrid method.
Quantitative evolutionary design

The field of quantitative evolutionary design uses evolutionary reasoning (in terms of natural selection and ultimate causation) to understand the magnitudes of biological reserve capacities, i.e. excesses of capacities over natural loads. Ratios of capacities to loads, defined as safety factors, fall in the range 1.2‐10 for most engineered and biological components, even though engineered safety factors are specified intentionally by humans while biological safety factors arise through natural selection. Familiar examples of engineered safety factors include those of buildings, bridges and elevators (lifts), while biological examples include factors of bones and other structural elements, of enzymes and transporters, and of organ metabolic performances. Safety factors serve to minimize the overlap zone (resulting in performance failure) between the low tail of capacity distributions and the high tail of load distributions. Safety factors increase with coefficients of variation of load and capacity, with capacity deterioration with time, and with cost of failure, and decrease with costs of initial construction, maintenance, operation, and opportunity. Adaptive regulation of many biological systems involves capacity increases with increasing load; several quantitative examples suggest sublinear increases, such that safety factors decrease towards 1.0. Unsolved questions include safety factors of series systems, parallel or branched pathways, elements with multiple functions, enzyme reaction chains, and equilibrium enzymes. The modest sizes of safety factors imply the existence of costs that penalize excess capacities. Those costs are likely to involve wasted energy or space for large or expensive components, but opportunity costs of wasted space at the molecular level for minor components.
Kinesio Taping vs. Placebo in Reducing Pregnancy-Related Low Back Pain: A Cross-Over Study

Background Spinal pain affects approximately 45–56% of pregnant women. Kinesio taping (KT) involves application of flexible water-resistant elastic bands on the patient’s body, resulting in painless and non-invasive stimulation. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of KT on reduction of low back pain in pregnant women. Material/Methods Kinesio Tex Gold tapes were applied using the muscular-ligament technique and Polovis Plus textile cladding blinded the sample. The starting position for the KT and placebo with lumbar spine flexion with rotation was in the opposite direction to the application. An “I”-shaped application was used. The material included 106 women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, with low back pain. The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Polish version of the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ-2004) were used for pain assessment. Participants were randomly divided into 2 groups. KT and placebo were used alternately in 2 groups. Results Mean pain intensity on the 2nd and 7th post-application days was significantly lower in the study group than in the control group. Mean scores for the RMDQ differed significantly before and after KT (p<0.0001), and after KT and placebo (p<0.0057), but there are no differences before and after placebo (p<0.67) and before KT and placebo (p<0.59). Conclusions Low back pain in pregnant women decreased significantly after KT when compared to placebo. The therapeutic effect appeared on day 2 and continued after removal of the tape. The few side effects did not affect the course of the study.
Rhebbing up mTOR: New Insights on TSC1 and TSC2, and the Pathogenesis of Tuberous Sclerosis

Tuberous sclerosis is an autosomal dominant human genetic disorder in which distinctive tumors called hamartomas develop. Germline mutations in either TSC1 or TSC2 cause this syndrome, and hamartomas typically display second hit events with loss of the remaining normal allele. Studies initiated in Drosophila have identified a role for the Tsc1 and Tsc2 genes in the regulation of cell and organ size, and genetic interaction studies have placed them in the PI3K-Akt-mTOR-S6K pathway. Biochemical studies have shown that activated Akt phosphorylates the TSC1/TSC2 protein complex, inactivating it; while TSC1/TSC2 has GAP activity for the Rheb GTPase (a member of the ras family), and activated Rheb-GTP activates mTOR. Thus, in cells lacking TSC1 or TSC2 there are increased levels of Rheb-GTP which leads to activation of mTOR, leading to cell size increase and growth. These developments provide enhanced understanding of this signaling pathway and fundamental insights into the pathogenesis of tuberous sclerosis, and open the possibility of treatment for hamartomas by several pharmacologic approaches.
Clinicopathologic correlations in multiple myeloma: a case series of 190 patients with kidney biopsies.

BACKGROUND Renal involvement is common in multiple myeloma. In this study, we examined kidney biopsy findings in patients with multiple myeloma and correlated them with their clinical renal and hematologic characteristics. STUDY DESIGN Case series. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS 190 Mayo Clinic patients with multiple myeloma who underwent kidney biopsy between 1997-2011 were identified from our kidney biopsy database. Patients had an established diagnosis of multiple myeloma or multiple myeloma was diagnosed shortly after the results of kidney biopsy, which prompted bone marrow biopsy. PREDICTORS Myeloma cast nephropathy (MCN), AL amyloidosis, and monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD). OUTCOMES & MEASUREMENTS Renal morphologic changes, clinical renal and hematologic characteristics at kidney biopsy, renal and patient outcomes. RESULTS Paraprotein-associated lesions were seen in 73% of patients; non-paraprotein-associated lesions, in 25%; and no pathology, in 2%. The most common paraprotein-associated lesions were MCN (33%), MIDD (22%), and amyloidosis (21%). The most common non-paraprotein-associated lesions were acute tubular necrosis (9%), hypertensive arteriosclerosis (6%), and diabetic nephropathy (5%). Patients with MIDD were younger than those with MCN or amyloidosis. Urine paraprotein size and bone marrow plasma cell percentage were higher in MCN than amyloidosis or MIDD. Nephrotic syndrome was more common in amyloidosis than MIDD. Percentage of albuminuria was highest in amyloidosis and lowest in MCN. Median kidney survival from kidney biopsy was 20, 30, and 51 months for MCN, amyloidosis, and MIDD, respectively (P = 0.2). Median patient survival from multiple myeloma diagnosis was 44, 58, and 62 months for MCN, amyloidosis, and MIDD, respectively (P = 0.4). LIMITATIONS Retrospective nature. CONCLUSIONS The spectrum of renal lesions in multiple myeloma is more heterogeneous than previously reported. Clinical features favoring amyloidosis over MIDD include older age, absence of kidney failure, presence of nephrotic syndrome, absence of hematuria, and >50% albuminuria.
The perception of timescales in electroacoustic music

The purpose of this doctoral research is to explore the nature and perception of timescales in electroacoustic music, to examine modes of experiencing time, and to discover a method that uses this knowledge to the advantage of the composer. Although the main focus is on acousmatic works, much of the research presented here has a broader scope and is relevant to music and sound art in general. This thesis is initially inspired by Deleuze’s philosophical views on time to discover relationships between the flow of time and music, and continues to investigate time perception by exploring prevalent theories in the fields of psychology and psychoacoustics. In parallel, it identifies and systematically analyses a set of factors that influence time perception and the formation and segregation of timescales. Theoretical analysis, hypotheses and reasoning were practically tested in the five electroacoustic pieces composed for this particular research. The study revealed and reinforced the importance of psychological time in perception and interpretation of structures in music, developed the idea of using parallel temporal forms in composition, and through an exploration of timescales, it necessitated a redefinition of microsound. Moreover, an analysis of extrinsic and intrinsic factors that affect our perception of time and thus our interpretation of a musical work reinforced the notion of acousmatic music as a holistic experience that comprises all its surrounding elements at the time of listening. This research is useful for both the composer and the analyst because it offers insights into time structures, and a better understanding of the listener’s response to temporal constructs.
An Investigation of Alcohol use among Turkish High School Adolescents

well as new behavior patterns, attitudes, and reactions. To cope with these tremendous changes, adolescents need the support of understanding parents; otherwise, their social and emotional development may be hampered by poor familial communication, a deep yearning for independence, and a great effort for self-assertion (Kulaksızoğlu, 2001; Terrell-Deutsch, 1999). During this difficult period, adolescents usually value their peers more than they do their own families (Alonzo, 1989), and they let their behavior be shaped by their peers as well (Gürsoy & Yıldız Bıçakçı, 2003; Sing Lau, Dennis, & Patrick, 1999). Adolescents may resort to cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, or drug use (1) when faced with negative feelings such as loneliness, anxiety, and depression; (2) in an effort to prove themselves, cope with problems, relax, or forget about their worries; or (3) when confronted with peer pressure. Although substance use is initially seen as a tool to eliminate tension and worries, alleviate loneliness, and prove oneself, it is later perceived as a source of pleasure and happiness (Eccless et al., 1993; Yeşilyaprak, 1986). Among the chief reasons for adolescent alcohol use are demographic characteristics, family relationships, social relationships (Buchholz & Catton, 1999; Gürsoy & Yıldız Bıçakçı, 2003; McWhirter, Besett-Alesch, Horibata, & Gat, 2002; Nurmi, Toivonen, Salmela-Aro, & Eronen, 1997; Shillington & Clapp, 2002), peer relationships, low self-esteem (Cash, 1995), social pressure, rebellion, and depression (McWhirter et al., 2002; Patterson, Lerman, Kaufmann, Neuner, & Audrain-McGovern, 2004). It has been shown that alcohol users display a tendency for violence and aggressive behavior (Zhang, Welte, & Wieczorek, 2002). Additionally, alcohol consumption reduces adolescents’ motivation, cognitive development, and problem-solving skills, thus negatively affecting their health and social adaptation process (Shillington & Clapp, 2002). A healthy society comprises adolescents with strong personalities and positive behavior patterns; therefore, increased adolescent alcohol consumption in recent years should be taken seriously. The present study explores the relationship among gender, age, the presence of family members who drink, and alcohol use by 16to 18-year-old
Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy Improving Survival Outcomes for Esophageal Carcinoma: An Updated Meta-analysis

Background:The effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (NCRT) treatment for patients with esophageal carcinoma (EC) remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of NCRT followed by surgery (NCRTS) with surgery alone (SA) for EC. Methods:The PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were electronically searched up to August 2015 for all the published studies that investigated EC patients receiving either NCRTS or SA, and the reference lists were also manually examined for the eligible studies. The risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) as effective size was determined to assess the 1-, 3-, 5-year survival rates (SRs), postoperative morbidity, and postoperative mortality. Heterogeneity was determined using the Q-test. The Begg's test and Egger's test were used for assessing any potential publication bias. Results:Of 1120 identified studies, 16 eligible studies were included in this analysis (involving 2549 patients). Overall, the pooled results suggested that NCRTS was associated with significantly improved 1-year (RR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.02–1.13), 3-year (RR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.14–1.39), and 5-year (RR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.18–1.56) SRs. However, the results also indicated that NCRTS had no or little effect on postoperative morbidity (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.82–1.05) and postoperative mortality (RR: 1.17, 95% CI: 0.56–2.44). Conclusions:Compared with SA, NCRTS can increase 1-, 3-, and 5-year SRs in patients with EC.