Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Sparse Vector Technique, Revisited

We revisit one of the most basic and widely applicable techniques in the literature of differential privacy - the sparse vector technique [Dwork et al., STOC 2009]. Loosely speaking, this technique allows us to privately test whether the value of a given query is close to what we expect it would be (w.r.t. the input database), where we are allowed to test an unbounded number of queries as long as their value is indeed close to what we expected. After the first time in which this is not the case, the process halts. We present a modification to the sparse vector technique that allows for a more fine-tuned privacy analysis. As a result, in some cases we are able to continue with the process of testing queries even after the first time in which the value of the query did not meet our expectations. We demonstrate our technique by applying it to the shifting-heavy-hitters problem: On every time step, each of n users gets a new input, and the task is to privately identify all the current heavy-hitters. That is, on time step i, the goal is to identify all data elements x such that many of the users have x as their current input. We present an algorithm for this problem with improved error guarantees over what can be obtained using existing techniques. Specifically, the error of our algorithm depends on the maximal number of times that a singe user holds a heavy-hitter as input, rather than the total number of times in which a heavy-hitter exists.
Efficient Fully-Offline Meta-Reinforcement Learning via Distance Metric Learning and Behavior Regularization

We study the offline meta-reinforcement learning (OMRL) problem, a paradigm which enables reinforcement learning (RL) algorithms to quickly adapt to unseen tasks without any interactions with the environments, making RL truly practical in many real-world applications. This problem is still not fully understood, for which two major challenges need to be addressed. First, offline RL often suffers from bootstrapping errors of out-of-distribution state-actions which leads to divergence of value functions. Second, meta-RL requires efficient and robust task inference learned jointly with control policy. In this work, we enforce behavior regularization on learned policy as a general approach to offline RL, combined with a deterministic context encoder for efficient task inference. We propose a novel negative-power distance metric on bounded context embedding space, whose gradients propagation is detached from that of the Bellman backup. We provide analysis and insight showing that some simple design choices can yield substantial improvements over recent approaches involving meta-RL and distance metric learning. To the best of our knowledge, our method is the first model-free and end-to-end OMRL algorithm, which is computationally efficient and demonstrated to outperform prior algorithms on several meta-RL benchmarks.
Design Runoff Estimation Using an Efficient Rainfall Analysis Model for Low Data Available Catchment

The challenge of various methods of analysis of rainfall intensity for design runoff estimation is in the availability of data for the given area. This work aims to evaluate the use of the Intensity Duration and Frequency (IDF) method in design runoff estimation using a rainfall analysis model for low data catchment areas such as Nigeria. The source of the data for the study is the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, and it is for Lokoja, a city in the North Central Zone of the country. Analysis of the data compared to the annual and partial duration series for rainfall intensities at various return periods. Also analyzed was the daily rainfall data to determine the rainfall intensity for the different duration and return periods for the study area. From the analysis, partial duration series analysis offered better design estimates than the annual series. Also noted is the fact that the intensity of rainfall increases with a return period of a given duration. The work also indicates that frequency curves can be used to extrapolate rainfall intensity of a given duration for a longer period than years of record. The paper, therefore, presents a design intensity equation useful for the estimation runoff necessary for sustainable infrastructures such as in water utilization and controls.
Cancer-Associated Carbonic Anhydrases IX and XII: Effect of Growth Factors on Gene Expression in Human Cancer Cell Lines

AIM: Carbonic anhydrase Ⅸ (CA9) and carbonic anhydrase Ⅻ (CA12) are cancer-associated enzymes that are strongly up-regulated by hypoxia via hypoxia-inducible factor HIF-1, but whether these isozymes are regulated by other mechanisms is not well understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of certain hormones and growth factors on the levels of CA9 and CA12 mRNA expression in human cancer cell lines.METHODS: Seven human cell lines were selected for the study. The cells were treated with several hormones and growth factors for 24 h. Changes in the levels of human CA9 and CA12 transcripts were detected using quantitative real-time PCR.RESULTS: Different growth factors or hormones had different effects on CA9 and CA12 mRNA expression in different cancer cells. The strongest up-regulation of CA9 and CA12 expression was observed after deferoxamine mesylate treatment, which was used to induce a hypoxia-like response. Additionally, CA12 expression could be stimulated by growth factors like IGF-1, TGF-β1 and EGF in U373, MCF-7, Caki-1, and A-498 cells. Induction of CA9 expression was obvious only in U373 cells. Conversely, CA12 expression was reduced in human endothelial cells after growth factor treatments.CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the increase in CA9 and CA12 stimulated by IGF-1, TGF-α, TGF-β1 and EGF is mediated through HIF-1α protein expression, which has been shown to be up-regulated by several growth factors under normal oxygenation conditions in human cell lines. This could represent a novel regulatory mechanism for CA9 and CA12 expression.
Low Genetic Diversity of Cycas taitungensis (Cycadaceae), an Endemic Species in Taiwan, Revealed by Allozyme Analysis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the population genetic structure of Cycas taitungensis C. F. Shen, K. D. Hill, C. H. Tsou & C. J. Chen using isozyme techniques. Only 2 isolated populations of C taitungensis were found in the southeastern part of Taiwan. Nineteen enzyme systems examined were encoded by 40 putative loci. All loci were monomorphic with the exception of Mdh-2, which was resolved into 3 alleles. The mean number of alleles per locus of these 2 populations, Luyei River and Coastal Range, was 1.08 vs. 1.05, with an average of 1.07. The mean effective number of alleles was considerably low, averaging 1.01 for both populations. The mean percentage of polymorphic loci and average value were both 2.5%. Mean heterozygosity was 0.014 for Luyei River and 0.011 for Coastal Range, with an average of 0.013. In conclusion, C taitungensis exhibits extremely low levels of genetic diversity. Wright's F-statistics showed negative values. The x^2 analyses revealed that the observed distribution of genotypes for Mdh-2 within population was in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. In terms of genetic differentiation among populations, the F1 value was 0.034; thus more than 96% of the genetic diversity resided within a population, and the genetic differentiation between populations was low.
THE ECOLOGY OF THE POLYTYPIC FRESHWATER TURTLE SPECIES, Emydura macquarii macquarii.

An ecological study of Emydura macquarii macquarii in the south-east region of Australia was conducted between October 1995 and March 1998. E. m. macquarii is an abundant and widespread species of short-necked turtle that is highly variable in morphology and related life history attributes. No study in Australia had previously looked at geographic variation in biological traits in freshwater turtles, hence the level of variation in E. m. macquarii had been poorly documented. The principal aims of this study were to investigate the plasticity of life history traits across populations of E. m. macquarii and to speculate on possible causes. A more intensive study was also conducted on a rare and suspected declining population of E. m. macquarii in the Nepean River to determine whether relevant management and conservation measures were required. The study involved comparing various life history attributes between five populations of E. m. macquarii (Brisbane River, Macleay River, Hunter River, Nepean River and Murray River). The populations were specifically chosen to account for the range of variation in body size within this subspecies. Body size (maximum size, size at maturity, growth rates), population structures (sex ratios, age and size structures), reproductive traits (clutch mass, clutch size, egg size, egg content, etc.) and other attributes were collected for each population. Patterns of life history traits, both within and among populations, were explored so that causes of variation could be sought. Geographic variation in Body Size and other Related Life History Traits Body size in E. m. macquarii differed markedly between populations. Females ranged in maximum sizes (carapace length) of 180 mm in the Macleay River to over 300 mm in the Murray River. E. m. macquarii was sexually dimorphic across all populations with females larger than males in all cases. Maximum body size was positively related to the size at which a turtle matures. The size at maturity in turn was positively related to juvenile growth rates. Age was a more important factor for males in terms of timing of maturity whereas in females it was body size. Morphological
Ultrasonic identification and regression analysis of 294 thyroid follicular tumors

Context: We analyzed the clinical features and ultrasound image features of follicular thyroid carcinoma (FTC) and follicular thyroid adenoma (FTA). Aims: This study aimed to identify ultrasonographic differences and correlations between FTC and FTA. Meanwhile, ultrasonographic manifestations of thyroid follicular tumor were also retrospectively analyzed. Settings and Design: Using pathological results as the gold standard, the clinical and ultrasonic image characteristics of FTA and FTC were statistically analyzed, and the differences were analyzed. Materials and Methods: A total of 304 patients who were diagnosed with FTC or FTA by pathology after thyroidectomy from March 2009 to March 2018 were enrolled in this study. Their ultrasonic images were analyzed; image features were extracted and correlation analyses for these features were conducted. Differences in ultrasonic images between FTC and FTA were also compared. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent sample t-test; Wilcoxon rank sum test; A Chi-square test: Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Results: When performing ultrasound diagnosis, attention should be paid to identify FTC and FTA in terms of age, nodular goiter conditions, nodular boundary conditions, internal echo, calcification, blood flow signals, thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TI-RADS) grading and cystic solidity conditions. Moreover, a multivariate logistic regression showed that the boundaries were unclear, and cystic degeneration, TI-RADS, hypoecho, nodular goiter, macrocalcification and microcalcification were associated with FTC. Among them, macrocalcification is a protective factor for thyroid follicular tumors, and other indicators are risk factors. Conclusion: Ultrasound can provide valuable information for the identification of follicular neoplasms, but further research in this area is still necessary.
Small intestinal protein metabolism during cancer cachexia and chemotherapy in mice

Cachexia is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cancer. Mechanisms The effects of cancer cachexia and chemotherapy on small intestinal protein metabolism and the mechanisms regulating recovery are currently not known. Compromises to small intestinal protein metabolism may impair normal digestive and immune functions within the intestine and may negatively impact the whole body. Colon 26 adenocarcinoma induces cancer cachexia in mice, characteristic to the human condition, and this tumour can be cured with 100% efficacy using the experimental alkylating agent, cystemustine. In the present study, both healthy mice and colon 26 adenocarcinoma bearing mice were given either a single i.p. injection of N-(2Chloroethyl)-N-[2-(methylsulfonyl)ethyl]-N-nitrosourea (cystemustine)(20 mg/kg) or saline 3 d following the onset of cachexia in colon 26 adenocarcinoma bearing mice. The rate of protein synthesis was determined in vivo using the flooding dose method. The possible involvement of proteolysis was assessed through northern blot hybridization of mRNA encoding components of the major proteolytic systems (lysosomal, calcium dependent, ATP-ubiquitin dependent). Villus and crypt morphology was studied through histological analysis. In tumour bearing mice not treated with chemotherapy, cancer cachexia reduced the rate of protein synthesis in the small intestine relative to healthy mice on a fractional (-15 to -20%, PO.05) and an absolute basis (-20 to -35%, PO.05) resulting in a 25% loss of protein mass (P<0.05), and minor alterations to villus and crypt morphology. Northern blot hybridization suggested that protein degradation may not have contributed to wasting as an up-regulation in mRNA levels were not detected (P>0.05). In treated mice, acute cytotoxicity of chemotherapy did not promote further wasting of small intestinal protein mass, nor did it result in damage to intestinal morphology. In contrast, mucosal damage and a 17% reduction in small intestinal protein mass (P<0.05) was evident in healthy mice treated with cystemustine, suggesting that the small intestine in cachectic mice responds differently to chemotherapy than in normal healthy mice. Complete and rapid recovery of small intestinal protein mass in cured mice resulted from an increase in the rate of protein synthesis compared to healthy mice on a fractional (+25%, P<0.05) and absolute basis (+35%, P<0.05); northern blot hybridization suggested no involvement of proteolysis during recovery.
Digital psychiatry in low- and middle-income countries post-COVID-19: Opportunities, challenges, and solutions

Health systems are adapting to the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing has forced clinicians to provide their services through online platforms in high income countries. Similar trends have been noticed in Low and middle-income countries (LAMIC). Digital health can help LAMIC address traditional barriers to care by overcoming issues related to stigma, discrimination, staffing, and physical and geographical resource constraints. Mobile phone subscriptions exceed 80% of the population in many LAMICs. Mobile platforms represent a viable resource in overcoming the significant mental health gap in LAMIC. This paper discusses the enormous potential that digital health has to transform healthcare delivery in LAMICs, as well as numerous challenges to implementation. We also discuss the need to develop national digital health strategies and suggest solutions to some of the barriers.
Responses in lactose yield, lactose percentage and protein-to-protein-plus-lactose ratio from index selection in New Zealand dairy cattle

ABSTRACT The breeding goal of the New Zealand dairy industry is to improve the genetic capability of cows to convert pasture-based feed into farmer profit. The New Zealand dairy industry exports over 95% of milk produced and the most significant product by export volume is whole milk powder (WMP). The current selection objective, breeding worth (BW), will increase yields of protein and fat, potentially shifting milk composition further from the ideal composition for making WMP. This study aimed to investigate the correlated responses in lactose yield (LY), lactose percentage (LP) and protein-to-protein-plus-lactose ratio (P:P + L) from selection for BW, BW plus LY, BW plus LP and BW plus P:P + L. Selection for BW is predicted to have per-cow responses of 54.92 kg milk/year, 2.22 kg fat/year, 1.78 kg protein/year and 2.84 kg lactose/year. When lactose was included in the selection objective in the form of LY, LP or P:P + L, genetic responses ranged from −59.98 kg to 61.08 kg milk/year and from −2.67 kg to 3.70 kg lactose/year. The industry could reduce imported lactose requirements per tonne of WMP by 6%–11% by including lactose into the selection objective, compared with selection on BW alone.
Physiopathology of ischemic stroke and its modulation using memantine: evidence from preclinical stroke

Ischemic stroke is the most common type of cerebrovascular disease and is caused by an interruption of blood flow in the brain. In this disease, two different damage areas are identifying: the lesion core, in which cells quickly die; and the penumbra (surrounding the lesion core), in which cells are functionally weakened but may recover and restore their functions. The currently approved treatments for ischemic stroke are the recombinant tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular thrombectomy, but they have a short therapeutic window (4.5 and 6 hours after stroke onset, respectively) and a low percentage of stroke patients actually receive these treatments. Memantine is an approved drug for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Memantine is a noncompetitive, low affinity and use-dependent antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor. Memantine has several advantages over developing a new drug to treat focal ischemic stroke, but the most important is that it has sufficient safe probes in preclinical models and humans, and if the preclinical studies provide more evidence about pharmacological actions in tissue protection and repair, this could help to increase the number of clinical trials. The present review summarizes the physiopathology of isquemic stroke and the pharmacological actions in neuroprotection and neuroplasticity of memantine in the post stroke stage of preclinical stroke models, to illustrate their potential to improve functional recovery in human patients.
Energetic Cost of Gestation in the White-Toothed Shrew Crocidura russula monacha (Soricidae, Insectivora)

Body mass (BM), oxygen consumption, and energetic food intake were measured in females of the white-toothed shrew, Crocidura russula monacha, during the gestation period of about 28 days. Maternal BM increased by 34% from the initial BM of 8.53 g ± 1.29 SD. This increase is almost entirely attributed to embryonic mass of 1.0 g ± 0.23 SD per pup (litter size = one to four pups). Mass-specific O₂ consumption throughout gestation was 3.24 ml O₂ ·(g·h)⁻¹ ± 0.17 SD, which is 24% higher than that of the nulliparous females. Energetic intake in food increased from 23.68 kJ· day⁻¹ ± 2.51 SD during the first days to 34.35 kJ ·day⁻¹ ¹ 0.88 SD during the last days of gestation. Nonreproductive females consumed 26.48 kJ · day⁻¹ ± 2.68 SD. Gestation duration is longer than predicted for eutherian mammals of this BM, and within this period the major BM changes and energetic intake occur during the last 2 wk. This presumably enables the main energetic effort to be directed toward lactation during the first 2 wk of gestation. Such time partitioning may be necessary for a small mammal that exhibits a postpartum estrus in order to be able to cope with the already high energetic demands of the nulliparous maintenance.
Nordic Assessment of Occupational Disorders among Dental Students and Dentists in Saudi Arabia

Objectives: Ergonomics and the avoidance of occupational or work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are crucial for a future dentist’s career, as studies have linked WRMSDs to some serious complications, including early retirement. This study aimed to investigate the level of knowledge and awareness about ergonomics and the prevalence of WRMSDs among dental students and dentists in Makkah province, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted of 322 dental students and dentists from two universities in Makkah province, Saudi Arabia, using a self-report questionnaire to measure ergonomic awareness and the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to measure WRMSDs. Results: Among the respondents, only 4.82% could correctly explain ergonomics, 14.16% had attended a course or workshop on ergonomics, 55.12% were familiar with preventive techniques for WRMSDs, and 37.95% were familiar with remedies/treatment for WRMSDs. Females were significantly more aware of WRMSDs than males. There was 81.33% who had trouble (pain, aches, or discomfort) in one or more parts of their body during the previous 12 months. The most common sites for WRMSDs were the upper back (48.19%), wrists/hands (44.27%), lower back (43.98%), neck (36.45%), and shoulder (33.43%). In most body parts, WRMSDs were more common among males and participants from a governmental university than among females or those from a private university. Conclusion: Both dental students and dentists in Saudi Arabia lacked awareness of ergonomics and experienced high levels of WRMSDs. More educational efforts and attempts are needed to boost dental professionals’ knowledge about musculoskeletal disorders related to dental profession and built the skills to cope with them.
Comparison of Digital and Paper Assessment of Smile Aesthetics Perception

Objectives: Despite the widespread of assessment of smile aesthetic perception in many areas, there has yet to be a direct comparison of digital and paper-based photographs for the assessment of smile aesthetics. Here we compared digital and paper-based photographs representing different smile aesthetic features using visual analog scale (VAS) scoring. Materials and Methods: One hundred students were randomly recruited from a university campus. Participants were asked to record their perception of smile aesthetics via paper and digital-based platforms. The minimum clinically important difference between platforms was set at 15 mm. The percentage of participants who rated smile attractiveness worse on digital images was recorded. The paired one-tailed Student’s t test was used to determine differences between digital and paper platforms, and Bland–Altman analysis and intraclass correlations (ICCs) were used to test for agreement between paper and digital photographs. Results: Ninety-nine subjects participated, 55 men (mean age = 22.05, standard deviation [SD] = 1.91) and 44 women (mean age 22.05, SD = 1.84). There were statistically significant differences between paper-based and digital photographs for all images except one (paired t test; P < 0.05). Digital ratings were lower than paper-based ratings for all images, and differences were clinically significant in four out of eight images. A high percentage of participants (50.5%–85.9%) rated smile attractiveness worse on digital images than on paper for all images. There was poor agreement between the two methods as assessed by ICCs and Bland–Altman analysis. Conclusion: Equivalence between paper and digital images for smile aesthetics cannot be assumed, and paper-based photographs may lead to clinically relevant overestimations of perceived attractiveness. As academic dentistry increasingly relies on digital imaging and sharing in the post-COVID-19 world, further validation of digital platforms for smile aesthetics assessment is warranted, and care should be taken when interpreting the results of studies assessing smile perception based on different platforms.