How to Delegate Computations: The Power of No-Signaling Proofs

We construct a 1-round delegation scheme (i.e., argument-system) for every language computable in time t = t ( n ), where the running time of the prover is poly ( t ) and the running time of the verifier is n · polylog ( t ). In particular, for every language in P we obtain a delegation scheme with almost linear time verification. Our construction relies on the existence of a computational sub-exponentially secure private information retrieval ( PIR ) scheme. The proof exploits a curious connection between the problem of computation delegation and the model of multi-prover interactive proofs that are sound against no-signaling (cheating) strategies , a model that was studied in the context of multi-prover interactive proofs with provers that share quantum entanglement, and is motivated by the physical principle that information cannot travel faster than light. For any language computable in time t = t ( n ), we construct a multi-prover interactive proof ( MIP ), that is, sound against no-signaling strategies, where the running time of the provers is poly ( t ), the number of provers is polylog ( t ), and the running time of the verifier is n · polylog ( t ). In particular, this shows that the class of languages that have polynomial-time MIP s that are sound against no-signaling strategies, is exactly EXP . Previously, this class was only known to contain PSPACE . To convert our MIP into a 1-round delegation scheme, we use the method suggested by Aiello et al. (ICALP, 2000), which makes use of a PIR scheme. This method lacked a proof of security. We prove that this method is secure assuming the underlying MIP is secure against no-signaling provers.

MiR-423-5p activated by E2F1 promotes neovascularization in diabetic retinopathy by targeting HIPK2

Background Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a diabetic complication and the primary cause of blindness in the world. However, the treatments of DR are challenging given its complicated pathogenesis. Here, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of DR by focusing on the function of E2F1/miR-423-5p/HIPK2/HIF1α/VEGF axis. Methods Cultured retinal endothelial cells (hRMECs, hRECs) were treated with 25 mM glucose to mimic the high glucose-induced DR in vitro. Streptozotocin (STZ) was injected into mice to induce DR in mice. qRT-PCR, western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and ELISA were employed to measure levels of E2F1, miR-423-5p, HIPK2, HIF1α, and VEGF. H&E staining was utilized to examine retinal neovascularization. CCK-8 assay, transwell assay, and vascular tube formation assay were used to assess the cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis. Dual luciferase assay was performed to validate interactions between E2F1 and miR-423-5p, miR-423-5p and HIPK2. Results HG treatment increased the cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis accompanied by upregulation of E2F1, miR-423-5p, HIF1α, and VEGF levels, but reduction in HIPK2 expression. Knockdown of E2F1 or miR-423-5p suppressed the HG-induced increases in cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis. E2F1 transcriptionally activated miR-423-5p expression and miR-423-5p mimics blocked the effects of E2F1 knockdown on angiogenesis. Moreover, miR-423-5p directly targeted HIPK2 to disinhibit HIF1α/VEGF signaling. Knockdown of HIPK2 reversed the effects of miR-423-5p inhibitor on cell viability, migration, and angiogenesis. Knockdown of E2F1 suppressed neovascularization during DR in vivo. Conclusions E2F1 activates miR-423-5p transcription during DR to promote angiogenesis via suppressing HIPK2 expression to disinhibit HIF1α/VEGF signaling. Strategies targeting E2F1/miR-423-5p/HIPK2 axis could be potentially used for DR treatment.

Electrochemistry/Photoelectrochemistry-Based Immunosensing and Aptasensing of Carcinoembryonic Antigen

Recently, electrochemistry- and photoelectrochemistry-based biosensors have been regarded as powerful tools for trace monitoring of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) due to the fact of their intrinsic advantages (e.g., high sensitivity, excellent selectivity, small background, and low cost), which play an important role in early cancer screening and diagnosis and benefit people’s increasing demands for medical and health services. Thus, this mini-review will introduce the current trends in electrochemical and photoelectrochemical biosensors for CEA assay and classify them into two main categories according to the interactions between target and biorecognition elements: immunosensors and aptasensors. Some recent illustrative examples are summarized for interested readers, accompanied by simple descriptions of the related signaling strategies, advanced materials, and detection modes. Finally, the development prospects and challenges of future electrochemical and photoelectrochemical biosensors are considered.

Untargeted Metabolomics Investigation on Selenite Reduction to Elemental Selenium by Bacillus mycoides SeITE01

Bacillus mycoides SeITE01 is an environmental isolate that transforms the oxyanion selenite (SeO32−) into the less bioavailable elemental selenium (Se0) forming biogenic selenium nanoparticles (Bio-SeNPs). In the present study, the reduction of sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) by SeITE01 strain and the effect of SeO32− exposure on the bacterial cells was examined through untargeted metabolomics. A time-course approach was used to monitor both cell pellet and cell free spent medium (referred as intracellular and extracellular, respectively) metabolites in SeITE01 cells treated or not with SeO32−. The results show substantial biochemical changes in SeITE01 cells when exposed to SeO32−. The initial uptake of SeO32− by SeITE01 cells (3h after inoculation) shows both an increase in intracellular levels of 4-hydroxybenzoate and indole-3-acetic acid, and an extracellular accumulation of guanosine, which are metabolites involved in general stress response adapting strategies. Proactive and defensive mechanisms against SeO32− are observed between the end of lag (12h) and beginning of exponential (18h) phases. Glutathione and N-acetyl-L-cysteine are thiol compounds that would be mainly involved in Painter-type reaction for the reduction and detoxification of SeO32− to Se0. In these growth stages, thiol metabolites perform a dual role, both acting against the toxic and harmful presence of the oxyanion and as substrate or reducing sources to scavenge ROS production. Moreover, detection of the amino acids L-threonine and ornithine suggests changes in membrane lipids. Starting from stationary phase (24 and 48h), metabolites related to the formation and release of SeNPs in the extracellular environment begin to be observed. 5-hydroxyindole acetate, D-[+]-glucosamine, 4-methyl-2-oxo pentanoic acid, and ethanolamine phosphate may represent signaling strategies following SeNPs release from the cytoplasmic compartment, with consequent damage to SeITE01 cell membranes. This is also accompanied by intracellular accumulation of trans-4-hydroxyproline and L-proline, which likely represent osmoprotectant activity. The identification of these metabolites suggests the activation of signaling strategies that would protect the bacterial cells from SeO32− toxicity while it is converting into SeNPs.

Does Mandatory Audit Partner Rotation Influence Auditor Selection Strategies?

Under mandatory rotation, the switching cost may be the most influential factor to be considered for experienced mandatory audit rotations. This study attempts to explore the impacts of the mandatory rotation mechanism on company information disclosure and signaling strategies by examining the audit partner and audit firm switching activities of the mandatory rotation company. Are companies that experience mandatory audit rotation more likely to engage industry specialist auditors with better industry-specific knowledge and reputations to minimize the costs of mandatory rotations? Furthermore, in the case of being required to rotate audit partners, do companies rotate only audit partners, rather than changing both audit partners and audit firms at the same time, to minimize switching costs? To explore these problems, this study examined auditor rotations of listed companies in Taiwan from 2004 to 2016; and expected that, to minimize switching costs, mandatory rotation companies are more likely to select industry specialist auditors to be their successor auditors, and are less likely to rotate audit partners and audit firms at the same time. For the audit partner rotations, we find that, compared to voluntarily rotated companies, a higher percentage of companies choose industry specialist auditors to be their successor audit partners under mandatory rotation. Furthermore, the empirical results support our expectations that companies that experience mandatory audit partner rotation are significantly more likely to engage industry specialists to be their successor audit partners and are more likely to rotate only audit partners rather than rotating both audit partners and audit firms around mandatory audit rotation periods.

Bentuk Tindak Tutur Ilokusi dalam Program Ini Talk Show NET TV

This research is entitled "Illocutionary Speech Acts in This Program Talk Show NET TV". The purpose of this study is to describe the forms of speech acts of illocution and speech strategies contained in this program. This research uses the illocutionary speech act theory proposed by Searle and the speech strategy proposed by Blum-Kulka. At the data collection stage the listening method is used to help with the note taking technique. Stages of data analysis using contextual methods. The stage of presenting the results of data analysis using formal and informal methods. In this program, NET TV Talk Show found five types of illocutionary acts, namely assertive, directive, expressive, commissive, and declarative. There are five data as assertive acts, eleven data are directive, ten data are expressive, four data are commissive, and three data are declarative. This study found three types of speech strategies, namely direct speaking strategies, indirect speaking strategies, and signaling strategies. There are five data are direct speaking strategies, three data are indirect speaking strategies, and two data are signaling strategies.