Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immune Evasion in Pancreatic Cancer: From Mechanisms to Therapy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), the most frequent type of pancreatic cancer, remains one of the most challenging problems for the biomedical and clinical fields, with abysmal survival rates and poor therapy efficiency. Desmoplasia, which is abundant in PDA, can be blamed for much of the mechanisms behind poor drug performance, as it is the main source of the cytokines and chemokines that orchestrate rapid and silent tumor progression to allow tumor cells to be isolated into an extensive fibrotic reaction, which results in inefficient drug delivery. However, since immunotherapy was proclaimed as the breakthrough of the year in 2013, the focus on the stroma of pancreatic cancer has interestingly moved from activated fibroblasts to the immune compartment, trying to understand the immunosuppressive factors that play a part in the strong immune evasion that characterizes PDA. The PDA microenvironment is highly immunosuppressive and is basically composed of T regulatory cells (Tregs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and myeloid-derived suppressive cells (MDSCs), which block CD8+ T-cell duties in tumor recognition and clearance. Interestingly, preclinical data have highlighted the importance of this immune evasion as the source of resistance to single checkpoint immunotherapies and cancer vaccines and point at pathways that inhibit the immune attack as a key to solve the therapy puzzle. Here, we will discuss the molecular mechanisms involved in PDA immune escape as well as the state of the art of the PDA immunotherapy.
Atypical and complicated Kawasaki disease in infants. Do we need criteria?

Case reports suggest that infants with Kawasaki disease have atypical presentations and a high complication rate, likely related to delayed diagnosis and treatment. To date, no study of consecutive cases has compared infants with older children who have both atypical and typical Kawasaki disease. We retrospectively reviewed 44 cases of Kawasaki disease treated at our hospital from March 1980 to 1990: 11 (25%) were infants; 9 (20%) had atypical Kawasaki disease, of which 5 (56%) were infants; the male to female ratio was 1.7:1. Infants had a higher incidence of atypical Kawasaki disease (5 [45%] versus 4 [12%]; P = .007) and of coronary artery complications (7 [64%] versus 3 [9%]; P = .002), and coronary artery complications developed in all of the infants with atypical Kawasaki disease (5 [100%] versus 0 [0%]; P < .01). Yet, the other manifestations and laboratory changes were at least as common as in the older children. Coronary artery complications did not develop in any patient who received early intravenous immune globulin therapy. We suggest that in infants with Kawasaki disease, accepted criteria are too restrictive to allow early diagnosis and effective treatment. Until a definitive test is available, clinical judgment is required in the diagnosis of atypical Kawasaki disease. Intravenous immune globulin is known to be safe, and its early use in patients with suspected atypical Kawasaki disease is appropriate.
Evolutionary Dynamics of Multi-Agent Learning: A Survey

The interaction of multiple autonomous agents gives rise to highly dynamic and nondeterministic environments, contributing to the complexity in applications such as automated financial markets, smart grids, or robotics. Due to the sheer number of situations that may arise, it is not possible to foresee and program the optimal behaviour for all agents beforehand. Consequently, it becomes essential for the success of the system that the agents can learn their optimal behaviour and adapt to new situations or circumstances. The past two decades have seen the emergence of reinforcement learning, both in single and multi-agent settings, as a strong, robust and adaptive learning paradigm. Progress has been substantial, and a wide range of algorithms are now available. An important challenge in the domain of multi-agent learning is to gain qualitative insights into the resulting system dynamics. In the past decade, tools and methods from evolutionary game theory have been successfully employed to study multi-agent learning dynamics formally in strategic interactions. This article surveys the dynamical models that have been derived for various multi-agent reinforcement learning algorithms, making it possible to study and compare them qualitatively. Furthermore, new learning algorithms that have been introduced using these evolutionary game theoretic tools are reviewed. The evolutionary models can be used to study complex strategic interactions. Examples of such analysis are given for the domains of automated trading in stock markets and collision avoidance in multi-robot systems. The paper provides a roadmap on the progress that has been achieved in analysing the evolutionary dynamics of multi-agent learning by highlighting the main results and accomplishments.
A Kinetic Study of CD83 Reveals an Upregulation and Higher Production of sCD83 in Lymphocytes from Pregnant Mice

For the normal development of pregnancy, a balance between immune tolerance and defense is crucial. However, the mechanisms mediating such a balance are not fully understood. CD83 is a transmembrane protein whose expression has been linked to anti-inflammatory functions of T and B cells. The soluble form of CD83, released by cleavage of the membrane-bound protein, has strong anti-inflammatory properties and was successfully tested in different mouse models. It is assumed that this molecule contributes to the establishment of immune tolerance. Therefore, we postulated that the expression of CD83 is crucial for immune tolerance during pregnancy in mice. Here, we demonstrated that the membrane-bound form of CD83 was upregulated in T and B cells during allogeneic murine pregnancies. An upregulation was also evident in the main splenic B cell subtypes: marginal zone, follicular zone, and transitional B cells. We also showed that there was an augmentation in the number of CD83+ cells toward the end of pregnancy within splenic B and CD4+ T cells, while CD83+ dendritic cells were reduced in spleen and inguinal lymph nodes of pregnant mice. Additionally, B lymphocytes in late-pregnancy presented a markedly higher sensitivity to LPS in terms of CD83 expression and sCD83 release. Progesterone induced a dosis-dependent upregulation of CD83 on T cells. Our data suggest that the regulation of CD83 expression represents a novel pathway of fetal tolerance and protection against inflammatory threats during pregnancy.
Enhancing Information Retrieval Through Statistical Natural Language Processing: A Study of Collocation Indexing

Although the management of information assets-specifically, of text documents that make up 80 percent of these assets-an provide organizations with a competitive advantage, the ability of information retrieval (IR) systems to deliver relevant information to users is severely hampered by the difficulty of disambiguating natural language. The word ambiguity problem is addressed with moderate success in restricted settings, but continues to be the main challenge for general settings, characterized by large, heterogeneous document collections. In this paper, we provide preliminary evidence for the usefulness of statistical natural language processing (NLP) techniques, and specifically of collocation indexing, for IR in general settings. We investigate the effect of three key parameters on collocation indexing performance: directionality, distance, and weighting. We build on previous work in IR to (1) advance our knowledge of key design elements for collocation indexing, (2) demonstrate gains in retrieval precision from the use of statistical NLP for general-settings IR, and, finally, (3) provide practitioners with a useful cost-benefit analysis of the methods under investigation.
Restricted Complexity, General Complexity

(1) The principle of universal determinism, illustrated by Laplace’s Daemon, capable, thanks to his intelligence and extremely developed senses, of not only knowing all past events, but also of predicting all events in the future. (2) The principle of reduction, that consists in knowing any composite from only the knowledge of its basic constituting elements. (3) The principle of disjunction, that consists in isolating and separating cognitive difficulties from one another, leading to the separation between disciplines, which have become hermetic from each other.
Large system analysis of the secrecy sum-rates with Regularized Channel Inversion precoding

In this paper, we study the performance of the Regularized Channel Inversion (RCI) precoder in a multi-user MIMO system with malicious users. We consider the general case when the number of users per transmit antenna β can take any value. We derive the optimal regularization parameter that maximizes the achievable secrecy sum-rate via large-system analysis, which we show to be accurate via simulations. We find that the secrecy requirements limit the number of users per transmit antenna that can be served with non-zero sum-rate. We show that for large signal-to-noise ratio, RCI can achieve secrecy without reducing the sum-rate if β <; 1. If β = 1, this is still possible at a cost of less than 4dB in terms of transmitted power. If β >; 1, then the secrecy requirements result in a poor sum-rate.
A Belated Green Revolution for Cannabis: Virtual Genetic Resources to Fast-Track Cultivar Development

Cannabis is a predominantly diecious phenotypically diverse domesticated genus with few if any extant natural populations. International narcotics conventions and associated legislation have constrained the establishment, characterization, and use of Cannabis genetic resource collections. This has resulted in the underutilization of genepool variability in cultivar development and has limited the inclusion of secondary genepools associated with genetic improvement strategies of the Green Revolution. The structured screening of ex situ germplasm and the exploitation of locally-adapted intraspecific traits is expected to facilitate the genetic improvement of Cannabis. However, limited attempts have been made to establish the full extent of genetic resources available for pre-breeding. We present a thorough critical review of Cannabis ex situ genetic resources, and discuss recommendations for conservation, pre-breeding characterization, and genetic analysis that will underpin future cultivar development. We consider East Asian germplasm to be a priority for conservation based on the prolonged historical cultivation of Cannabis in this region over a range of latitudes, along with the apparent high levels of genetic diversity and relatively low representation in published genetic resource collections. Seed cryopreservation could improve conservation by reducing hybridization and genetic drift that may occur during Cannabis germplasm regeneration. Given the unique legal status of Cannabis, we propose the establishment of a global virtual core collection based on the collation of consistent and comprehensive provenance meta-data and the adoption of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies. This would enable representative core collections to be used for systematic phenotyping, and so underpin breeding strategies for the genetic improvement of Cannabis.
Emission-Line Galaxy Surveys as Probes of the Spatial Distribution of Dwarf Galaxies. I. The University of Michigan Survey

Objective-prism surveys which select galaxies on the basis of line-emission are extremely effective at detecting low-luminosity galaxies and constitute some of the deepest available samples of dwarfs. In this study, we confirm that emission-line galaxies (ELGs) in the University of Michigan (UM) objective-prism survey are reliable tracers of large-scale structure, and we utilize the depth of the samples to examine the spatial distribution of low-luminosity (MB > -18.0) dwarfs relative to higher luminosity giant galaxies (MB ≤ -18.0) in the Updated Zwicky Catalog (UZC). New spectroscopic data are presented for 26 UM survey objects. We analyze the relative clustering properties of the overall starbursting ELG and normal galaxy populations, using nearest neighbor and correlation function statistics. This allows us to determine whether the activity in ELGs is primarily caused by gravitational interactions. We conclude that galaxy-galaxy encounters are not the sole cause of activity in ELGs since ELGs tend to be more isolated and are more often found in the voids when compared to their normal galaxy counterparts. Furthermore, statistical analyses performed on low-luminosity dwarf ELGs show that the dwarfs are less clustered when compared to their nonactive giant neighbors. The UM dwarf samples have greater percentages of nearest neighbor separations at large values and lower correlation function amplitudes relative to the UZC giant galaxy samples. These results are consistent with the expectations of galaxy biasing.
DNA structure from A to B

P. Shing Ho and his colleagues at Oregon State and Berkeley publish in this issue of PNAS an interesting study (1) of helical structure in the DNA hexamer GGCGCC, finding that various states that appear to be logical intermediates between A-DNA and B-DNA can be induced by methylation or bromination of cytosine or by crystal packing. Their results bear on three issues that have been argued over in the past: (i) the differences between A-DNA and B-DNA and transitions between them, (ii) the intrinsic sequence-dependent malleability of a DNA duplex, and (iii) the effects of local helix packing on DNA fine-structure.
Laboratory Investigation and Phylogenetic Analysis of an Imported Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Case in Greece

Rapid and reliable laboratory diagnosis of persons suspected of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infection is important for timely implementation of infection control practices and disease management. In addition, monitoring molecular changes in the virus can help elucidate chains of transmission and identify mutations that might influence virus transmission efficiency. This was illustrated by a recent laboratory investigation we conducted on an imported MERS-CoV case in Greece. Two oropharyngeal swab specimens were collected on the 1st and 2nd day of patient hospitalization and tested using two real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) assays targeting the UpE and Orf-1a regions of the MERS-CoV genome and RT-PCR and partial sequencing of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and nucleocapsid genes. Serum specimens were also collected and serological test were performed. Results from the first swab sample were inconclusive while the second swab was strongly positive for MERS-CoV RNA by rRT-PCR and confirmed positive by RT-PCR and partial gene sequencing. Positive serologic test results further confirmed MERS-CoV infection. Full-length nucleocapsid and spike gene coding sequences were later obtained from the positive swab sample. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the virus was closely related to recent human-derived MERS-CoV strains obtained in Jeddah and Makkah, Saudi Arabia, in April 2014 and dromedary camels in Saudi Arabia and Qatar. These findings were consistent with the patient’s history. We also identified a unique amino acid substitution in the spike receptor binding domain that may have implications for receptor binding efficiency. Our initial inconclusive rRT-PCR results highlight the importance of collecting multiple specimens from suspect MERS-CoV cases and particularly specimens from the lower respiratory tract.
On linear codes over a non-chain extension of F2 + uF2

In this paper we study linear codes over a new ring R = F<sub>2</sub> + uF<sub>2</sub> + vF<sub>2</sub> + uvF<sub>2</sub> with u<sup>2</sup> = 0, v<sup>2</sup> = v and uv = vu, which is a non chain extension of the ring F<sub>2</sub>+uF<sub>2</sub>, u<sup>2</sup> =0. We have obtained Mac Williams identities for Lee weight enumerator of linear codes over R using a Gray map from R<sup>n</sup> to (F<sub>2</sub> +uF<sub>2</sub>)<sup>n</sup>. We have studied self-dual codes over R and determined some existential conditions for Type I and Type II codes over R. Further we have briefly studied cyclic codes over R. It is shown that R[x]/〈x<sup>n</sup> - 1〉 is a PIR when n is odd. The form of the generator of a cyclic code of odd length over R is obtained.
Home Country Investor Protection, Ownership Structure and Cross-listed Firms’ Compliance with SOX-mandated Internal Control Deficiency Disclosures

We examine whether home country investor protection and ownership structure affect cross-listed firms' compliance with SOX-mandated internal control deficiency (ICD) disclosures. We develop a proxy for the likelihood of cross-listed firms' ICD misreporting during the Section 302 reporting regime. For cross-listed firms domiciled in weak investor protection countries, we have three main findings. First, firms whose managers control their firms and have voting rights in excess of cash flow rights are more likely to misreport ICD than other firms during the Section 302 reporting regime. Second, there is a positive association between the likelihood of ICD misreporting and voluntary deregistration from the SEC prior to the Section 404 effective date. Third, for firms that chose not to deregister, there is a positive association between the likelihood of ICD misreporting and the reporting of previously undisclosed ICDs during the Section 404 reporting regime. We do not find similar evidence for cross-listed firms domiciled in strong investor protection countries. Our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that, for cross-listed firms domiciled in weak investor protection countries, managers who have the ability and incentive to expropriate outside minority shareholders are reluctant to disclose ICDs in order to protect their private control benefits. The results of our study should be of interest to regulators who wish to identify noncompliant firms for closer supervision, investors who wish to identify ex ante red flags for poor financial disclosure quality, and researchers who wish to understand the economic forces governing cross-listed firms' financial disclosure behavior.
A model for the representation and focussed retrieval of structured documents based on fuzzy aggregation

Effective retrieval of structured documents should exploit the content and structural knowledge associated with the documents. This knowledge can be used to focus retrieval to the best entry points: document components that contain relevant information, and from which users can browse to retrieve further relevant components. To enable this, suitable representation methods must be developed. This paper presents a model for representing structured documents to allow for their focussed retrieval. The model is founded on fuzzy aggregation, an approach based on the fuzzy representation of linguistic quantifiers and ordered weighted averaging operators. By defining the representation of a document component as the fuzzy aggregation of its related components, we arrive at a document representation that supports the selection of best entry points.
Combining Skype with Blogging: A chance to stop reinforcement of stereotypes in intercultural exchanges?

This papers looks into whether combining Skype, blogging and class discussions reinforces or refutes stereotypes. The hypothesis was that some students do not have an adequate chance to reflect on their skype experience and course content. To see if students have made improvements in reducing stereotypes, the Standards for Foreign Language Learning: Culture will be used to evaluate their blog entries. In addition a survey will be given at end of the semester to analyse the student's perspective of their own learning.
Presence of Inulin-Type Fructo-Oligosaccharides and Shift from Raffinose Family Oligosaccharide to Fructan Metabolism in Leaves of Boxtree (Buxus sempervirens)

Fructans are known to occur in 15% of flowering plants and their accumulation is often associated with stress responses. Typically, particular fructan types occur within particular plant families. The family of the Buxaceae, harboring Pachysandra terminalis, an accumulator of graminan- and levan-type fructans, also harbors boxtree (Buxus sempervirens), a cold and drought tolerant species. Surprisingly, boxtree leaves do not accumulate the expected graminan- and levan-type fructans, but small inulin fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS: 1-kestotriose and nystose) and raffinose family oligosaccharides (RFOs: raffinose and stachyose) instead. The seasonal variation in concentrations of glucose, fructose, sucrose, FOS and RFOs were followed. Raffinose and stachyose peaked during the winter months, while FOS peaked at a very narrow time-interval in spring, immediately preceded by a prominent sucrose accumulation. Sucrose may function as a reserve carbohydrate in winter and early spring leaves. The switch from RFO to fructan metabolism in spring strongly suggests that fructans and RFOs fulfill distinct roles in boxtree leaves. RFOs may play a key role in the cold acclimation of winter leaves while temporal fructan biosynthesis in spring might increase sink strength to sustain the formation of new shoots.
CRAM: Coded registers for amplified multiporting

Modern out-of-order processors require a large number of register file access ports. However, adding more ports can drastically increase the delay, power and area of the register file. This relationship imposes constraints on existing superscalar designs while impeding implementation of faster and wider out-of-order processors. In this paper, we present a novel multi-ported register file using concepts from network coding. We split a true multi-ported register file into two interleaved banks, each having half the read and write ports. A third bank, storing the XOR of the write backs to the other two banks, is added to amplify the read and write bandwidth. When compared to a conventional register file, our 8R4W 128-entry coded CRAM register file reduces leakage power by 48%, area by 29% and delay by 9%. In addition, for SPEC2006 benchmarks, our implementation consumes 40% less register file dynamic energy on average with IPC degradation of 3%.