Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunostimulatory Activities of CpG-Oligodeoxynucleotides in Teleosts: Toll-Like Receptors 9 and 21

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern-recognition receptors that detect a wide variety of microbial pathogens for the initiation of host defense immunological responses. Thirteen TLRs have been identified in mammals, and teleosts contain 22 mammalian or non-mammalian TLRs. Of these, TLR9 and TLR21 are the cytosine-phosphate-guanosine-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) recognition TLRs in teleosts. TLR9 is a mammalian TLR expressed in teleost but not in the avian species. TLR21 is a non-mammalian TLR expressed in both teleost and the avian species. Synthetic CpG-ODNs are potent immunostimulants that are being studied for their application against tumors, allergies, and infectious diseases, and as a vaccine adjuvant in humans. The immunostimulatory effects of CpG-ODNs as vaccine adjuvants and their antimicrobial function in domestic animals and teleosts are also being investigated. Most of our current knowledge about the molecular basis for the immunostimulatory activity of CpG-ODNs comes from earlier studies of the interaction between CpG-ODN and TLR9. More recent studies indicate that in addition to TLR9, TLR21 is another receptor for CpG-ODN recognition in teleosts to initiate immune responses. Whether these two receptors have differential functions in mediating the immunostimulatory activity of CpG-ODN in teleost has not been well-studied. Nevertheless, the existence of two recognition TLRs suggests that the molecular basis for the immunostimulatory activity of CpG-ODN in teleosts is different and more complex than in mammals. This article reviews the current knowledge of TLR9 and TLR21 activation by CpG-ODNs. The key points that need to be considered for CpG-ODNs as immunostimulants with maximum effectiveness in activation of immune responses in teleosts are discussed. This includes the structure/activity relationship of CpG-ODN activities for TLR9 and TLR21, the structure/functional relationship of these two TLRs, and differential expression levels and tissue distributions for these two TLRs.
Diversity of the Gut Microbiota in Dihydrotestosterone-Induced PCOS Rats and the Pharmacologic Effects of Diane-35, Probiotics, and Berberine

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequent endocrine and metabolic syndrome in reproductive-age women. Recently, emerging evidence has shown that gut microbiota is closely related to metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and PCOS. In the present study, we established dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-induced PCOS rats and used Illumina MiSeq sequencing (PE300) to examine the composition, diversity, and abundance of the gut microbiota in PCOS. We compared the effects of three PCOS treatments: Diane-35 (estrogen and progesterone), probiotics and berberine. The DHT-induced rats showed constant estrous cycles, the loss of mature ovarian follicles, insulin resistance and obesity. The reproductive and metabolic functions in the PCOS rats were improved by treatment with Diane-35 and probiotics. Diane-35 and probiotics could restore the diversity of the gut microbiota, and the recovery of gut microbiota disorders improved the reproductive function in PCOS-like rats. However, berberine drastically reduced the species diversity and amount of gut microbiota and showed no improvement in PCOS. The findings of this study will help us to better understand the influence of the gut microbiota in the metabolic and reproductive alterations in PCOS as well as suggest opportunities for future personal dietary guidance for PCOS.
Storm: a fast transactional dataplane for remote data structures

RDMA technology enables a host to access the memory of a remote host without involving the remote CPU, improving the performance of distributed in-memory storage systems. Previous studies argued that RDMA suffers from scalability issues, because the NIC's limited resources are unable to simultaneously cache the state of all the concurrent network streams. These concerns led to various software-based proposals to reduce the size of this state by trading off performance. We revisit these proposals and show that they no longer apply when using newer RDMA NICs in rack-scale environments. In particular, we find that one-sided remote memory primitives lead to better performance as compared to the previously proposed unreliable datagram and kernel-based stacks. Based on this observation, we design and implement Storm, a transactional dataplane utilizing one-sided read and write-based RPC primitives. We show that Storm outperforms eRPC, FaRM, and LITE by 3.3x, 3.6x, and 17.1x, respectively, on an InfiniBand cluster with Mellanox ConnectX-4 NICs.
Well-Come Back! Professional Basketball Players Perceptions of Psychosocial and Behavioral Factors Influencing a Return to Pre-injury Levels

The psychological factors influencing a return to sport has gained increased research attention. In the current investigation, we explored professional basketball players’ perceptions of the psychosocial and behavioral factors facilitating a return to performance equal to or exceeding previous performance standards. We also sought to describe athletes’ experiences – both positive and negative – of returning to sport following injury recovery. Ten Italian professional male basketball players (age range 22–36 years), were retrospectively interviewed in relation to three time-periods: (1) from the commencement of rehabilitation to their first official competition, (2) the first official competition, and (3) the 6-months following the initial competition. Qualitative content analysis of the data revealed numerous themes across the three time periods. In regards to Period 1, participants indicated that social support, investment in rehabilitation and training programs, coping skills and motivation were fundamental in reaching pre-injury performance levels. During their first official game (i.e., Period 2), athletes reported that realistic performance expectations, focusing on the performance, positive emotions, motivation, arousal and social support facilitated their return to sport. Athletes, however, also described a predominance of factors that hindered their return to pre- injury levels (i.e., low confidence in personal abilities, decrements in skill execution and dysfunctional physical sensations). Moreover, participants typically described a substandard level of performance during their first competition back following injury. In recounting experiences during the 6 months following their first official game, basketballers reported improvements in skill execution and highlighted the importance of coping skills, motivation and social support. The process of restoring self-confidence in one’s ability to successfully perform was perceived as crucial in enabling participants to move beyond a mere return to sport to a return to high performance – that is, to reach a level of proficiency equal to or exceeding previous performance standards. Findings support the relevance of cognitive, emotional and behavioral responses highlighted in the Integrated Model and suggest the importance of addressing psychological factors throughout the return-to-sport process. Finally, results from the present study hold a number of practical implications for athletes’ aiming to achieve a return to pre-injury levels.
Agent-Based Adaptive Level Generation for Dynamic Difficulty Adjustment in Angry Birds

This paper presents an adaptive level generation algorithm for the physics-based puzzle game Angry Birds. The proposed algorithm is based on a pre-existing level generator for this game, but where the difficulty of the generated levels can be adjusted based on the player's performance. This allows for the creation of personalised levels tailored specifically to the player's own abilities. The effectiveness of our proposed method is evaluated using several agents with differing strategies and AI techniques. By using these agents as models / representations of real human player's characteristics, we can optimise level properties efficiently over a large number of generations. As a secondary investigation, we also demonstrate that by combining the performance of several agents together it is possible to generate levels that are especially challenging for certain players but not others.
On the asymptotic optimality of the comb strategy for prediction with expert advice

For the problem of prediction with expert advice in the adversarial setting with geometric stopping, we compute the exact leading order expansion for the long time behavior of the value function. Then, we use this expansion to prove that as conjectured in Gravin et al. [12], the comb strategies are indeed asymptotically optimal for the adversary in the case of 4 experts.
Dynamics of the Interaction Between Ceria and Platinum During Redox Processes

The work is focused on understanding the dynamics of the processes which occur at the interface between ceria and platinum during redox processes, by investigating an inverse catalytic model system made of ceria epitaxial islands and ultrathin films supported on Pt(111). The evolution of the morphology, structure and electronic properties is analyzed in real-time during reduction and oxidation, using low-energy electron microscopy and spatially resolved low-energy electron diffraction. The reduction is induced using different methods, namely thermal treatments in ultra-high vacuum and in H2 as well as deposition of Ce on the oxide surface, while re-oxidation is obtained by exposure to oxygen at elevated temperature. The use of two different epitaxial systems, continuous films and nanostructures, allows determining the influence of platinum proximity on the stabilization of the specific phases observed. The factors that limit the reversibility of the observed modifications with the different oxidation treatments are also discussed. The obtained results highlight important aspects of the cerium oxide/Pt interaction that are relevant for a complete understanding of the behavior of Pt/CeO2 catalysts.
Multimodal Biosensing on Paper-Based Platform Fabricated by Plasmonic Calligraphy Using Gold Nanobypiramids Ink

In this work, we design new plasmonic paper-based nanoplatforms with interesting capabilities in terms of sensitivity, efficiency, and reproducibility for promoting multimodal biodetection via Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR), Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), and Metal Enhanced Fluorescence (MEF). To succeed, we exploit the unique optical properties of gold nanobipyramids (AuBPs) deposited onto the cellulose fibers via plasmonic calligraphy using a commercial pen. The first step of the biosensing protocol was to precisely graft the previously chemically-formed p-aminothiophenol@Biotin system, as active recognition element for target streptavidin detection, onto the plasmonic nanoplatform. The specific capture of the target protein was successfully demonstrated using three complementary sensing techniques. As a result, while the LSPR based sensing capabilities of the nanoplatform were proved by successive 13–18 nm red shifts of the longitudinal LSPR associated with the change of the surface RI after each step. By employing the ultrasensitive SERS technique, we were able to indirectly confirm the molecular identification of the biotin-streptavidin interaction due to the protein fingerprint bands assigned to amide I, amide III, and Trp vibrations. Additionally, the formed biotin-streptavidin complex acted as a spacer to ensure an optimal distance between the AuBP surface and the Alexa 680 fluorophore for achieving a 2-fold fluorescence emission enhancement of streptavidin@Alexa 680 on the biotinylated nanoplatform compared to the same complex on bare paper (near the plasmonic lines), implementing thus a novel MEF sensing nanoplatform. Finally, by integrating multiple LSPR, SERS, and MEF nanosensors with multiplex capability into a single flexible and portable plasmonic nanoplatform, we could overcome important limits in the field of portable point-of-care diagnostics.
Distributed Ledger Privacy: Ring Signatures, Möbius and CryptoNote

Distributed ledger and blockchain systems are expected to make financial systems easier to audit, reduce counter-party risk and transfer assets seamlessly. The key concept is a token controlled by a cryptographic private key for spending, and represented by a public key for receiving and audit purposes. Ownership transfers are authorized with digital signatures and recorded on a ledger visible to numerous participants. Several ways to enhance the privacy of such ledgers have been proposed. In this paper we study two major techniques to enhance privacy of token transfers with the help of improved cryptography: M\"obius and CryptoNote. The comparison is illuminating: both techniques use "ring signatures" and some form of "stealth addressing" or key derivation techniques, yet each does it in a completely different way. M\"obius is more recent and operates in a more co-operative way (with permission) and is not yet specified at a sufficiently detailed level. Our primary goal is to explore the suitability of these two techniques for improving the privacy of payments on cryptographic ledgers. We explain various conflicting requirements and strategic choices which arise when trying to conceal the identity of participants and the exact details of transactions in our context while simultaneously enabling fast final settlement of tokens with a reasonable level of liquidity. We show that in these systems, third-party observers see obfuscated settlement. We finish with a summary of explicit warnings and advice for implementors of such systems.
HUBUNGAN AKTIVITAS IBU NIFAS DENGAN KUALITAS HIDUP IBU NIFAS DI WILAYAH PUSKESMAS MIRI SRAGEN

Pendahuluan Perawatan masa nifas merupakan tindakan lanjutan bagi wanita sesudah melahirkan. Adanya perawatan nifas dapat meningkatkan kualitas kesehatan dan kehidupan ibu setelah melahirkan. Hasil studi pendahuluan menunjukkan masih ada ibu-ibu nifas yang beranggapan bahwa pada masa nifas tidak boleh banyak bergerak, mereka lebih sering berbaring karena kebanyakan mereka takut bila terlalu banyak bergerak akan membuat keadaanya semakin parah dan memperlambat proses penyembuhan pada masa nifas. keadaan emosi ibu yang terkadang tidak stabil, keterbatasan ibu dalam mengerjakan kegiatan sehari-hari menjadikan kualitas hidup ibu kurang baik secara paripurna. Tujuan penelitian untuk mengetahui hubungan antara aktivitas ibu nifas dengan kualitas hidup ibu nifas di Puskesmas Miri Sragen. Metode Jenis penelitian kuantitatif dengan rancangan Crossectional. Jumlah sampel 31 ibu nifas dengan accidental sampling. Instrumen penelitian menggunakan checklist untuk aktivitas ibu nifas dan kuesioner Postpartum Quality of Life (PQOL), berjumlah 41 item dari Zhou et al. (2009). Analisis data dengan Pearson Product Moment. Hasil Hasil analisis menunjukkan nilai rata-rata aktivitas ibu 11,12. Aktivitas ibu berhubungan dengan pekerjaan suami, dengan nilai p=0,044. Nilai rata-rata pada ke-4 domain adalah hampir sama, namun tertinggi pada domain perawatan anak (4,17), dan terendah pada fungsi (3,58). Uji korelasi aktivitas dengan kualitas hidup ibu nifas sebesar r = 0,478 dengan p=0,018. Kesimpulan Ada hubungan antara aktivitas ibu nifas dengan kualitas hidup ibu nifas di Puskesmas Miri Sragen. Arah hubungan yang diperoleh adalah positif, artinya semakin baik aktivitas ibu nifas semakin baik pula kualitas hidup ibu masa nifas. Kata kunci: Kualitas Hidup, Aktivitas, Masa Nifas.
Effects of Tobacco

Medical Officer and other mnembers of the statutory Medical Board for Silicosis and Asbestosis. Hart and Aslett may have expressed the opinion that only a "small proportion of these reticulation cases were significantly disabled," but they were not necessarily right and the Medical Board wrong. In any case the Medical Board are not required to certify whether the workman is significantly disabled. If they grant a certificate it must be completed in the prescribed form and in accordance with the marginal directions without ifs and buts and such qualifying adverbs as "significantly " or " substantially. " In fact, they may and do certify in certain cases that the workman's general physical capacity for work by reason of the disease is not impaired. There are many other serious inconsistencies and anomalies in the subjective commentaries, reflecting a lack of intimate personal experience of the compensation problems and the operation of the schemes. The assessment of disability is a pressing problem, but even more urgent is the natural history of dust reticulation in coal miners. Is it merely a dust tattooing of the lungs ? Is it progressive ? Is it a disease, benign or otherwise ? In conclusion I venture to wonder how long we must wait before those responsible for directing researches will recognize that in clinical investigations the field workers have a substantial contribution to make in the course of their routine work. Is all their experience for naught, simply to be passed to the care of others, while they, the field workers, are reduced to the drudgery of compiling official records and certificates and to suffering in silence derogatory ccmparison and anonymouis criticism ? -I am, etc.
White Zimbabwean farmers in Nigeria: issues in ‘New Nigerian’ land deals and the implications for food and human security

In 2005 members of the Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers Union came to Nigeria for business. These ‘New Nigerian’ farmers, as they came to be known, were granted leases of prime lands each to be developed into ‘state-of-the-art farmlands’. The whole idea was to kick-start commercial agriculture which will eventually pave the way for improvements in agricultural technology in Nigeria. However, one wonders why it is preferable to engage foreigners instead of developing the capacities of the locals for the same purposes and what this portends for both food and human security in Nigeria. This article interrogates the issues and cross-cutting issues of concern in the concrete experiences of the ‘New Nigerian’ land deals. It notes that while many praise the arrangement and its seeming quick gains, the usual privileging of foreigners at the expense of the development of local capacity has constituted a significant downturn and snag with serious developmental consequences. It is further argued that the implications of all this, especially over land rights – a vital source of violent conflicts in the country – could be dire, as history has shown. This would ultimately impact on both food and human security in a country struggling to come to terms with food crisis and security.
Verapamil Attenuated Prediabetic Neuropathy in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice through Inhibiting TXNIP-Mediated Apoptosis and Inflammation

Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a common and severe complication of diabetes mellitus. There is still a lack of an effective treatment to DN because of its complex pathogenesis. Thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), an endogenous inhibitor of thioredoxin, has been shown to be associated with diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. Herein, we aim to investigate the role of TXNIP in prediabetic neuropathy and therapeutic potential of verapamil which has been shown to inhibit TXNIP expression. The effects of mediating TXNIP on prediabetic neuropathy and its exact mechanism were performed using high-fat diet- (HFD-) induced diabetic mice and palmitate-treated neurons. Our results showed that TXNIP upregulation is associated with prediabetic neuropathy in HFD-fed mice. TXNIP knockdown improved DN in HFD-induced prediabetic mice. Mechanistically, increased TXNIP in dorsal root ganglion is transferred into the cytoplasm and shuttled to the mitochondria. In cytoplasm, TXNIP binding to TRX1 results in the increased oxidative stress and inflammation. In mitochondria, TXNIP binding to TRX2 induced mitochondria dysfunction and apoptosis. TXNIP isolated from TRX2 then shuttles to the cytoplasm and binds to NLRP3, resulting in further increased TXNIP-NLRP3 complex, which induced the release of IL-1β and the development of inflammation. Thus, apoptosis and inflammation of dorsal root ganglion neuron eventually cause neural dysfunction. In addition, we also showed that verapamil, a known inhibitor of calcium channels, improved prediabetic neuropathy in the HFD-fed mice by inhibiting the upregulation of TXNIP. Our finding suggests that TXNIP might be a potential target for the treatment of neuropathy in prediabetic patients with dyslipidemia.
Looking for Lepidic Component inside Invasive Adenocarcinomas Appearing as CT Solid Solitary Pulmonary Nodules (SPNs): CT Morpho-Densitometric Features and 18-FDG PET Findings

Objective To investigate CT morphologic and densitometric features and 18-FDG PET findings of surgically excised lung adenocarcinomas “mixed subtype” with predominant lepidic component, appearing as solid solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) on CT scan. Materials and Methods Approval for this study was given from each local institutional review board according to its retrospective nature. Nodules pathologically classified as lung adenocarcinoma mixed subtype with bronchioloalveolar otherwise lepidic predominant component, in three different Italian institutions (Napoli; Varese; Parma), were retrospectively selected. Results 22 patients were identified. The number of SPNs with smooth margins was significantly lower with respect to the number of SPNs with spiculated margins (p: 0.033), radiating spiculations (p: 0.019), and notch sign (p: 0.011). Mean contrast enhancement (CE) was 53.34 HU (min 5.5 HU, max 112 HU); considering 15 HU as cut-off value, CE was positive in 20/22 cases. No significant correlation was found between size and CE. Mean SUVmax was 2.21, ranging from 0.2 up to 7.5 units; considering 2.5 units as cut-off, SUVmax was positive in 7/22 cases. The number of SPNs with positive CE was significantly higher than the number of SPNs with positive SUVmax (p: 0.0005). Conclusion CT generally helps in identifying solid SPN suspicious for malignancy but 18-FDG PET may result in false-negative evaluation; when 18-FDG PET findings of a solid SPN are negative even though CT morphology and CE suggest malignancy, radiologist should consider that lepidic component may be present inside the invasive tumor, despite the absence of ground glass.