Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
State of the Art Models for Fake News Detection Tasks

This paper presents state of the art methods for addressing three important challenges in automated fake news detection: fake news detection, domain identification, and bot identification in tweets. The proposed solutions achieved first place in a recent international competition on fake news. For fake news detection, we present two models. The winning model in the competition combines similarity between the embedding of each article's title and the embedding of the top five corresponding google search results. The new model relies on advances in Natural Language Understanding (NLU) end to end deep learning models to identify stylistic differences between legitimate and fake news articles. This second model was developed after the competition and outperforms the winning approach. For news domain detection, the winning model is a hybrid approach composed of named entity features concatenated with semantic embeddings derived from end to end models. For twitter bot detection, we propose to use the following features: duration between account creation and tweet date, presence of a tweet's link, presence of user's location, other tweet's features, and the tweets' metadata. Experiments include insights into the importance of the different features and the results indicate the superior performances of all proposed models.
Role of anoctamins in cancer and apoptosis

Anoctamin 1 (TMEM16A, Ano1) is a recently identified Ca2+-activated chloride channel and a member of a large protein family comprising 10 paralogues. Before Ano1 was identified as a chloride channel protein, it was known as the cancer marker DOG1. DOG1/Ano1 is expressed in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) and particularly in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, at very high levels never detected in other tissues. It is now emerging that Ano1 is part of the 11q13 locus, amplified in several types of tumour, where it is thought to augment cell proliferation, cell migration and metastasis. Notably, Ano1 is upregulated through histone deacetylase (HDAC), corresponding to the known role of HDAC in HNSCC. As Ano1 does not enhance proliferation in every cell type, its function is perhaps modulated by cell-specific factors, or by the abundance of other anoctamins. Thus Ano6, by regulating Ca2+-induced membrane phospholipid scrambling and annexin V binding, supports cellular apoptosis rather than proliferation. Current findings implicate other cellular functions of anoctamins, apart from their role as Ca2+-activated Cl− channels.
Association of Tat with Purified HIV-1 and HIV-2 Transcription Preinitiation Complexes*

The HIV-1 (human immunodeficiency virus type 1) and HIV-2 Tat proteins increase the level of transcription from their corresponding long terminal repeats. Tat activates transcription likely by interaction with components of the transcriptional initiation and elongation complexes during different stages of the transcription reaction. In the current study, two approaches were used to address the sites at which Tat becomes stably associated with the HIV transcription complex. First, we isolated column purified HIV-1 and HIV-2 transcription complexes that were competent for in vitro transcription and found that wild-type but not mutant Tat protein was specifically associated with this complex. An intact HIV TATA element and the presence of functional TATA-binding protein were necessary for Tat association. In contrast, the HIV-1 and HIV-2 TAR bulge sequences which serve as binding sites for Tat were not required for its association with the HIV preinitiation complex. A second complementary approach using immobilized HIV-1 and HIV-2 templates also demonstrated a functional association of Tat with HIV-1 and HIV-2 preinitiation complexes. Wild-type but not mutant Tat proteins associated with transcription complexes assembled on immobilized HIV-1 and HIV-2 templates and the association of Tat correlated with increases in the level of in vitro transcription. These results indicate that Tat can associate with HIV-1 and HIV-2 transcription complexes prior to the initiation of transcription by RNA polymerase II.
Primary prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis delays hepatorenal syndrome and improves survival in cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Norfloxacin is highly effective in preventing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis recurrence in cirrhosis, but its role in the primary prevention of this complication is uncertain. METHODS Patients with cirrhosis and low protein ascitic levels (<15 g/L) with advanced liver failure (Child-Pugh score > or = 9 points with serum bilirubin level > or = 3 mg/dL) or impaired renal function (serum creatinine level > or = 1.2 mg/dL, blood urea nitrogen level > or = 25 mg/dL, or serum sodium level < or = 130 mEq/L) were included in a randomized controlled trial aimed at comparing norfloxacin (35 patients) vs placebo (33 patients) in the primary prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. The main end points of the trial were 3-month and 1-year probability of survival. Secondary end points were 1-year probability of development of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and hepatorenal syndrome. RESULTS Norfloxacin administration reduced the 1-year probability of developing spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (7% vs 61%, P < .001) and hepatorenal syndrome (28% vs 41%, P = .02), and improved the 3-month (94% vs 62%, P = .003) and the 1-year (60% vs 48%, P = .05) probability of survival compared with placebo. CONCLUSIONS Primary prophylaxis with norfloxacin has a great impact in the clinical course of patients with advanced cirrhosis. It reduces the incidence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, delays the development of hepatorenal syndrome, and improves survival.
Multiparameter flow cytometry characterization of MHC class I negative mouse bone marrow cells.

BACKGROUND MHC-I down-regulation was described in foetal liver progenitors, and two different subsets of adult bone marrow derived stem cells. These cells, namely, MHC-I-/Thy1+ bone marrow derived liver stem cells (BMDLSC) and the multipotent adult progenitors (MAPC) differentiated into functioning hepatocytes. The aim of this paper was to characterize the MHC-I negative bone marrow compartment as it pertains to BMDLSC and MAPC. MATERIAL/METHODS We performed multiparameter flow-cytometry analyses of the MHC-I negative compartment using hematopoietic (CD45, Ter119), and stem cell markers (Thy1.2, c-Kit, IL-3R, CD34) in adult mice. RESULTS When analysing CD45 and Ter119 expression, the MHC-I negative bone marrow compartment divides into four sub-populations: 1. CD45-/Ter119+: 86.0+/-4.4%; 2. CD45+/Ter119+: 0.2+/-0.1%; 3. CD45+/Ter119-: 11.6+/-3.0%; 4. CD45-/Ter119-: 2.0+/-2.1%. Stem cells markers were only expressed on MHC-I negative/ CD45+/Ter119- cells. In vivo, MAPC (Ter119-/CD45- cells) are composed of MHC-I negative (24%) and MHC-I positive cells and do not express any of the stem cell markers tested. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, mouse BMDLSC and MAPC are two distinct stem cell populations. Down-regulation of MHC-I was the only common characteristic found between BMDLSC and MAPC suggesting that selection of MHC-I negative cells might represent an efficient strategy to enrich for bone marrow stem cells with liver developmental potential.
Using LSTMs to learn physiological models of blood glucose behavior

For people with type 1 diabetes, good blood glucose control is essential to keeping serious disease complications at bay. This entails carefully monitoring blood glucose levels and taking corrective steps whenever they are too high or too low. If blood glucose levels could be accurately predicted, patients could take proactive steps to prevent blood glucose excursions from occurring. However, accurate predictions require complex physiological models of blood glucose behavior. Factors such as insulin boluses, carbohydrate intake, and exercise influence blood glucose in ways that are difficult to capture through manually engineered equations. In this paper, we describe a recursive neural network (RNN) approach that uses long short-term memory (LSTM) units to learn a physiological model of blood glucose. When trained on raw data from real patients, the LSTM networks (LSTMs) obtain results that are competitive with a previous state-of-the-art model based on manually engineered physiological equations. The RNN approach can incorporate arbitrary physiological parameters without the need for sophisticated manual engineering, thus holding the promise of further improvements in prediction accuracy.
Genome‐wide miRNA profiling in myelodysplastic syndrome with del(5q) treated with lenalidomide

Lenalidomide is a potent drug with pleiotropic effects in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with deletion of the long arm of chromosome 5 [del(5q)]. We investigated its effect on regulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression profiles in del(5q) patients with MDS in vivo.
An Inkjet Printing Technique for Scalable Microfabrication of Graphene-Based Sensor Components

This paper presents a versatile and precise graphene patterning technique using the combined process of masking and inkjet printing. A graphene-based structure is fabricated by first defining the structural pattern and position using a masking mold, which can be either electroplated copper or deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) silicon shadow mask, followed by inkjet deposition of graphene ink and lift-off. The hybrid technique can realize high-fidelity, high-resolution graphene-based microstructures including free-standing and cantilever beams, four-point resistive measurement structures, and piezoresistive sensing elements with a minimum line width of $\sim 20~\mu \text{m}$ . Moreover, this method can facilitate the micropatterning of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on substrates such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and SiO2/Si for selective cell culturing applications. Owing to the characteristics of low chemical usage, low process temperature and complexity, and high flexibility and fault tolerance of inkjet printing, this technique demonstrates compelling potential for a variety of biomedical applications.
Association between glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 polymorphisms and colorectal cancer risk in patients from Kazakhstan.

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide and the incidence is increasing in developed as well as developing countries including Kazakhstan. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) are considered to be cancer susceptibility genes as they play a role in the detoxification of carcinogenic species. In this case-control study the influence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms on CRC risk in Kazakhstan population were evaluated. METHODS Blood samples were collected from patients diagnosed with rectal or colon cancer (300 individuals) as well as a control cohort of healthy volunteers (300 individuals), taking into account the age, gender, ethnicity, and smoking habits of the CRC patients. Deletion polymorphisms were genotyped employing a multiplex PCR amplification method. Association between polymorphisms and CRC susceptibility risk was calculated using multivariate analysis and logistic regression for odd ratio (OR). RESULTS The homozygous GSTM1 null genotype was associated with significantly increased risk of CRC (OR = 2.01, 95% CI = 1.45-2.79, p = 0.0001) while the homozygous GSST1 null genotype was not associated with the risk of developing CRC (OR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.78-1.55, p = 0.001), but the heterozygous genotype correlated with CRC susceptibility (OR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.30-3.00, p = 0.001). Also, separate analyses of each of the main ethnic groups (Kazakh and Russian) showed a strong association of GSTM1 null genotype with CRC risk (for Kazakhs OR = 2.36, 95% CI = 1.35-4.10, p = 0.006 and for Russians OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.17-2.89, p = 0.003). The CRC risk of GSTM1 null genotype in smokers was considerably higher (OR = 3.37, 95% CI = 1.78-6.38, p = 0.0007). The combination of the GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes in combined mixed population of Kazakhstan showed a trend to increasing the risk of developing CRC (OR = 1.60, 95% CI = 1.00-2.56), but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, the results of this case-control study for sporadic cases of CRC show that GSTM1 deletion polymorphisms can have predictive value for susceptibility to CRC (OR = 2.01, p = 0.0001) for the mixed population from Kazakhstan and for both main ethnic groups (Kazakhs and Russians (OR = 2.36 and OR = 1.84, respectively)).
Fewer intrusions after an attentional bias modification training for perceptual reminders of analogue trauma

The present experimental analogue study used computerised attention training to investigate the role of attention bias in the prediction of intrusive memories. After exposure to a trauma film, participants in a training group (n=22) were presented with a variant of the exogenic cueing task (ECT) in which visual film reminders (i.e., stills from the trauma film) were always presented during invalid and neutral control stimuli always during valid trials. The purpose of this cue–location contingency was reinforcing the direction of attention away from film reminders. Control participants (n=23) performed a similar training without such a contingency. Post-training processing bias was assessed with a single target Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) task, in which trauma-film reminders served as task-irrelevant distracters appearing shortly before a neutral target. The frequency of film-related intrusions was recorded in a take-home diary and at a follow-up session three days after film viewing. Participants who underwent attention training reported fewer film-related intrusions and showed less interference by visual film distracters than controls. Implications for research on attention bias after real-life trauma are discussed.
Loss of H3 K79 Trimethylation Leads to Suppression of Rtt107-dependent DNA Damage Sensitivity through the Translesion Synthesis Pathway*

Genomic integrity is maintained by the coordinated interaction of many DNA damage response pathways, including checkpoints, DNA repair processes, and cell cycle restart. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the BRCA1 C-terminal domain-containing protein Rtt107/Esc4 is required for restart of DNA replication after successful repair of DNA damage and for cellular resistance to DNA-damaging agents. Rtt107 and its interaction partner Slx4 are phosphorylated during the initial phase of DNA damage response by the checkpoint kinases Mec1 and Tel1. Because the natural chromatin template plays an important role during the DNA damage response, we tested whether chromatin modifications affected the requirement for Rtt107 and Slx4 during DNA damage repair. Here, we report that the sensitivity to DNA-damaging agents of rtt107Δ and slx4Δ mutants was rescued by inactivation of the chromatin regulatory pathway leading to H3 K79 trimethylation. Further analysis revealed that lack of Dot1, the H3 K79 methyltransferase, led to activation of the translesion synthesis pathway, thereby allowing the survival in the presence of DNA damage. The DNA damage-induced phosphorylation of Rtt107 and Slx4, which was mutually dependent, was not restored in the absence of Dot1. The antagonistic relationship between Rtt107 and Dot1 was specific for DNA damage-induced phenotypes, whereas the genomic instability caused by loss of Rtt107 was not rescued. These data revealed a multifaceted functional relationship between Rtt107 and Dot1 in the DNA damage response and maintenance of genome integrity.
A Novel Parametric Model for AC Contactors

This paper develops a robust and fast parametric model to describe the dynamic behavior of an ac contactor. The model solves simultaneously the mechanical and electromagnetic coupled differential equations that govern its dynamic response. It deals with the shading rings and takes into account the fringing flux. Data from simulations carried out by applying the presented parametric model are compared with experimental data, demonstrating the model's validity and effectiveness.
Leptin in postmenopausal women: influence of hormone therapy, insulin, and fat distribution.

Whether use of hormone-replacement therapy (HRT) influences menopause-related changes in body weight is unclear. HRT may affect energy balance by influencing synthesis of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin. The objectives of this study were to: 1) identify factors influencing circulating leptin in postmenopausal women; 2) determine whether HRT influences serum leptin after adjusting for confounding factors; and, 3) identify potential independent effects of HRT or leptin on resting energy expenditure (REE). Subjects were 54 postmenopausal women, 45-55 yr old, 35 of whom used HRT (estrogen plus progestin). Total and regional body composition and fat distribution were determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography; fasting serum leptin and insulin, by RIA; and REE, by indirect calorimetry. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis indicated that serum leptin could best be predicted from total fat mass, fasting serum insulin, and total lean mass [log leptin = 1.08 x log fat mass) + (0.46 x log insulin) + (-1.25 x log lean mass) + 1.88; model R2 = 0.78, P < 0.001]. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that visceral fat was independently related to leptin (parameter estimate = 0.23, P < 0.05), after adjusting for s.c. abdominal fat and leg fat, as well as lean mass and insulin. After adjusting for total fat mass, total lean mass, and fasting insulin, serum leptin did not differ between users and nonusers of HRT (21.7 +/- 1.0 vs. 20.2 +/- 1.3 ng/mL, P = 0.369, adjusted mean +/- SE, respectively). Serum estradiol was inversely correlated with (adjusted) leptin in non-HRT users (r = -0.50), suggesting that ovarian senescence may lead to an increase in leptin. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that REE (adjusted for fat mass, fat-free mass, and ethnicity) was not associated with leptin (P = 0.298) or hormone use status (P = 0.999; 1323 +/- 31 vs. 1316 +/- 42 kcal/day, adjusted mean +/- SE for users and nonusers, respectively). These results indicate that, in postmenopausal women: 1) total fat mass, lean mass, and fasting insulin, but not HRT, are significant determinants of serum leptin; 2) visceral and s.c. fat contribute to serum leptin; and, 3) neither HRT nor leptin is independently related to REE.
Integrating DNA barcodes and morphology for species delimitation in the Corynoneura group (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae)

Abstract In this study, we use DNA barcodes for species delimitation to solve taxonomic conflicts in 86 specimens of 14 species belonging to the Corynoneura group (Diptera: Chironomidae: Orthocladiinae), from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil. Molecular analysis of cytochrome c-oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences supported 14 cohesive species groups, of which two similar groups were subsequently associated with morphological variation at the pupal stage. Eleven species previously described based on morphological criteria were linked to DNA markers. Furthermore, there is the possibility that there may be cryptic species within the Corynoneura group, since one group of species presented internal grouping, although no morphological divergence was observed. Our results support DNA-barcoding as an excellent tool for species delimitation in groups where taxonomy by means of morphology is difficult or even impossible.
Divergent functions of VTI12 and VTI11 in trafficking to storage and lytic vacuoles in Arabidopsis

The protein storage vacuole (PSV) is a plant-specific organelle that accumulates reserve proteins, one of the main agricultural products obtained from crops. Despite the importance of this process, the cellular machinery required for transport and accumulation of storage proteins remains largely unknown. Interfering with transport to PSVs has been shown to result in secretion of cargo. Therefore, secretion of a suitable marker could be used as an assay to identify mutants in this pathway. CLV3, a negative regulator of shoot stem cell proliferation, is an extracellular ligand that is rendered inactive when targeted to vacuoles. We devised an assay where trafficking mutants secrete engineered vacuolar CLV3 and show reduced meristems, a phenotype easily detected by visual inspection of plants. We tested this scheme in plants expressing VAC2, a fusion of CLV3 to the vacuolar sorting signal from the storage protein barley lectin. In this way, we determined that trafficking of VAC2 requires the SNARE VTI12 but not its close homologue, the conditionally redundant VTI11 protein. Furthermore, a vti12 mutant is specifically altered in transport of storage proteins, whereas a vti11 mutant is affected in transport of a lytic vacuole marker. These results demonstrate the specialization of VTI12 and VTI11 in mediating trafficking to storage and lytic vacuoles, respectively. Moreover, they validate the VAC2 secretion assay as a simple method to isolate genes that mediate trafficking to the PSV.
New therapies in soft tissue sarcoma

Importance of the field: Soft tissue sarcomas are rare mesenchymal tumors accounting for < 1% of all adult neoplasia. In the last decade, locally advanced and metastatic soft tissue sarcoma have been managed only through surgery, radiotherapy and standard chemotherapy (mainly based on anthracycline and ifosfamide). Despite the efforts, overall 5-year survival rate in patients with soft tissue sarcomas of all stages remains only 50 – 60%. Areas covered in this review: In the present article, all the main new molecules under clinical evaluation for the treatment of soft tissue sarcoma are revised by describing the mechanism of action, the biological rationale of their use in sarcoma and by reporting the available data about safety and efficacy, up to 2009. What the reader will gain: A brief summary of the standard treatments available at the moment and a complete analysis of the state of art about the development of new target therapies in the management of soft tissue sarcoma. Take home message: The identification of new biological therapies that target soft tissue sarcoma tumorigenesis key points seems to offer a real opportunity of improving the prognosis of this often aggressive disease. In this sense, the best management for soft tissue sarcoma patients is in a clinical trial and participation in clinical trials should be encouraged.
The dynamic nature of group A streptococcal epidemiology in tropical communities with high rates of rheumatic heart disease

SUMMARY Prospective surveillance was conducted in three remote Aboriginal communities with high rates of rheumatic heart disease in order to investigate the epidemiology of group A β-haemolytic streptococci (GAS). At each household visit, participants were asked about sore throat. Swabs were taken from all throats and any skin sores. GAS isolates were emm sequence and pattern-typed using standard laboratory methods. There were 531 household visits; 43 different emm types and subtypes (emmST) were recovered. Four epidemiological patterns were observed. Multiple emmST were present in the population at any one time and household acquisition rates were high. Household acquisition was most commonly via 5- to 9-year-olds. Following acquisition, there was a 1 in 5 chance of secondary detection in the household. Throat detection of emmST was brief, usually <2 months. The epidemiology of GAS in these remote Aboriginal communities is a highly dynamic process characterized by emmST diversity and turnover.