Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mix'n'Squeeze: Thwarting Adaptive Adversarial Samples Using Randomized Squeezing

Deep Learning (DL) has been shown to be particularly vulnerable to adversarial samples. To combat adversarial strategies, numerous defenses have been proposed in the literature. Among these, feature squeezing emerges as an effective defense by reducing unnecessary features without changing the DL model. However, feature squeezing is a static defense and does not resist adaptive attacks. Namely, feature squeezing is a deterministic process: as soon as an adversarial sample is found, this sample will always succeed against the classifier. In this work, we address this problem and introduce Mix'n'Squeeze, the first randomized feature squeezing defense that leverages key-based randomness and is secure against adaptive whitebox adversaries. Our defense consists of pre-processing the classifier inputs by embedding carefully selected randomness within each feature, before applying feature squeezing, so that an adaptive whitebox attacker can no longer predict the effect of their own perturbations on the resulting sample. We thoroughly implement and evaluate Mix'n'Squeeze in the context of image classification in light of the various reported strategies to generate adversarial samples. We also analyze the resilience of Mix'n'Squeeze with respect to state of the art adaptive strategies and we show that---in contrast to common belief---Mix'n'Squeeze does not hamper the classifier's accuracy while significantly decreasing the success probability of an adaptive whitebox adversary.
Ghanaians in the Bronx : (il)legal status and pathways to housing

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Membrane‐tethered Notch1 exhibits oncogenic property via activation of EGFR–PI3K–AKT pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Notch proteins are highly conserved cell surface receptors which play essential roles in cellular differentiation, proliferation, and apoptotic events at all stages of development. Recently, NOTCH1 mutations have been extensively observed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and are hinted to be Notch1‐inactivating mutations. However, little is known about the biological effect of these reported mutations in OSCC. To mimic the inactivation of Notch1 due to inappropriate mutations and to determine the potential mechanisms, we utilized wild‐type Notch1 vectors (Notch1WT) or mutant Notch1 vectors (Notch1V1754L) to transfect into OSCC cell lines. Membrane‐tethered Notch1 induced by mutation was analyzed by immunofluorescence staining. γ‐Secretase inhibitor PF‐03084014 was utilized to determine the phenotype in the absence of endogenous Notch1 activation. Here we demonstrated that membrane‐tethered Notch1 inactivated the canonical Notch1 signaling and oncogenic phenotypes were identified by promoting cell proliferation and invasion and by inducing epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition in cells. The γ‐secretase inhibitor PF‐03084014 also showed distinct oncogenic property after treatment. Importantly, both membrane‐tethered Notch1 and PF‐03084014 inhibitor activated the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)–phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)–protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway, which has been confirmed as an overwhelming modulator in OSCC. This was the first time that we clearly simulated the mutated Notch1 activities and determined the oncogenic phenotypes of membrane‐tethered Notch1. Compared with wild‐type Notch1, membrane‐tethered Notch1 was strongly associated with activated EGFR–PI3K–AKT signaling pathway.
Finite element analysis of stresses on adjacent teeth during the traction of palatally impacted canines.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate stresses on maxillary teeth during alignment of a palatally impacted canine (PIC) under different loading conditions with forces applied in vertical and buccal directions. MATERIALS AND METHODS A three-dimensional finite element model of the maxilla was developed from a cone beam computed tomographic scan of a patient with a left PIC. Traction was simulated under different setups: (1) palatal spring extending from a transpalatal bar (TPB) anchored on the first molars (M1) and alternatively combined with different archwires (0.016 × 0.022-inch; 0.018 × 0.025-inch) with and without engaging second molars and (2) a buccal force against 0.018-inch, 0.016 × 0.022-inch, and 0.018 × 0.025-inch archwires with and without engaging the left lateral incisor (I2). RESULTS Without fixed appliances, stresses were assumed by M1; with fixed appliances, stresses were distributed on all teeth, decreasing mesially toward the midline. Direct buccal pull exerted most stress on neighboring I2 (19-20% with different wire sizes) and first premolar (12-17%), decreasing distally, along a similar pattern with different archwire sizes. When I2 was bypassed, stresses on adjacent teeth increased only by 3-6%. Higher stresses occurred with the lighter round wire. CONCLUSIONS This first research on stresses on adjacent teeth during PIC traction provided needed quantitative data on the pattern of stress generation, suggesting the following clinical implications: use of distal-vertical pull from posterior anchorage (TPB) as initial movement and when using a buccal force, bypassing the lateral incisor and using heavier wires that would minimize side effects.
Adopting a Mediterranean-Style Eating Pattern with Different Amounts of Lean Unprocessed Red Meat Does Not Influence Short-Term Subjective Personal Well-Being in Adults with Overweight or Obesity

ABSTRACT Background Reducing red meat intake is commonly recommended. Limited observational studies suggest that healthy eating patterns with red meat are associated with improved quality of life. Objective The secondary objectives of this randomized crossover controlled-feeding trial were to assess the effects of following a Mediterranean-style eating pattern (Med-Pattern) with different amounts of red meat on indexes of personal well-being (i.e., perceived quality of life, mood, and sleep) in overweight or obese adults. We hypothesized that following a Med-Pattern would improve these outcomes, independent of red meat intake amount. Methods Forty-one participants [aged 46 ± 2 y; body mass index (kg/m2): 30.5 ± 0.6;n = 28 women,n = 13 men) were provided Med-Pattern foods for two 5-wk periods separated by 4 wk of self-selected eating. The Med-Red Pattern contained ∼500 g/wk (typical US intake), and the Med-Control Pattern contained ∼200 g/wk (commonly recommended intake in heart-healthy eating patterns) of lean, unprocessed beef or pork compensated with mainly poultry and dairy. Baseline and postintervention outcomes measured were perceived quality of life via the MOS 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, version 2 (SF-36v2), daily mood states via the Profile of Mood States (POMS), sleep perceptions via the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and sleep patterns via actigraphy. Data were analyzed via a doubly repeated-measures ANOVA adjusted for age, sex, and body mass at each time point. Results Following a Med-Pattern did not change domains of physical health, mental health, total mood disturbances, sleep perceptions, and sleep patterns but improved subdomains of physical health role limitations (SF-36v2: 93.6–96.7%;P = 0.038), vitality (SF-36v2: 57.9–63.0%;P = 0.020), and fatigue (POMS: 2.9–2.5 arbitrary units;P = 0.039). There were no differences between the Med-Red and Med-Control Patterns (time × pattern,P-interaction > 0.05). Conclusion Following a Med-Pattern, independent of lean, unprocessed red meat intake, may not be an effective short-term strategy to meaningfully improve indexes of personal well-being in adults who are overweight or obese. This trial was registered atclinicaltrials.gov as NCT02573129.
Validation of the targeted metabolomic pathway in the hippocampus and comparative analysis with the prefrontal cortex of social defeat model mice

The proportion of major depressive disorder (MDD) patients around the world has increased remarkably. Although many studies of MDD have been conducted based on classic hypotheses, like alteration of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis or monoamine neurotransmitters, the mechanisms underlying MDD remain unclear. Aiming to further investigate the mechanisms of MDD, liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was employed to measure target metabolites in the hippocampus (HIPPO) of chronic social defeat stress model mice. Compared with control mice, stress‐susceptible mice showed a reduction of 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid and kynurenic acid in the tryptophan pathway, and an increased level of dopamine in the catecholamine pathway, while stress‐resilient mice displayed a reduction of 5‐hydroxytryptamine in the tryptophan pathway. The altered levels of key molecules related to the tryptophan or dopamine metabolic pathways were validated by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction or western blotting. Comparative analysis with previous targeted metabolomics results in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of chronic social defeat stress mice revealed that the altered metabolites manifested in specific brain areas, and only the dopamine metabolic pathway was perturbed in both the HIPPO and PFC after stress. Additionally, correlation analysis validated that levels of kynurenic acid in the HIPPO, along with glutamic acid, L‐3, 4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine, and vanillylmandelic acid in the PFC, were correlated with depression‐like behaviors. This study provides a unique perspective on the potential molecular mechanisms of stress susceptibility and stress resilience.
Inter-relationship between retinal and choroidal vasculatures using optical coherence tomography angiography in normal eyes

Purpose: To quantify vascular and structural macular variables in healthy eyes and to investigate correlations between these variables and age using optical coherence tomography angiography. Materials and methods: A total of 261 eyes of 261 subjects with normal fundus were included. Central macular thickness, ganglion cell layer to inner plexiform layer thickness, outer retina layer thickness, subfoveal choroidal thickness, and choroidal vascularity index were measured using optical coherence tomography. Foveal avascular zone area, vascular density, and flow void area were measured using optical coherence tomography angiography. Results: Vascular density in the superficial capillary plexus was correlated with central macular thickness, ganglion cell layer to inner plexiform layer thickness, and outer retina layer thickness (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, and P < 0.001, respectively). Vascular density in the deep capillary plexus was correlated with central macular thickness and outer retina layer thickness (P = 0.003 and P = 0.001, respectively). Vascular density of choriocapillaris was correlated with vascular density of superficial capillary plexus and deep capillary plexus (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Vascular density of choriocapillaris varies with retinal vascular density rather than the structure of choroid using optical coherence tomography angiography. In contrast, retinal vascular density changes as the retinal structure. Our results provide more information about the relationship between retina and choroid.
More Than Just a Removal Service: Scavenger Receptors in Leukocyte Trafficking

Scavenger receptors are a highly diverse superfamily of proteins which are grouped by their inherent ability to bind and internalize a wide array of structurally diverse ligands which can be either endogenous or exogenous in nature. Consequently, scavenger receptors are known to play important roles in host homeostasis, with common endogenous ligands including apoptotic cells, and modified low density lipoproteins (LDLs); additionally, scavenger receptors are key regulators of inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Also, as a consequence of their affinity for a wide range of microbial products, their role in innate immunity is also being increasingly studied. However, in this review, a secondary function of a number of endothelial-expressed scavenger receptors is discussed. There is increasing evidence that some endothelial-expressed scavenger receptors are able to directly bind leukocyte-expressed ligands and subsequently act as adhesion molecules in the trafficking of leukocytes in lymphatic and vascular tissues. Here, we cover the current literature on this alternative role for endothelial-expressed scavenger receptors and also speculate on their therapeutic potential.
Focal pathological startle following pontine infarction

A 36‐year‐old male developed an acute right‐sided weakness due to left‐sided pontine infarction. Two months later, he first noticed sudden right elbow flexion in response to a loud unexpected noise. Detailed electrophysiological assessment was performed. A large, short‐latency (median 39 msec), synchronous electromyographic discharge occurred in the right biceps brachii electrodes following a 50‐msec, 120‐dB 1‐kHz tone burst, with habituation only with very short (30‐second) interstimulus intervals. Less synchronous activity at longer latencies was present both in a number of right‐sided arm muscles at rest and on the clinically unaffected side during a tonic voluntary contraction. We discuss possible underlying mechanisms and our reasons for considering this a focally enhanced startle response. Our report broadens the range of expression of acquired startle disorders. © 2001 Movement Disorder Society.
Increased serological, cancer-associated protein biomarker levels at diagnosis of large bowel adenoma: Risk of subsequent primary malignancy?

Abstract Background: Blood-based, cancer-associated biomarkers may detect subjects at risk of having neoplastic diseases. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether elevated serological protein biomarker levels may identify adenoma patients, who are at increased risk of being diagnosed with subsequent primary malignancy. Methods: Levels of CEA, CA19-9, TIMP-1 and YKL-40 were determined in blood samples collected prior to diagnostic bowel endoscopy due to symptoms of colorectal neoplasia. Follow-up time was ten years, and identified adenoma patients, who were diagnosed with subsequent primary intra- or extra-colonic malignant diseases. The biomarker levels were also determined in 400 subjects, who underwent diagnostic colonoscopy, had clean colorectum and were without apparent co-morbidity; these levels were used as reference levels. In the present study, biomarkers were interpreted as elevated when levels were above the reference intervals adjusting for age and gender. The 1-year and 5-years cumulative incidences were calculated. Results: Primary malignancies were identified in 175 (19%) of the 923 subjects diagnosed with adenomas at the primary bowel endoscopy. In detail, 20 of the 175 subjects were diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC) and 155 subjects with extra-colonic cancers. Thirty patients were diagnosed with malignancy within the first year. Three groups were established: 0: no elevated biomarkers; 1: 1 of the 4 biomarkers elevated; and 2: ≥2 biomarkers elevated. The cumulative 5-years incidence of malignancy was: 0: 6.9%; 1: 11.8%; and 2: 17.5% (p = .0009). Conclusion: Elevated blood-based, cancer-associated protein biomarker levels in subjects diagnosed with adenomas at large bowel endoscopy identifies subjects at increased risk of being diagnosed with subsequent primary malignancy.
Are electrophysiological criteria useful in distinguishing childhood demyelinating neuropathies?

Childhood chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) needs to be differentiated from hereditary neuropathy. We aimed to validate existing CIDP nerve conduction study (NCS) criteria in a group of children with demyelinating neuropathies of chronic or subacute onset. Retrospective analysis of clinical and NCS results in 18 children with CIDP, 7 with hereditary neuropathy with pressure palsy (HNPP), and 24 with Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth 1a (CMT1a). AAN and EFNS electrodiagnostic CIDP criteria were fulfilled in 17 of 18 CIDP, 3 of 7 HNPP, and 23 of 24 CMT1a patients. A distal compound muscle action potential (dCMAP) of >9 ms was observed in 14 of 18 CIDP patients but not in any patients with HNPP. Abnormal median/normal sural SNAP (AMNS) and a 10 m/s difference between conduction velocities (CV) of two corresponding nerves were not observed in any CMT1a patients. NCS in CMT1a, HNPP, and CIDP reflect demyelination. dCMAP duration, sensory AMNS, and a 10 m/s CV difference parameter are most useful in the differential diagnosis of pediatric CIDP.
The Brain Network in a Model of Thalamocortical Dysrhythmia

Abstract Sensory information processing and higher cognitive functions rely on the interactions between thalamus and cortex. Many types of neurological and psychiatric disorders are accompanied or driven by alterations in the brain connectivity. In this study, putative changes in functional and effective corticocortical (CC), thalamocortical (TC), and corticothalamic (CT) connectivity during wakefulness and slow-wave sleep (SWS) in a model of thalamocortical dysrhythmia, TRIP8b−/− mice, and in control (wild-type or WT) mice are described. Coherence and nonlinear Granger causality (GC) were calculated for twenty 10 s length epochs of SWS and active wakefulness (AW) of each animal. Coherence was reduced between 4 and ca 20 Hz in the cortex and between cortex and thalamus during SWS compared with AW in WT but not in TRIP8b−/− mice. Moreover, TRIP8b−/− mice showed lower CT coherence during AW compared with WT mice; these differences were no longer present during SWS. Unconditional GC analysis also showed sleep-related reductions in TC and CT couplings in WT mice, while TRIP8b−/− mice showed diminished wake and enhanced sleep CC coupling and rather strong CT-directed coupling during wake and sleep, although smaller during sleep. Conditional GC coupling analysis confirmed the diminished CC and enhanced CT coupling in TRIP8b−/− mice. Our findings indicate that altered properties of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated cation channels, characterizing TRIP8b−/− mice, have clear effects on CC, TC, and CT networks. A more complete understanding of the function of the altered communication within these networks awaits detailed phenotyping of TRIP8b−/− mice aimed at specifics of sensory and attentional processes.
Acetylation is the most abundant actin modification in Entamoeba histolytica and modifications of actin's amino‐terminal domain change cytoskeleton activities

Actin is one of the most conserved, abundant, and ubiquitous proteins in all eukaryotes characterised to date. Posttranslation modifications of actin modify the organisation of the actin‐rich cytoskeleton. In particular, chemical modifications of actin's amino‐terminal region determine how filamentous actin is organised into scaffolds. After assuming that protein modifications account for the multiple functional activities exerted by the single actin in Entamoeba histolytica, we profiled posttranslational modifications of this protein. Acetylation (on 21 different amino acids) was the most abundant modification, followed by phosphorylation. Furthermore, the glycine residue at Position 2 in E. histolytica's actin (Gly2, not found in most other eukaryotic actins) was found to be acetylated. The impact of Gly2 on the amoeba's life cycle and pathogenicity was then assessed in mutagenesis experiments. We found that Gly2 was necessary for cell morphology and division, parasite–host cell adhesion, and host invasion in an in vitro model of amoebic human infection.
Gut microbiota signatures in cystic fibrosis: Loss of host CFTR function drives the microbiota enterophenotype

Background Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a disorder affecting the respiratory, digestive, reproductive systems and sweat glands. This lethal hereditary disease has known or suspected links to the dysbiosis gut microbiota. High-throughput meta-omics-based approaches may assist in unveiling this complex network of symbiosis modifications. Objectives The aim of this study was to provide a predictive and functional model of the gut microbiota enterophenotype of pediatric patients affected by CF under clinical stability. Methods Thirty-one fecal samples were collected from CF patients and healthy children (HC) (age range, 1–6 years) and analysed using targeted-metagenomics and metabolomics to characterize the ecology and metabolism of CF-linked gut microbiota. The multidimensional data were low fused and processed by chemometric classification analysis. Results The fused metagenomics and metabolomics based gut microbiota profile was characterized by a high abundance of Propionibacterium, Staphylococcus and Clostridiaceae, including Clostridium difficile, and a low abundance of Eggerthella, Eubacterium, Ruminococcus, Dorea, Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, and Lachnospiraceae, associated with overexpression of 4-aminobutyrate (GABA), choline, ethanol, propylbutyrate, and pyridine and low levels of sarcosine, 4-methylphenol, uracil, glucose, acetate, phenol, benzaldehyde, and methylacetate. The CF gut microbiota pattern revealed an enterophenotype intrinsically linked to disease, regardless of age, and with dysbiosis uninduced by reduced pancreatic function and only partially related to oral antibiotic administration or lung colonization/infection. Conclusions All together, the results obtained suggest that the gut microbiota enterophenotypes of CF, together with endogenous and bacterial CF biomarkers, are direct expression of functional alterations at the intestinal level. Hence, it’s possible to infer that CFTR impairment causes the gut ecosystem imbalance.This new understanding of CF host-gut microbiota interactions may be helpful to rationalize novel clinical interventions to improve the affected children’s nutritional status and intestinal function.