Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Disentangling abiotic and biotic effects of treated wastewater on stream biofilm resistomes enables the discovery of a new planctomycete beta-lactamase

Background Antibiotic resistance, which is mediated by environmental reservoirs, poses a threat to human and animal health. Aquatic biofilms impacted by treated wastewater (WW) are known environmental reservoirs for antibiotic resistance, however the specific influence of biotic factors and abiotic factors from WW on the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) within aquatic biofilms remains unclear. Additionally, experimental evidence is limited as to whether genes with low sequence similarity to reference ARGs actually encode for functional ARGs, particularly within complex aquatic microbial communities. Results To disentangle the effects of abiotic and biotic factors on ARG abundances, natural biofilms were previously grown in flume systems with different proportions of stream water and either ultrafiltered or nonultrafiltered WW. In this study, we conducted deep shotgun metagenomic sequencing of 75 biofilm, stream, and WW samples from these flume systems and compared the taxonomic and functional microbiome and resistome composition. Statistical analysis revealed an alignment of the resistome and microbiome composition and a significant association with experimental treatment. Several ARG classes exhibited an increase in metagenomic abundances in biofilms grown with increasing percentages of nonultrafiltered WW. In contrast, sulfonamide and BEL family beta-lactamase ARGs showed greater abundances in biofilms grown in ultrafiltered WW compared to nonultrafiltered WW. Overall, our results pointed toward the dominance of biotic factors over abiotic factors in determining ARG abundances in WW-impacted stream biofilms and suggested gene family-specific mechanisms for ARGs which exhibited divergent abundance patterns. To investigate one of these specific ARG families experimentally, we biochemically characterized a new beta-lactamase from the Planctomycetota (Phycisphaeraceae). This beta-lactamase displayed activity in the cleavage of cephalosporin analog despite sharing low sequence identity with known ARGs. Conclusions This discovery of a functional planctomycete beta-lactamase ARG is noteworthy, not only because it was the first beta-lactamase to be biochemically characterized from this phylum, but also because it was not detected by standard homology-based ARG tools. In summary, this study conducted metagenomic analysis on the relative importance of biotic and abiotic factors in the context of WW discharge and their impact on both known and new ARGs in aquatic biofilms.
Preclinical Characterization of the Omicron XBB.1.5-Adapted BNT162b2 COVID-19 Vaccine

As SARS-CoV-2 continues to evolve, increasing in its potential for greater transmissibility and immune escape, updated vaccines are needed to boost adaptive immunity to protect against COVID-19 caused by circulating strains. Here, we report features of the monovalent Omicron XBB.1. 5-adapted BNT162b2 vaccine, which contains the same mRNA backbone as the original BNT162b2 vaccine, modified by the incorporation of XBB.1. 5-specific sequence changes in the encoded prefusion-stabilized SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (S(P2)). Biophysical characterization of Omicron XBB.1. 5 S(P2) demonstrated that it maintains a prefusion conformation that adopts a flexible and predominantly open one-RBD-up state, with high affinity binding to the human ACE-2 receptor. When administered as a 4th dose in BNT162b2-experienced mice, the monovalent Omicron XBB.1. 5 vaccine elicited substantially higher serum neutralizing titers against pseudotyped viruses of Omicron XBB.1. 5, XBB.1. 16, XBB.1. 16.1, XBB.2. 3, EG.5. 1 and HV.1 sublineages and the phylogenetically distant BA.2. 86 lineage than the bivalent Wild Type + Omicron BA.4/5 vaccine. Similar trends were observed against Omicron XBB sublineage pseudoviruses when the vaccine was administered as a 2-dose primary series in naïve mice. Strong S-specific Th1 CD4+ and IFNγ+ CD8+ T cell responses were also observed. These findings, together with prior experience with variant-adapted vaccine responses in preclinical and clinical studies, suggest that the monovalent Omicron XBB.1. 5-adapted BNT162b2 vaccine is anticipated to confer protective immunity against dominant SARS-CoV-2 strains. ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY The monovalent Omicron XBB.1. 5-adapted BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine encodes a prefusion-stabilized spike immunogen that elicits more potent neutralizing antibody responses against homologous XBB.1. 5 and other circulating sublineage pseudoviruses compared to the bivalent Wild Type + Omicron BA.4/5 BNT162b2 vaccine, thus demonstrating the importance of annual strain changes to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Dopaminergic and Cholinergic Modulation of Human Cost-Benefit Decision Making

In everyday life, we encounter situations that require tradeoffs between potential rewards and associated costs, such as time and (physical) effort. The literature indicates a prominent role for dopamine in discounting of both delay and effort, with mixed findings for delay discounting in humans. Moreover, the reciprocal antagonistic interaction between dopaminergic and cholinergic transmission in the striatum suggests a potential opponent role of acetylcholine in these processes. We found opposing effects of dopamine D2 (haloperidol) and acetylcholine M1 receptor (biperiden) antagonism on effort discounting in healthy humans: haloperidol decreased, whereas biperiden increased the willingness to exert physical effort. In contrast, delay discounting was reduced under haloperidol, but not affected by biperiden. Together, our data point to a domain-general role of dopamine but a domain-specific role of acetylcholine in human cost-benefit decision making.
Transmission of correlated sources over Gaussian multiple-access channels with phase shifts

In this paper, we address the problem of separate encoding of correlated sources observed by sensor nodes that send their encoded information through a Gaussian multiple access channel (GMAC) with phase shifts. We suppose that the phases are perfectly known at the receiver and unknown to the transmitters. For discrete sources with finite-cardinality alphabets, we prove that the separation theorem holds for both random ergodic and arbitrary non-random models for the phase shifts, and consequently, the strategy of combining Slepian-Wolf coding to capacity achieving channel encoders is optimal for both.
PolicyChecker: Analyzing the GDPR Completeness of Mobile Apps' Privacy Policies

The European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates a data controller (e.g., an app developer) to provide all information specified in Articles (Arts.) 13 and 14 to data subjects (e.g., app users) regarding how their data are being processed and what are their rights. While some studies have started to detect the fulfillment of GDPR requirements in a privacy policy, their exploration only focused on a subset of mandatory GDPR requirements. In this paper, our goal is to explore the state of GDPR-completeness violations in mobile apps' privacy policies. To achieve our goal, we design the PolicyChecker framework by taking a rule and semantic role based approach. PolicyChecker automatically detects completeness violations in privacy policies based not only on all mandatory GDPR requirements but also on all if-applicable GDPR requirements that will become mandatory under specific conditions. Using PolicyChecker, we conduct the first large-scale GDPR-completeness violation study on 205,973 privacy policies of Android apps in the UK Google Play store. PolicyChecker identified 163,068 (79.2%) privacy policies containing data collection statements; therefore, such policies are regulated by GDPR requirements. However, the majority (99.3%) of them failed to achieve the GDPR-completeness with at least one unsatisfied requirement; 98.1% of them had at least one unsatisfied mandatory requirement, while 73.0% of them had at least one unsatisfied if-applicable requirement logic chain. We conjecture that controllers' lack of understanding of some GDPR requirements and their poor practices in composing a privacy policy can be the potential major causes behind the GDPR-completeness violations. We further discuss recommendations for app developers to improve the completeness of their apps' privacy policies to provide a more transparent personal data processing environment to users.
Attack Some while Protecting Others: Selective Attack Strategies for Attacking and Protecting Multiple Concepts

Machine learning models are vulnerable to adversarial attacks. Existing research focuses on attack-only scenarios. In practice, one dataset may be used for learning different concepts, and the attacker may be incentivized to attack some concepts but protect the others. For example, the attacker might tamper a profile image for the "age'' model to predict "young'', while the "attractiveness'' model still predicts "pretty''. In this work, we empirically demonstrate that attacking the classifier for one learning task may negatively impact classifiers learning other tasks on the same data. This raises an interesting research question: is it possible to attack one set of classifiers while protecting the others trained on the same data? Answers to the above question have interesting implications for the complexity of test-time attacks against learning models, such as avoiding the violation of logical constraints. For example, attacks on images of high school students should not cause these images to be classified as a group of 30-year-old. Such misclassification of age may raise alarms and may easily expose the attacks. In this paper, we address the research question by developing novel attack techniques that can simultaneously attack one set of learning models while protecting the other. In the case of linear classifiers, we provide a theoretical framework for finding an optimal solution to generating such adversarial examples. Using this theoretical framework, we develop a "multi-concept'' attack strategy in the context of deep learning tasks. Our results demonstrate that our techniques can successfully attack the target classes while protecting the "protected'' classes in many different settings, which is not possible with the existing test-time attack-only strategies.
Maximizing the Sum Rate in Symmetric Networks of Interfering Links

We consider the power optimization problem of maximizing the sum rate of a symmetric network of interfering links in Gaussian noise. All transmitters have an average transmit power constraint, the same for all transmitters. This problem has application to DSL, as well as wireless networks. We solve this nonconvex problem by indentifying some underlying convex structure. In particular, we characterize the maximum sum rate of the network, and show that there are essentially two possible states at the optimal solution depending on the cross-gain (√ε) between the links, and/or the average power constraint: the first is a wideband (WB) state, in which all links interfere with each other, and the second is a frequency division multiplexing (FDM) state, in which all links operate in orthogonal frequency bands. The FDM state is optimal if the cross-gain between the links is above 1/√2. If √ε <; 1/√2, then FDM is still optimal provided the SNR of the links is sufficiently high. With √ε <; 1/√2, the WB state occurs when the SNR is low, but as we increase the SNR from low to high, there is a smooth transition from the WB state to the FDM state: For intermediate SNR values, the optimal configuration is a mixture, with some fraction of the bandwidth in the WB state, and the other fraction in the FDM state. We also consider an alternative formulation in which the power is mandated to be frequency flat. In this formulation, the optimal configuration is either all links at full power, or just one link at full power. In this setting, there is an abrupt phase transition between these two states.
Poster: From Hashes to Ashes - A Comparison of Transcription Services

In recent years, semi-structured interviews gained more and more importance in cyber security research. Transcribing audio recordings of such interviews is a crucial step in qualitative data analysis, but it is also a work-intensive and time-consuming task. While outsourcing presents a common option, maintaining research quality requires precise transcriptions -- a task further compounded by technical jargon and established expressions in the research field. In this study, we compare different transcription services and evaluate their outcome quality within the context of cyber security. Our findings provide insights for researchers navigating the complex landscape of transcription services, offering informed choices to enhance the accuracy and validity of qualitative data analysis.
3Gb/s AC-coupled chip-to-chip communication using a low-swing pulse receiver

A 3Gbit/s 60mV low-swing pulse receiver is presented for AC-coupled interconnect (ACCI). Using this receiver, we demonstrate without errors, chip-to-chip communication through an ACCI channel with 150fF coupling capacitors, across 15cm FR4 microstrip line. A test chip is fabricated in 0.18 /spl mu/m CMOS technology and the TX and RX dissipate 15mW per I/O at 3Gbit/s.
DSFuzz: Detecting Deep State Bugs with Dependent State Exploration

Traditional random mutation-based fuzzers are ineffective at reaching deep program states that require specific input values. Consequently, a large number of deep bugs remain undiscovered. To enhance the effectiveness of input mutation, previous research has utilized taint analysis to identify control-dependent critical bytes and only mutates those bytes. However, existing works do not consider indirect control dependencies, in which the critical bytes for taking one branch can only be set in a basic block that is control dependent on a series of other basic blocks. These critical bytes cannot be identified unless that series of basic blocks are visited in the execution path. Existing approaches would take an unacceptably long time and computation resources to attempt multiple paths before setting these critical bytes. In other words, the search space for identifying the critical bytes cannot be effectively explored by the current mutation strategies. In this paper, we aim to explore a new input generation strategy for satisfying a series of indirect control dependencies that can lead to deep program states. We present DSFuzz, a directed fuzzing scheme that effectively constructs inputs for exploring particular deep states. DSFuzz focuses on the deep targets reachable by only satisfying a set of indirect control dependencies. By analyzing the conditions that a deep state indirectly depends on, it can generate dependent critical bytes for taking the corresponding branches. It also rules out the control flows that are unlikely to lead to the target state. As a result, it only needs to mutate under a limited search space. DSFuzz significantly outperformed state-of-the-art directed greybox fuzzers in detecting bugs in deep program states: it detected eight new bugs that other tools failed to find.
Keto Diet in Athletic Population

During exercise with progressively increasing intensity, it is a fact that the body of each individual, for the production of energy, initially uses carbohydrates, then, to a lesser extent, fats and, finally, to a minimal extent, the amino acids of proteins. The importance of carbohydrates in a diet aimed at athletic performance has been a given since the 1960s. From the 1980s onwards, however, alternative diets emerged, which are limited in carbohydrates and with increased fats, in percentages of approximately 60% fat and 25% carbohydrates (% of total calories consumed). That kind of diet is known as ketogenic diet. More specifically, during nutritional ketosis, ketone bodies replace glucose as the main form of energy for peripheral tissues such as the brain, the heart, etc. Whether nutritional ketosis benefits athletic performance is a controversial issue that is still being studied. This paper will attempt to examine the effects of a ketogenic diet on the athletic population. In particular, this paper examines primary data, derived from studies that analyze the effect of a ketogenic diet on athletes of sports that require physical strength and endurance. The results of our study demonstrate that most of the data recorded so far reveal that following a ketogenic diet does not improve athletic performance. In addition, a ketogenic diet is not considered to be ideal when it comes to increasing the muscle mass of athletes. Furthermore, the vast majority of the studies suggest that following a ketogenic diet is ideal for the reduction of body weight. However, research is still required in order to acquire a more comprehensive understanding of ketosis and how it affects the health and performance of the athletic population.
Sources of Stress and Its Levels among Nursing Students during Attending Adult Nursing Clinical Placement

: Stress is the process by which an individual reacts when exposed to external or internal problems and challenges. Stress has direct effect on all body systems, and it could result in many health problems. Stress in nursing education and clinical training is confirmed as one of the most pressing problems worldwide recently. Nursing clinical placement, especially in adult nursing has various challenges that could lead to very stressful feeling among nursing students. This study aims to study sources of stress and its levels among nursing students during attending adult nursing clinical placement. Method: A descriptive research design was adopted to conduct this study. Subjects: All students enrolled in second year were recruited from the Faculty of Nursing at the British University in Egypt for participation in this study. Data Collection Tools: Data were collected through using three tools as follows; first tool: Student's Demographic Data Assessment Tool, second tool: Stress Sources Assessment Tool; and third tool: Stress Related Signs and Symptoms Assessment Tool. Results: This study stated that, almost fifty percent of the studied sample had moderate level of stress during clinical placement. With regard signs and symptoms related to stress; the current study showed that, more than fifty percent of the studied sample developed physical signs and symptoms from stress. Meanwhile, more than one third of the studied sample developed moderate signs and symptoms from stress. Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings of the present study indicate that nursing students experienced different levels of stress, and the most common signs and symptoms result from stress are physical complains. This study recommended conducting further research to assess the coping strategies used by students. In addition, deliver series of sessions about different clinical teaching strategies for demonstrators that qualify them to deal with students who faced different stressors during clinical placement.
Intradermal Vaccination against Influenza with a STING-Targeted Nanoparticle Combination Adjuvant Induces Superior Cross-Protective Humoral Immunity in Swine Compared with Intranasal and Intramuscular Immunization

The development of cross-protective vaccines against the zoonotic swine influenza A virus (swIAV), a potential pandemic-causing agent, continues to be an urgent global health concern. Commercially available vaccines provide suboptimal cross-protection against circulating subtypes of swIAV, which can lead to worldwide economic losses and poor zoonosis deterrence. The limited efficacy of current swIAV vaccines demands innovative strategies for the development of next-generation vaccines. Considering that intramuscular injection is the standard route of vaccine administration in both human and veterinary medicine, the exploration of alternative strategies, such as intradermal vaccination, presents a promising avenue for vaccinology. This investigation demonstrates the first evaluation of a direct comparison between a commercially available multivalent swIAV vaccine and monovalent whole inactivated H1N2 swine influenza vaccine, delivered by intradermal, intranasal, and intramuscular routes. The monovalent vaccines were adjuvanted with NanoST, a cationic phytoglycogen-based nanoparticle that is combined with the STING agonist ADU-S100. Upon heterologous challenge, intradermal vaccination generated a stronger cross-reactive nasal and serum antibody response in pigs compared with intranasal and intramuscular vaccination. Antibodies induced by intradermal immunization also had higher avidity compared with the other routes of vaccination. Bone marrow from intradermally and intramuscularly immunized pigs had both IgG and IgA virus-specific antibody-secreting cells. These studies reveal that NanoST is a promising adjuvant system for the intradermal administration of STING-targeted influenza vaccines.
Holocene climatic development in Skagerrak, eastern North Atlantic: Foraminiferal and stable isotopic evidence

A high-resolution multiproxy study of core MD99-2286 reveals a highly variable hydrographic environment in the Skagerrak from 9300 cal. yr BP to the present. The study includes foraminiferal faunas, stable isotopes and sedimentary parameters, as well as temperature and salinity reconstructions of a c. 29 m long radiocarbon-dated core record. The multivariate technique fuzzy c-means was applied to the foraminiferal counts, and it was extremely valuable in defining subtle heterogeneities in the foraminiferal faunal data corresponding to hydrographic changes. The major early-/mid-Holocene (Littorina) transgression led to flooding of large former land areas in the North Sea, the opening of the English Channel and Danish straits, and initiation of the modern circulation system. This is reflected by fluctuating C/N values and an explosive bloom of Hyalinea balthica. A slight indication of ameliorated conditions between 8000 and 5750 cal. yr BP is related to the Holocene Thermal Maximum. A subsequent increase in freshwater/Baltic water influence between 5750 and 4350 cal. yr BP is reflected by dominance of Bulimina marginata and depleted δ18O values. The Neoglacial cooling (after 4350 cal. yr BP) is seen in the Skagerrak as enhanced turbidity, increasing TOC values and short-term changes in an overall Cassidulina laevigata-dominated fauna suggesting a prevailing influence of Atlantic waters. This is in agreement with increased strength of westerly winds, as recorded for this period. The last 2000 years were also dominated by Atlantic Water conditions with generally abundant nutrient supply. However, during warm periods, particularly the ‘Medieval Warm Period’and the modern warming, the area was subject to a restriction in the supply of nutrients and/or the nutrient supply had a more refractory character.
Double Femoral Artery in the Right Lower Limb of Cadaveric Specimen. Anatomical Case Report

In a single male cadaver, an anatomical variation was found in the femoral artery of the lower limb during routine gross anatomy dissection of 200 level undergraduate student in the department of nursing Mc Pherson University Nigeria in June 2022. In the right lower limb of the cadaver, there were double femoral arteries, which appear lateral to the femoral vein. The femoral nerve runs through the psoas major muscle and then traverses laterally to the distal part of the psoas major muscle. Moreover, the medial and the lateral circumflex femoral arteries arose directly from the profunda femoral artery and wrap around the anterior, lateral side of the femur, supplying some of the muscles on the lateral aspect of the thigh with the medial circumflex femoral artery to supply the head and neck of the femur. This is a rare case report among the previously reported vessels variations seen in the human cadaveric specimen because only one femoral artery is present in every individual which arises directly from the external iliac artery. This case report will augment our knowledge in gross and surgical anatomy and physical medicine because of the role which the femoral artery plays in the lower extremities.