Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Software-defined Security for Distributed Clouds

In this thesis, we propose an approach for software-defined security in distributed clouds. More specifically, we show to what extent this programmability can contribute to the protection of distributed cloud services, through the generation of secured unikernel images. These ones are instantiated in the form of lightweight virtual machines, whose attack surface is limited and whose security is driven by a security orchestrator. The contributions of this thesis are threefold. First, we present a logical architecture supporting the programmability of security mechanims in a multi-cloud and multi-tenant context. It permits to align and parameterize these mechanisms for cloud services whose resources are spread over several providers and tenants. Second, we introduce a method for generating secured unikernel images in an on-the-fly manner. This one permits to lead to specific and constrained resources, that integrate security mechanisms as soon as the image generation phase. These ones may be built in a reactive or proactive manner, in order to address elasticity requirements. Third, we propose to extend the TOSCA orchestration language, so that is is possible to generate automatically secured resources, according to different security levels in phase with the orchestration. Finally, we detail a prototyping and extensive series of experiments that are used to evaluate the benefits and limits of the proposed approach
Temporal Regulation of the Bacillus subtilis Acetylome and Evidence for a Role of MreB Acetylation in Cell Wall Growth

The past decade highlighted Nε-lysine acetylation as a prevalent posttranslational modification in bacteria. However, knowledge regarding the physiological importance and temporal regulation of acetylation has remained limited. To uncover potential regulatory roles for acetylation, we analyzed how acetylation patterns and abundances change between growth phases in B. subtilis. To demonstrate that the identification of cell growth-dependent modifications can point to critical regulatory acetylation events, we further characterized MreB, the cell shape-determining protein. Our findings led us to propose a role for MreB acetylation in controlling cell width by restricting cell wall growth. ABSTRACT N ε-Lysine acetylation has been recognized as a ubiquitous regulatory posttranslational modification that influences a variety of important biological processes in eukaryotic cells. Recently, it has been realized that acetylation is also prevalent in bacteria. Bacteria contain hundreds of acetylated proteins, with functions affecting diverse cellular pathways. Still, little is known about the regulation or biological relevance of nearly all of these modifications. Here we characterize the cellular growth-associated regulation of the Bacillus subtilis acetylome. Using acetylation enrichment and quantitative mass spectrometry, we investigate the logarithmic and stationary growth phases, identifying over 2,300 unique acetylation sites on proteins that function in essential cellular pathways. We determine an acetylation motif, EK(ac)(D/Y/E), which resembles the eukaryotic mitochondrial acetylation signature, and a distinct stationary-phase-enriched motif. By comparing the changes in acetylation with protein abundances, we discover a subset of critical acetylation events that are temporally regulated during cell growth. We functionally characterize the stationary-phase-enriched acetylation on the essential shape-determining protein MreB. Using bioinformatics, mutational analysis, and fluorescence microscopy, we define a potential role for the temporal acetylation of MreB in restricting cell wall growth and cell diameter. IMPORTANCE The past decade highlighted Nε-lysine acetylation as a prevalent posttranslational modification in bacteria. However, knowledge regarding the physiological importance and temporal regulation of acetylation has remained limited. To uncover potential regulatory roles for acetylation, we analyzed how acetylation patterns and abundances change between growth phases in B. subtilis. To demonstrate that the identification of cell growth-dependent modifications can point to critical regulatory acetylation events, we further characterized MreB, the cell shape-determining protein. Our findings led us to propose a role for MreB acetylation in controlling cell width by restricting cell wall growth.
Impulsive synchronization of complex dynamical networks via comparison principle

This paper focuses on the problem of impulsive synchronization of a class of complex dynamical networks. Based on impulsive control theory and a comparison theorem, generic criteria for complete synchronization are derived. It is shown that these criteria provide a novel and effective control approach to synchronize a general dynamical network to a synchronization manifold by exposing the relationship between impulsive synchronization, the impulsive intervals, and the graph topology. A numerical example is given to illustrate the results.
Metabolism of the plant toxins nitropropionic acid and nitropropanol by ruminal microorganisms

The nitro toxins 3-nitro-1-propionic acid (NPA) and 3-nitro-1-propanol (NPOH), which are found in many leguminous plants, are known to be detoxified by ruminal microorganisms. The rates of the detoxification reactions are critical to acquisition of tolerance to the plants by ruminant animals, but further information is needed about factors which influence reaction rates and about the nature of the detoxification reactions. We found that rates of disappearance of NPA and NPOH varied somewhat between samples of ruminal fluid but were usually about 0.4 and 0.1 mumol/ml of ruminal fluid per h, respectively, and that rates with threefold-concentrated cells from rumen fluid were correspondingly higher. We present evidence that ruminal microbes from both cattle and sheep reduce these nitro groups in situ, so that NPA is converted to bet-alanine and NPOH is converted to 3-amino-1-propanol. These products were identified by thin-layer chromatography and, as their dabsyl derivatives, separated by high-performance liquid chromatography. The product beta-alanine was itself metabolized by these mixed suspensions of rumen microbes, so its recovery was always less than what would be estimated from NPA loss, but as much as 87% of the NPOH lost from incubation mixtures was recovered as 3-amino-1-propanol. Addition of sulfide and ferrous ions to suspensions of ruminal microbes increased the rate of NPOH reduction about threefold, but rates of NPA reduction were not similarly increased. When incubations were under hydrogen gas instead of carbon dioxide, the addition of sulfide and ferrous ions led to even greater (five- to eightfold) increases in the rates of NPOH metabolism. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Patterns of intellectual development among survivors of pediatric medulloblastoma: a longitudinal analysis.

PURPOSE To examine two competing hypotheses relating to intellectual loss among children treated for medulloblastoma (MB): Children with MB either: (1) lose previously learned skills and information; or (2) acquire new skills and information but at a rate slower than expected compared with healthy same-age peers. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-four pediatric MB patients were evaluated who were treated with postoperative radiation therapy (XRT) with or without chemotherapy. After completion of XRT, a total of 150 examinations were conducted by use of the child version of the Wechsler Intelligence SCALES: These evaluations provided a measure of intellectual functioning called the estimated full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ). Changes in patient performance corrected for age (scaled scores) as well as the uncorrected performance (raw scores) were analyzed. RESULTS At the time of the most recent examination, the obtained mean estimated FSIQ of 83.57 was more than one SD below expected population norms. A significant decline in cognitive performance during the time since XRT was demonstrated, with a mean loss of 2.55 estimated FSIQ points per year (P =.0001). An analysis for the basis of the intelligence quotient (IQ) loss revealed that subtest raw score values increased significantly over time since XRT, but the rate of increase was less than normally expected, which resulted in decreased IQ scores. CONCLUSION These results support the hypothesis that MB patients demonstrate a decline in IQ values because of an inability to acquire new skills and information at a rate comparable to their healthy same-age peers, as opposed to a loss of previously acquired information and skills.
The role of resident-city identification in building residents’ city commitment

ABSTRACT This paper examines how elements of perceived city marketing mix influence residents’ city identification and city commitment. The study also tests the role of resident-city identification in building residents’ city commitment. The research model, along with the hypotheses, are developed from the literature, and tested based on the data collected through a survey on a representative sample (residents of Ljubljana – capital city of Slovenia) of 402 respondents. Among the elements of city marketing mix, ‘City as a management system’ and ‘City as people’ have direct influence on city commitment, while the elements ‘City as people’ and ‘City as physical evidence’ have direct influence on city identification. The partly mediating role of city identification is also revealed between ‘City as people’ and ‘City commitment’. The paper also shows that city identification has the strongest influence on city commitment, as well as that both concepts are distinctive, and not theoretically interchangeable.
CD20 Expression in Normal Canine B Cells and in Canine non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

We examined the expression of CD20 in normal canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells, normal canine spleen, and canine non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) to determine the feasibility of using this antigen as a diagnostic aid and as a possible target for therapy. An antibody generated against a C-terminal (intracytoplasmic) epitope of human CD20 recognized proteins of 32-36 kd in normal and malignant canine lymphocytes. This antibody showed restricted membrane binding in a subset of lymphocytes in peripheral blood, in the B-cell regions from a normal canine spleen and lymph node, and in malignant cells from 19 dogs with B-cell NHL, but not from 15 dogs with T-cell NHL. The patterns of CD20 reactivity in these samples overlapped those seen using an antibody that recognizes canine CD79a. This anti-CD20 antibody is therefore suitable as an aid to phenotype canine NHL. In contrast, normal canine B cells were not recognized by any of 28 antibodies directed against the extracellular domains of human CD20 (including the chimeric mouse-human antibody Rituximab) or by any of 12 antibodies directed against the extracellular domains of mouse CD20. Thus, the use of CD20 as a therapeutic target will require the generation of specific antibodies against the extracellular domains of canine CD20.
AMH Gene Mutations in Two Egyptian Families with Persistent Müllerian Duct Syndrome

The anti-müllerian hormone (AMH) is responsible for regression of müllerian ducts during male sexual differentiation. Mutations in the AMH gene or its type II receptor gene AMHR2 lead to persistence of the uterus and fallopian tubes in male children, i.e. persistent müllerian duct syndrome (PMDS). Both conditions are transmitted according to an autosomal recessive pattern and are symptomatic only in males. We report on 2 unrelated Egyptian consanguineous families with PMDS. The first family comprised 3 affected prepubertal sibs complaining of undescended testes. Pelvic exploration and laparotomy revealed müllerian duct derivatives. The other family was presenting with an adolescent male with impalpable left testis, and pelvic exploration showed remnants of fallopian tubes and rudimentary uterus. AMH levels were very low and almost undetectable in all affected patients in both families. Direct sequencing of the coding region of the AMH gene identified 2 homozygous mutations in exon 1, R95X in the first family and V12G in the second family. These data confirmed the autosomal recessive type of PMDS. Molecular investigation of this rare disorder in a larger number of cases with undescended testes in Egypt is warranted for proper diagnosis and genetic counseling.
Role of chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 24 in spatial arrangement of the inner cell mass of the bovine embryo†

Abstract The process of spatial rearrangement of cells of the inner cell mass (ICM) that are destined to become hypoblast is not well understood. The observation that the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 24 (CCL24) and several other genes involved in chemokine signaling are expressed more in the ICM than in the trophectoderm of the bovine embryo resulted in the hypothesis that CCL24 participates in spatial organization of the ICM. Temporally, expression of CCL24 in the bovine embryo occurs coincidently with blastocyst formation: transcript abundance was low until the late morula stage, peaked in the blastocyst at Day 7 of development and declined by Day 9. Treatment of embryos with two separate antagonists of C-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (the prototypical receptor for CCL24) decreased the percent of Gata6+ cells (hypoblast precursors) that were located in the outside of the ICM. Similarly, injection of zygotes with a CCL24-specific morpholino decreased the percent of GATA6+ cells in the outside of the ICM. In conclusion, CCL24 assists in spatial arrangement of the ICM in the bovine embryo. This experiment points to new functions of chemokine signaling in the bovine embryo and is consistent with the idea that cell migration is involved in the spatial organization of hypoblast cells in the blastocyst. Summary Sentence The chemokine, CCL24, is involved in spatial arrangement of hypoblast cells in the bovine embryo.
Stimulation of Histone Deacetylase Activity by Metabolites of Intermediary Metabolism*

Background: Little is known about potential regulation of non-sirtuin HDACs by cellular metabolites. Results: HDAC activity is stimulated by conjugated CoA derivatives and NADPH and is inhibited by free CoA. Conclusion: Cellular metabolites required for anabolism directly stimulate HDAC activity. Significance: Cellular HDAC activity may be modulated in response to the metabolic state of a cell. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) function in a wide range of molecular processes, including gene expression, and are of significant interest as therapeutic targets. Although their native complexes, subcellular localization, and recruitment mechanisms to chromatin have been extensively studied, much less is known about whether the enzymatic activity of non-sirtuin HDACs can be regulated by natural metabolites. Here, we show that several coenzyme A (CoA) derivatives, such as acetyl-CoA, butyryl-CoA, HMG-CoA, and malonyl-CoA, as well as NADPH but not NADP+, NADH, or NAD+, act as allosteric activators of recombinant HDAC1 and HDAC2 in vitro following a mixed activation kinetic. In contrast, free CoA, like unconjugated butyrate, inhibits HDAC activity in vitro. Analysis of a large number of engineered HDAC1 mutants suggests that the HDAC activity can potentially be decoupled from “activatability” by the CoA derivatives. In vivo, pharmacological inhibition of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) to decrease NADPH levels led to significant increases in global levels of histone H3 and H4 acetylation. The similarity in structures of the identified metabolites and the exquisite selectivity of NADPH over NADP+, NADH, and NAD+ as an HDAC activator reveal a previously unrecognized biochemical feature of the HDAC proteins with important consequences for regulation of histone acetylation as well as the development of more specific and potent HDAC inhibitors.
Socio-Economic Drivers of Adoption of Small-Scale Aquaculture in Indonesia

Aquaculture has a critical role in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals of increasing benefits that low-income and least-developed countries derive from marine resources. Its capacity to deliver these outcomes is challenging, particularly for marginalized groups. This is especially true if the introduction of novel technologies is applied with incomplete understanding of socio-economic and bio-physical contexts. We examined what socio-economic factors affect people’s perceptions of adoption of lobster aquaculture in rural households in Indonesia. We used multiple linear regression with model averaging to test the influence of five capital assets (human, social, natural, physical, and financial), including agency, equity, and household sensitivity, on people’s perceived ability to adopt lobster aquaculture. Agency and sensitivity had the greatest influence on the dependent variable. We then used correlation analysis to develop a heuristic model of potential indirect causal mechanisms affecting people’s perceptions of adoption. Our results point to the existence of a ‘sensitivity trap’, where more sensitive or marginalized households are less likely to engage in new economic opportunities. We emphasize the value of multifaceted programs for improving livelihoods, particularly for poorer, more vulnerable households as one way to support the UN’s commitment to using aquaculture as a pathway to achieving sustainable development.
Pathways to Depressive Symptoms in Young Adults: Examining Affective, Self-Regulatory, and Cognitive Vulnerability Factors

Recent models of depression (e.g., from Hyde and colleagues) have integrated affective and cognitive vulnerability factors, positing that a temperamental factor (i.e., negative emotionality) contributes to the development of cognitive vulnerability factors, which in turn conveys risk for depressive symptoms. Recent literature suggests that effortful control may reduce the strength of the relationship between affective and cognitive factors. However, few studies have examined the different cognitive vulnerability factors (cognitive style, brooding, and stress-reactive rumination) through which negative emotionality contributes to depressive symptoms, or how effortful control may influence these paths. 315 young adults (72% women, M age = 20.7 yr., SD = 1.4) answered psychometric measures of temperament factors (negative emotionality and effortful control), and three cognitive vulnerability factors (cognitive style, brooding, stress-reactive rumination), and depressive symptoms. Two hypotheses were tested concerning mediation and moderation of the relationship between negative emotionality and depressive symptoms. Cognitive style and brooding were significant mediators of this relationship, while effortful control did not moderate relations between negative emotionality and cognitive vulnerability factors. Results support models that integrate affective and cognitive vulnerability factors predicting depressive symptoms.
Turning points in migrants’ labour market integration in Europe and benefit spillovers for Romania and Serbia: the role of socio-psychological credentials

In this article we develop a two-fold analysis which captures the economic and socio-psychological coordinates in migrants’ labour market integration into ten EU countries (EU-10), mostly targeted by immigrants (namely: Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Sweden, Italy and Spain). The focus is on revealing the importance of socio-psychological credentials for an active labour market participation of immigrants, aiming to extrapolate factors (timespan 2000-2019), which can foster or complicate similar process in the future. Beside total immigration flows, we particularly entail the benefit spillovers for Serbia and Romania in their migration challenges towards EU-10. A set of methods and macro-econometric models, based on spatial analysis, crosssectional analysis and structural equations modelling, was applied on the balanced panel formed by EU-10. The results highlight that an increased participation in society, community and improved living standards satisfaction (subjective wellbeing) positively reverberate on migrant integration into host economies since it tends to upsize the employment rate of the foreign population. The opposite, a negative impact is induced by social exclusion and reduced job security, while material deprivation also significantly diminishes the employment opportunities of foreign population and their active labour market integration.
Comprehensive sequencing of the LRRK2 gene in patients with familial Parkinson's disease from North Africa

The LRRK2 gene is a key player in Parkinson's disease (PD), however prevalence and pathogenicity of LRRK2 variants remain to be investigated in ethnically diverse populations. Herein, we performed comprehensive sequencing of the LRRK2 gene in 92 Tunisian probands with familial PD. We then performed an association study using all identified variants in a series of 167 Lrrk2 p.G2019S‐negative patients with sporadic PD and 365 Lrrk2 p.G2019S‐negative healthy control subjects, all from the same Arab‐Berber ethnicity. We identified one novel coding substitution (p.M2408I) and 24 known coding changes. Only the Lrrk2 p.G2019S mutation segregated with disease within families and was found in 39% of familial probands. None of the variants displayed significant association with risk for sporadic PD, however a trend was observed for Lrrk2 p.Y2189C. The present study underscores the importance of the LRRK2 gene in the Tunisian PD population. © 2010 Movement Disorder Society
Paring and intense pulsed light versus paring alone for recalcitrant hand and foot warts: A randomized clinical trial with blinded outcome evaluation

Treatment of recalcitrant viral warts remains a therapeutic challenge. Intense pulsed light (IPL) has been suggested effective to clear wart tissue. The objective was in a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of paring followed by IPL versus paring alone for recalcitrant hand and foot warts.
Allosteric Modulation of M1 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Internalization and Subcellular Trafficking*

Background: The effects of allosteric modulators on G protein-coupled receptor trafficking are largely unknown. Results: The allosteric ligand BQCA modulates M1 mAChR arrestin recruitment and receptor trafficking. Conclusion: M1 mAChR trafficking is arrestin- and G protein-dependent and modulated by BQCA. Significance: The impact of allosteric modulators on receptor trafficking needs to be assessed when considering this family of ligands as potential chronic therapies. Allosteric modulators are an attractive approach to achieve receptor subtype-selective targeting of G protein-coupled receptors. Benzyl quinolone carboxylic acid (BQCA) is an unprecedented example of a highly selective positive allosteric modulator of the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAChR). However, despite favorable pharmacological characteristics of BQCA in vitro and in vivo, there is limited evidence of the impact of allosteric modulation on receptor regulatory mechanisms such as β-arrestin recruitment or receptor internalization and endocytic trafficking. In the present study we investigated the impact of BQCA on M1 mAChR regulation. We show that BQCA potentiates agonist-induced β-arrestin recruitment to M1 mAChRs. Using a bioluminescence resonance energy transfer approach to monitor intracellular trafficking of M1 mAChRs, we show that once internalized, M1 mAChRs traffic to early endosomes, recycling endosomes and late endosomes. We also show that BQCA potentiates agonist-induced subcellular trafficking. M1 mAChR internalization is both β-arrestin and G protein-dependent, with the third intracellular loop playing an important role in the dynamics of β-arrestin recruitment. As the global effect of receptor activation ultimately depends on the levels of receptor expression at the cell surface, these results illustrate the need to extend the characterization of novel allosteric modulators of G protein-coupled receptors to encapsulate the consequences of chronic exposure to this family of ligands.