Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intrusion detection system: Hybrid approach based mobile agent

Information systems are more and more opened on Internet today. This opening, a prior beneficial, nevertheless raises a major problem: it ensues from it an increasing number of attacks. The IDS was developed with the aim of detecting abnormal functioning of information systems and networks, indicating that actions not corresponding to the safety policy are led by one or several users. Centralized IDS suffer from significant limitations when used in high speed networks, especially when they face distributed attacks. In this paper we propose a distributed hybrid approach based on mobile agents for the detection of intrusion: HAMA-IDS (Hybrid Approach based on Mobile Agents for Intrusion Detection System). The proposed approach uses the platform Aglets for the creation and the distribution of four types of mobile agents. The Collector agent is used to the gathering of information, when the Analyzer and Redirector agent are responsible of the analysis (scenarios and behavioral analysis). The generator agent is responsible to the launch of these agents and to the management of messages received from these last ones.
The Discovery of Vitamin K and Its Clinical Applications

Vitamin K was discovered fortuitously in 1929 as part of experiments on sterol metabolism and was immediately associated with blood coagulation. In the decade that followed, the principal K vitamers, phylloquinone and the menaquinones, were isolated and fully characterized. In the early 1940s, the first vitamin K antagonists were discovered and crystallized with one of its derivatives, warfarin, still being widely used in today’s clinical setting. However, major progress in our understanding of the mechanisms of action of vitamin K came in the 1970s with the discovery of γ-carboxyglutamic acid (Gla), a new amino acid common to all vitamin K proteins. This discovery not only provided the basis to understanding earlier findings about prothrombin but later led to the discovery of vitamin K-dependent proteins (VKDPs) not involved in hemostasis. The 1970s also saw an important breakthrough with respect to our understanding of the vitamin K cycle and marked the discovery of the first bone VKDP, osteocalcin. Important studies relating to the role of vitamin K in sphingolipid synthesis were also underway at that time and would pave the way to further work 15 years later. The decades that followed saw the discovery of additional VKDPs showing wide tissue distribution and functional scope, the latest members having been identified in 2008. The 1990s and 2000s were also marked by important epidemiological and intervention studies that focused on the translational impact of recent vitamin K discoveries, notably with respect to bone and cardiovascular health. This short review presents an overview of the history of vitamin K and of its recent developments.
Determining the Most Important Dimension of the Development of Social Responsibility

The purpose of the study was to identify the most important factors in the development of social responsibility of young talented students across the three dimensions of personal characteristics, school relationships, and family relationships. The study population consisted of 300 winners of the Korea Young Talent Award. The study used data from the Department of Education, Science, & Technology and utilized dominance analysis to determine which set of factors had the greatest relative importance for predicting the degree of social responsibility exhibited by these award winners. The results of this study showed that the young talented people whose parents were more supportive of their needs had higher levels of social responsibility than was true of the participants who reported receiving less parental support. School activities and relationships were less significant factors in the enhancement of social responsibility compared to the family relationship factors. These results are discussed in relation to the Korean educational culture.
Ras-Raf-Arf Signaling Critically Depends on the Dmp1 Transcription Factor

ABSTRACT Dmp1 prevents tumor formation by activating the Arf-p53 pathway. In cultured primary cells, the Dmp1 promoter was efficiently activated by oncogenic Ha-RasV12, but not by overexpressed c-Myc or E2F-1. Dmp1 promoter activation by RasV12 depended on Raf-MEK-ERK signaling. Induction of p19Arf and p21Cip1 by oncogenic Raf was compromised in Dmp1-null cells, which were resistant to Raf-mediated premature senescence. A RasV12-responsive element was mapped to the 5′ leader sequence of the murine Dmp1 promoter, where endogenous Fos and Jun family proteins bind. Dmp1 promoter activation by RasV12 was strikingly impaired in c-Jun as well as in JunB knock-down cells, suggesting the critical role of Jun proteins in the activation of the Dmp1 promoter. A RasV12-responsive element was mapped to the unique Dmp1/Ets site on the Arf promoter, where endogenous Dmp1 proteins bind upon oncogenic Raf activation. Therefore, activation of Arf by Ras/Raf signaling is indirectly mediated by Dmp1, explaining why Dmp1-null primary cells are highly susceptible to Ras-induced transformation. Our data indicate the presence of the novel Jun-Dmp1 pathway that directly links oncogenic Ras-Raf signaling and p19 Arf , independent of the classical cyclin D1/Cdk4-Rb-E2F pathway.
Bacillus clausii effect on gene expression pattern in small bowel mucosa using DNA microarray analysis

Background Probiotics are widely used for the cure or prevention of several clinical conditions. However, clinical decisions need to be substantiated by an analysis of the complex bacteria–host interplay in the intestinal lumen. Aims To identify the gene expression pattern induced by Bacillus clausii in the intestinal mucosa of healthy individuals. Methods Six male patients (mean age 38±5 years) affected by endoscopically confirmed mild oesophagitis were treated for one month with esomeprazole, and were randomly selected to receive or not B. clausii (groups I and II, respectively). Duodenal biopsies were taken pre and post-treatment to identify the modification of gene expression, using the GeneChip Human U133A array. To validate the microarray analysis, real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of five target genes was performed. Results After B. clausii administration, a total of 158 and 265 genes were up and downregulated, respectively. Quantitative PCR confirmed the microarray data. B. clausii mainly affected the expression of genes involved in immune response and inflammation, apoptosis and cell growth, cell differentiation, cell–cell signalling, cell adhesion, signal transcription and transduction. Conclusions Our data represent the first global analysis of B. clausii effects on the gene expression profile in normal intestine, and provide the basis to identify the mechanisms by which these agents interact with the host and exert their beneficial effects. Future studies are needed to clarify the B. clausii-induced gene pattern in the clinical disorders in which probiotics have proved to be effective.
Frequency of Genotypic and Phenotypic Drug‐Resistant HIV‐1 Among Therapy‐Naive Patients of the German Seroconverter Study

Summary: Genotypic and phenotypic resistance of viral reverse transcriptase (RT) and protease (PR) was determined for 64 therapy‐naive, HIV‐1‐infected seroconverters of the German Seroconverter Study coordinated by the Robert Koch‐Institut, Berlin. The date of seroconversion of patients and the laboratory, clinical, and therapeutic follow‐up data were documented. Samples were collected between 1996 and 1999. Phenotypic resistant HIV‐1 were found in 8 (13%) seroconverters; in most cases resistance was weak and mainly directed against RT inhibitors (4 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [NRTIs], 2 nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors [NNRTIs], 1 combination NRTI/NNRTI). Only one infection with a weak PR inhibitor resistance was identified. Transmission of multidrug‐resistant HIV‐1 has not yet been observed. Frequently at least one or more amino acid mutations associated with antiretroviral drug resistance were detected by genotypic analysis. The mean number of resistance‐associated mutations in the RT of the transmitted virus has increased significantly since 1996. Studies have shown the improved benefit of initial antiretroviral therapy if based on genotypic resistance data. In view of the considerably high level of transmission of resistant HIV‐1 in Germany, which is also seen in other studies in Europe and the United States, we suggest determining the genotypic resistance pattern before starting therapy of newly HIV‐1‐infected patients.
Coexpression of Escherichia coli RNase III in silkworm cells improves the efficiency of RNA interference induced by long hairpin dsRNAs

Abstract Long hairpin dsRNA transcribed from chromosomal DNA can induce RNA interference in Bombyx mori cells, although its gene silencing efficiency is lower than that of exogenously introduced double‐stranded RNAs (dsRNAs). To solve this problem, we monitored the nuclear cytoplasmic translocation of the transcribed hairpin dsRNA and analyzed the processing efficiency into mature small interfering RNA (siRNA). Northern blot analysis revealed that the transcribed hairpin dsRNAs were spliced and transported into the cytoplasm, but were not effectively diced into siRNAs. Interestingly, RNAi with hairpin dsRNAs from genome‐integrated IR transgene was stimulated by the coexpression of Escherichia coli RNase III, although this exogenous enzyme seemed to bring about nonspecific cleavage of cellular mRNA.
K13-Propeller Polymorphisms in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates from Patients in Mayotte in 2013 and 2014

ABSTRACT Plasmodium falciparum isolates were collected from 29 malaria patients treated with artemether-lumefantrine in Mayotte in 2013 and 2014. Twenty-four cases (83%) consisted of imported malaria. Seventeen percent of the isolates presented mutations in one of the six K13-propeller blades (N490H, F495L, N554H/K, and E596G). A total of 23.8% of the isolates from the Union of Comoros showed K13-propeller polymorphisms. Three of the 18 isolates (16.7%) from Grande Comore showed polymorphisms (N490H, N554K, and E596G).
Image-guided percutaneous biopsy of musculoskeletal tumors: an algorithm for selection of specific biopsy techniques.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to design and use an algorithm for selection of the most appropriate biopsy technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS An algorithm was designed to maximize the tissue sampling and diagnostic accuracy of musculoskeletal tumor biopsy. We used fine-needle aspiration to sample small ( < 3 cm) soft-tissue masses, an 18-gauge automated Biopty Gun to sample large ( > 3 cm) soft-tissue masses, a bone-cutting core biopsy needle to sample sclerotic bone tumors, and a combination technique to sample lytic bone tumors with an intact bony shell. We reviewed the results of 46 consecutive biopsies obtained with this algorithm. RESULTS The overall diagnostic accuracy was 96%, with one inadequate biopsy and one inaccurate biopsy. The diagnostic accuracies within subgroups of tumor types were: primary malignant tumors (n = 15), 93%; primary benign tumors (n = 9), 100%; secondary malignant tumors (n = 11), 100%; secondary benign tumors (n = 8), 88%; and infections (n = 3), 100%. CONCLUSION This algorithm allows selection of the biopsy procedure most likely to safely provide adequate and accurate biopsy samples.
Selenium Status of Very Low Birth Weight Infants

ABSTRACT: The selenium (Se) intake and status of 82 very low birth weight infants (birth weight 1110 ± 286 g, gestational age 29.2 ± 3 wk, mean ± SD) was assessed at 36.3 ± 3 postconceptional wk, at 40.1 ± 4 wk (hospital discharge), and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 ± 0.75 mo corrected for gestational age. Infants were fed formula containing 0.13 μmol/L (10 μg/L) Se. Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity in red blood cells declined corresponding to low Se intakes (μg/kd/d) for the first 6 mo. With increased consumption of solid foods, intakes of dietary Se and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity increased at 9 mo, suggesting that the earlier supply of Se was suboptimal. Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activity and intakes of Se were lower in males than in females (p < 0.05). We suggest that infant formulas should probably contain 0.26–0.33 μmol/L (20–25 μg/L) Se, particularly those formulas consumed by very low birth weight infants.
Effect of different amylases on the utilization of cornstarch in broiler chickens

&NA; This study compared the effect of different amylases on the utilization of cornstarch in broiler chickens fed a corn‐based diet. Three‐day‐old Arbor Acres plus male chickens were randomly divided into 7 treatments and fed a diet supplemented with different sources and concentrations of amylase: 1,500 U/kg and 3,000 U/kg &agr;‐1,4 amylase from Aspergillus oryzae (&agr;‐amylase A); 480 U/kg and 960 U/kg &agr;‐1,4 amylase from Bacillus subtilis (&agr;‐amylase B); 200 U/kg and 400 U/kg &agr;‐1,6 isoamylase from B. subtilis; and the control. The experimental period comprised 11 d, during which performance, nutrient digestibility, digestive enzyme activity, intestinal morphology, and glucose transporter transcription of the chickens were evaluated. The results indicated that 1,500 U/kg &agr;‐amylase improved the digestibility of energy and decreased the feed conversion rate compared to &agr;‐1,6 isoamylase (P < 0.05). Supplemental 400 U/kg &agr;‐1,6 isoamylase decreased ileal digestibility of amylopectin and total starch (P < 0.05) compared to 200 U/kg &agr;‐1,6 isoamylase, &agr;‐amylase A, &agr;‐amylase B, and the control (P < 0.05). Supplemental &agr;‐1,6 isoamylase decreased (P < 0.05) insulin content. Supplemental 3,000 U/kg &agr;‐amylase A and &agr;‐1,6 isoamylase increased (P < 0.05) the relative weight of the liver. In addition, 3,000 U/kg &agr;‐amylase A, 480 U/kg &agr;‐amylase B, and &agr;‐1,6 isoamylase decreased the V:C in the duodenum and ileum. &agr;‐amylase A increased sucrase activity in the jejunum (P < 0.05), whereas 400 U/kg &agr;‐1,6 isoamylase reduced maltase activity in the duodenum (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 3,000 U/kg &agr;‐amylase A and &agr;‐amylase B decreased (P < 0.05) sodium/glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) mRNA expression in the duodenum and jejunum. However, 200 U/kg &agr;‐1,6 isoamylase increased glucose transporter 2 (GLUCT2) in the duodenum (P < 0.05). These results suggest that exogenous amylase affects the digestibility of starch by affecting disaccharidase activity in the intestine, nutrient requirements for intestinal maintenance by the V:C, and nutrient absorption and metabolism via GLU transporter mRNA expression. Different sources and concentrations of amylases had varying effects on broilers.
Identifying the Future Directions of Australian Excess Stock Returns and Their Determinants Using Binary Models

The predictability of excess stock returns has been debated by researchers over time, with many studies proving that stock returns can be predicted to some extent. To enable an effective investment strategy, it is vital for investors to identify the future directions of stock returns and the factors causing directional changes. This study sought to determine whether Australian monthly excess stock return signs are predictable, and identify the key determinants of Australian monthly excess stock return directions. Three different binary models were considered to predict stock directions: discriminant, logistic and probit models. The predictive powers of benchmark static logistic and probit models were also compared with dynamic, autoregressive and dynamic autoregressive models. In order to identify the key determinants, this study considered various economic, international and financial factors, as well as past volatility measures of explanatory variables. It also tested a United States (US) binary recession indicator and Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) composite leading indicator as explanatory variables in the predictive models.
Cocaine Modulates Dendritic Cell-Specific C Type Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-3-Grabbing Nonintegrin Expression by Dendritic Cells in HIV-1 Patients1

We report that cocaine may act as cofactor in HIV pathogenesis by increasing dendritic cell-specific C type ICAM-3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) expression on dendritic cells (DC). Our results show that cocaine-using, long-term nonprogressors and normal progressors of HIV infection manifest significantly higher levels of DC-SIGN compared with cocaine-nonusing long-term nonprogressors and normal progressors, respectively. Furthermore, in vitro HIV infection of MDC from normal subjects cultured with cocaine and/or HIV peptides up-regulated DC-SIGN, confirming our in vivo finding. Cocaine, in synergy with HIV peptides, also up-regulates DC-SIGN gene expression by MDC. Furthermore, the cocaine-induced effects were reversed by a D1 receptor antagonist demonstrating the specificity of the reaction. Our results indicate that cocaine exacerbates HIV infection by up-regulating DC-SIGN on DC and these effects are mediated via dysregulation of MAPKs. These data are the first evidence that cocaine up-regulates the expression of DC-SIGN on DC. A better understanding of the role of DC-SIGN in HIV infection may help to design novel therapeutic strategies against the progression of HIV disease in the drug-using population.
Cerebellar encoding of limb position

In this paper, we review single and multijoint studies that, over the years, have provided insight on the cerebellar encoding of limb spatial position. In particular, we present support to the idea that the cerebellum integrates signals from multiple sources to encode global limb parameters. Then, we highlight the result of recent studies that analyzed quantitatively the relationships between limb endpoint position and cerebellar activity. These findings suggest that the cerebellum may share with other central sensorymotor structures an anisotropic representation of limb position characterized by a strong bias along the anteroposterior axis. Finally, we speculate that this anisotropy may also subtend an internal representation of limb mechanics.
Knowledge management in the semi-public sector : prerequisite organizational and human conditions for a successful implementation of knowledge management in a semi-public organization in the Netherlands

There is a lack of available research that examines the relationship between enablers and knowledge management and its sub-variables knowledge creation, caption, dissemination and application. Most previous research focuses on examining the relation between enablers and knowledge dissemination. Moreover, previous research also showed that there could be differences between enablers of KM in (semi-) public and private sector organization. There is no standard model that can be applied to organizations in the (semi-) public sector and most previous research on KM is conducted in private sector organizations. Therefore, this master thesis examines which organizational and human conditions are prerequisite when successfully implementing knowledge management in semi-public organization X. The empirical research is conducted through a cross-sectional study, consisting of a survey and in-depth interviews with two employees and managers of the BU’s of organization X. Formalization, training and leadership were found to significantly affect the level of KM in semi-public organization X. Moreover, none of the predictor variables are significant predictors of knowledge creation. Formalization, leadership and strategy are significant predictors of knowledge caption. Training is found to be a significant predictor of knowledge dissemination and formalization and strategy are significant predictors of knowledge application. Implications and recommendations based on these research outcomes are presented in this master thesis.
Experimenter-defined quit dates for smoking cessation: adherence improves outcomes for women but not for men.

AIMS Smoking cessation treatment trials often require that smokers quit on or before a protocol-defined date. The goals of this paper were to: (1) identify factors associated with adherence to a protocol-defined quit date and (2) determine whether such adherence predicts cessation outcome (relapse). DESIGN A quasi-experimental secondary analysis of data collected from a randomized placebo-controlled trial of fluoxetine (60 mg or 30 mg) versus placebo for smoking cessation. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Clinic-based smoking cessation treatment program comprising 989 non-depressed smokers. INTERVENTION Participants received cognitive behavioral therapy for smoking cessation and either study medication or placebo for 10 weeks. They were required to set a quit date within 2 weeks of their second study visit (by visit 4). FINDINGS Significant predictors of quit date adherence were low nicotine dependence and active drug treatment. High-dose fluoxetine (60 mg) and male gender were protective against relapse. Adherence to quit date was not an independent predictor of relapse; instead there was a significant interaction between quit date adherence and gender. Among non-adherers to the quit date, women were more than 2.5 times as likely as men to relapse; among adherers to the quit date, women were only 1.3 times as likely as men to relapse. CONCLUSIONS Although women were more likely than men to relapse regardless of quit date adherence, adherence was strongly protective against relapse for women.
TETRAHEDRALLY COORDINATED BORON IN A TOURMALINE: BORON-RICH OLENITE FROM STOFFHÜTTE, KORALPE, AUSTRIA

The substitution of [4] B for [4] Si in tourmaline has been the source of much discussion. A sample of olenite from Stoffhutte, Koralpe, Styria, Austria has been found to contain more than one [4] B per formula unit of 31 (O,OH,F), demonstrating that significant [4] B = [4] Si substitution does indeed occur in tourmaline. The composition of the structurally characterized crystal was determined using electron microprobe and SIMS data; in combination with refinement of the site scattering, the chemical data yield an optimized formula of Y (Na 0.400 Ca 0.294 □ 0.306 ) Z (Al 2.424 Li 0.357 □ 0.219 ) (Al 5.916 □ 0.084 ) B 3.00 (Si 4.854 B 1.062 Al 0.084 ) ∑ 6.00 O 27 [F 0.06 (OH) 3.31 O 0.63 ]. The Austrian olenite crystallizes in space group R 3 m , a 15.731(3), c 7.0638(9) A. The atomic arrangement was refined to R = 0.014 using X-ray data; O > is equal to 1.609 A, reflecting substitution of the smaller boron atom for Si. Conjecture on the pattern of distribution of [4] B can be made on the basis of X -site occupancy.
Economic, institutional, and socio‐cultural determinants of consumer credit in the context of monetary integration

We investigated the determinants of consumer credit in relation to nominal GDP in 23 EU countries using panel regressions for 1997–2014. Our contribution to existing research is evidence that both higher density of bank units and greater concentration of the banking sector lead to higher consumer lending. Our results show that the consumer credit to GDP ratio decreases when banking supervision becomes a part of a politically independent central bank. This signals that access to consumer credit is more difficult when supervision is independent from government. Finally, we find that joining the Eurozone boosts consumer lending. This result is consistent with the permanent income hypothesis, which states that households’ current consumption is determined not only by their current income but also by the income that they expect to earn. Our results can be used to increase the effectiveness of macroprudential policy in avoiding consumer lending booms and ensuring financial stability.