Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
C R ] 2 2 D ec 2 01 1 Security Features of an Asymmetric Cryptosystem based on the Diophantine Equation Hard Problem and Integer Factorization Problem

The Diophantine Equation Hard Problem (DEHP) is a potential cryptographic problem on the Diophantine equation U = n ∑ i=1 Vixi. A proper implementation of DEHP would render an attacker to search for private parameters amongst the exponentially many solutions. However, an improper implementation would provide an attacker exponentially many choices to solve the DEHP. The AA β-cryptosystem is an asymmetric cryptographic scheme that utilizes this concept together with the factorization problem of two large primes and is implemented only by using the multiplication operation for both encryption and decryption. With this simple mathematical structure, it would have low computational requirements and would enable communication devices with low computing power to deploy secure communication procedures efficiently.
Inferring hidden Markov models from noisy time sequences: a method to alleviate degeneracy in molecular dynamics

We present a new method for inferring hidden Markov models from noisy time sequences without the necessity of assuming a model architecture, thus allowing for the detection of degenerate states. This is based on the statistical prediction techniques developed by Crutchfield et al., and generates so called causal state models, equivalent to hidden Markov models. This method is applicable to any continuous data which clusters around discrete values and exhibits multiple transitions between these values such as tethered particle motion data or Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) spectra. The algorithms developed have been shown to perform well on simulated data, demonstrating the ability to recover the model used to generate the data under high noise, sparse data conditions and the ability to infer the existence of degenerate states. They have also been applied to new experimental FRET data of Holliday Junction dynamics, extracting the expected two state model and providing values for the transition rates in good agreement with previous results and with results obtained using existing maximum likelihood based methods.
Bioengineered Scaffolds as Substitutes for Grafts for Urethra Reconstruction

Urethral defects originating from congenital malformations, trauma, inflammation or carcinoma still pose a great challenge to modern urology. Recent therapies have failed many times and have not provided the expected results. This negatively affects patients’ quality of life. By combining cells, bioactive molecules, and biomaterials, tissue engineering can provide promising treatment options. This review focused on scaffold systems for urethra reconstruction. We also discussed different technologies, such as electrospinning and 3D bioprinting which provide great possibility for the preparation of a hollow structure with well-defined architecture.
Screen-Printed Voltammetric Biosensors for the Determination of Copper in Wine

Certain heavy metals present in wine, including copper, can form insoluble salts and can induce additional casse, so their determination is important for its quality and stability. In this context, a new biosensor for quantification of copper ions with BSA protein (bovine serum albumin) and using SPE electrodes (screen-printed electrodes) is proposed. The objective of this research was to develop a miniaturized, portable, and low-cost alternative to classical methods. A potentiostat, which displays the response in the form of a cyclic voltammogram, was used in order to carry out this method. Values measured for the performance characteristics of the new biosensor revealed a good sensitivity (21.01 μA mM−1cm−2), reproducibility (93.8%), and limit of detection (0.173 ppm), suggesting that it has a high degree of application in the analysis proposed by our research. The results obtained for wine samples were compared with the reference method, atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS), and it was indicated that the developed biosensor is efficient and can be used successfully in the analysis of copper in wine. For the 20 samples of red wine analyzed with AAS, the concentration range of copper was between 0.011 and 0.695 mg/L and with the developed biosensor it was between 0.037 and 0.658 mg/L. Similar results were obtained for the 20 samples of white wine, 0.121–0.765 mg/L (AAS) and 0.192–0.789 mg/L (developed biosensor), respectively.
Microbial Metabolites Determine Host Health and the Status of Some Diseases

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is a highly complex organ composed of the intestinal epithelium layer, intestinal microbiota, and local immune system. Intestinal microbiota residing in the GI tract engages in a mutualistic relationship with the host. Different sections of the GI tract contain distinct proportions of the intestinal microbiota, resulting in the presence of unique bacterial products in each GI section. The intestinal microbiota converts ingested nutrients into metabolites that target either the intestinal microbiota population or host cells. Metabolites act as messengers of information between the intestinal microbiota and host cells. The intestinal microbiota composition and resulting metabolites thus impact host development, health, and pathogenesis. Many recent studies have focused on modulation of the gut microbiota and their metabolites to improve host health and prevent or treat diseases. In this review, we focus on the production of microbial metabolites, their biological impact on the intestinal microbiota composition and host cells, and the effect of microbial metabolites that contribute to improvements in inflammatory bowel diseases and metabolic diseases. Understanding the role of microbial metabolites in protection against disease might offer an intriguing approach to regulate disease.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder‐Symptoms, Social Media Use Intensity, and Social Media Use Problems in Adolescents: Investigating Directionality

Cross‐sectional research shows that adolescents’ social media use (SMU) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)‐symptoms are related, but it is unclear whether this relation is explained by SMU intensity or by addiction‐like SMU problems. Also, due to the lack of longitudinal studies, the direction of this relation remains unknown. This study aims to disentangle which type of SMU is related to ADHD‐symptoms, and in which direction, using a three‐wave longitudinal study among Dutch adolescents aged 11–15 years (n = 543). Findings suggest a unidirectional relation: SMU problems increased ADHD‐symptoms over time, SMU intensity did not. This implies that problematic use, rather than the intensity of use harmfully affects adolescents’ ADHD‐symptoms.
Condensin II protein dysfunction impacts mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial oxidative stress responses

ABSTRACT The maintenance of mitochondrial respiratory function and homeostasis is essential to human health. Here, we identify condensin II subunits as novel regulators of mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial stress responses. Condensin II is present in the nucleus and cytoplasm. While the effects of condensin II depletion on nuclear genome organization are well studied, the effects on essential cytoplasmic and metabolic processes are not as well understood. Excitingly, we observe that condensin II chromosome-associated protein (CAP) subunits individually localize to different regions of mitochondria, suggesting possible mitochondrial-specific functions independent from those mediated by the canonical condensin II holocomplex. Changes in cellular ATP levels and mitochondrial respiration are observed in condensin II CAP subunit-deficient cells. Surprisingly, we find that loss of NCAPD3 also sensitizes cells to oxidative stress. Together, these studies identify new, and possibly independent, roles for condensin II CAP subunits in preventing mitochondrial damage and dysfunction. These findings reveal a new area of condensin protein research that could contribute to the identification of targets to treat diseases where aberrant function of condensin II proteins is implicated. Highlighted Article: Condensin II proteins localize to mitochondria, and their depletion results in defects in oxygen consumption rates, changes in ATP levels and inefficient mitochondrial responses to oxidative stress.
Nanotechnology in the treatment of cancer

Background: Chemotherapy can induce severe side ef ects in patients due to nonselective activity towards healthy cells during the treatment of cancer. h is can lead to an alteration of the dosage regimen and in some cases to premature cancelation of chemotherapy, which reduces its therapeutic ef ect and prolongs the treatment period. Adverse side ef ects can also inl uence the patient’s quality of life during and at er the treatment. Inclusion of anti-tumour drugs in nanocarrier systems can reduce the adverse side ef ects by passive and/or active targeting of tumour cells. Conclusions: Nanocarrier systems achieve passive targeting of tumours through enhanced permeability and retention ef ect (EPR ef ect), which is mainly the result of leakiness of tumour vasculature. Furthermore, active targeting of tumour cells can be achieved through the conjugation of targeting ligands to the surface of nanoparticles, which selectively bind antigens or receptors overexpressed on the surface of tumour cells. In this way, the interaction between healthy tissue and anti-tumour drugs is reduced. Consequently, anti-tumour drugs formulated in nanocarriers have less side-ef ects and are safer in comparison with a free drug, thus enabling higher doses and better ei cay of anti-tumour therapy. To date, European Medicines Agency (EMEA) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved nine nanocarrier-based medicines for the treatment of cancer. h e safety of nanopar- ticles is yet to be fully explored. However, their toxicity is known to be enhanced with reactive oxygen species, which are associated with inl ammation.
Multimodality Imaging of Inflammation and Ventricular Remodeling in Pressure-Overload Heart Failure

Inflammation contributes to ventricular remodeling after myocardial ischemia, but its role in nonischemic heart failure is poorly understood. Local tissue inflammation is difficult to assess serially during pathogenesis. Although 18F-FDG accumulates in inflammatory leukocytes and thus may identify inflammation in the myocardial microenvironment, it remains unclear whether this imaging technique can isolate diffuse leukocytes in pressure-overload heart failure. We aimed to evaluate whether inflammation with 18F-FDG can be serially imaged in the early stages of pressure-overload–induced heart failure and to compare the time course with functional impairment assessed by cardiac MRI. Methods: C57Bl6/N mice underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) (n = 22), sham surgery (n = 12), or coronary ligation as an inflammation-positive control (n = 5). MRI assessed ventricular geometry and contractile function at 2 and 8 d after TAC. Immunostaining identified the extent of inflammatory leukocyte infiltration early in pressure overload. 18F-FDG PET scans were acquired at 3 and 7 d after TAC, under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia to suppress cardiomyocyte glucose uptake. Results: Pressure overload evoked rapid left ventricular dilation compared with sham (end-systolic volume, day 2: 40.6 ± 10.2 μL vs. 23.8 ± 1.7 μL, P < 0.001). Contractile function was similarly impaired (ejection fraction, day 2: 40.9% ± 9.7% vs. 59.2% ± 4.4%, P < 0.001). The severity of contractile impairment was proportional to histology-defined myocardial macrophage density on day 8 (r = −0.669, P = 0.010). PET imaging identified significantly higher left ventricular 18F-FDG accumulation in TAC mice than in sham mice on day 3 (10.5 ± 4.1 percentage injected dose [%ID]/g vs. 3.8 ± 0.9 %ID/g, P < 0.001) and on day 7 (7.8 ± 3.7 %ID/g vs. 3.0 ± 0.8 %ID/g, P = 0.006), though the efficiency of cardiomyocyte suppression was variable among TAC mice. The 18F-FDG signal correlated with ejection fraction (r = −0.75, P = 0.01) and ventricular volume (r = 0.75, P < 0.01). Western immunoblotting demonstrated a 60% elevation of myocardial glucose transporter 4 expression in the left ventricle at 8 d after TAC, indicating altered glucose metabolism. Conclusion: TAC induces rapid changes in left ventricular geometry and contractile function, with a parallel modest infiltration of inflammatory macrophages. Metabolic remodeling overshadows inflammatory leukocyte signal using 18F-FDG PET imaging. More selective inflammatory tracers are requisite to identify the diffuse local inflammation in pressure overload.
PIK3CA Cooperates with KRAS to Promote MYC Activity and Tumorigenesis via the Bromodomain Protein BRD9

Tumor formation is generally linked to the acquisition of two or more driver genes that cause normal cells to progress from proliferation to abnormal expansion and malignancy. In order to understand genetic alterations involved in this process, we compared the transcriptomes of an isogenic set of breast epithelial cell lines that are non-transformed or contain a single or double knock-in (DKI) of PIK3CA (H1047R) or KRAS (G12V). Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that DKI cells were enriched over single mutant cells for genes that characterize a MYC target gene signature. This gene signature was mediated in part by the bromodomain-containing protein 9 (BRD9) that was found in the SWI-SNF chromatin-remodeling complex, bound to the MYC super-enhancer locus. Small molecule inhibition of BRD9 reduced MYC transcript levels. Critically, only DKI cells had the capacity for anchorage-independent growth in semi-solid medium, and CRISPR-Cas9 manipulations showed that PIK3CA and BRD9 expression were essential for this phenotype. In contrast, KRAS was necessary for DKI cell migration, and BRD9 overexpression induced the growth of KRAS single mutant cells in semi-solid medium. These results provide new insight into the earliest transforming events driven by oncoprotein cooperation and suggest BRD9 is an important mediator of mutant PIK3CA/KRAS-driven oncogenic transformation.
Introducing Murine Microbiome Database (MMDB): A Curated Database with Taxonomic Profiling of the Healthy Mouse Gastrointestinal Microbiome

The gut microbiota modulates overall metabolism, the immune system and brain development of the host. The majority of mammalian gut microbiota consists of bacteria. Among various model animals, the mouse has been most widely used in pre-clinical biological experiments. The significant compositional differences in taxonomic profiles among different mouse strains due to gastrointestinal locations, genotypes and vendors have been well documented. However, details of such variations are yet to be elucidated. This study compiled and analyzed 16S rRNA gene-based taxonomic profiles of 554 healthy mouse samples from 14 different projects to construct a comprehensive database of the microbiome of a healthy mouse gastrointestinal tract. The database, named Murine Microbiome Database, should provide researchers with useful taxonomic information and better biological insight about how each taxon, such as genus and species, is associated with locations in the gastrointestinal tract, genotypes and vendors. The database is freely accessible over the Internet.
Continuous ratings of movie watching reveal idiosyncratic dynamics of aesthetic enjoyment

Visual aesthetic experiences unfold over time, yet most of our understanding of such experiences comes from experiments using static visual stimuli and measuring static responses. Here, we investigated the temporal dynamics of subjective aesthetic experience using temporally extended stimuli (movie clips) in combination with continuous behavioral ratings. Two groups of participants, a rate group (n = 25) and a view group (n = 25), watched 30-second video clips of landscapes and dance performances in test and retest blocks. The rate group reported continuous ratings while watching the videos, with an overall aesthetic judgment at the end of each video, in both test and retest blocks. The view group, however, passively watched the videos in the test block, reporting only an overall aesthetic judgment at the end of each clip. In the retest block, the view group reported both continuous and overall judgments. When comparing the two groups, we found that the task of making continuous ratings did not influence overall ratings or agreement across participants. In addition, the degree of temporal variation in continuous ratings over time differed substantially by observer (from slower “integrators” to “fast responders”), but less so by video. Reliability of continuous ratings across repeated exposures was in general high, but also showed notable variance across participants. Together, these results show that temporally extended stimuli produce aesthetic experiences that are not the same from person to person, and that continuous behavioral ratings provide a reliable window into the temporal dynamics of such aesthetic experiences while not materially altering the experiences themselves.
Myelin breakdown favours Mycobacterium leprae survival in Schwann cells

Leprosy neuropathy is a chronic degenerative infectious disorder of the peripheral nerve caused by the intracellular obligate pathogen Mycobacterium leprae (M. leprae). Among all nonneuronal cells that constitute the nerve, Schwann cells are remarkable in supporting M. leprae persistence intracellularly. Notably, the success of leprosy infection has been attributed to its ability in inducing the demyelination phenotype after contacting myelinated fibres. However, the exact role M. leprae plays during the ongoing process of myelin breakdown is entirely unknown. Here, we provided evidence showing an unexpected predilection of leprosy pathogen for degenerating myelin ovoids inside Schwann cells. In addition, M. leprae infection accelerated the rate of myelin breakdown and clearance leading to increased formation of lipid droplets, by modulating a set of regulatory genes involved in myelin maintenance, autophagy, and lipid storage. Remarkably, the blockage of myelin breakdown significantly reduced M. leprae content, demonstrating a new unpredictable role of myelin dismantling favouring M. leprae physiology. Collectively, our study provides novel evidence that may explain the demyelination phenotype as an evolutionarily conserved mechanism used by leprosy pathogen to persist longer in the peripheral nerve.
Simultaneous EEG Acquisition System for Multiple Users: Development and Related Issues

Social interaction is one of humans’ most important activities and many efforts have been made to understand the phenomenon. Recently, some investigators have attempted to apply advanced brain signal acquisition systems that allow dynamic brain activities to be measured simultaneously during social interactions. Most studies to date have investigated dyadic interactions, although multilateral interactions are more common in reality. However, it is believed that most studies have focused on such interactions because of methodological limitations, in that it is very difficult to design a well-controlled experiment for multiple users at a reasonable cost. Accordingly, there are few simultaneous acquisition systems for multiple users. In this study, we propose a design framework for an acquisition system that measures EEG data simultaneously in an environment with 10 or more people. Our proposed framework allowed us to acquire EEG data at up to 1 kHz frequency from up to 20 people simultaneously. Details of our acquisition system are described from hardware and software perspectives. In addition, various related issues that arose in the system’s development—such as synchronization techniques, system loads, electrodes, and applications—are discussed. In addition, simultaneous visual ERP experiments were conducted with a group of nine people to validate the EEG acquisition framework proposed. We found that our framework worked reasonably well with respect to less than 4 ms delay and average loss rates of 1%. It is expected that this system can be used in various hyperscanning studies, such as those on crowd psychology, large-scale human interactions, and collaborative brain–computer interface, among others.
Indocyanine Green Lymphography, Lymphoscintigraphy, and Genetic Analysis in Nonsyndromic Primary Lymphedema: The Distal Dermal Backflow Grading System and the Print Sign

Abstract Background Investigating correlations between clinical, instrumental, and genetic features of primary lymphedema (PL) with the aim to facilitate the diagnosis, the staging, and the management of this subgroup of patients. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted from September 2016 to May 2018, including patients with diagnosis of nonsyndromic PL. All patients underwent a lymphoscintigraphic rest-stress test, an indocyanine green (ICG) lymphographic test, and a genetic test from sputum sample. Results A total of 20 patients were enrolled in the study and 44 limbs were examined. The totality of clinically affected limbs (32/44) showed lymphographic and lymphoscintigraphic abnormalities. Concerning clinically healthy limbs (12/44), an abnormal pattern was demonstrated in 33.3% of ICG lymphographic test and 75% of lymphoscintigraphy. Regarding lymphography findings, the most frequent pattern was the distal dermal backflow (DDB). We distinguished four grades of DDB, which correlates with clinical and lymphoscintigraphic features. Furthermore, we found a new lymphographic alteration consisting of fluorescence appearing distally to the injection site of ICG, including fingers/toes and palmar/plantar surface of the hand and of the foot. This alteration, called “print sign,” seems to be typical of DDB pattern PL. Genetic test did not help us make any etiological diagnosis. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first study about PL comparing clinical, ICG lymphographic, lymphoscintigraphic, and genetic findings. As expected, all clinically affected limbs showed abnormalities in ICG lymphographic and lymphoscintigraphic tests. In opposition to what has previously been reported, also clinically healthy limbs showed lymphographic and lymphoscintigraphic alterations and this could suggest the existence of a subclinical form of PL. We proposed a grading of the DDB pattern, which correlates with clinical and lymphoscintigraphic features. Furthermore, we have described a new lymphographic alteration that seems to be typical of DDB pattern PL, the “print sign. ”
In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluations of Mesoporous Iron Particles for Iron Bioavailability

Chronic renal failure involving hemodialysis results in blood loss during filtration. Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia can result. A compensatory increase in iron dosage has many side effects including discomfort. Elemental iron is a highly-pure iron source, which reduces the frequency of dosages; the solubility decreases with increased particle size or pore size. In this study, synthesized mesoporous iron particles (MIPs) were used to relieve iron deficiency anemia. Their bioavailability was measured in vitro by a Caco-2 cell model and in vivo in iron-deficient rats. In vitro bioavailability of MIPs was examined by measuring ferritin content in the Caco-2 cell model. Iron uptake of MIPs was significantly higher than commercial iron particles, which were less porous. In vivo bioavailability of MIPs was examined by measuring body weight gain and red blood cell-related parameters, compared with the bioavailability of standard drug ferrous sulfate in iron-deficient anemic rats. Finally, average hemoglobin content and hemoglobin regeneration efficiency were significantly higher in anemic rats supplemented with commercial iron particles, compared to anemic controls. In the 28-day oral toxicity test, MIPs were not significantly toxic to rat physiology or tissue histopathology. Thus, MIPs may allow effective recovery of hemoglobin in iron deficiency anemia.