Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tumor Necrosis Factor α Is a Critical Component of Interleukin 13–Mediated Protective T Helper Cell Type 2 Responses during Helminth Infection

In vivo manipulation of cytokine and/or cytokine receptor expression has previously shown that resistance to infection with the caecum-dwelling helminth Trichuris muris is dependent on interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 while susceptibility is associated with a T helper cell type 1 (Th1) cytokine response. Using gene-targeted mice deficient in tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor signaling and anti–TNF-α monoclonal antibody treatment, we have extended these studies to reveal a critical role for TNF-α in regulation of Th2 cytokine–mediated host protection. In vivo blockade of TNF-α in normally resistant mice, although not altering IL-4, IL-5, or IL-13 production in the draining lymph node, significantly delayed worm expulsion for the duration of treatment. IL-13–mediated worm expulsion in IL-4 knockout (KO) mice was also shown to be TNF-α dependent, and could be enhanced by administration of recombinant TNF-α. Furthermore, TNF receptor KO mice failed to expel T. muris, producing high levels of parasite-specific immunoglobulin G2a and the generation of a predominantly Th1 response, suggesting that the absence of TNF function from the onset of infection dramatically alters the phenotype of the response. These results provide the first demonstration of the role of TNF-α in regulating Th2 cytokine–mediated responses at mucosal sites, and have implications for the design of rational therapies against helminth infection and allergy.
Multiple SNP Markers Reveal Fine-Scale Population and Deep Phylogeographic Structure in European Anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L.)

Geographic surveys of allozymes, microsatellites, nuclear DNA (nDNA) and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have detected several genetic subdivisions among European anchovy populations. However, these studies have been limited in their power to detect some aspects of population structure by the use of a single or a few molecular markers, or by limited geographic sampling. We use a multi-marker approach, 47 nDNA and 15 mtDNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), to analyze 626 European anchovies from the whole range of the species to resolve shallow and deep levels of population structure. Nuclear SNPs define 10 genetic entities within two larger genetically distinctive groups associated with oceanic variables and different life-history traits. MtDNA SNPs define two deep phylogroups that reflect ancient dispersals and colonizations. These markers define two ecological groups. One major group of Iberian-Atlantic populations is associated with upwelling areas on narrow continental shelves and includes populations spawning and overwintering in coastal areas. A second major group includes northern populations in the North East (NE) Atlantic (including the Bay of Biscay) and the Mediterranean and is associated with wide continental shelves with local larval retention currents. This group tends to spawn and overwinter in oceanic areas. These two groups encompass ten populations that differ from previously defined management stocks in the Alboran Sea, Iberian-Atlantic and Bay of Biscay regions. In addition, a new North Sea-English Channel stock is defined. SNPs indicate that some populations in the Bay of Biscay are genetically closer to North Western (NW) Mediterranean populations than to other populations in the NE Atlantic, likely due to colonizations of the Bay of Biscay and NW Mediterranean by migrants from a common ancestral population. Northern NE Atlantic populations were subsequently established by migrants from the Bay of Biscay. Populations along the Iberian-Atlantic coast appear to have been founded by secondary waves of migrants from a southern refuge.
Targeted change detection in remote sensing images

Recent developments in the remote sensing systems and image processing made it possible to propose a new method of the object classification and detection of the specific changes in the series of satellite Earth images (so called targeted change detection). In this paper we develop a formal problem statement that allows to use effectively the deep learning approach to analyze time-dependent series of remote sensing images. We also introduce a new framework for the development of deep learning models for targeted change detection and demonstrate some cases of business applications it can be used for.
Regulation of the Chemokine Receptor CXCR4 by Hypoxia

Cell adaptation to hypoxia (Hyp) requires activation of transcriptional programs that coordinate expression of genes involved in oxygen delivery (via angiogenesis) and metabolic adaptation (via glycolysis). Here, we describe that oxygen availability is a determinant parameter in the setting of chemotactic responsiveness to stromal-derived factor 1 (CXCL12). Low oxygen concentration induces high expression of the CXCL12 receptor, CXC receptor 4 (CXCR4), in different cell types (monocytes, monocyte-derived macrophages, tumor-associated macrophages, endothelial cells, and cancer cells), which is paralleled by increased chemotactic responsiveness to its specific ligand. CXCR4 induction by Hyp is dependent on both activation of the Hyp-inducible factor 1 α and transcript stabilization. In a relay multistep navigation process, the Hyp–Hyp-inducible factor 1 α–CXCR4 pathway may regulate trafficking in and out of hypoxic tissue microenvironments.
Cystic brain metastases in ALK-rearranged non-small cell lung cancer

The central nervous system (CNS) is a common site of disease progression in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-rearrangement treated with crizotinib. Cystic brain metastases (CBM) have been recently identified as one possible variant of this disease. An illustrative case report is presented along with a literature review performed in order to track relevant papers about CBM in ALK-rearranged NSCLC, including possible pathophysiology, differential diagnosis and treatment options for this condition. Three case reports have been published describing six ALK-rearranged NSCLC patients presenting with CBM, all of which were under treatment with crizotinib by the time of CBM diagnosis. Treatment with CNS-penetrating tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) resulted in CNS disease control in three of the six cases reported either as single therapy or in combination with radiation therapy (RT). Investigation of differential diagnoses of CBM might be necessary, which include inflammatory and demyelinating disorders, primary brain tumours and infectious diseases, especially neurocysticercosis that might mimic CBM images. Treatment options include RT, CNS-penetrating TKIs and invasive procedures, such as stereotactic drainage. Thus, CBM are associated with ALK-rearranged NSCLC, particularly in patients who use crizotinib and should prompt investigation of differential diagnosis. CNS-penetrating TKIs are effective in the control of solid brain metastases and also seem to be active in CBM as single therapy or in combination with RT.
Design of flag-shaped 3-element array antenna for directive radiation in Ku-band applications

In this article, Antenna with flag-shaped radiating elements in antipodal configuration is proposed. The design and the study focuses on geometrical parameters like length of the patch, width of the flared structure to enhance the operability of the antenna in Ku-band spectrum. The proposed antenna is designed and simulated in ANSYS HFSS ver15.0 and the characteristic features obtained after simulation indicates that the antenna operates from 11.1293 GHz to 19.18 GHz. The proposed antenna is configured into an array with 3-elements. The characterization of antenna array is done in terms of return loss, isolation and radiation performance. The array configuration has improved the directive radiation performance.
When Intrusion Detection Meets Blockchain Technology: A Review

With the purpose of identifying cyber threats and possible incidents, intrusion detection systems (IDSs) are widely deployed in various computer networks. In order to enhance the detection capability of a single IDS, collaborative intrusion detection networks (or collaborative IDSs) have been developed, which allow IDS nodes to exchange data with each other. However, data and trust management still remain two challenges for current detection architectures, which may degrade the effectiveness of such detection systems. In recent years, blockchain technology has shown its adaptability in many fields, such as supply chain management, international payment, interbanking, and so on. As blockchain can protect the integrity of data storage and ensure process transparency, it has a potential to be applied to intrusion detection domain. Motivated by this, this paper provides a review regarding the intersection of IDSs and blockchains. In particular, we introduce the background of intrusion detection and blockchain, discuss the applicability of blockchain to intrusion detection, and identify open challenges in this direction.
Structural Insights into Human Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor Delta (PPAR-Delta) Selective Ligand Binding

Peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs δ, α and γ) are closely related transcription factors that exert distinct effects on fatty acid and glucose metabolism, cardiac disease, inflammatory response and other processes. Several groups developed PPAR subtype specific modulators to trigger desirable effects of particular PPARs without harmful side effects associated with activation of other subtypes. Presently, however, many compounds that bind to one of the PPARs cross-react with others and rational strategies to obtain highly selective PPAR modulators are far from clear. GW0742 is a synthetic ligand that binds PPARδ more than 300-fold more tightly than PPARα or PPARγ but the structural basis of PPARδ:GW0742 interactions and reasons for strong selectivity are not clear. Here we report the crystal structure of the PPARδ:GW0742 complex. Comparisons of the PPARδ:GW0742 complex with published structures of PPARs in complex with α and γ selective agonists and pan agonists suggests that two residues (Val312 and Ile328) in the buried hormone binding pocket play special roles in PPARδ selective binding and experimental and computational analysis of effects of mutations in these residues confirms this and suggests that bulky substituents that line the PPARα and γ ligand binding pockets as structural barriers for GW0742 binding. This analysis suggests general strategies for selective PPARδ ligand design.
NF-κB-Mediated Regulation of Osteoclastogenesis

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells formed mainly on bone surfaces in response to cytokines by fusion of bone marrow-derived myeloid lineage precursors that circulate in the blood. Major advances in understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating osteoclast formation and functions have been made in the past 20 years since the discovery that their formation requires nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling and that this is activated in response to the essential osteoclastogenic cytokine, receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL), which also controls osteoclast activation to resorb (degrade) bone. These studies have revealed that RANKL and some pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor, activate NF-κB and downstream signaling, including c-Fos and nuclear factor of activated T-cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1), and inhibition of repressors of NFATc1 signaling, to positively regulate osteoclast formation and functions. However, these cytokines also activate NF-κB signaling that can limit osteoclast formation through the NF-κB signaling proteins, TRAF3 and p100, and the suppressors of c-Fos/NFATc1 signaling, IRF8, and RBP-J. This paper reviews current understanding of how NF-κB signaling is involved in the positive and negative regulation of cytokine-mediated osteoclast formation and activation.
Measuring Working Memory in the Spanish Population: Validation of a Multiple Shortened Complex Span Task

Working memory plays a key role in cognition as it is a major predictor of a wide range of higher order abilities and behaviors typical to daily life. Shorter versions of the complex span tasks (CSTs) have been recently developed, allowing for the reduction of test administration time without affecting validity and reliability in the measurement of working memory capacity (WMC). However, these short versions have not been validated for the Spanish-speaking population. The present work aimed to validate an English version of the shortened CSTs into Spanish in a sample of 325 university students (40% female; mean age = 21.04; SD = 2.80). Cronbach’s coefficient alpha was computed for each complex span task as an index of internal consistency. Validity evidence was evaluated by comparing participants’ scores on the three shortened complex span tasks (operation span, symmetry span, and rotation span) with two measures of reasoning ability (Raven’s Advanced Progressive Matrices and Number Series) and using confirmatory factor analysis. Results indicated that the short version of the Spanish complex span has satisfying qualities for assessing WMC in a sample of university students, which is an initial step toward providing a valid and standardized method for assessing WMC in the Peninsular Spanish-speaking population.
The Big Match with a Clock and a Bit of Memory

The Big Match is a multi-stage two-player game. In each stage Player 1 hides one or two pebbles in his hand, and his opponent has to guess that number; Player 1 loses a point if Player 2 is correct, and otherwise he wins a point. As soon as Player 1 hides one pebble, the players cannot change their choices in any future stage. Blackwell and Ferguson (1968) give an ε-optimal strategy for Player 1 that hides, in each stage, one pebble with a probability that depends on the entire past history. Any strategy that depends just on the clock or on a finite memory is worthless. The long-standing natural open problem has been whether every strategy that depends just on the clock and a finite memory is worthless. We prove that there is such a strategy that is ε-optimal. In fact, we show that just two states of memory are sufficient.
Towards the memory forensics of OOP execution behavior

Perpetrators might employ computer programs (software) to perform their offenses or to cover their wrongdoings. Program's source code, in particular variables and their values diverge in their scope and duration in RAM. Object oriented languages encapsulate variables and operations in classes and allow for objects to be instantiated, which simplify software design but add to the complexity of its execution behavior and its data and control flow. This paper explores execution behaviors and information left by program execution in support for legal actions against perpetrators in the court of law. Our investigation model assumes no information is provided by the operating system; only raw RAM dumps. Our methodology employs information from the presumed program source code and its object oriented design. It explores various execution states and scenarios to uncover the evidence of potential software usage. These scenarios are designed to show that scope, access modifiers, and storage information of various source code variables can be used to identify program's activities. Results show that investigators have good chances locating various variables' values that are uniquely corresponded to the presumed software and its execution states. In some cases, values are successfully identified in memory dumps even after the process is stopped.
Dual‐hormone artificial pancreas: benefits and limitations compared with single‐hormone systems

Technological advances have made the artificial pancreas a reality. This has the potential to improve the lives of individuals with Type 1 diabetes by reducing the risk of hypoglycaemia, achieving better overall glucose control, and enhancing quality of life. Both single‐hormone (insulin‐only) and dual‐hormone (insulin and glucagon) systems have been developed; however, a focused review of the relative benefits of each artificial pancreas system is needed. We reviewed studies that directly compared single‐ and dual‐hormone systems to evaluate the efficacy of each system for preventing hypoglycaemia and maintaining glycaemic control, as well as their utility in specific situations including during exercise, overnight and during the prandial period. We observed additional benefits with the dual‐hormone artificial pancreas for reducing the risk of hypoglycaemic events overall and during exercise over the study duration. The single‐hormone artificial pancreas was sufficient for maintenance of euglycaemia in the overnight period and for preventing late‐onset post‐exercise hypoglycaemia. Future comparative studies of longer duration are required to determine whether one system is superior for improving mean glucose control, eliminating severe hypoglycaemia, or improving quality of life.
BLIND ADAPTATION OF DECISION FEEDBACK

An analysis of the stochastic dynamics of the blind adaptation of decision feedback equalizers is presented. The analysis accounts for the presence of decision errors which, under feedback, are propagated. A number of blind algorithms are presented and a theory is developed to explain gross convergence properties observed through simulations. The possibility of and mechanism behind undesirable local minima are highlighted and a detailed case study is given. The potential capture by local minima shows the importance of good initialization. These results superficially resemble those obtained for blind adaptation applied to linear equalizers.
Trousseau's Syndrome Causing Refractory Deep Venous Thrombosis

A 66-year-old man, who had been diagnosed with deep venous thrombosis (DVT), and who was treated with a vitamin K antagonist (VKA) and who had undergone the implantation of an inferior vena cava filter, was admitted due to an exacerbation of DVT. VKA was administered again; however, the patient's DVT worsened. Further examinations revealed colon cancer, which led to a diagnosis of Trousseau's syndrome. The regression of the thrombi was confirmed after the administration of heparin and the resection of the tumors. Trousseau's syndrome should always be kept in mind when patients present with refractory venous thrombosis. The administration of heparin, and cancer control are necessary for the effective treatment of thrombosis in such cases.
Fecal Colonization With Extended-spectrum Beta-lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Risk Factors Among Healthy Individuals: A Systematic Review and Metaanalysis.

BACKGROUND Gut colonization is a risk factor for infections with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms. We aimed to determine the ESBL class A reservoir among healthy individuals. METHODS We searched PubMed and EMBASE (through 10 July 2015) looking for studies that contained data for fecal colonization with ESBL class A bacteria among healthy individuals for each World Health Organization-defined region. Distribution of isolates among cefotaximase (CTX-M), sulfhydryl variable, and temoneira enzymes and data on previous antibiotic use, international travel, previous hospitalization, and animal contacts were extracted. RESULTS Sixty-six of 17 479 studies on 28 909 healthy individuals were included. The pooled prevalence of ESBL class A colonization was 14% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9, 20), with an increasing trend of 5.38% annually (P = .003). The pooled prevalence was higher in Asia and Africa (ranging from 46%, 95% CI, 29, 63 to 15%, 95% CI, 4, 31) and lower but still significant in central (3%, 95% CI, 1, 5), northern (4%, 95% CI, 2, 6), and southern Europe (6%, 95% CI, 1, 12) and the Americas (2%, 95% CI, 0, 5). CTX-Ms were the prevalent ESBL enzyme (69%). Antibiotic use for the prior 4 or 12 months was associated with a high colonization risk (risk ratio [RR] = 1.63; 95% CI, 1.19, 2.24 and RR = 1.58; 95% CI, 1.16, 2.16, respectively). International travel was also correlated with ESBL colonization [(RR = 4.06, (95% CI, 1.33, 12.41)]. CONCLUSIONS The ESBL colonization rate among healthy individuals is significant worldwide. This should be taken into consideration in infection control and antibiotic management decisions.
Ulvan: A Versatile Platform of Biomaterials from Renewable Resources

Biomass represents an abundant renewable resource for the production of bioenergy and biomaterials and its exploitation could lead to overcome the dependence from petroleum resources. Indeed fossil energy and chemical sources are not unlimited and there is a critical need to turn the current way of life back to a sustainable manner. The conversion of biomasses into high value chemicals, energy and materials is nowadays gaining more and more attention and represents the final goal of the “Industrial Biorefinering”. Indeed Biorefinery aims at the optimum exploitation of biomass resources for the production of materials that eventually might replace the conventional products from fossil/non renewable resources, thus decisively contributing to the development of a sustainable system. The great challenge in which Biorefinering is involved is the possibility of creating high value products from low value biomasses. In this view, the feasibility of using starting materials obtainable from organic waste sources (agricultural, municipal and industrial waste) or having harmful effects on the environment (algae) as feedstock can represent the strategy of election for the production of sustainable materials. To this aim algae could represent a potentially advantageous biomass to be explored since they are very abundant and cheap and very often involved in uncontrolled proliferation processes detrimental for marine and aquatic environments (Barghini et al., 2010, Chiellini et al., 2008, 2009, Fletcher, 1996). Today most of the naturally produced and harvested algal biomass is an unused resource and often is left to decompose on the shore creating waste problems (Morand et al., 2006). The current use of this huge underexploited biomass is mainly limited to food consumption and as bio-fertilizer, but its potentiality as renewable and sustainable feedstock for energy and material production is gaining more and more attention (Demirbas A. & Demirbas M.F., 2011). Indeed microalgae have been considered to be an excellent source for biodiesel production since are characterized by high growth rates and high population densities, ideal for intensive agriculture and may contain huge lipid amounts, needed for fuel production (Christi, 2007). Besides biodiesel, algae can be cultivated and can be used as a feedstock for the production of bioethanol (John et al., 2011). In particular macroalgae (seaweed) can produce huge amount of carbohydrates per year
A new pycnodont fish, Scalacurvichthys naishi gen. et sp. nov., from the Late Cretaceous of Israel

A new pycnodont fish from the early–mid Cenomanian, Late Cretaceous, of the ‘Ein Yabrud quarry near the village of Beit Eil in Israel is the first pycnodont fish to be described from this locality. Due to the locality where it was found, Scalacurvithys naishi gen. et sp. nov. is considered an inhabitant of reefal waters interspersed with lagoons in the eastern Tethys Sea. Scalacurvichthys naishi is notable for its protruding, hook-shaped first dorsal ridge scale above a large triangular dermatocranium, a deeply sloped and antero-posteriorly shortened skull and bifurcated cloacal scales. The bifurcating scales are a new character previously unknown in pycnodontomorph fishes but have been discovered in two more taxa, which indicates a new type of character that will be useful for future phylogenetic analyses of pycnodontomorph fishes. The new taxon is a member of Pycnodontidae and we conducted a phylogenetic analysis to establish its relationships to other pycnodont fishes. Our results reveal that Scalacurvichthys naishi is a well-resolved member of the subfamily Pycnodontinae. http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:04383E2A-551A-4F57-8996-68E06EFA52E0