Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Cryptobia salmositica-induced anorexia on feeding behavior and immune response in juvenile rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.

At 10 degrees C, rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (n = 13 per group) infected with Cryptobia salmositica Katz, 1951 became anorexic at 3 wk post-infection (w.p.i.), with feed-intake decreasing significantly from 1.33 to 0.94% body weight (b.w.). Anorexia was most severe at 4 w.p.i. (0.80% b.w.), coinciding with peak parasitemia (9.2 x 10(6) parasites ml blood(-1)) and anemia. At 8 w.p.i. , fish had recovered their appetite although they still had contained detectable parasites (6.8 x 10(5) parasites ml(-1)) and were anemic (pack cell volume, PCV, of 24.4%). However at 5 degrees C, anorexia occurred at 5 w.p.i. (0.81% b.w.), and was most severe at 7 w.p.i. (0.40% b.w.). At 8 w.p.i. (0.43% b.w.), fish displayed high parasitemia (4.6 x 10(6) parasites ml(-1)) and low PCV (10.8%). Fish at 5 degrees C had lower gastric evacuation (GE) rates (GE48h) than 10 degrees C fish, however there were no differences between infected and naive fish at both temperatures. Before anorexia, there was no significant correlation between mean share of meal (MSM, a measure of how food was partitioned within a group) and coefficient of variation in feeding but this became significant during anorexia (p = 0.02 and p = 0.0002 at 10 and 5 degrees C respectively). Significant correlations were detected between b.w. and MSM before onset of anorexia at 10 degrees C (p = 0.005) and 5 degrees C (p = 0.02); this was maintained at 10 degrees C (p = 0.001) but not at 5 degrees C (p = 0.98). Fish on an anorexic diet (0.93% b.w.) responded well at 10 degrees C to a live C. salmositica vaccine; this could partly be due to constant antigenic stimulation by the live vaccine.
The CHOICE study: a "taste-test" of utilitarian vs. leisure walking among older adults.

OBJECTIVE Utilitarian walking (e.g., walking for transport) and leisure walking (e.g., walking for health/recreation) are encouraged to promote health, yet few studies have explored specific preferences for these two forms of physical activity or factors that impact such preferences. A quasi-experimental crossover design was used to evaluate how training underactive midlife and older adults in each type of walking impacted total steps taken and how it was linked to their subsequent choice of walking types. METHODS Participants (N = 16) were midlife and older adults (M age = 64 ± 8 years) who were mostly women (81%) and white (75%). To control for order effects, participants were randomized to instruction in either utilitarian or leisure walking for 2 weeks and then the other type for 2 weeks. Participants then entered a 2-week "free choice" phase in which they chose any mixture of the walking types. Outcome variables included walking via OMRON pedometer and the ratio of utilitarian versus leisure walking during the free-choice phase. Participants completed surveys about their neighborhood (NEWS) and daily travel to multiple locations. RESULTS Instruction in leisure-only, utilitarian-only, and a freely chosen mixture of the two each resulted in significant increases in steps taken relative to baseline (ps < 0.05). Having to go to multiple locations daily and traveling greater distances to locations were associated with engagement in more utilitarian walking. In contrast, good walking paths, neighborhood aesthetics, easy access to exercise facilities, and perceiving easier access to neighborhood services were associated with more leisure walking. CONCLUSIONS Results from this pilot study suggest that midlife and older adults may most easily meet guidelines through either leisure only or a mixture of leisure and utilitarian walking, and tailored suggestions based on the person's neighborhood may be useful.
A Single VCO Chipless RFID Nearfield Reader

An extremely simple, low-cost, chipless RFID reader is demonstrated. The reader consists of only a single voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) as the detector front end. The information from the chipless RFID tag appears as a low-frequency variation on the VCO DC bias supply which is readily detected and demodulated. Experimental results are shown for successful detection of a 10-bit RFID tag, operating over the frequency range 2.4–3.4 GHz. The results when compared with those taken from a vector network analyser (VNA) prove that the VCO detector can provide a similar level of performance to the more sophisticated VNA arrangement. The proposed solution provides a significant simplification of the chipless RFID reader.
A molecular assessment and first record of Tarentola mauritanica ( Squamata : Phyllodactylidae ) on Corfu , Greece

1) Department of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, Palacký University, Šlechtitelů 11, 78371, Olomouc, Czech Republic 2) Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic 3) Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Viničná 5, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic 4) Department of Zoology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina B-1, 84215, Bratislava, Slovakia 5) Museum of Nature Bohemian Paradise, Lošťákova 409, 50601 Jičín, Czech Republic 6) Polabské Museum, Palackého 68, 29055 Poděbrady, Czech Republic
A Multi-Cloud Framework for Measuring and Describing Performance Aspects of Cloud Services Across Different Application Types

Cloud services have emerged as an innovative IT provisioning model in the recent years. However, after their usage severe considerations have emerged with regard to their varying performance due to multitenancy and resource sharing issues. These issues make it very difficult to provide any kind of performance estimation during application design or deployment time. The aim of this paper is to present a mechanism and process for measuring the performance of various cloud services and describing this information in machine understandable format. The framework is responsible for organizing the execution and can support multiple cloud providers. Furthermore we present approaches for measuring service performance with the usage of specialized metrics for ranking the services according to a weighted combination of cost, performance and workload.
Physical training interventions for children and teenagers affected by acute lymphoblastic leukemia and related treatment impairments

A decreased physical fitness has been reported in patients and survivors of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). This is influenced by the negative effects of the disease and by the treatments of childhood cancer. In the past, children were advised to recover in bed, and to take as much relax as possible. Nowadays, it is considered that too much immobility may result in a further decrease of physical fitness and functioning. Exercise training for ALL children has frequently been reported to improve physical fitness and the well-being of the children, since it prevents the negative effects of a sedentary life-style, such as obesity and a poor skeletal health. In recent years, different studies and protocols on this subject has become available for children and young adults with cancer, both during and after treatment. The efficacy of recent physical exercise training interventions, that act on several ALL impairments in children such as skeletal, musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiopulmonary and cardiovascular systems, fatigue, body balance disorders and metabolism alterations have been examined. These side effects might be prevented or significantly reduced by introducing a physical exercise program during or shortly after cancer treatment. Several interventions are discussed and presented for each impairment, reducing their level caused by the disease and thus suggesting the importance of physical training activity in ameliorating the children quality of life.
MPPT Control Methods in Wind Energy Conversion Systems

Wind energy conversion systems have been attracting wide attention as a renewable energy source due to depleting fossil fuel reserves and environmental concerns as a direct consequence of using fossil fuel and nuclear energy sources. Wind energy, even though abundant, varies continually as wind speed changes throughout the day. The amount of power output from a wind energy conversion system (WECS) depends upon the accuracy with which the peak power points are tracked by the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller of the WECS control system irrespective of the type of generator used. This study provides a review of past and present MPPT controllers used for extracting maximum power from the WECS using permanent magnet synchronous generators (PMSG), squirrel cage induction generators (SCIG) and doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). These controllers can be classified into three main control methods, namely tip speed ratio (TSR) control, power signal feedback (PSF) control and hill-climb search (HCS) control. The chapter starts with a brief background of wind energy conversion systems. Then, main MPPT control methods are presented, after which, MPPT controllers used for extracting maximum possible power in WECS are presented.
A Fast and Simple Block-Based Approach for Common Path Pessimism Removal in Static Timing Analysis

The "early/late split" in delay modeling is an effective approach to handle the variability in deep submicron integrated circuits. However, static timing analysis with early/late split is often too conservative due to the common path pessimism, where the common path pessimism removal (CPPR) technique is helpful to eliminate the unnecessary pessimism. In this paper, we propose a fast and simple CPPR algorithm with sub-quadratic time complexity.
Genomic selection of in vitro produced and somatic cell nuclear transfer embryos for rapid genetic improvement in cattle production

This paper provides basic concepts of genomic selection (GS) methods in beef and dairy cattle production in combination with assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as ovum-pick up and in vitro production (OPU-IVP). We first introduce genomic tools and discuss main methods of GS as practiced todate. The general benefit from GS is that it enables selecting animals accurately early in life using genomic predictions particularly those phenotypes that are very difficult or expensive to measure. While it is known that GS increases genetic gain and profit in conventional cattle breeding, GS is much more desirable when combined with OPU-IVP in cattle production. The expected benefits of GS-OPU-IVP far exceed the benefits achieved by either GS or OPU-IVP alone mainly due to tremendous reduction in generation interval. The genetic improvement will increase even further, if genetic merit of donor cows and bulls used in OPU-IVP for key economic traits are maximal. The paper also highlights some challenges particularly with regard to embryo biopsies and quantity and quality of embryo DNA for whole genome genotyping and ways to overcome difficulties. We briefly discuss the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) technique in the context of applying GS on fibroblast cell lines from fetuses obtained from OPU-IVP techniques and provide our perspectives on how it might pave way for even more rapid cattle improvement. Main conclusion is that employing genomic selection in ARTs such as OPUIVP of embryos coupled with embryo sexing and SCNT will lead to rapid dissemination of high genetic merit animals on a scale never been seen before. Finally, the paper outlines current research activities on combined genomic selection and advanced reproductive technologies in the GIFT project consortium (www.gift.ku.dk).
Differential Expression of Proteins of Mycobacterium bovis BCG during Adaptation to Anaerobic Non Replicating Persistence

The adaptive mechanisms involved in the establishment of a latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis are not fully understood, but hypoxic condition in the central part of the granulomas is generally believed to be the environment encountered by the pathogen during persistence. In the present study, we followed the adaptive process of Mycobacterium bovis BCG during transition in vitro from activity aerobic growth to a state of anaerobic non-replicating persistence which was characterized by non dividing cells, low metabolic as assayed by luciferase reporter and >1% dissolved oxygen. The response of recombinant M. bovis BCG in aerobic replicating and anaerobic non replicating conditions was investigated. Proteome analysis of differentially expressed mycobacterial proteins during adaptation to anaerobic non-replicating persistence by two-dimensional (2-D) gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and database searching, revealed 34 proteins, out of these 28 proteins showed either unique or increased expression and 6 proteins were observed to be downregulated under the conditions of hypoxia. These proteins are those involved in fatty acid oxidation, intermediary metabolism and respiratory pathways of mycobacteria, suggesting their role in persistence. Identification of proteins by this strategy will help elucidate the adaptive mechanisms in mycobacteria, provide insights into the physiology of latent bacilli and also serve as potential targets for development of new drugs for latent state of tuberculosis.
The biological effects of titanium corrosion products on gingival epithelium

Implanted titanium (Ti) devices such as dental implants have been shown to produce metallic species within adjacent tissues. The effect of the presence of these species within oral epithelial tissues is currently not well characterised or known. This thesis investigates the effects of TiO\(_2\) nanoparticles (TiO\(_2\) NPs) at a range of concentrations on oral epithelial cells in the context of cell viability, cellular functions and interactions via a variety of methods. A co-culture model was established, and the difficulties of using a nano-scale insoluble stimulus were explored, and high content screening techniques were shown to be potentially more appropriate methods than conventional assays in this context. Interactions between TiO2 NPs and oral epithelial cells were imaged and investigated using a variety of imaging techniques. Oral epithelial cells were shown to take up TiO\(_2\) NPs within vacuole type structures. Cell viability appeared to not be affected at lower concentrations. Gene expression changes of oral epithelial cells in response to TiO\(_2\) NPs in the presence and absence of pathogenic bacteria were investigated. Cytokines important in cell-cell signalling were shown to bind TiO\(_2\) NPs, therefore creating potential for TiO\(_2\) NPs within tissues to modify immune responses within tissues adjacent to implanted Ti devices.
Direct reprogramming of adult cells: avoiding the pluripotent state

The procedure of using mature, fully differentiated cells and inducing them toward other cell types while bypassing an intermediate pluripotent state is termed direct reprogramming. Avoiding the pluripotent stage during cellular conversions can be achieved either through ectopic expression of lineage-specific factors (transdifferentiation) or a direct reprogramming process that involves partial reprogramming toward the pluripotent stage. Latest advances in the field seek to alleviate concerns that include teratoma formation or retroviral usage when it comes to delivering reprogramming factors to cells. They also seek to improve efficacy and efficiency of cellular conversion, both in vitro and in vivo. The final products of this reprogramming approach could be then directly implemented in regenerative and personalized medicine.
IEEE 802.11ax: Next generation wireless local area networks

Recently, IEEE 802 started a task group to investigate and deliver next generation WLAN technologies for the scenarios of dense networks with a large number of stations and access point. The proposal is specified as the IEEE 802.11ax amendment. Due to the significant network capacity increase achieved by 802.11ax, the term high-efficiency WLAN (HEW) is also used in reference to this new amendment. This paper summarizes the IEEE 802.11ax standardization activities in progress and presents an overview of the most important features proposed in the 802.11ax amendment. Expected features and challenges for 802.11ax in the design of physical layer (PHY) and media access control sub-layer (MAC), toward a new era of wireless LANs, are also discussed.
Active Labor Market Policy in Austria: Practice and Evaluation Results

The importance of active labor market policy (ALMP) has been rising over the last 10 years in Austria, with public expenditures now amounting to about 0.6% of GDP. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of active labor market policies in Austria. We study the development of policy strategies in terms of the offered program mix and public expenditures for labor market policy over time. We also present existing evidence on ALMP effectiveness by discussing the focus and results of the main Austrian evaluation studies. Die Bedeutung der aktiven Arbeitsmarktpolitik hat in Osterreich in den letzten 10 Jahren zugenommen. Deren Ausgaben machen aktuell 0,6% des BIP aus. Dieser Beitrag bietet einen kompakten Uberblick uber diese Masnahmen. Untersucht werden die Politikstrategien im Hinblick auf die Zusammensetzung der Programme und deren Kosten im Zeitablauf. Die Wirkungen der aktiven Arbeitsmarktpolitik werden anhand der wesentlichen Evaluierungsstudien fur Osterreich diskutiert.
Sex Specific Alterations in α4*Nicotinic Receptor Expression in the Nucleus Accumbens

Background: The mechanisms leading from traumatic stress to social, emotional and cognitive impairment and the development of mental illnesses are still undetermined and consequently there remains a critical need to develop therapies for preventing the adverse consequences of traumatic stress. Research indicates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors containing α4 subunits (α4*nAChRs) are both impacted by stress and capable of modulating the stress response. In this study, we investigated whether varenicline, a partial α4β2*nAChR agonist which reduces nicotine, alcohol and sucrose consumption, can reduce stress, a driving factor in substance use disorders. We also examined the effect of stress on nucleus accumbens (NAc) α4*nAChR expression. Methods: Transgenic mice with fluorescent tags attached to α4*nAChRs were administered varenicline and/or yohimbine (a pharmacological stressor) and plasma corticosterone and NAc α4*nAChR expression were measured. A separated group of mice were exposed to maternal separation (MS) during post-natal day (P) 2–14, then restraint stressed (30 min) at six weeks of age. Body weight, anxiety-like behaviours (elevated plus maze), plasma corticosterone and NAc α4*nAChR levels were measured. Results: Varenicline attenuated yohimbine-induced plasma corticosterone increases with no effect on NAc α4*nAChR expression. MS reduced unrestrained plasma corticosterone levels in both sexes. In females, MS increased body weight and NAc α4*nAChR expression, whereas, in males, MS and restraint caused a greater change in anxiety-like behaviours and plasma corticosterone levels. Restraint altered NAc α4*nAChR expression in both male and female MS mice. Conclusions: The effects of stress on NAc α4*nAChR are sex-dependent. While varenicline attenuated acute stress-induced rises in corticosterone levels, future studies are required to determine whether varenicline is effective for relieving the effects of stress.
Redox-Active Antibiotics Control Gene Expression and Community Behavior in Divergent Bacteria

It is thought that bacteria excrete redox-active pigments as antibiotics to inhibit competitors. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the endogenous antibiotic pyocyanin activates SoxR, a transcription factor conserved in Proteo- and Actinobacteria. In Escherichia coli, SoxR regulates the superoxide stress response. Bioinformatic analysis coupled with gene expression studies in P. aeruginosa and Streptomyces coelicolor revealed that the majority of SoxR regulons in bacteria lack the genes required for stress responses, despite the fact that many of these organisms still produce redox-active small molecules, which indicates that redox-active pigments play a role independent of oxidative stress. These compounds had profound effects on the structural organization of colony biofilms in both P. aeruginosa and S. coelicolor, which shows that “secondary metabolites” play important conserved roles in gene expression and development.
CELLULAR CHARIOTS The truth about TREM 2 Brain ’ s immune system may be key to new Alzheimer ’ s treatments

BY MEL J. YEATES LA JOLLA, Calif. —Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Research Institute (SBP) researchers have published two new studies in Neuron that describe how TREM2, a receptor found on immune cells in the brain, interacts with toxic amyloid beta proteins to restore neurological function. The research, performed on mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), suggests boosting TREM2 levels in the brain may prevent or reduce the severity of neurodegenerative disorders. “Our first paper identifies how amyloid beta binds to TREM2, which activates neural immune cells called microglia to degrade amyloid beta, possibly slowing Alzheimer’s disease pathogenesis,” says Dr. Huaxi Xu, professor and director of the Neuroscience Initiative, Jeanne & Gary Herberger Leadership Chair in Neuroscience, co-editor-in-chief CHARIOTS CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Guides the Management of Crohn's Patients with Secondary Loss of Response to Adalimumab.

Background Managing loss of response (LOR) in Crohn's disase (CD) patients remains challenging. Compelling evidence supports therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) to guide management in patients on infliximab, but data for other biologics are less robust. We aimed to asses if empiric dose escalation led to improved clinical outcome in addition to TDM-guided optimization in CD patients with LOR to adalimumab (ADA). Methods Retrospective chart review of patients followed between 2014 and 2016 at McGill IBD Center with index TDM for LOR to ADA was performed. Primary outcomes were composite remission at 3, 6, and 12 months in those with empiric adjustments versus TDM-guided optimization. Results There were 104 patients (54.8% men) who were included in the study. Of this group, 81 patients (77.9%) had serum level (SL) ≥5µg/ml at index TDM with a median value of 12µg/ml (IQR 6.1-16.5). There were 10 patients (9.6%) who had undetectable SL with high anti-ADA antibodies and 48 (46.2%) received empiric escalation. TDM led to change in treatment in 58 patients (55.8%). Among them, 28 (48.3%) had discontinued ADA, 12 (21.7%) had addition of immunomodulator or steroid, and 18 (31%) had ADA dose escalation. Empiric dose escalation before TDM-based optimization was not associated with improved outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months, irrespective of SL levels. Clear SL cutoff associated with composite remission was not identified. Conclusions Our data do not support empiric dose adjustment beyond that based on the result of the TDM in patients with LOR to ADA. TDM limits unnecessary dose escalation and provides appropriate treatment strategy without compromising clinical outcomes. 10.1093/ibd/izy044_video1izy044. video15768828880001.