Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 3 Promotes Adipose Tissue-Driven Macrophage Chemotaxis and Is Increased in Obesity

Background Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-dependent extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling is a key feature in cardiometabolic syndrome-associated adipogenesis and atherosclerosis. Activation of membrane-tethered (MT) 1-MMP depends on furin (PCSK3). However, the regulation and function of the natural furin-inhibitor serpinB8 and thus furin/MT1-MMP-activity in obesity-related tissue inflammation/remodeling is unknown. Here we aimed to determine the role of serpinB8/furin in obesity-associated chronic inflammation. Methods and Results Monocyte → macrophage transformation was characterized by decreases in serpinB8 and increases in furin/MT1-MMP. Rescue of serpinB8 by protein overexpression inhibited furin-dependent pro-MT1-MMP activation in macrophages, supporting its role as a furin-inhibitor. Obese white adipose tissue-facilitated macrophage migration was inhibited by furin- and MMP-inhibition, stressing the importance of the furin-MMP axis in fat tissue inflammation/remodeling. Monocytes from obese patients (body mass index (BMI) >30kg/m2) had higher furin, MT1-MMP, and resistin gene expression compared to normal weight individuals (BMI<25kg/m2) with significant correlations of BMI/furin and furin/MT1-MMP. In vitro, the adipocytokine resistin induced furin and MT1-MMP in mononuclear cells (MNCs), while MCP-1 had no effect. Conclusions Acquisition of the inflammatory macrophage phenotype is characterized by an imbalance in serpinB8/furin, leading to MT1-MMP activation, thereby enhancing migration. Increases in MT1-MMP and furin are present in MNCs from obese patients. Dissecting the regulation of furin and its inhibitor serpinB8 should facilitate targeting inflammation/remodeling in cardiometabolic diseases.
Amateur versus professional online reviews: Impact on tourists' intention to visit a destination

Online reviews are now a major source of information for tourists to reduce the perceived risks when selecting intangible brand services. Online reviews generated by diff erent types of writers and distributed via diff erent platforms have become an indispensable source of information for tourists. Th is study examines the relative eff ect of online reviews written by amateurs and professionals on tourists' intention of visiting a new destination. A composite behavior model incorporating both attitude and aff ect constructs is used to compare the infl uence of the two types of online reviews on tourists' behavioral intentions. Trust and curiosity are proposed as mediating variables for explaining the diff erent intentions of visiting a tourist destination after reading the diff erent types of reviews. Respondents were asked to read genuine online reviews about Macau written by either amateur or professional reviewers and then complete a questionnaire. A path analysis using structural equation modeling was performed. Empirical results suggest that the infl uences of reviews by professionals are stronger than those by amateurs on tourists' behavioral intention of visiting a destination. Furthermore, trust and curiosity in a destination are important mediating variables aff ecting tourists' behavioral intention. Th ese conclusions provide useful theoretical support for the suggestion given to destination management organizations regarding the utilization of professional reviews to improve tourists' intention of visiting the attractions at the sites.
Identification of anMSI-H Tumor-Specific Cytotoxic T Cell Epitope Generated by the ( − 1 ) Frame of U 79260 ( FTO )

Microsatellite instability (MSI-H) induced by defects of the DNA mismatch repair system results in insertion or deletion of single nucleotides at short repetitive DNA sequences. About 15% of sporadic and approximately 90% of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancers display MSI-H. When affecting coding regions, MSI-H results in frameshift mutations and expression of corresponding frameshift peptides (FSPs). Functional tumor promoting relevance has been demonstrated for a growing number of genes frequently hit by MSI-H. Contrary, immune reactions against FSPs are involved in the immune surveillance of MSI-H cancers. Here, we provide conclusive data that the (−1) frame of U79260(FTO) encodes an HLA-A0201-restricted cytotoxic T cell epitope (FSP11; TLSPGWSAV). T cells specific for FSP11 efficiently recognized HLA-A0201 tumor cells harboring the mutated reading frame. Considering the exceptionally high mutation rate of U79260(FTO) in MSI-H colorectal carcinoma (81.8%), this recommends that FSP11 be a component of future vaccines.
Immunization of C 57 BL / 6 Mice with GRA 2 Combined with MPL Conferred Partial Immune Protection against Toxoplasma gondii

Background: We have previously reported that immunization with GRA2 antigen of Toxoplasma gondii induces protective immunity in CBA/J (H2k) and BALB/c mice (H2d). We aimed to examine whether immunization of a distinct strain of rodent with recombinant dense granule antigens (GRA2) combined with monophosphorryl lipid A (MPL) adjuvant elicits protective immune response against T. gondii. Methods: C57BL/6 (H2b haplotype) mice were immunized with GRA2, formulated in MPL adjuvant. Results: Strong humoral response, predominantly of IgG1 subclass and cellular response, IFN-γ, was detected at three weeks post immunization. Mice immunized with GRA2 had significantly (p < 0.01) fewer brain cysts than those in the adjuvant group, upon challenge infection. Despite the production of a strong antibody response, IFN-γ production and brain cyst reduction were not significant when the immunized mice were infected four months after the immunization. Conclusions: We can conclude that GRA2 immunization partially protects against T. gondii infection in C57BL/6 mice, though the potency and longevity of this antigen as a standalone vaccine may vary in distinct genetic backgrounds. This observation further emphasizes the utility of GRA2 for incorporation into a multi-antigenic vaccine against T. gondii. DOI: 10.22034/ibj.22. 1.22
Protective role of palmitoylethanolamide in contact allergic dermatitis

To cite this article: Petrosino S, Cristino L, Karsak M, Gaffal E, Ueda N, Tüting T, Bisogno T, De Filippis D, D’Amico A, Saturnino C, Orlando P, Zimmer A, Iuvone T, Di Marzo V. Protective role of palmitoylethanolamide in contact allergic dermatitis. Allergy 2010; 65: 698–711.
Ricardian equivalence hypothesis: Evidence from Pakistan

This paper provides empirical evidence on the soundness and relevance of the Ricardian equivalence hypothesis (REH) for Pakistan over the period 1960__2009. Time series properties have been examined in order to take care of the criticism made against the previous studies on REH notably model-specification, simultaneity bias and stationarity of data. Real income, real consumption, real government expenditure and real government revenue, though nonstationary, are not cointegrated. There is unidirectional causality from real income to real consumption, real government expenditure and real government revenue and from real government expenditure to real government revenue. We used impulse response functions to ascertain the impact of shocks of one variable upon others. The impact of real government expenditure and real government revenue on consumption is most notable and substantial that provides some support in favour of the REH. This happens in the short-run. Stabilization policies are adopted that aim at averting those shocks that harm the economy substantially in the short-run.
Informatiques Games networks and elementary modules

In this paper we propose an original modular extension of game theory named games network. The objective of games networks is to provide a theoretical framework which suits to modular dynamics resulting from different local interactions between various agents and which enables us to describe complex system in a modular way. Games networks describes situations where an agent can be involved in several different games, with several different other agents at the same time. However, several games networks can represent the same dynamics. We focus on the determination of a global equilibria, resulting from the composition of local Nash equilibria, which allows us to compute a games network normal form. This normal form emphasizes the elementary modules which compose the games network.
Outlier ( detec + on ( Calculate ( the ( dissimilarity ( metric ( Evaluate ( the ( cost ( func + on ( Op + miza + on ( Deforma + on ( Effec + ve Region

Brain tissue deforms significantly after opening the dura and during tumor resection, invalidating pre-operative imaging data. Ultrasound is a popular imaging modality for providing the neurosurgeon with real-time updated images of brain tissue. Interpretation of post-resection ultrasound images is difficult due to large brain shift and tissue resection. Furthermore, several factors degrade the quality of post-resection ultrasound images such as the strong reflection of waves at the interface of saline water and brain tissue in resection cavities, air bubbles and the application of blood-clotting agents around the edges of resection. Image registration allows the comparison of post-resection ultrasound images with higher quality preresection images, assists in interpretation of post-resection images and may help identify residual tumor, and as such, is of significant clinical importance. In this paper, we propose a nonrigid symmetric registration (NSR) framework for accurate alignment of preand post-resection volumetric ultrasound images in near real-time. We first formulate registration as minimization of a regularized cost function, and analytically derive its derivative to efficiently optimize the cost function. An outlier detection algorithm is proposed and utilized in this framework to identify non-corresponding regions (outliers) and therefore improve the robustness and accuracy of registration. We use an Efficient Second-order Minimization (ESM) method for fast and robust optimization. Furthermore, we exploit a symmetric and inverseconsistent method to generate realistic deformation fields. The results show that NSR significantly improves the quality of the alignment between preand post-resection ultrasound images.
Challenges to geoscientists in risk assessment for submarine slides

Exploitation of offshore resources, development of communication and transport corridors, fishing habitat protection, and the protection of coastal communities, have contributed to a growing interest in improved understanding of offshore geohazards, in particular seafloor mass movements and their consequences. Figure 1 shows the potential detrimental consequences of submarine mass movements to offshore installations and people and infrastructure along the coastlines. The figure demonstrates the complexity of the phenomena and issues involved in a risk assessment study for submarine slides.
Postural Hand Synergies during Environmental Constraint Exploitation

Humans are able to intuitively exploit the shape of an object and environmental constraints to achieve stable grasps and perform dexterous manipulations. In doing that, a vast range of kinematic strategies can be observed. However, in this work we formulate the hypothesis that such ability can be described in terms of a synergistic behavior in the generation of hand postures, i.e., using a reduced set of commonly used kinematic patterns. This is in analogy with previous studies showing the presence of such behavior in different tasks, such as grasping. We investigated this hypothesis in experiments performed by six subjects, who were asked to grasp objects from a flat surface. We quantitatively characterized hand posture behavior from a kinematic perspective, i.e., the hand joint angles, in both pre-shaping and during the interaction with the environment. To determine the role of tactile feedback, we repeated the same experiments but with subjects wearing a rigid shell on the fingertips to reduce cutaneous afferent inputs. Results show the persistence of at least two postural synergies in all the considered experimental conditions and phases. Tactile impairment does not alter significantly the first two synergies, and contact with the environment generates a change only for higher order Principal Components. A good match also arises between the first synergy found in our analysis and the first synergy of grasping as quantified by previous work. The present study is motivated by the interest of learning from the human example, extracting lessons that can be applied in robot design and control. Thus, we conclude with a discussion on implications for robotics of our findings.
Calibration of system delays in the European Laser Timing to 10 ps accuracy

Recently the European Laser Timing experiment is under construction. It is an optical link prepared in the frame of the European Space Agency mission Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space. The objective of this laser time transfer is the synchronization of the ground based clocks and the clock on board the International Space Station with precision of the order of units of picoseconds and the accuracy of 50 ps. We are reporting on a progress and results in calibration of the system delays involved.
Modeling and Prediction of Driving Behaviors Using a Nonparametric Bayesian Method With AR Models

To develop a new generation advanced driver assistance system that avoids a dangerous condition in advance, we need to predict driving behaviors. Since a nonparametric Bayesian method with a two-level structure successfully predicted the symbolized behaviors only, we applied a nonparametric Bayesian method with linear dynamical systems to predicting the driving behavior. The method called the beta process autoregressive hidden Markov model (BP-AR-HMM) segments driving behaviors into states each of which corresponds to an AR model and it predicts future behaviors using the estimated future state sequence and the dynamical systems therein. Here, the segmentation as well as the parameters of the dynamical systems are determined using given training data in an unsupervised way. We carried out experiments with real driving data and found that the BP-AR-HMM predicted driving behaviors better than other methods.
Security Awareness Training: A Review

1 Abstract —Phishing is a type of social engineering cybercrimes in which, phishers try to steal users’ information. Human unawareness and inattention factors are usually exploited by phishers to bypass anti-phishing systems. This impose on anti-phishing solutions to target the vulnerabilities at both of technical and non-technical layers of phishing problem. This paper reviews users’ training approach as a non-technical solution to mitigate security threats in general and phishing problem in particular. Security training methods should be designed to attract users’ attention in order to enhance their awareness and make them retain acquired knowledge for longer time. Training activities therefore, must consider knowledge acquisition, knowledge retention, and knowledge transfer aspects. Training in addition, should be embedded into something that users are familiar with and continually practice to make training as ongoing activity. Security training as a non-technical solution must be highly considered to complement the performance of anti-phishing technical tools and thus, improve their results.
Impact of implementing ISO 9001:2008 standard on the Spanish Renal Research Network biobank sample transfer process.

BACKGROUND Biobank certification ISO 9001:2008 aims to improve the management of processes performed. This has two objectives: customer satisfaction and continuous improvement. This paper presents the impact of certification ISO 9001:2008 on the sample transfer process in a Spanish biobank specialising in kidney patient samples. The biobank experienced a large increase in the number of samples between 2009 (12,582 vials) and 2010 (37,042 vials). METHODS The biobank of the Spanish Renal Research Network (REDinREN), located at the University of Alcalá, has implemented ISO standard 9001:2008 for the effective management of human material given to research centres. Using surveys, we analysed two periods in the “sample transfer” process. During the first period between 1-10-12 and 26-11-12 (8 weeks), minimal changes were made to correct isolated errors. In the second period, between 7-01-13 and 18-02-13 (6 weeks), we carried out general corrective actions. RESULTS The identification of problems and implementation of corrective actions for certification allowed: a 70% reduction in the process execution time, a significant increase (200%) in the number of samples processed and a 25% improvement in the process. The increase in the number of samples processed was directly related to process improvement. CONCLUSION The certification of ISO standard 9001:2008, obtained in July 2013, allowed an improvement of the REDinREN biobank processes to be achieved, which increased quality and customer satisfaction.
Mining Extensive Complementarity between Gene Function Prediction Methods

Motivation: The number of sequenced genomes rises steadily, but we still lack the knowledge about the biological roles of many genes. Automatic function prediction (AFP) is thus a necessity. We hypothesize that AFP approaches which draw on distinct genome features may be useful for predicting different types of gene functions, motivating a systematic analysis of the benefits gained by obtaining and integrating such predictions. Results: Our pipeline amalgamates 5,133,543 genes from 2,071 genomes in a single massive analysis that evaluates five established genomic AFP methodologies. While 1,227 Gene Ontology terms yielded reliable predictions, the majority of these functions were accessible to only one or two of the methods. Moreover, different methods tend to assign a GO term to non-overlapping sets of genes. Thus, inferences made by diverse AFP methods display a striking complementary, both gene-wise and function-wise. Because of this, a viable integration strategy is to simply rely on a single mostconfident prediction per gene/function, instead of enforcing agreement across multiple AFP methods. Using an information-theoretic approach, we estimate that current databases contain 29.2 bits/gene of known E. coli gene functions. This can be increased by up to 5.5 bits/gene using individual AFP methods, or by 11 additional bits/gene upon integration, thereby providing a highly-ranking predictor on the CAFA2 community benchmark. Availability of more sequenced genomes boosts the predictive accuracy of AFP approaches and also the benefit from integrating them. Contact: fran.supek@irb.hr Supplementary information: Supplementary materials are available at Bioinformatics online.
Chapter 2 Cystic Fibrosis – Related Diabetes

Cystic fibrosis–related diabetes (CFRD) results in significant morbidity and mortality for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). It is the endpoint of a spectrum of progressive insulin deficiency with resulting abnormalities of glucose tolerance. The consequence of glycaemic abnormalities in CF is poorer nutritional status, an increase in respiratory exacerbations with decline in lung function and ultimately greater morbidity and mortality. CFRD can be diagnosed by the standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) usually performed from 10 years of age. However, this may miss early glycaemic abnormalities which appear to be clinically important. Early recognition of CFRD and treatment have been shown to improve outcomes in CF. Novel diagnostic methods such as 30-min sampled OGTT and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) may prove to be useful in screening for this disorder and in the early identification of glycaemic abnormalities.
Abstract Mining Association Rules Events over Data Streams

Mining Association Rules Events over Data Streams Aref Faisal Mourtada Data streams have gained considerable attention in data analysis and data mining communities because of the emergence of a new classes of applications, such as monitoring, supply chain execution, sensor networks, oilfield and pipeline operations, financial marketing and health data industries. Telecommunication advancements have provided us with easy access to stream data produced by various applications. Data in streams differ from static data stored in data warehouses or database. Data streams are continuous, arrive at high-speeds and change through time. Traditional data mining algorithms assume presence of data in conventional storage means where data mining is performed centrally with the luxury of accessing the data multiple times, using powerful processors, providing offline output with no time constraints. Such algorithms are not suitable for dynamic data streams. Stream data needs to be mined promptly as it might not be feasible to store such volume of data. In addition, streams reflect live status of the environment generating it, so prompt analysis may provide early detection of faults, delays, performance measurements, trend analysis and other diagnostics. This thesis focuses on developing a data stream association rule mining algorithm among co-occurring events. The proposed algorithm mines association rules over data streams incrementally in a centralized setting. We are interested in association rules that meet a provided minimum confidence threshold and have a lift value greater than 1. We refer to such association rules as strong rules. Experiments on several datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithms is efficient and effective in extracting association rules from data streams, thus having a faster processing time and better memory management.
Controlled Natural Language meets the SemanticWeb

In this paper we present PENG-D, a proposal for a controlled natural language that can be used for expressing knowledge about resources in the Semantic Web and for specifying ontologies in a human-readable way. After a brief overview of the main Semantic Web enabling technologies (and their deﬁciencies), we will show how statements and rules written in PENG-D are related to (a subset of) RDFS and OWL and how this knowledge can be translated into an expressive fragment of ﬁrst-order logic. The resulting information can then be further processed by third-party reasoning services and queried in PENG-D.
DECAF: Detecting and Characterizing Ad Fraud in Mobile Apps

Ad networks for mobile apps require inspection of the visual layout of their ads to detect certain types of placement frauds. Doing this manually is error prone, and does not scale to the sizes of today's app stores. In this paper, we design a system called DECAF to automatically discover various placement frauds scalably and effectively. DECAF uses automated app navigation, together with optimizations to scan through a large number of visual elements within a limited time. It also includes a framework for efficiently detecting whether ads within an app violate an extensible set of rules that govern ad placement and display. We have implemented DECAF for Windows-based mobile platforms, and applied it to 1,150 tablet apps and 50,000 phone apps in order to characterize the prevalence of ad frauds. DECAF has been used by the ad fraud team in Microsoft and has helped find many instances of ad frauds.