Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Countering Intelligent-Dependent Malicious Nodes in Target Detection Wireless Sensor Networks

Target detection wireless sensor networks (WSNs), where binary decisions are transmitted to declare the presence or absence of a given target, are expected to have a fundamental role in the Internet of Things era. However, their simplicity makes these networks very susceptible to malicious attacks, while the problem is aggravated in the presence of intelligent malicious nodes that adapt their strategy depending on the behavior of other nodes in the network. In this paper, first, we analytically demonstrate that dependent and independent malicious nodes have the same impact on the overall performance of target detection WSNs in terms of detection and false alarm rates. Then, taking into account that dependent malicious users cannot be detected by conventional algorithms, we introduce an effective algorithm that detects malicious nodes in the network regardless of their type and number. Finally, theoretical and simulation results are provided to show the effects of dependent malicious nodes and analyze the performance of the proposed algorithm compared with the existing state-of-the-art works.
Is the influence of quality of life on urban growth non-stationary in space? A case study of Barcelona

There are several determinants that influence household location decisions. More concretely, recent economic literature assigns an increasingly important role to the variables governing quality of life. Nevertheless, the spatial stationarity of the parameters is implicitly assumed in most studies. Here we analyse the role of quality of life in urban economics and test for the spatial stationarity of the relationship between city growth and quality of life.
Neighbourhood fruit and vegetable availability and consumption: the role of small food stores in an urban environment

Abstract Objective Previous studies on the relationship of dietary intake to the neighbourhood food environment have focused on access to supermarkets, quantified by geographic distance or store concentration measures. However, in-store food availability may also be an important determinant, particularly for urban neighbourhoods with a greater concentration of small food stores. This study synthesises both types of information – store access and in-store availability – to determine their potential relationship to fruit and vegetable consumption. Design Residents in four census tracts were surveyed in 2001 about their fruit and vegetable intake. Household distances to food stores in these and surrounding tracts were obtained using geographical information system mapping techniques. In-store fruit and vegetable availability was measured by linear shelf space. Multivariate linear regression models were used to measure the association of these neighbourhood availability measures with consumption. Setting Four contiguous census tracts in central-city New Orleans. Subjects A random sample of 102 households. Results Greater fresh vegetable availability within 100 m of a residence was a positive predictor of vegetable intake; each additional metre of shelf space was associated with 0.35 servings per day of increased intake. Fresh fruit availability was not associated with intake, although having a small food store within this same distance was a marginal predictor of fruit consumption. Conclusions The findings suggest the possible importance of small neighbourhood food stores and their fresh produce availability in affecting fruit and vegetable intake.
Weighted Spiking Neural P Systems with Structural Plasticity Working in Maximum Spiking Strategy

Spiking neural P systems(in short, SNP systems) are parallel and distributed computing devices inspired by the function and structure of spiking neurons. Recently, a new variant of SNP systems, called SNP systems with structural plasticity(in short, SNPSP systems) was introduced. In SNPSP systems, neuron can use plasticity rules to create and delete synapses. In this work, we consider many restrictions sequentiality on SNPSP systems:(i)we use the weighted synapses,(ii)neuron with the maximum number of spikes is chosen to fire. Specifically, We investigate the computational power of weighted SNPSP systems working in maximum spiking strategy(in short, WSNPSPM systems) and we proved that such SNPSP systems are universal as generating devices and accepting devices.
POPULATION CYCLES IN SMALL MAMMALS: THE α-HYPOTHESIS

Abstract Causes of cyclic fluctuations in abundance (population cycles) of some small-mammal populations remain poorly understood despite 6 decades of research and >20 hypotheses. Population cycles are demographic processes and cannot be fully explained without considering demographic mechanisms that underlie cyclic fluctuations in abundance. From simulation studies, we have recently shown that phase-related, density-dependent changes in age at maturity, abetted secondarily by changes in juvenile survival, are likely the main demographic causes of cyclic fluctuations in population size. The suggested mechanism of population cycles is based primarily on changes in age at maturity (α); we refer to this idea as the α-hypothesis. Here, we fully develop the α-hypothesis and present a testable, demographically based, mechanistic explanation of population cycles. The α-hypothesis identifies the demographic basis of population cycles and provides a mechanistic explanation of how changes in key demographic variables (age at maturity and juvenile survival) might cause cyclic fluctuations in abundance and biologic attributes of the cycles. The α-hypothesis is supported by, and logically consistent with, empirical patterns of life history and dynamics of cyclic populations of small mammals. Future research should focus on empirically determining causes of phase-related changes in age at maturity and juvenile survival.
Telemedicine and coping skills groups for Pacific Island veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder: a pilot study

Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were randomly assigned to either an eight-week videoconferencing PTSD coping skills group or a traditional face-to-face PTSD coping skills group. Levels of attrition and compliance, patient satisfaction, clinician satisfaction and patients' retention of information were compared between the two conditions. Of the 41 referred veterans, 20 were eligible and agreed to participate in the study. Three of these participants withdrew from the study before randomization. By the end of the study, 89% of the patients remained in the videoconferencing group, whereas only 50% remained in the face-to-face group. Patients in the face-to-face group attended an average of 4.9 sessions and patients in the videoconferencing group attended 6.3 sessions (this difference was not significant). There was no difference between levels of patient satisfaction or clinician satisfaction at weeks 4 or 8. Patients' retention of information was similar in the two groups. The results show that videoconferencing can be used to provide coping skills groups for veteran patients with PTSD who reside in remote rural locations.
The Involvement of Cyclic-3',5'-AMP in the Release of Hormones from The Anterior Pituitary in Vitro 1

Summary DBcAMP significantly increased the release of GH but not of LH, FSH, TSH, or PRL, except in the presence of hypothalamic extract when it augmented the release of LH, FSH, and GH, reversed the inhibition of PRL, but did not further influence TSH release. Theophylline increased release of GH and PRL while inducing increased tissue content of cAMP without consistently increasing the release of TSH, LH, or FSH. Hypothalamic extractor K+-stimulated hormone release was consistently and significantly potentiated by theophylline. Neither hypothalamic extract, increased [K+], nor synthetic TRH and LRH were able to raise tissue content of cAMP while producing their expected effects on hormone release. Cholera enterotoxin produced a highly significant increase in tissue content of the cyclic nucleotide but increased the release of GH only, and not that of LH, FSH, TSH, or PRL. DBcAMP was able to lower the threshold concentration of K+ required to stimulate release of GH, LH, and FSH and also to augment K+-stimulated release to the higher levels induced by the hypothalamic releasing hormones. It did not augment K+-induced release of TSH.
Speciation genes in plants.

BACKGROUND Analyses of speciation genes--genes that contribute to the cessation of gene flow between populations--can offer clues regarding the ecological settings, evolutionary forces and molecular mechanisms that drive the divergence of populations and species. This review discusses the identities and attributes of genes that contribute to reproductive isolation (RI) in plants, compares them with animal speciation genes and investigates what these genes can tell us about speciation. SCOPE Forty-one candidate speciation genes were identified in the plant literature. Of these, seven contributed to pre-pollination RI, one to post-pollination, prezygotic RI, eight to hybrid inviability, and 25 to hybrid sterility. Genes, gene families and genetic pathways that were frequently found to underlie the evolution of RI in different plant groups include the anthocyanin pathway and its regulators (pollinator isolation), S RNase-SI genes (unilateral incompatibility), disease resistance genes (hybrid necrosis), chimeric mitochondrial genes (cytoplasmic male sterility), and pentatricopeptide repeat family genes (cytoplasmic male sterility). CONCLUSIONS The most surprising conclusion from this review is that identities of genes underlying both prezygotic and postzygotic RI are often predictable in a broad sense from the phenotype of the reproductive barrier. Regulatory changes (both cis and trans) dominate the evolution of pre-pollination RI in plants, whereas a mix of regulatory mutations and changes in protein-coding genes underlie intrinsic postzygotic barriers. Also, loss-of-function mutations and copy number variation frequently contribute to RI. Although direct evidence of positive selection on speciation genes is surprisingly scarce in plants, analyses of gene family evolution, along with theoretical considerations, imply an important role for diversifying selection and genetic conflict in the evolution of RI. Unlike in animals, however, most candidate speciation genes in plants exhibit intraspecific polymorphism, consistent with an important role for stochastic forces and/or balancing selection in development of RI in plants.
Hard metals at workplaces: Exposure and evaluation

Hard metals are an important material due to their specific properties, such as high degree of hardness and resistance to abrasive wear, and they are in wide use today. There are indications that hard metal aerosols can endanger human health. Discussions are ongoing as to how to categorize hard metals as hazardous as a result. This categorization will require deciding in particular how to determine and evaluate the carcinogenic risks. In order to obtain an overview of this complex subject, this paper explores the presumed health effects on humans, the measurement and analysis procedures, exposure levels at workplaces, and the current state of the art.
Introduction: Brain malformations

This issue of the American Journal of Medical Genetics Seminar Series Part C is dedicated to congenital brain malformations with a special focus on the molecular mechanisms underlying this fascinating, and often complex, group of developmental brain disorders. As with most genetic disorders, the past few years have witnessed a dramatic leap in our understanding of the molecular basis of these malformations that include both constitutional and post‐zygotic (or mosaic) genetic aberrations. This is best exemplified by the recent identification of mutations within components of the PI3K‐AKT‐mTOR pathway in hemimegalencephaly and megalencephaly syndromes, and the rapidly increased identification of mutations within the tubulin family in a broad range of cortical and non‐cortical brain malformations. These discoveries, particularly of the emerging “tubulinopathies” spectrum, have not only expanded our knowledge of these disorders but challenge our existing, and perhaps overly simplistic, classification of these malformations based on the primary neuronal stage at which the abnormality occurs. It is our hope that this series will facilitate a deeper understanding of these malformations beyond their clinical and neuroimaging features and syndromic associations to their molecular and pathway underpinnings. We believe this knowledge will most certainly be instrumental as we move into the era of delineating genotype‐phenotype correlations and, ultimately, pathway‐based therapies. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Treponema denticola peptidoglycan induces the production of inflammatory mediators and matrix metalloproteinase 9 in macrophage-like cells.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Treponema denticola is a key pathogen associated with periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting tooth-supporting tissues. In the present study, we investigated the response of human macrophage-like cells to stimulation by peptidoglycan isolated from T. denticola. We also studied the effect of the peptidoglycan preparation on the phosphorylation state of kinases. MATERIAL AND METHODS Monoblastic leukemia cells (U937 strain) were differentiated into adherent macrophage-like cells using phorbol myristic acid prior to being stimulated for 6 or 24 h with various amounts of T. denticola peptidoglycan. Secreted inflammatory mediators were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The phosphorylation state of kinases was determined by immunoblotting. RESULTS The T. denticola peptidoglycan preparation, which was non-toxic for macrophage-like U937 leukemia cells at the concentration used, significantly increased, in a dose-dependent manner, the secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1beta and interleukin-6. It also increased the secretion of two potent chemokines, interleukin-8 (IL-8) and regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES). T. denticola peptidoglycan also induced a significant increase in the secretion of prostaglandin E(2) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 by macrophage-like cells. The phosphorylation state of several kinases, including extracellular regulated protein-serine kinase 2 (+99%), G protein-coupled receptor-serine kinase 2 (+50%), Yes-related protein-tyrosine kinase (+44%) and extracellular regulated protein-serine kinase 1 (+30%) also increased following stimulation with the peptidoglycan preparation. CONCLUSION T. denticola peptidoglycan activates intracellular signaling pathways, leading to an increased production of inflammatory mediators by macrophage-like cells.
High Activity K+ Channels in Rat Hippocampal Neurones Maintained in Culture

A channel was identified in cell‐attached recordings in rat hippocampal neurones maintained in culture. This channel, which was highly active at the resting membrane potential, was present in most (73%) patches studied. The channel was characterized by long duration openings and a high open probability (Po, mean value 0·73 at ‐70 mV) at negative patch potentials with mild voltage dependence over the range ‐40 to ‐120 mV. It showed inward rectification. There were up to five active channels in cell‐attached recordings in experiments where the cells were bathed in sodium‐containing Locke solution. The single channel conductances in cell‐attached recordings with 140 or 40 mM K+ in the patch pipette were 26 and 12 pS, respectively. The channel was therefore selective for K+ over Na+. The channel was not permeable to Rb+ ions. The single channel conductance was 24 pS in excised inside‐out patches bathed in symmetrical K+ (140 mM) solutions. Examination of the channel kinetics revealed that both the open and closed time distributions could be fitted by the sum of three exponentials, there being no pronounced voltage sensitivity between ‐60 and ‐120 mV. The 26 pS K+ channel was insensitive to extracellular TEA, apamin, 4‐AP and dequalinium. Neither was it sensitive to intracellular Ca2+. Extracellular Ba2+ was effective in reversibly blocking the channel, the IC50 being 2.0 mM. There was no obvious effect of bath application of the K+ channel opener, lemakalim, or a cAMP analogue. This channel appears to contribute a significant proportion (at least 30%) of the resting conductance in these neurones.
IgG BULLOUS PEMPHIGOID WITH ANTIBODIES TO IgD

Context: Bullous pemphigoid is mediated by autoantibodies pri ma ly targeting two structural proteins of basemen t membrane hemidesmosomes, BP180 (BPAG2; collagen XVII) and BP230 (BPAG1). Case Report: A 70-year-old Caucasian male patient was evaluated for a seven day history of multiple itchi ng, erythematous blisters on his extremities. Biopsi es for hematoxylin and eosin examination, direct immunofluorescence and indirect immunofluorescence (including salt split skin anal ysis) were performed. Results: Hematoxylin and eosin examination demonstrated a su bepidermal blister. Within the blister lumen, numer ous eosinophils and lymphocytes were noted. Direct and indirect immunof luorescence revealed linear deposits of IgG, Complem ent/C3 and fibrinogen at the basement membrane zone of the skin and surrounding selected dermal blood vessels and sweat glands. Pos itive intracytoplasmic staining for anti-human IgD was noted in most of the epiderm is, as well as surrounding some dermal blood vessel s. Indirect immunofluorescence utilizing monkey esophagus substrate demonstrated s trong positivity within the endomysium for IgG anti bodies. Conclusion: We report a unique case of bullous pemphigoid with reactivity to eccrine sweat glands, and selected dermal blood vessels. In addition, the observed reactivity of anti-human IgD, and of IgG to monkey esophagus endomysium warrant further investigation. Streszczenie Kontekst: W pemphigoidzie p ęcherzowym wyst ępują autoprzeciwciała skierowane przede wszystkim przec iwko dwóm strukturalnym białkom podstawnej błony hemidesmosomalnej, BP180 (BP AG2; kolagenu XVII) i BP230 (BPAG1). Opis przypadku: U 70-letniego męŜczyzn rasy kaukaskiej oceniono siedmiodniow ą historię zróŜnicowanego świądu i rumieniowych pęcherzy zlokalizowanych na jego kończynach. Wykonano biopsj ę skóry z hematoksylin ą i eozyną, immunofluorescencj ę bezpośrednią i pośrednią (w tym analiza splitu skóry w soli). Wyniki: Badania w hematoksylinie i eozynie wykazały podnask órkowe pęcherze. W świetle pęcherzy obserwowano liczne eozynofile i limfocyty. Bezpo średnia i pośrednia immunofluorescencja wykazały liniowe depozyt y IgG, komplement/C3 i fibrynogen w zonie błony podstawnej skóry oraz w wy branych naczyniach krwiono śnych skóry i gruczołów potowych. Pozytywne wewnątrzcytoplazmatyczne barwienie dla anty-ludzkiej IgD odnotowano w wi ększości naskórka, jak i otoczeniu niektórych naczy ń krwionośnych skóry. Pośrednia immunofluorescencja z wykorzystaniem substra tu przełyku małpy demonstrowała si ę ilnie dodatnio w endomysium dla przeciwciał IgG. Wnioski: Prezentujemy unikalny przypadek pemfigoidu z reakt ywnością ekrynowych gruczołów potowych i wybranych naczy ń krwionośnych skóry. Ponadto obserwowano reaktywno ść anty-ludzkiej IgD i IgG w stosunku do endomysium przełyku małpy co skłania nas do prowadz enia dalszych bada ń.
A Novel GDAP1 Mutation 439delA is Associated with Autosomal Recessive CMT Disease

Background: Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease is the most common form of inherited motor and sensory neuropathy. Based on neurophysiological and neuropathological criteria CMT has been sub-classified into two main types: demyelinating and axonal. Furthermore, it is genetically heterogeneous with autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive (AR) and X-linked modes of inheritance. Thus far, seven genes have been identified in association with the demyelinating AR-CMT disease. We hereby report our clinical and molecular genetic findings in a consanguineous family with AR-CMT. Methods: Two young sisters with AR-CMT and other non-affected family members were clinically and electrophysiologically evaluated and then molecular genetic investigation was carried out in order to identify the pathogenic mutation. Results: Following an initial indication for linkage of the family to the CMT4A locus on chromosome 8, we sequenced the Ganglioside-induced differentiation-associated protein 1 (GDAP1) gene and identified a single nucleotide deletion in exon 3 that is associated with AR-CMT in the family. Conclusion: We identified a novel GDAP1 439delA mutation that is associated with AR-CMT in a consanguineous family of Iranian descent with two affected young girls and a history in other members of the family.
Cellular iron status influences the functional relationship between microglia and oligodendrocytes

Previously, we have reported that there is a spatiotemporal relationship between iron accumulation in microglia and oligodendrocytes during normal development and in remyelination following injury. This in vivo observation has prompted us to develop a cell culture model to test the relationship between iron status of microglia and survival of oligodendrocytes. We found that conditioned media from iron‐loaded microglia increases the survival of oligodendrocytes; but conditioned media from iron loaded activated microglia is toxic to oligodendrocytes. In the trophic condition, one of the proteins released by iron‐loaded microglia is H‐ferritin, and transfecting the microglia with siRNA for H‐ferritin blocks the trophic response on oligodendrocytes. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation decreases the amount of H‐ferritin that is released from microglia and increases the release of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1. LPS activation of iron‐enriched microglia results in the activation of NF‐kB and greater release of cytokines when compared with that of control microglia; whereas treating microglia with an iron chelator is associated with less NF‐kB activation and less release of cytokines. These results indicate that microglia play an important role in iron homoeostasis and that their iron status can influence how microglia influence growth and survival of oligodendrocytes. The results further indicate that ferritin, released by microglia, is a significant source of iron for oligodendrocytes. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dual effects of proctolin on the rhythmic burst activity of the cardiac ganglion.

The neuropeptide proctolin has distinguishable excitatory effects upon premotor cells and motorneurons of Homarus cardiac ganglion. Proctolin's excitation of the small, premotor, posterior cells is rapid in onset (5-10 s) and readily reversible (less than 3 min). Prolonged bursts in small cells often produce a "doublet" ganglionic burst mode via interactions with large motorneuron burst-generating driver potentials. In contrast to small cell response, proctolin's direct excitatory effects upon motorneuron are slow in onset (60-90 s to peak) and long-lasting (10-20 min). The latter include: a concentration-dependent (10(-9)-10(-7)M) depolarization of the somatic membrane potential; increases in burst frequency and enhancement of the rate of depolarization of the interburst pacemaker potential. Experiments on isolated large cells indicate: the slow depolarization is produced by a decrease in the resting GK and proctolin can produce or enhance motorneuron autorhythmicity . A two- tiered non-hierarchical network model is proposed. The differential pharmacodynamics exhibited by the two cell types accounts for the sequential modes of ganglionic burst activity produced by proctolin.