Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hesperidin alleviates inflammation in the metabolic syndrome model

In metabolic syndrome, activated inflammatory signaling pathways trigger the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Nowadays, the use of natural bioactive compounds is trending as an alternative method for the treatment and management of metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to assess the potential effects of hesperidin in the metabolic syndrome model by analyzing the proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in serum and liver. Rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (Rats were fed a standard chow diet and water ad libitum ), hesperidin [Rats were fed hesperidin supplemented standard chow diet (1%, 10 g/kg feed) and water ad libitum ] metabolic syndrome (Rats were fed standard chow diet with 10% fructose-added-drinking-water), and metabolic syndrome + hesperidin (Rats were fed a hesperidin-added standard chow diet (1%, 10 g/kg) with 10% fructose-added-drinking-water). Rats were sacrificed under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia, blood was obtained and liver tissues were removed. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, interleukin-6, interleukin-10, and transforming growth factor-beta in the serum and liver were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In the metabolic syndrome group, higher tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, and interleukin-6, but lower serum and liver interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta were found in the serum and liver compared to the control group. In addition, in the metabolic syndrome + hesperidin group lower interleukin-1 beta and interleukin-6 but higher serum interleukin-10 and transforming growth factor-beta were found in the serum and liver compared to the metabolic syndrome groups. Consequently, hesperidin suppressed the serum and liver proinflammatory cytokine response and stimulated the anti-inflammatory cytokine response in the metabolic syndrome rat model.
Accumulation in coastal West Antarctic ice core records and the role of cyclone activity

Cyclones are an important component of Antarctic climate variability, yet quantifying their impact on the polar environment is challenging. We assess how cyclones which pass through the Bellingshausen Sea affect accumulation over Ellsworth Land, West Antarctica, where we have two ice core records. We use self‐organizing maps (SOMs), an unsupervised machine learning technique, to group cyclones into nine SOM nodes differing by their trajectories (1980–2015). The annual frequency of cyclones associated with the first SOM node (SOM1, which generally originate from lower latitudes over the South Pacific Ocean) is significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with annual accumulation, with the highest seasonal correlations (p < 0.001) found during autumn. While significant (p < 0.01) increases in vertically integrated water vapor over the South Pacific Ocean coincide with this same group of cyclones, we find no indication that this has led to an increase in moisture advection into, nor accumulation over, Ellsworth Land over this short time period.
Layered Modal Type Theory Where Meta-programming Meets Intensional Analysis

We introduce layering to modal type theory to combine type theory with intensional analysis. In particular, we demonstrate this idea by developing a 2-layered modal type theory. At the core of this type theory (layer 0) is a simply typed λ -calculus with no modality. Layer 1 is obtained by extending the core language with one layer of contextual □ types to support pattern matching on potentially open code from layer 0 while retaining normalization. Although both layers fundamentally share the same language and the same typing judgment, we only allow computation at layer 1. As a consequence, layer 0 accurately captures the syntactic representation of code in contrast to the computational behaviors at layer 1. The system is justified by normalization by evaluation (NbE) using a presheaf model. The normalization algorithm extracted from the model is sound and complete and is implemented in Agda. Layered modal type theory provides a uniform foundation for meta-programming with intensional analysis. We see this work as an important step towards a foundational way to support meta-programming in proof assistants.
Two-Round Threshold Lattice-Based Signatures from Threshold Homomorphic Encryption

Much recent work has developed efficient protocols for threshold signatures , where n parties share a signing key and some threshold t of those parties must interact to produce a signature. Yet efficient threshold signatures with post-quantum security have been elusive, with the state-of-the-art being a two-round scheme by Damg˚ard et al. (PKC’21) based on lattices that supports only the full threshold case (i.e., t = n ). We show here a two-round threshold signature scheme based on standard lattice assumptions that supports arbitrary thresholds t ≤ n . Estimates of our scheme’s performance at the 128-bit security level show that in the 3-out-of-5 case, we obtain signatures of size 46 . 6 KB and public keys of size 13 . 6 KB. We achieve ≈ 5 × improved parameters if only a small number of signatures are ever issued with the same key. As an essential building block and independent contribution, we construct an actively secure threshold (linearly) homomorphic encryption scheme that supports arbitrary thresholds t ≤ n .
BDSM under Security : Radical Resistance via Contingent Subjectivities Journal Item

In recent decades, BDSM communities have engaged in a political struggle for rights by separating their practices from the oppressive gaze of legal and medical praxis, seeking to legitimize BDSM discourse and actions under the slogan of “safe, sane, and consensual. ” The espousal of principles governed primarily by health and safety nonetheless carries a normalizing overtone, apparently trapping the community within the epistemic codes against which they struggle. This paper suggests that the security mechanism Foucault identifies as forming part of biopower can serve as a critical analytic capable of arbitrating between BDSM as a form of political resistance to hegemonic sexual norms and the restraints imposed by the “safe, sane, and consensual” code itself. We argue that communities using health and safety codes shift the political struggle from direct resistance to sovereign power to the transgression of hegemonic regimes of truth through contingent sexual identification and practice.
Assessment of somaclonal variation among sugarcane varieties for salt tolerance through RAPD markers

Somaclonal variation has emerged as an important parasexual tool for crop improvement. But the application of this tool in sugarcane improvement is very rare. Therefore, this investigation was conducted for molecular characterization and detection of somaclonal variation of two sugarcane varieties (Isd 18 and Isd 20) and their somaclones [TC1-10(20) (Salt), TC7-10(20)2L (Salt), TC30-10(20)1L (Salt), TC11-10(18)2L (Salt), TC5-10(18)2L (Salt) and TC2-10(18)2L (Salt)] using four RAPD primers (OPA-01, OPA-02, OPA-04 & OPB-05). DNA isolation is a prerequisite for DNA fingerprinting as well as variety identification. The amount of isolated DNA was enough for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and marker studies, such as RAPD. RAPD analysis resolved 150 scorable bands from four primers. Among the 150 RAPD bands, 69 bands were monomorphic and 81 bands were polymorphic. The sizes of the amplified bands in two sugarcane varieties and their somaclones showed RAPD markers ranged from 100 to 1500bp. The primer OPA-02 amplified the highest number of bands (56) and primer OPA-01 and OPB-05 amplified the lowest number of bands (23). Genetic variation and relatedness assessed by using RAPD markers could be potential sources of germplasm for use in variety improvement. Copyright © 2016 Ghose et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Similar importance of inter-tree and intra-tree variations in wood density observations in Central Europe

Wood density is a crucial variable linked to mechanical, physiological, and ecological properties. In this study, we 10 analyzed an extensive dataset of over 48,000 wood density samples collected from 2,920 trees. Our aim was to explore variations in wood density, at both inter-tree and intra-tree levels, along with the factors contributing to these variations. Inter-tree variations reveal significant differences in wood density among eight dominant species, highlighting their role in shaping wood density. As tree species exhibit specific spatial distributions associated with microhabitats, we anticipated a link between wood density distribution and microhabitat. Using a feature selection approach and random forest model, we identified six 15 predictors, including satellite-based vegetation indexes, topographic variables, and soil sand content, capable of predicting 91% of spatial wood density variations. The Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) positively representing the amount of carbon within trees correlated with wood density, while the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), reflecting water content, and soil sand content showed negative associations. Geomorphons and soil sand context provided insights into wood density variations and specific landforms. Lower wood density values were linked to landforms with low geomorphons 20 (summit, ridge, or shoulder), whereas higher wood density was found in landforms with high geomorphons (valley, depression, or hollow areas). Furthermore, our study highlighted the importance of considering intra-tree variation, a facet often overlooked in previous research. Interestingly, the magnitude of intra-tree variation is comparable to, and in some species even exceeds, that of inter-tree variations. The intra-tree wood density samples display significant differences both vertically along the height and radially from the center to the bark zones of trees. These variations are influenced by tree growing strategy, 25 living conditions, and physiological structure. In summary, our research delved into the multifaceted features of wood density, shedding light on critical aspects of this fundamental variable.
Nitrates and property values: evidence from a french market intervention

This paper examines the effect of properties being located in vulnerable zones in term of nitrates on the property prices using a change in the classification of vulnerable zones in France in 2012. Using an identification strategy based on a spatial difference- in-dfferences specification, we show that the revision of the classification significantly decreased not only property prices in zones that became classified as vulnerable after the revision, but also those of properties already classified as vulnerable. However, the effect was stronger for the former, 10% vs. 5%, and this differences may reect a difference in how zones are classified. The risks covered in the 2012 classification cover a broader range of risks, and hence the larger price effect may reflect this additional perceived risk exposure.
VU Research Portal Towards personalized and targeted treatment of head and neck cancer

Objective : Despite continuous improvement of treatment regimes, the mortality rates for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remain disappointingly high and novel anticancer agents are urgently awaited. Methods : We combined the data from genome-wide siRNA screens on tumor cell lethality in a lung and a head-and-neck cancer cell line. Results : We identi(cid:976)ied 71 target genes that appear essential for survival of both cancer types. We identi(cid:976)ied a cluster of 20 genes that play an important role during G2/M phase transition, underlining the importance of this cell cycle checkpoint for tumor cell survival. Five genes from this cluster ( CKAP5 , KPNB1 , RAN , TPX2 and KIF11 ) were evaluated in more detail and shown to be essential for tumor cell survival in both tumor types, but most particularly in HNSCC. Phenotypes that were observed following siRNA-mediated knockdown of KIF11 (kinesin family member 11) were reproduced by inhibition of KIF11 using the small molecule inhibitor ispinesib (SB-715992). We showed that ispinesib induces a G2 arrest, causes aberrant chromosome segregation and induces cell death in HNSCC in vitro , while primary keratinocytes are less sensitive. Furthermore, growth of HNSCC cells engrafted in immune de(cid:976)icient mice was signi(cid:976)icantly inhibited after ispinesib treatment. Conclusion : This study identi(cid:976)ied a wide array of druggable genes for both lung and head-and-neck cancer. In particular, multiple genes involved in the G2/M checkpoint were shown to be essential for tumor cell survival, indicating their potential as anticancer targets.
Becker Digital

Background Cancer survival rates have been steadily improving in the adolescent and young adult (AYA) population, but survivors are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). The cardiotoxic effects of anthracycline therapy have been well studied. However, the cardiovascular toxicity associated with newer therapies, such as the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, is less well understood. Objective This retrospective study of AYA cancer survivors sought to gain insight into their burden of cardiovascular toxicities (CT) following initiation of anthracycline and/or VEGF inhibitor therapy. Methods Data were extracted from electronic medical records over a fourteen‑year period at a single institution. Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was used to examine risk factors for CT within each treatment group. Cumulative incidence was calculated with death as a competing risk. Results Of the 1,165 AYA cancer survivors examined, 32%, 22%, and 34% of patients treated with anthracycline, VEGF inhibitor, or both, developed CT. Hypertension was the most common outcome reported. Males were at increased risk for CT following anthracycline therapy (HR: 1.34, 95% CI 1.04–1.73). The cumulative incidence of CT was highest in patients who received both anthracycline and VEGF inhibitor (50% at ten years of follow up). Conclusions CT was common among AYA cancer survivors who received anthracycline and/or VEGF inhibitor therapy. Male sex was an independent risk factor for CT following anthracycline treatment. Further screening and surveillance are warranted to continue understanding the burden of CVD following VEGF inhibitor therapy.
UvA-DARE (Digital Academic Repository) Beat processing in newborn infants cannot be explained by statistical learning based on transition probabilities

Newborn infants have been shown to extract temporal regularities from sound sequences, both in the form of learning regular sequential properties, and extracting periodicity in the input, commonly referred to as a regular pulse or the ‘beat ’ . However, these two types of regularities are often indistinguishable in isochronous sequences, as both statistical learning and beat perception can be elicited by the regular alternation of accented and un-accented sounds. Here, we manipulated the isochrony of sound sequences in order to disentangle statistical learning from beat perception in sleeping newborn infants in an EEG experiment, as previously done in adults and macaque monkeys. We used a binary accented sequence that induces a beat when presented with isochronous timing, but not when presented with randomly jittered timing. We compared mismatch responses to infrequent deviants falling on either accented or unaccented (i.e., odd and even) positions. Results showed a clear difference between metrical positions in the isochronous sequence, but not in the equivalent jittered sequence. This suggests that beat processing is present in newborns. Despite previous evidence for statistical learning in newborns the effects of this ability were not detected in the jittered condition. These results show that statistical learning by itself does not fully explain beat processing in newborn infants.
Self-assembly of hydrolysed α-lactalbumin into nanotubes

Self-assembly of proteins, peptides and DNA is a powerful approach for fabricating novel supramolecular architectures. Via this "bottom-up" approach many new nanomaterials have been and will be produced. Building blocks that self-assemble into fibrous materials are of special interest, because linear structures have many advantages. Partial hydrolysis of a -lactalbumin, a 14.2 kDa whey protein, by a protease from Bacillus licheniformis, results in such building blocks that self-assemble into unique nanotubes in the presence of appropriate cations at neutral pH. This PhD thesis describes structural and dynamic properties of a -lactalbumin nanotubes. Structural characterisation of the a -lactalbumin nanotubes was performed using scanning force microscopy, static light scattering, small angle X-ray scattering and (cryo) electron microscopy. The partially hydrolysed a -lactalbumin molecules self-assemble into regular right-handed helical structures. These micrometre-long hollow cylinders have a diameter of 20 nm, and a cavity diameter of 8 nm. The a -lactalbumin molecules are presumably assembled via β-sheet stacking. In addition, Ca2+ or another divalent ion is needed to form the nanotubes. Salt bridges between specific carboxyl groups play an important role. Dynamic features described are the kinetics of assembly and disassembly, and the stability of the nanotubes under various conditions. Disassembly can be induced by removal of Ca2+ in the solvent. Chemical or enzymatic cross-linking of the nanotubes prevents disassembly and makes them stable. The results obtained in this research may help to develop nanometre-sized materials that have a variety of applications in foods, pharmaceutics and nanotechnology.
Estimating CO 2 emissions with satellite and traffic data: a Swedish practical case study

—The large carbon footprint of industries is one of the main issues raised when talking about climate change. Active carbon monitoring methods need to be implemented to give transparency to the industry market and to spread awareness and information. This thesis investigates multiple CO 2 emissions monitoring via satellite monitoring for four different industries in the EU. The pulp and paper industry was monitored in Sweden through smoke detection coming from the chimneys’ factories. The CO 2 aggregated emissions of 14 Swedish factories were calculated with a mean error of 12% . The metal ore roasting and sintering industry were successfully monitored as well through smoke detection. In Sweden with an error 4 . 6% , and in the EU with an error 9 . 5% . The production of lime and the calcination of dolomite were unsuccessfully monitored due to no suitable method found. Finally, coke industry emissions were monitored through burned gas monitoring. The CO 2 emissions were correlated to the real emissions with a mean correlation coefficient of 0 . 64 . This study took part in a public information campaign lead by a Swedish start-up, and some results were displayed in Stockholm, Sweden.
Studies of Seasonal Variations on Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons along the Nile River, Egypt

The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the river water in the region from El Manyal to El Maadi was determined in order to assess the anthropogenic chemical inputs into the river system. This region is characterized by high navigational activities including anchorages and sailing of touristic ships whose fueling services and exhausts represent an essential source of pollution. W ater samples were monitored in seven sites, and water Hyacinth in two sites in the region from EL Manyal to EL Maadi for a period extended from autumn 2006, W inter 2007, Spring and summer 2007. The samples of water and plant were collected to investigate PAHs distribution, behavior, sources and understanding their origin. The results revealed the serious environmental and health concern, imposed by the high concentration of PAHs in the area due to high navigation activities.
What Do Long Data Tell Us About the Inﬂation Hike Post COVID-19 Pandemic? ∗

To what extent is the recent spike in inﬂation driven by a change in its permanent component? We estimate a semi-structural model of output, inﬂation, and the nominal interest rate in the United States over the period 1900–2021. The model predicts that between 2019 and 2021 the permanent component of inﬂation rose by 55 basis points. If instead we estimate the model using postwar data (1955–2021), the permanent component of inﬂation is predicted to have increased by 237 basis points. A possible interpretation of this ﬁnding is that the model estimated on the shorter sample assigns a larger increase in the permanent component of inﬂation because the period 1955–2021 does not contain sudden sparks in inﬂation like the one observed in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, but only gradual ones—the great inﬂation of the 1970s took more than 10 years to build up. By contrast, the period 1900– 1954 is plagued with sudden inﬂation hikes—including one around the 1918 Spanish ﬂu pandemic—which the estimated model endogenously recalls and uses to interpret inﬂation around the COVID-19 episode. This result suggests that prewar data might be of use to understand recent inﬂation dynamics.
Number and size-controlled rainfall regimes in the Netherlands: physical reality or statistical mirage?

An experimental study aimed at identifying special rainfall regimes with the help of co-located disdrometers is performed. Eight potentially special events (i.e., 4 number-controlled events and 4 size-controlled events) are identified and examined. However, the cross-check with additional, independent radar measurements reveals no clear evidence of such regimes. The research underscores the difficulty in confirming seemingly straightforward questions about rainfall patterns and dynamics that 5 have been theorized in the literature for several decades. It also questions the reliability of previous claims and serves as a reminder to approach such problems with more caution, emphasizing the need for rigorous uncertainty analysis and multiple cross-checks between sensors to avoid misinterpretation
Motion of polar cap patches: A statistical study with all‐sky airglow imager at Resolute Bay, Canada

[1] A highly sensitive all-sky airglow imager (part of the Optical Mesosphere Thermosphere Imagers [OMTIs]) has been operating for 3 years at Resolute Bay, Canada (geographic latitude 74.7°N; geomagnetic latitude 82.9°N) since January 2005. One of its major applications is the observation of polar cap patches. Polar cap patches are generated in the vicinity of the cusp during southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions, and they exhibit dynamic movement, possibly in association with the changes in the IMF orientation. In order to determine how their motions are controlled by the upstream IMF conditions, we applied a motion-tracking algorithm that was based on two-dimensional cross-correlation analysis to consecutive images obtained from January 2005 to December 2007 by the all-sky airglow imager at Resolute Bay. We identified and extracted 561 individual patches and then carried out a statistical study of their motion. It is demonstrated that the speed of patches is primarily controlled by the IMF Bz. Furthermore, the dawn-dusk component of the patch drift velocities is well correlated with the IMF By, which is in good agreement with the published By dependence of the nightside polar cap convection. This enables us to monitor the plasma convection within the polar cap by using polar cap patches as tracers.