Fault Diagnosis in DSL Networks using Support Vector Machines

The adequate operation for a number of service distribution networks relies on the e�ective maintenance and fault management of their underlay DSL infrastructure. Thus, new tools are required in order to adequately monitor and further diagnose anomalies that other segments of the DSL network cannot identify due to the pragmatic issues raised by hardware or software misconfigurations. In this work we present a fundamentally new approach for classifying known DSL-level anomalies by exploiting the properties of novelty detection via the employment of one-class Support Vector Machines (SVMs). By virtue of the imbalance residing in the training samples that consequently lead to problematic prediction outcomes when used within two-class formulations, we adopt the properties of one-class classification and construct models for independently identifying and classifying a single type of a DSL-level anomaly. Given the fact that the greater number of the installed Digital Subscriber Line Access Multiplexers (DSLAMs) within the DSL network of a large European ISP were misconfigured, thus unable to accurately flag anomalous events, we utilize as inference solutions the models derived by the one-class SVM formulations built by the known labels as flagged by the much smaller number of correctly configured DSLAMs in the same network in order to aid the classification aspect against the monitored unlabelled events. By reaching an average over 95% on a number of classification accuracy metrics such as precision, recall and F-score we show that one-class SVM classifiers overcome the biased classification outcomes achieved by the traditional two-class formulations and that they may constitute as viable and promising components within the design of future network fault management strategies. In addition, we demonstrate their superiority over commonly used two-class machine learning approaches such as Decision Trees and Bayesian Networks that has been used in the same context within past solutions. Keywords: Network management, Support Vector Machines, supervised learning, one-class classifiers, DSL anomalie

Dye-Loaded Quatsomes Exhibiting FRET as Nanoprobes for Bioimaging

Fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) are emerging as an attractive alternative to the well-established fluorescent inorganic nanoparticles or small organic dyes. Their proper design allows one to obtain biocompatible probes with superior brightness and high photostability, although usually affected by low colloidal stability. Herein, we present a type of FONs with outstanding photophysical and physicochemical properties in-line with the stringent requirements for biomedical applications. These FONs are based on quatsome (QS) nanovesicles containing a pair of fluorescent carbocyanine molecules that give rise to Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Structural homogeneity, high brightness, photostability, and high FRET efficiency make these FONs a promising class of optical bioprobes. Loaded QSs have been used for in vitro bioimaging, demonstrating the nanovesicle membrane integrity after cell internalization, and the possibility to monitor the intracellular vesicle fate. Taken together, the proposed QSs loaded with a FRET pair constitute a promising platform for bioimaging and theranostics

Engineering DNA-grafted quatsomes as stable nucleic acid-responsive fluorescent nanovesicles

The development of artificial vesicles into responsive architectures capable of sensing the biological environment and simultaneously signaling the presence of a specific target molecule is a key challenge in a range of biomedical applications from drug delivery to diagnostic tools. Herein, the rational design of biomimetic DNA-grafted quatsome (QS) nanovesicles capable of translating the binding of a target molecule to amphiphilic DNA probes into an optical output is presented. QSs are synthetic lipid-based nanovesicles able to confine multiple organic dyes at the nanoscale, resulting in ultra-bright soft materials with attractiveness for sensing applications. Dye-loaded QS nanovesicles of different composition and surface charge are grafted with fluorescent amphiphilic nucleic acid-based probes to produce programmable FRET-active nanovesicles that operate as highly sensitive signal transducers. The photophysical properties of the DNA-grafted nanovesicles are characterized and the highly selective, ratiometric detection of clinically relevant microRNAs with sensitivity in the low nanomolar range are demonstrated. The potential applications of responsive QS nanovesicles for biosensing applications but also as functional nanodevices for targeted biomedical applications is envisaged

The alpha v beta 1 integrin functions as a fibronectin receptor but does not support fibronectin matrix assembly and cell migration on fibronectin

The fibronectin receptor, alpha 5 beta 1, has been shown to be required for fibronectin matrix assembly and plays an important role in cell migration on fibronectin. However, it is not clear whether other fibronectin binding integrins can take the place of alpha 5 beta 1 during matrix assembly and cell migration. To test this, we expressed the human alpha v subunit in the CHO cell line CHO-B2 that lacks the alpha 5 subunit. We found that the human alpha v combined with CHO cell beta 1 to form the integrin alpha v beta 1. Cells that expressed alpha v beta 1 attached to and spread well on fibronectin-coated dishes, but did so less well on vitronectin-coated dishes. This, along with other data, indicated that alpha v beta 1 functions as a fibronectin receptor in CHO-B2 cells. The alpha v beta 1-expressing cells failed to produce a fibronectin matrix or to migrate on fibronectin, although the same cells transfected with alpha 5 do produce a matrix and migrate on fibronectin. The affinity of the alpha v beta 1-expressing cells for fibronectin was fourfold lower than that of the alpha 5 beta 1- expressing cells. In addition, alpha v beta 1 was distributed diffusely throughout the cell surface, whereas alpha 5 beta 1 was localized to focal adhesions when cells were seeded onto fibronectin-coated surfaces. Thus, of the two fibronectin receptors, alpha v beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1, only alpha 5 beta 1 supports fibronectin matrix assembly and promotes cell migration on fibronectin in the CHO-B2 cells. Possible reasons for this difference in the activities of alpha v beta 1 and alpha 5 beta 1 include the lower affinity of alpha v beta 1 for fibronectin and the failure of this integrin to localize in adhesion plaques on a fibronectin substrate. These results show that two integrins with similar ligand specificities and cell attachment functions may be quite different in their ability to support fibronectin matrix assembly and cell motility on fibronectin

Survival and dispersal routes of head-started loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) post-hatchlings in the Mediterranean Sea

[EN] Several loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) nesting events have been recorded along Spain's Mediterranean coast, outside its known nesting range, in recent years. In view of the possible expansion of its nesting range and considering the conservation status of this species, management measures like nest protection and head-start programs have been implemented. To study the dispersal behavior and survival of head-started loggerheads, 19 post-hatchlings from three nesting events were satellite tracked after their release in three consecutive years (2015-2017). This paper presents the first study of survival probabilities and dispersal movements of loggerhead post-hatchlings in the Mediterranean basin. Monitored post-hatchlings dispersed over large areas using variable routes, mainly off the continental shelf. Nonetheless, post-hatchlings dispersed to high-productivity warmer areas during the coldest months of monitoring. These areas might be optimum for their survival and development. We observed differences regarding dispersal orientation and routes among individuals, even from the same nest, release date, and location. Our survival models contributed to improving current survival estimates for sea turtle post-hatchlings. We observed a high probability of survival in head-started individuals during the first months after release, usually the most critical period after reintroduction. The data did not support an effect of habitat (neritic or oceanic) in survival, or an effect of the region (Balearic sea or Alboran sea) in survival probability. Differences in survival between nests were observed. These differences might be related to parasitic infections suffered during the head-starting period. This study shows that nest management measures may contribute to the conservation and range expansion of the loggerhead turtle population in the western Mediterranean.This satellite study was funded by Universitat Politecnica de Valencia, Ministerio de Agricultura y Medio Ambiente (ref: 16MNSV006), Ministerio de Economia, Industria y Competitividad (ref: CGL2011-30413), Fundacion CRAM, Fundacion Hombre y Territorio and Eduardo J. Belda. Corresponding author, S. Abalo, was supported by a Ph.D. grant (FPU) from Ministerio de Educacion, Cultura y Deporte (Spain). J. Tomas is also supported by project Prometeo II (2015) of Generalitat Valenciana and project INDICIT of the European Commission, Environment Directorate-General. We are extremely thankful to the entities that have collaborated: we thank all professionals at the Oceanografic, especially at the ARCA Rehabilitation Center, for their many efforts and whole-hearted dedication to the best animal care. In particular, we are grateful to the Conselleria d'Agricultura, Medi Ambient, Canvi Climatic i Desenvolupament Rural of the Valencia Community Regional Government. We also thank the professionals at Centro de Recuperacion de Animales Marinos (CRAM) for their dedication and animal care. We are thankful to the Marine Zoology Unit of the University of Valencia, NGO Xaloc, EQUINAC, Aquarium of Sevilla, Donana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC) and to involved professionals at Consejeria de Medio Ambiente y Ordenacion del Territorio (CMAOT) of Junta de Andalucia, especially at the Andalusian Marine Environment Management Center (CEGMA) for their efforts with animal care, logistics for release events and necropsy of "Rabiosa". We are particularly grateful to the people who called 112 to report a nesting event and to the nest custody volunteers. Thanks are due to the staff of Parador de El Saler for volunteering logistical support. The authors wish to acknowledge the use of the Maptool program for analysis and graphics in this paper. Maptool is a product of SEATURTLE.ORG (Information is available at www.seaturtle.org). Also, we acknowledge the use of the Douglas Argos Filter (DAF) utility in Movebank (www.movebank.org) and especially David Douglas for his help and recommendations. Finally, we thank the reviewers for their reviewing efforts.Abalo-Morla, S.; Marco, A.; Tomás, J.; Revuelta, O.; Abella, E.; Marco, V.; Crespo-Picazo, J.... (2018). Survival and dispersal routes of head-started loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) post-hatchlings in the Mediterranean Sea. Marine Biology. 165(3). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00227-018-3306-2S1653Abella P, Marco A, Martins S, Hawkes LA (2016) Is this what a climate change-resilient population of marine turtles looks like? 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Proc R Soc B Biol Sci. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2013.3039Mansfield KL, Mendilaharsu ML, Putman NF, dei Marcovaldi MAG, Sacco AE, Lopez G, Pires T, Swimmer Y (2017) First satellite tracks of South Atlantic sea turtle ‘lost years’: seasonal variation in trans-equatorial movement. Proc R Soc B 284:20171730. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2017.1730Margaritoulis D, Argano R, Baran I, Bentivegna F, Bradai MN, Camiñas JA, Casale P (2003) Loggerhead turtles in the Mediterranean Sea: present knowledge and conservation perspectives. In: Bolten AB (ed) Loggerhead Sea Turtle, B.E. Witherington. Smithsonian Institution

Over-expression of adenosine deaminase in mouse podocytes does not reverse puromycin aminonucleoside resistance

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Edema in nephrotic syndrome results from renal retention of sodium and alteration of the permeability properties of capillaries. Nephrotic syndrome induced by puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) in rats reproduces the biological and clinical signs of the human disease, and has been widely used to identify the cellular mechanisms of sodium retention. Unfortunately, mice do not develop nephrotic syndrome in response to PAN, and we still lack a good mouse model of the disease in which the genetic tools necessary for further characterizing the pathophysiological pathway could be used. Mouse resistance to PAN has been attributed to a defect in glomerular adenosine deaminase (ADA), which metabolizes PAN. We therefore attempted to develop a mouse line sensitive to PAN through induction of normal adenosine metabolism in their podocytes.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A mouse line expressing functional ADA under the control of the podocyte-specific podocin promoter was generated by transgenesis. The effect of PAN on urinary excretion of sodium and proteins was compared in rats and in mice over-expressing ADA and in littermates.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>We confirmed that expression of ADA mRNAs was much lower in wild type mouse than in rat glomerulus. Transgenic mice expressed ADA specifically in the glomerulus, and their ADA activity was of the same order of magnitude as in rats. Nonetheless, ADA transgenic mice remained insensitive to PAN treatment in terms of both proteinuria and sodium retention.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Along with previous results, this study shows that adenosine deaminase is necessary but not sufficient to confer PAN sensitivity to podocytes. ADA transgenic mice could be used as a background strain for further transgenesis.</p

Marine spatial planning and Good Environmental status: A perspective on spatial and temporal dimensions

The European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive requires the Good Environmental Status of marine environments in Europe's regional seas; yet, maritime activities, including sources of marine degradation, are diversifying and intensifying in an increasingly globalized world. Marine spatial planning is emerging as a tool for rationalizing competing uses of the marine environment while guarding its quality. A directive guiding the development of such plans by European Union member states is currently being formulated. There is an undeniable need for marine spatial planning. However, we argue that considerable care must be taken with marine spatial planning, as the spatial and temporal scales of maritime activities and of Good Environmental Status may be mismatched. We identify four principles for careful and explicit consideration to align the requirements of the two directives and enable marine spatial planning to support the achievement of Good Environmental Status in Europe's regional seas

Contribución de la Paleofitogeografía a la interpretación del paisaje vegetal ibérico: estado de conocimientos y nuevas perspectivas de investigación

The palaeobotanical studies that have been accomplished in the Iberian Peninsula during the last two decades have provided a great amount of data that can be applied in geobotanical knowledge. In most of the cases, those results have contributed to solve classical scientific debates regarding vegetal landscapes interpretations. One of the most relevant discussions is related to the aloctonous or non-aloctonous origin of much of the Iberian pine forests, on diverse Iberian habitats. The main contributions of Palaeobotany to the processes that explain the present distribution of plants are reviewed in a spatial and temporal framework, from old geological periods (Mesozoic, Tertiary) to the recent ones (Pleistocene, Holocene). Linked to the history of our vegetal landscapes, Pleistocene and Holocene epochs have been treated from two different points of view: firstly the problems within extensive territorial environments and, secondly, the problems related to the interpretation of the evolution and/or behaviour of taxa. In the last part, some new investigation trends related to palaeophytogeography are exposed, focusing on the high potential interest on being applied to Iberian ecosystems.Los trabajos de car&aacute;cter paleobot&aacute;nico realizados en la pen&iacute;nsula Ib&eacute;rica en las dos &uacute;ltimas d&eacute;cadas han proporcionado un importante volumen de resultados con aplicaci&oacute;n en el &aacute;mbito del conocimiento geobot&aacute;nico. En muchos casos, esos resultados han aportado soluciones a debates cl&aacute;sicos relativos a la interpretaci&oacute;n del paisaje vegetal. Uno de los m&aacute;s conocidos es el de la consideraci&oacute;n, como espont&aacute;neos o no, de muchos de los pinares ib&eacute;ricos en diferentes &aacute;mbitos del territorio peninsular. Se revisan las contribuciones m&aacute;s importantes de la Paleobot&aacute;nica a los procesos que explican la actual distribuci&oacute;n de las plantas, en un marco tanto espacial como temporal, desde periodos geol&oacute;gicos antiguos (Mesozoico, Terciario) a los m&aacute;s recientes (Pleistoceno, Holoceno). Dentro de estos &uacute;ltimos nos hemos referido, por una parte, a problemas planteados en &aacute;mbitos territoriales extensos y, por otra, a problemas vinculados a la interpretaci&oacute;n de la evoluci&oacute;n y/o comportamiento de taxones concretos. Por &uacute;ltimo se hace referencia a las tendencias recientes y nuevas metodolog&iacute;as de aplicaci&oacute;n en paleofitogeograf&iacute;a, aludiendo a los primeros resultados que hayan podido proporcionar en el marco peninsular

Survival and long-term maintenance of tertiary trees in the Iberian Peninsula during the Pleistocene. First record of Aesculus L.

The Italian and Balkan peninsulas have been places traditionally highlighted as Pleistocene glacial refuges. The Iberian Peninsula, however, has been a focus of controversy between geobotanists and palaeobotanists as a result of its exclusion from this category on different occasions. In the current paper, we synthesise geological, molecular, palaeobotanical and geobotanical data that show the importance of the Iberian Peninsula in the Western Mediterranean as a refugium area. The presence of Aesculus aff. hippocastanum L. at the Iberian site at Cal Guardiola (Tarrasa, Barcelona, NE Spain) in the Lower– Middle Pleistocene transition helps to consolidate the remarkable role of the Iberian Peninsula in the survival of tertiary species during the Pleistocene. The palaeodistribution of the genus in Europe highlights a model of area abandonment for a widely-distributed species in the Miocene and Pliocene, leading to a diminished and fragmentary presence in the Pleistocene and Holocene on the southern Mediterranean peninsulas. Aesculus fossils are not uncommon within the series of Tertiary taxa. Many appear in the Pliocene and suffer a radical impoverishment in the Lower–Middle Pleistocene transition. Nonetheless some of these tertiary taxa persisted throughout the Pleistocene and Holocene up to the present in the Iberian Peninsula. Locating these refuge areas on the Peninsula is not an easy task, although areas characterised by a sustained level of humidity must have played an predominant role