Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Cytomegalovirus-Infected Glioblastoma Cells Display Stem Cell-Like Phenotypes

A role for HCMV in GBMs remains controversial for several reasons. Some studies find HCMV in GBM tumors, while others do not. Few cells within a GBM may harbor HCMV, making it unclear how the virus could be contributing to the tumor phenotype without infecting every cell. Finally, HCMV does not overtly transform cells in vitro. However, tumors induced by other viruses can be treated with antiviral remedies, and initial results indicate that this may be true for anti-HCMV therapies and GBMs. With such a poor prognosis for GBM patients, any potential new intervention deserves exploration. Our work here describes an evidence-based model for how HCMV could contribute to GBM biology while infecting very few cells and without transforming them. It also illuminates why anti-HCMV treatments may be beneficial to GBM patients. Our observations provide blueprints for future in vitro studies examining how HCMV manipulates stem cell-specific pathways and future clinical studies of anti-HCMV measures as GBM therapeutics. ABSTRACT Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common brain tumor in adults. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) genomes are present in GBM tumors, yielding hope that antiviral treatments could prove therapeutic and improve the poor prognosis of GBM patients. We discovered that GBM cells infected in vitro with HCMV display properties of cancer stem cells. HCMV-infected GBM cells grow more slowly than mock-infected controls, demonstrate a higher capacity for self-renewal determined by a sphere formation assay, and display resistance to the chemotherapeutic drug temozolomide. Our data suggest that HCMV, while present in only a minority of the cells within a tumor, could contribute to the pathogenesis of GBMs by promoting or prolonging stem cell-like phenotypes, thereby perpetuating tumors in the face of chemotherapy. Importantly, we show that temozolomide sensitivity is restored by the antiviral drug ganciclovir, indicating a potential mechanism underlying the positive effects observed in GBM patients treated with antiviral therapy. IMPORTANCE A role for HCMV in GBMs remains controversial for several reasons. Some studies find HCMV in GBM tumors, while others do not. Few cells within a GBM may harbor HCMV, making it unclear how the virus could be contributing to the tumor phenotype without infecting every cell. Finally, HCMV does not overtly transform cells in vitro. However, tumors induced by other viruses can be treated with antiviral remedies, and initial results indicate that this may be true for anti-HCMV therapies and GBMs. With such a poor prognosis for GBM patients, any potential new intervention deserves exploration. Our work here describes an evidence-based model for how HCMV could contribute to GBM biology while infecting very few cells and without transforming them. It also illuminates why anti-HCMV treatments may be beneficial to GBM patients. Our observations provide blueprints for future in vitro studies examining how HCMV manipulates stem cell-specific pathways and future clinical studies of anti-HCMV measures as GBM therapeutics.
Forecasting network traffic using FARIMA models with heavy tailed innovations

This paper presents a data traffic model capable of describing the long-range as well as short-range dependence structure of packet data traffic. Specifically, we use the fractionally integrated autoregressive-moving average (FARIMA) process with non-Gaussian white driving sequence to describe packet arrival rate in a unit time. We introduce a procedure to estimate the fractional differencing parameter and ARMA coefficients: this procedure uses a cepstrum approach and does not require any prior knowledge about the driving noise distribution and the type of ARMA system. Since the main purpose of workload modeling is to aid in network performance evaluations, we are particularly interested in using the FARIMA model to predict bandwidth requirements for network traffic. We propose a dynamic bandwidth allocation strategy by employing linear predictors designed based on the estimated FARIMA parameters.
The preoperative predictors of optimal cytoreductive surgery in women with advanced epithelial ovarian cancer

To evaluate the ability of different preoperative clinical, laboratory and radiographic parameters to predict feasibility of optimum cytoreduction, 44 patients were enrolled in this study as they had malignant epithelial ovarian tumor. Pre-operative staging was assessed by CT scan based on FIGO classification and compared to the standard laparotomy surgical staging. Maximal surgical effort for Optimum cytoreduction was achieved and the risk factors for sub-optimal cytoreduction were studied. Optimum cytoreduction was achieved in 62% of cases. There was a statistically significant difference between women with optimum and non-optimum cytoreduction regarding liver infiltration (p=0.006), pelvic side wall encasement (p=0.006), hydroureter (p=0.018) and a highly significant difference regarding pleural effusion (p=0.001) and pre-operative staging (p=0.001) detected at CT. The preoperative CT staging, peritoneal involvement, pelvic wall or pelvic peritoneum involvement and hydroureter must be used as preoperative predictors for achieving optimum cytoreduction.
Decellularized Matrix from Tumorigenic Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Promotes Neovascularization with Galectin-1 Dependent Endothelial Interaction

Background Acquisition of a blood supply is fundamental for extensive tumor growth. We recently described vascular heterogeneity in tumours derived from cell clones of a human mesenchymal stem cell (hMSC) strain (hMSC-TERT20) immortalized by retroviral vector mediated human telomerase (hTERT) gene expression. Histological analysis showed that cells of the most vascularized tumorigenic clone, -BD11 had a pericyte-like alpha smooth muscle actin (ASMA+) and CD146+ positive phenotype. Upon serum withdrawal in culture, -BD11 cells formed cord-like structures mimicking capillary morphogenesis. In contrast, cells of the poorly tumorigenic clone, -BC8 did not stain for ASMA, tumours were less vascularized and serum withdrawal in culture led to cell death. By exploring the heterogeneity in hMSC-TERT20 clones we aimed to understand molecular mechanisms by which mesenchymal stem cells may promote neovascularization. Methodology/Principal Findings Quantitative qRT-PCR analysis revealed similar mRNA levels for genes encoding the angiogenic cytokines VEGF and Angiopoietin-1 in both clones. However, clone-BD11 produced a denser extracellular matrix that supported stable ex vivo capillary morphogenesis of human endothelial cells and promoted in vivo neovascularization. Proteomic characterization of the -BD11 decellularized matrix identified 50 extracellular angiogenic proteins, including galectin-1. siRNA knock down of galectin-1 expression abrogated the ex vivo interaction between decellularized -BD11 matrix and endothelial cells. More stable shRNA knock down of galectin-1 expression did not prevent -BD11 tumorigenesis, but greatly reduced endothelial migration into -BD11 cell xenografts. Conclusions Decellularized hMSC matrix had significant angiogenic potential with at least 50 angiogenic cell surface and extracellular proteins, implicated in attracting endothelial cells, their adhesion and activation to form tubular structures. hMSC -BD11 surface galectin-1 expression was required to bring about matrix-endothelial interactions and for xenografted hMSC -BD11 cells to optimally recruit host vasculature.
Mineral Trioxide Aggregate and Portland Cement for Direct Pulp Capping in Dog: A Histopathological Evaluation

Background and aims. Mineral trioxide aggregate and calcium hydroxide are considered the gold standard pulp-capping materials. Recently, Portland cement has been introduced with properties similar to those of mineral trioxide aggregate. Histopathological effects of direct pulp capping using mineral trioxide aggregate and Portland cements on dog dental pulp tissue were evaluated in the present study. Materials and methods. This histopatological study was carried out on 64 dog premolars. First, the pulp was exposed with a sterile bur. Then, the exposed pulp was capped with white or gray mineral trioxide aggregates and white or gray Portland cements in each quadrant and sealed with glass-ionomer. The specimens were evaluated under a light microscope after 6 months. Statistical analysis was carried out using Kruskal-Wallis test. Statistical significance was defined at α=5%. Results. There was no acute inflammation in any of the specimens. Chronic inflammation in white and gray mineral trioxide aggregates and white and gray Portland cements was reported to be 45.5%, 27.3%, 57.1% and 34.1%, respectively. Although the differences were not statistically significant, severe inflammation was observed mostly adjacent to white mineral trioxide aggregate. The largest extent of increased vascularization (45%) and the least increase in fibrous tissue were observed adjacent to white mineral trioxide aggregate, with no significant differences. In addition, the least calcified tissue formed adjacent to white mineral trioxide aggregate, although the difference was not significant. Conclusion. The materials used in this study were equally effective as pulp protection materials following direct pulp capping in dog teeth.
Data-centric storage in sensornets

Sensornets are large-scale distributed sensing networks comprised of many small sensing devices equipped with memory, processors, and short-range wireless communication. Making effective use of sensornet data will require scalable, self-organizing, and energy-efficient data dissemination algorithms. Recent work has identified data-centric routing as one such method. In this paper we suggest that a companion method, data-centric storage, may also be a useful approach. While there are many ways to achieve data-centric storage, this paper proposes a mechanism that builds upon two recent advances; (1) the GPSR geographic routing algorithm and (2) a new generation of efficient peer-to-peer lookup systems (such as Chord, CAN, Pastry, Tapestry, etc.). We evaluate the performance of data-centric storage and two other dissemination approaches in several sensornet scenarios and identify the conditions under which the various approaches are preferable.
Perspectives On The Adoption / Rejection Of Innovative Technologies Revisited - Insights From The IS Outsourcing Context

Adoption of innovative technologies has been investigated using different theoretical perspectives for many years. In the research field of Management, Abrahamson has suggested four perspectives to explain the adoption / rejection behavior. Similarly, in our field, Fichman has provided us with different adoption perspectives. A review and comparison of these adoption perspectives yields common roots, but also some differences. While revisiting the common roots and integrating the perspectives offered by Abrahamson and Fichman in one framework, we identified two additional perspectives: pushed-selection and transfer perspective. The two additional perspectives seem to be particularly relevant for capturing the adoption decision of innovations in interorganizational relationships. As such, we explore our extended framework in the context of a present innovative technology: information technology (IT) outsourcing governance tools. Our results suggest that a combination of theoretical perspectives is appropriate to explain reasons for their adoption / rejection. This study contributes to adoption research by introducing two new perspectives on the adoption of innovative technologies. The two perspectives offer also important implications for practice.
Texture analysis and segmentation using modulation features, generative models and weighted curve evolution

—In this work, we approach the analysis and segmentation of natural textured images by combining ideas from image analysis and probabilistic modeling. We rely on AM-FM texture models and, specifically, on the Dominant Component Analysis (DCA) paradigm for feature extraction. This method provides a low-dimensional, dense, and smooth descriptor, capturing the essential aspects of texture, namely, scale, orientation, and contrast. Our contributions are at three levels of the texture analysis and segmentation problems: First, at the feature extraction stage, we propose a Regularized Demodulation Algorithm that provides more robust texture features and we explore the merits of modifying the channel selection criterion of DCA. Second, we propose a probabilistic interpretation of DCA and Gabor filtering in general, in terms of Local Generative Models. Extending this point of view to edge detection facilitates the estimation of posterior probabilities for the edge and texture classes. Third, we propose the Weighted Curve Evolution scheme that enhances curve evolution-based segmentation methods by allowing for the locally adaptive combination of heterogeneous cues. Our segmentation results are evaluated on the Berkeley Segmentation Benchmark and compare favorably to current state-of-the-art methods.
The interaction of Herpes Simplex Virus with murine lymphocytes. I. Mitogenic properties of herpes simplex virus

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) stimulates DNA synthesis in mouse spleen cultures prepared from normal, macrophage-depleted, and T-cell-depleted spleen cells, but not from thymocytes. In addition, a polyclonal antibody response is observed in HSV-infected spleen cultures. These findings indicate that the cells stimulated to undergo DNA synthesis after HSV infection appear to be the bone marrow-derived lymphocytes. The newly synthesized DNA is host cell and not of viral origin. Heat treatment and ultraviolet irradiation of HSV before addition to spleen cultures prevents the induction of DNA synthesis. We consider the use of this system as assay for the study of cell transformation by HSV and also for the study of host cell control of the expression of the viral genome.
Weekly Treatment of 2-Hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin Improves Intracellular Cholesterol Levels in LDL Receptor Knockout Mice

Recently, the importance of lysosomes in the context of the metabolic syndrome has received increased attention. Increased lysosomal cholesterol storage and cholesterol crystallization inside macrophages have been linked to several metabolic diseases, such as atherosclerosis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Two-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-B-CD) is able to redirect lysosomal cholesterol to the cytoplasm in Niemann-Pick type C1 disease, a lysosomal storage disorder. We hypothesize that HP-B-CD ameliorates liver cholesterol and intracellular cholesterol levels inside Kupffer cells (KCs). Hyperlipidemic low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (Ldlr−/−) mice were given weekly, subcutaneous injections with HP-B-CD or control PBS. In contrast to control injections, hyperlipidemic mice treated with HP-B-CD demonstrated a shift in intracellular cholesterol distribution towards cytoplasmic cholesteryl ester (CE) storage and a decrease in cholesterol crystallization inside KCs. Compared to untreated hyperlipidemic mice, the foamy KC appearance and liver cholesterol remained similar upon HP-B-CD administration, while hepatic campesterol and 7α-hydroxycholesterol levels were back increased. Thus, HP-B-CD could be a useful tool to improve intracellular cholesterol levels in the context of the metabolic syndrome, possibly through modulation of phyto- and oxysterols, and should be tested in the future. Additionally, these data underline the existence of a shared etiology between lysosomal storage diseases and NAFLD.
Thermal degradation behavior of polypropylene base wood plastic composites hybridized with metal (aluminum, magnesium) hydroxides

The effect of hybridization of wood fibers and metal hydroxides on the thermal stability of polypropylene (PP) based plas- tic composites is studied through thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The wood fiber increases thermal stability of the metal hydrox- ide hybridized WPC including aluminum hydroxide (AH) and magnesium hydroxide (MH). Hybridization with the AH increases decomposition temperature of the maximum loss rate (Tmax) of the PP due to reinforcement of residue, but the onset-temperature of the PP decomposition is nearly shifted. However, hybridization with the MH increases both the onset-temperature and the Tmax of the PP thermal degradation. Both AH and MH fillers increase the Tmax of the PP matrix decomposition with increment of their con- tents. Besides, the MH case shows higher thermal stability of the PP resin in WPC decomposition than the AH case at the same load- ing level. V C 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40120.
Compatible class encoding in hyper-function decomposition for FPGA synthesis

Recently, functional decomposition has been adopted for LUT based FPGA technology mapping with good results. In this paper, we propose a novel method for functional multiple-output decomposition. We first address a compatible class encoding method to minimize the compatible classes in the image function. After the encoding algorithm is applied, the decomposability will be improved in the subsequent decomposition of the image function. The above encoding algorithm is then extended to encode multiple-output functions through the construction of a hyper-function. Common sub-expressions among these multiple-output functions can be extracted during the decomposition of the hyper-function. Therefore, we can handle the multiple-output decomposition in the same manner as the single-output decomposition. Experimental results show that our algorithms are very promising.
Accurate Flexural Analysis of Clamped Moderately Thick Cross-ply Rectangular Plates by Superposition of Exact Untruncated Infinite Series Solutions

A rigorous analytical solution for the title problem is presented here using the method of superposition. The derivation of tedious Levy-type solutions, commonly used in such an approach, is obviated by the ingenious use of their infinite series counterparts, which are summed without truncation so as to retain accuracy. The methodology is fast convergent and yields accurate results without excessive computation. Tabulated results are presented for two cross-ply plates for future comparisons.
The Delegation Problem and Practical PKI-Based Solutions

Delegation is a process where a delegator grants or authorizes all or some of his/her power to another a delegate to work on his/her behalf. In an office, it is common for officers to delegate their power to subordinates. In a digital environment (e.g. a secure enterprise information system with confidential electronic documents), how delegation can be handled properly is still an open question. In this paper, we address the delegation problem in the context of a secure information system, lay down a set of requirements from the users’ point of view and propose several practical PKI-based schemes to solve the problem. Analysis on the proposed schemes concludes that Proxy Memo can solve the problem quite efficiently while reducing the key management problem.
Blind deconvolution of ultrasound sequences using nonparametric local polynomial estimates of the pulse

The problem of reconstructing the reflectivity of a biological tissue is examined by means of blind deconvolution of the echo ultrasound signals. It is shown that the quality of the reconstruction procedure can be significantly improved when initially the ultrasonic pulse is accurately estimated. A new approach to the estimation of the ultrasound pulse echo sequences is proposed, using local polynomial approximation, which is closely related to the wavelet transform theory. This approach can be viewed as a modification of homomorphic deconvolution, by using bases different from the Fourier basis of the space of square-integrable functions L/sup 2/. The bases used here are the orthogonal compactly supported wavelet bases. It is shown that the locality of the estimate can be extremely useful in number of cases of practical interest, resulting in estimates with smaller root-mean squared (rms) errors, as compared with estimates employing the Fourier basis. This approach is applied to ultrasound signals, for estimation of the ultrasound pulse log-spectrum from the log-spectrum of radio-frequency (RF) sequences. It is shown, conceptually and experimentally, that the proposed approach can provide robust and rapidly computed estimates of the ultrasound pulses from the RF-sequences, as obtained in the process of tissue scanning. The pulse phase was recovered using the minimum-phase assumption, which was found to hold for the transducers in use. The obtained pulse estimates are used for the deconvolution of the RF-sequences, which result in stable estimates of the tissue reflectivity function, fairly independent of the properties of the imaging system. Simulated data, data obtained from several phantoms and from in vitro experiments have been processed and the results seem to be quite promising.
Probabilistic salient object contour detection based on superpixels

In this paper, we propose a data-driven approach to detect the probabilistic salient object contour, which is formulated as predicting the probability of superpixel boundaries being on the object contour based on the learned regressor. Each superpixel boundary is jointly described by the superpixel saliency, superpixel contrast, and boundary geometry features. Experimental results on the benchmark data set validate the effectiveness of our approach. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the predicted probabilistic salient object contour is useful for improving the multiple segmentations for salient object detection.
Mass Media and the Contagion of Fear: The Case of Ebola in America

Background In the weeks following the first imported case of Ebola in the U. S. on September 29, 2014, coverage of the very limited outbreak dominated the news media, in a manner quite disproportionate to the actual threat to national public health; by the end of October, 2014, there were only four laboratory confirmed cases of Ebola in the entire nation. Public interest in these events was high, as reflected in the millions of Ebola-related Internet searches and tweets performed in the month following the first confirmed case. Use of trending Internet searches and tweets has been proposed in the past for real-time prediction of outbreaks (a field referred to as “digital epidemiology”), but accounting for the biases of public panic has been problematic. In the case of the limited U. S. Ebola outbreak, we know that the Ebola-related searches and tweets originating the U. S. during the outbreak were due only to public interest or panic, providing an unprecedented means to determine how these dynamics affect such data, and how news media may be driving these trends. Methodology We examine daily Ebola-related Internet search and Twitter data in the U. S. during the six week period ending Oct 31, 2014. TV news coverage data were obtained from the daily number of Ebola-related news videos appearing on two major news networks. We fit the parameters of a mathematical contagion model to the data to determine if the news coverage was a significant factor in the temporal patterns in Ebola-related Internet and Twitter data. Conclusions We find significant evidence of contagion, with each Ebola-related news video inspiring tens of thousands of Ebola-related tweets and Internet searches. Between 65% to 76% of the variance in all samples is described by the news media contagion model.
Mobile ad hoc networking and the IETF

This article provides a snapshot of work underway within the Mobile Ad hoc NETworks (MANET) Working Group of the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). The article summarizes the proceedings of the last MANET WG meeting, presents some issues currently under discussion on the MANET mailing list (manet@itd.nrl.navy.mil), and gives some rationale behind the architectural design approach being promoted within the group.