Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paxillin: a new vinculin-binding protein present in focal adhesions

The 68-kD protein (paxillin) is a cytoskeletal component that localizes to the focal adhesions at the ends of actin stress fibers in chicken embryo fibroblasts. It is also present in the focal adhesions of Madin- Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) epithelial cells but is absent, like talin, from the cell-cell adherens junctions of these cells. Paxillin purified from chicken gizzard smooth muscle migrates as a diffuse band on SDS- PAGE gels with a molecular mass of 65-70 kD. It is a protein of multiple isoforms with pIs ranging from 6.31 to 6.85. Using purified paxillin, we have demonstrated a specific interaction in vitro with another focal adhesion protein, vinculin. Cleavage of vinculin with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease results in the generation of two fragments of approximately 85 and 27 kD. Unlike talin, which binds to the large vinculin fragment, paxillin was found to bind to the small vinculin fragment, which represents the rod domain of the molecule. Together with the previous observation that paxillin is a major substrate of pp60src in Rous sarcoma virus-transformed cells (Glenney, J. R., and L. Zokas. 1989. J. Cell Biol. 108:2401-2408), this interaction with vinculin suggests paxillin may be a key component in the control of focal adhesion organization.
[The evaluation of anxiety and the analysis of pain perception in Down's syndrome patients undergoing dental procedures].

Twenty Down's syndrome dental patients between 9 and 20 years of age have been identified in order to evaluate anxiety and pain induced by various kinds of dental treatment such as some "moderately painful" dental out-patient procedures (10 subjects), general anaesthesia dental treatment (5 subjects) and painless out-patient visit or routine orthodontic services (5 subjects). Each patient received a previous psychological evaluation to assess his intellectual and cognitive developmental degree. Anxiety was assessed twice, before and after intervention by means of a questionnaire; pain was tested in a subjective way during the procedure (or the control oral visit 12 hours after the g.a. treatment) and by a questionnaire in the post-treatment phase. This investigation indicates that anxiety increased in Down's syndrome subjects receiving out-patient interventions, remained at the original level in the general anaesthesia hospitalized patients, while it showed a clear reduction in the out-patient painless control group. Anxiety, however, proves to be influenced also by the patient's effective mental age so it my be lessened after painful dental treatment when the intellectual development is about or above that of a 7 year old boy. Our study could prove to be important since it underlines the need to assess, at least approximately, the Down's syndrome patient's cognitive development before giving dental treatment, especially if it is an out-patient intervention. This may not be necessary for routine free of pain dental visits.
Ceiling vision localization with feature pairs for home service robots

Automatically self-localization of home service robot in indoor environments is a key issue with high efficiency and robustness. State-of-the-art frameworks in computer vision typically are based on Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (SLAM) and extended version such as Ceiling Vision SLAM (CV-SLAM). However, a large amount of map information about landmarks in the ceiling are redundant for home service robots only to accomplish the localization task such as indoor cleaning robot. In this paper, a fast and robust ceiling vision localization framework based on CV-SLAM is proposed, which consists of three parts: ceiling features operation, localization with feature pairs and visual odometry. In addition, we propose a novel localization method with feature pairs based on ceiling vision, which can enhance the real-time capability effectively. Simulation and real experiments validate the efficiency of our approach for the localization tasks of home service robots in indoor environments.
Role of tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) in advanced gastric carcinoma: the impact on FasL-mediated counterattack.

BACKGROUND Exactly what role does tumor-derived Fas ligand (FasL) play in cancer: maintaining the immune privilege site or inducing a pro-inflammatory effect? One possible hypothesis is that tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) act as the mediator that enables apoptosis of anti-tumor immune cells without FasL-related inflammation. We have evaluated the tumor FasL expression and TAM along the tumor margin and/or in cancer stroma, and their impact on the infiltration of immune-competent cells into the tumor nest. PATIENTS AND METHODS Tissue specimens from consecutive 84 advanced gastric carcinoma patients, who had undergone a curative resection, were evaluated for TAM (CD68+ cells), tumor FasL expression and immune status (CD8 + T cells). RESULTS A high number of TAM significantly correlated with lymph node metastasis, intestinal type tumor and FasL expression. Although TAM had a tendency for an inverse correlation with the number of CD8+ T cells within the tumor nest (nest CD8) (p=0.0592), there was no correlation between FasL expression and nest CD8 (p=0.2158). This inverse association was found to be stronger in cases with both FasL-positive and high TAM tumors than in others (p=0.0139). The combination parameter of FasL-positive and high TAM became an independent prognostic factor in Cox's multivariate analysis, along with the pT status, nest CD8 and tumor cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION We suggest that TAM works harmoniously with tumor-derived FasL and serves as a barrier against the infiltration of CD8+ T cells into the cancer nest.
Plasticity of spatial hearing: behavioural effects of cortical inactivation

• The cerebral cortex plays a critical role in perception and in learning‐induced plasticity. • We show that reversibly silencing any of the main regions of auditory cortex impairs the ability of adult ferrets to localize sound, with the largest deficit seen after deactivating the primary fields. • Although these animals had no trouble localizing longer sound bursts, their performance dropped considerably when auditory spatial cues were altered by occluding one ear with an earplug. • In contrast to control ferrets, which recovered their localization abilities with intensive training, adaptation to an earplug was impaired following cortical inactivation, with the greatest disruption in plasticity observed after silencing higher‐level cortical areas. • These findings imply regional differences in the processing of spatial information across the auditory cortex.
Introspection: Accelerating Neural Network Training By Learning Weight Evolution

Neural Networks are function approximators that have achieved state-of-the-art accuracy in numerous machine learning tasks. In spite of their great success in terms of accuracy, their large training time makes it difficult to use them for various tasks. In this paper, we explore the idea of learning weight evolution pattern from a simple network for accelerating training of novel neural networks. We use a neural network to learn the training pattern from MNIST classification and utilize it to accelerate training of neural networks used for CIFAR-10 and ImageNet classification. Our method has a low memory footprint and is computationally efficient. This method can also be used with other optimizers to give faster convergence. The results indicate a general trend in the weight evolution during training of neural networks.
Model-based clustering and new edge modelling in large computer networks

Computer networks are complex and the analysis of their structure in search for anomalous behaviour is both a challenging and important task for cyber security. For instance, new edges, i.e. connections from a host or user to a computer that has not been connected to before, provide potentially strong statistical evidence for detecting anomalies. Unusual new edges can sometimes be indicative of both legitimate activity, such as automated update requests permitted by the client, and illegitimate activity, such as denial of service (DoS) attacks to cause service disruption or intruders escalating privileges by traversing through the host network. In both cases, capturing and accumulating evidence of anomalous new edge formation represents an important security application. Computer networks tend to exhibit an underlying cluster structure, where nodes are naturally grouped together based on similar connection patterns. What constitutes anomalous behaviour may strongly differ between clusters, so inferring these peer groups constitutes an important step in modelling the types of new connections a user would make. In this article, we present a two-step Bayesian statistical method aimed at clustering similar users inside the network and simultaneously modelling new edge activity, exploiting both overall-level and cluster-level covariates.
Clinical characteristics, complications, comorbidities and treatment patterns among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in a large integrated health system

Purpose To compare the prevalence of diabetes-related complications and comorbidities, clinical characteristics, glycemic control, and treatment patterns in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) within a large integrated healthcare system in 2008 vs 2013. Methods An electronic health record system was used to create a cross-sectional summary of all patients with T2D as on 1 July 2008 and 1 July 2013. Differences between the two data sets were assessed after adjusting for age, gender, race, and household income. Results In 2008 and 2013, 24 493 and 41 582 patients with T2D were identified, respectively, of which the majority were male (52.3% and 50.1%) and Caucasian (79% and 75.2%). The mean ages (years) were 64.8 and 64.3. The percentages of patients across the defined A1C categories were 64.3 and 66.7 for <7%, 21.1 and 18.8 for 7–7.9%, 7.8 and 7.5 for 8–8.9%, and 6.8 and 7.0 for ≥9% in 2008 and 2013, respectively. The most prevalent T2D-related comorbidities were hypertension (82.5% and 87.2%) and cardiovascular disease (26.9% and 22.3%) in 2008 and 2013, respectively. Thiazolidinedione and sulfonylurea use decreased, whereas metformin and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor use increased in the 5-year period. Conclusions Patients with T2D are characterized by a high number of comorbidities. Over 85% of the patients had an A1C<8% within our integrated health delivery system in 2008 and 2013. In 2008 and 2013, metformin therapy was the most commonly utilized antidiabetic agent, and sulfonylureas were the most commonly utilized oral antidiabetic agent in combination with metformin. As integrated health systems assume greater shared financial risk in newer payment models, achieving glycemic targets (A1C) and the management of comorbidities will become ever-more important, for preventing diabetes-related complications, as well as to ensure reimbursement for the medical care that is rendered to patients with diabetes.
Hybrid Nanostructures Containing Sulfadiazine Modified Chitosan as Antimicrobial Drug Carriers

Chitosan (CH) nanofibrous structures containing sulfadiazine (SDZ) or sulfadiazine modified chitosan (SCH) in the form of functional nanoparticles attached to nanofibers (hybrid nanostructures) were obtained by mono-axial and coaxial electrospinning. The mono-axial design consisted of a SDZ/CH mixture solution fed through a single nozzle while the coaxial design consisted of SCH and CH solutions separately supplied to the inner and outer nozzle (or in reverse order). The CH ability to form nanofibers assured the formation of a nanofiber mesh, while SDZ and SCH, both in form of suspensions in the electrospun solution, assured the formation of active nanoparticles which remained attached to the CH nanofiber mesh after the electrospinning process. The obtained nanostructures were morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The SDZ release profiles and kinetics were analyzed. The SDZ or SCH nanoparticles loosely attached at the surface of the nanofibers, provide a burst release in the first 20 min, which is important to stop the possible initial infection in a wound, while the SDZ and SCH from the nanoparticles which are better confined (or even encapsulated) into the CH nanofibers would be slowly released with the erosion/disruption of the CH nanofiber mesh.
Multi-target detection and tracking with a laser scanner

In this paper we present a method of detection and tracking of moving objects (DATMO) using a laser range finder (LRF). The DATMO system is able to classify several kinds of objects and can be easily expanded to detect new ones. It is composed by three modules: scan segmentation; object classification using a suitable voting scheme of several object properties; and object tracking using a Kalman filter that takes the object type to increase the tracking performance into account. The goal is to design a collision avoidance algorithm to integrate a Cybercar vehicle, which uses the computed time-to-collision for each moving obstacle validated by the DATMO system.
Primary syphilis of the oropharynx: an unusual location of a chancre

A 33-year-old man presented with a two-week history of an asymptomatic ulcer of the oropharynx and submandibular lymph nodes swelling. Laboratory examinations were normal, but serological tests revealed positivity for rapid plasma reagin, Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay and anti-T. pallidum IgM antibodies. Since the patient denied any homosexual relationship, a biopsy of the lesion was performed, which confirmed primary syphilis. The patient received an intramuscular injection of Benzathine Penicillin G (2.4 MU) with complete resolution of the lesion. Extragenital chancres occur in at least 5% of patients with primary syphilis, and the oral mucosa is the most frequent location as a consequence of orogenital/oroanal contact with an infectious lesion. Because of their transient nature, these oral ulcerations are often underestimated by the patient or by any unsuspecting clinician. Health professionals should consider the recent sexual history of their patients and should be prepared to recognise oral and systemic manifestations of sexually transmitted infections.
Impact of Chest Radiography for Children with Lower Respiratory Tract Infection: A Propensity Score Approach

Background Management of acute respiratory tract infection varies substantially despite this being a condition frequently encountered in pediatric emergency departments. Previous studies have suggested that the use of antibiotics was higher when chest radiography was performed. However none of these analyses had considered the inherent indication bias of observational studies. Objective The aim of this work was to assess the relationship between performing chest radiography and prescribing antibiotics using a propensity score analysis to address the indication bias due to non-random radiography assignment. Methods We conducted a prospective study of 697 children younger than 2 years of age who presented during the winter months of 2006–2007 for suspicion of respiratory tract infection at the Pediatric Emergency Department of an urban general hospital in France (Paris suburb). We first determined the individual propensity score (probability of having a chest radiography according to baseline characteristics). Then we assessed the relation between radiography and antibiotic prescription using two methods: adjustment and matching on the propensity score. Results We found that performing a chest radiography lead to more frequent antibiotic prescription that may be expressed as OR = 2.3, CI [1.3–4.1], or as an increased use of antibiotics of 18.6% [0.08–0.29] in the group undergoing chest radiography. Conclusion Chest radiography has a significant impact on the management of infants admitted for suspicion of respiratory tract infection in a pediatric emergency department and may lead to unnecessary administration of antibiotics.
Influence of alloying elements on the mechanical properties of high-strength weld metal

High-strength lightweight constructions are a crucial part of transportation systems and steel constructions optimised for low energy consumption. In this investigation, the aim is to understand the influence of different alloying elements on the mechanical properties of all-weld metal samples of high-strength filler metals. Metal-cored wires with adjusted chemistry were produced and the measured yield strength is compared with calculated values which were obtained by thermodynamic and kinetic simulations. By increasing the content of the matrix alloying elements, no increase in strength could be achieved, but compared to that, higher strength was obtained by the addition of Ti, Nb and Al in combination. Furthermore, the influence of different Ti, Al and N contents is presented and discussed.
Spectral Saturation: Inverting the Spectral Turán Theorem

Let µ(G) be the largest eigenvalue of a graph G and Tr (n) be the r-partite Turan graph of order n. We prove that if G is a graph of order n with µ(G) > µ(Tr (n)), then G contains various large supergraphs of the complete graph of order r + 1, e.g., the complete r-partite graph with all parts of size logn with an edge added to the first part. We also give corresponding stability results.
An analog VLSI cochlea with new transconductance amplifiers and nonlinear gain control

We show data from a working 45-stage analog VLSI cochlea, built on a 2.2 mm/spl times/2.2 mm tiny chip. The novel architectural features in this cochlea are: (1) The use of a wide-linear-range low-noise subthreshold transconductance amplifier. (2) The use of "fuse-like" nonlinear positive-feedback amplification in the second-order cochlear filter. Several new circuit techniques used in the design are described here. The fuse nonlinearity shuts off the positive-feedback amplification at large signal levels instead of merely saturating it, like in prior designs, and leads to increased adaptation and improved large-signal stability in the filter. The fuse filter implements a functional model of gain control due to outer hair cells in the biological cochlea. We present data for travelling-wave patterns in our silicon cochlea that reproduce linear and nonlinear effects in the biological cochlea.
[Reproducibility of optic nerve head and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements using optical coherence tomography].

PURPOSE To evaluate the reproducibility of repeated quantitative measurements of optic nerve head topography and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness. METHODS This study included 32 normal subjects, 41 patients with ocular hypertension and 33 patients with glaucoma. The study groups were defined by the intraocular pressure levels, optic disc stereo-photographs and perimetric performance. Optic disc and retinal nerve fiber layer assessments were performed by ocular coherence tomography (OCT III, Zeiss Instruments). OCT examination was repeated three times in each subject and the coefficient of variability was elaborated for each parameter and group of the study, and compared among them. RESULTS The average retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurement showed the best reproducibility figures with a coefficient of variability of 5.9%. The inferior quadrant and the 10, 6 and 7 clock-hours (coefficients of variability 6.3%, 7.4%, 7.5% and 8.6% respectively) showed higher reproducibility. The optic nerve head assessment showed the best reproducibility for the cup-to-disc ratios (vertical, horizontal and area ratios), with a coefficient of variability of 5.0%, 4.2% and 6.6% respectively. Although differences among groups were barely statistically significant, the glaucoma group showed coefficients of variability higher than the other two groups. CONCLUSIONS Optic nerve head analysis and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness can be reproducibly assessed by OCT. The reproducibility of the device supports its potential use for ocular hypertension follow-up, although its use in glaucoma patients may present difficulties in some parameters.
Interpretation of the ultrafast optical measurements of time delay in the ionization of Coulomb systems

We consider the time delay of electron detachment from a Coulomb center in the process of ionization. It is shown that the attosecond streaking, an ultrafast optical method most commonly used for ionization time delay measurement, can be formally described by placing a virtual detector of the arrival time delay at a certain distance from the center of the system. This approach allows derivation of a simple formula for Coulomb-laser coupling that perfectly agrees with the results of numerical solution of the appropriate time-dependent Schrödinger equation.
Time lapse from estimated onset of acute myocardial infarction to peak serum enzyme activity

In 581 patients with acute myocardial infarction (MI), the time lapse from estimated onset of infarction to estimated peak serum (S) enzyme activity was evaluated. Heat‐stable lactate dehydrogenase (LD; E.C. 1.1.1.27) was analyzed every 12 h for 48–108 h after arrival in hospital (n =581) and creatine kinase (CK; E.C. 2.7.3.2.; n=224), and creatine kinase subunit B (CK‐B; n=211) were analyzed every 6 h for 48 h. Peak S‐LD was observed between 14 and 110 h after estimated onset of MI (mean 46.6±0.6 h), peak S‐CK was observed between 8 and 58 h (mean 25.0±0.6 h), and peak S‐CK‐B was also observed between 8 and 58 h (mean 22.8 ±0.7 h) after onset. In 86% of patients, peak LD was reached within 60 h after onset of MI, in 78%, peak CK was reached within 30 h, and in 82%, peak CK‐B was observed within 30 h after onset of MI. A weak correlation was found between duration of pain and time lapse to S peak enzyme activity (r=0.25–0.27; p<0.001), while there was no correlation between S peak activity and time lapse from onset of MI to S peak activity. It is concluded, that although in the majority of patients with MI, peak serum‐enzyme activity is reached within a predictable amount of time after estimated onset of MI there is wide variation, difficult to establish from the clinical course, among individual patients.
Aggregate‐Size Stability Distribution and Soil Stability

A new theoretical and experimental framework that permits an accurate determination of aggregate-size stability distribution is presented. The size-stability distribution in addition to estimating aggregate-size distribution distinguishes between amounts of stable and unstable macroaggregates (>250 μm). The determination of aggregate-size stability distribution involves the assumptions that soil aggregates can be categorized in terms of their size and water stability (slaking resistance). Experimentally this procedure involves the slaked and capillary-wetted pretreatmeats; and a subsequent slaking treatment of aggregates >250 μm in size. We also propose the stable aggregates index (SAT) and the stable macroaggregates index (SMal) for studying soil stability based on aggregate resistance to staking. These indices account for the total weighted average of stable aggregates and the total weighted average of stable macroaggregates, respectively. Both the SAI and the SMaI indices were shown to be sensitive to the effects of vegetation on soil stability under different riparian buffer communities. The SAI and the SMaI indices were higher in surface soils under cool-season grass than any of the other treatments. These soils samples are well aggregated with SAI = 74% and SMal = 56% followed by SAI = 55% and SMaI = 37% under existing riparian forest, SAI = 40% and SMaI = 21% under 7-yr switchgrass and SAI = 36% and SMal = 18% under cropped system.