Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Preclinical Testing of an Oncolytic Parvovirus: Standard Protoparvovirus H-1PV Efficiently Induces Osteosarcoma Cell Lysis In Vitro

Osteosarcoma is the most frequent malignant disease of the bone. On the basis of early clinical experience in the 1960s with H-1 protoparvovirus (H-1PV) in osteosarcoma patients, this effective oncolytic virus was selected for systematic preclinical testing on various osteosarcoma cell cultures. A panel of five human osteosarcoma cell lines (CAL 72, H-OS, MG-63, SaOS-2, U-2OS) was tested. Virus oncoselectivity was confirmed by infecting non-malignant human neonatal fibroblasts and osteoblasts used as culture models of non-transformed mesenchymal cells. H-1PV was found to enter osteosarcoma cells and to induce viral DNA replication, transcription of viral genes, and translation to viral proteins. After H-1PV infection, release of infectious viral particles from osteosarcoma cells into the supernatant indicated successful viral assembly and egress. Crystal violet staining revealed progressive cytomorphological changes in all osteosarcoma cell lines. Infection of osteosarcoma cell lines with the standard H-1PV caused an arrest of the cell cycle in the G2 phase, and these lines had a limited capacity for standard H-1PV virus replication. The cytotoxicity of wild-type H-1PV virus towards osteosarcoma cells was compared in vitro with that of two variants, Del H-1PV and DM H-1PV, previously described as fitness variants displaying higher infectivity and spreading in human transformed cell lines of different origins. Surprisingly, wild-type H-1PV displayed the strongest cytostatic and cytotoxic effects in this analysis and thus seems the most promising for the next preclinical validation steps in vivo.
Viscoelastic simulation of film casting process for a polymer melt

Numerical simulations of the film casting process were performed using a finite element method for Newtonian and viscoelasttc fluids. We simplified the governing equations by the assumption that the stress and velocity gradients in the thickness direction were negligible, and obtained the film thickness and mean value of stress and velocity components in the thickness direction as variables. Viscoelasticity was described by the Larson model with multiple relaxation times. Non-isothermal conditions were considered by applying the time-temperature superposition law. The simulation results for the several kinds of commercial low-density polyethylenes wore compared to the experimental data for a laboratory-scale process at l90°C and a commercial-scale process at 310°C. The film width and film thickness distribution at chill roll, and the change of film width were in good agreement for the laboratory-scale process, but the agreement for the commercial-scale process was; not as good. In the simulation of the commercial-scale process at high temperature, the value predicted by the use of the Viscoelasticity for the original pellet showed poor agreement owing to the change of Viscoelasticity in the process. The agreement was improved by the use of the Viscoelasticity for the processed resin, which was changed from the original one. Next, viscoelastic effects on neck-in and edge bead phenomena were investigated. The neck-in and edge bead phenomena were considered to be affected by both the uniaxial elongational viscosity and planar elongational viscosity.
Knockdown of Five Genes Encoding Uncharacterized Proteins Inhibits Entamoeba histolytica Phagocytosis of Dead Host Cells

ABSTRACT Entamoeba histolytica is the protozoan parasite that causes invasive amebiasis, which is endemic to many developing countries and characterized by dysentery and liver abscesses. The virulence of E. histolytica correlates with the degree of host cell engulfment, or phagocytosis, and E. histolytica phagocytosis alters amebic gene expression in a feed-forward manner that results in an increased phagocytic ability. Here, we used a streamlined RNA interference screen to silence the expression of 15 genes whose expression was upregulated in phagocytic E. histolytica trophozoites to determine whether these genes actually function in the phagocytic process. When five of these genes were silenced, amebic strains with significant decreases in the ability to phagocytose apoptotic host cells were produced. Phagocytosis of live host cells, however, was largely unchanged, and the defects were surprisingly specific for phagocytosis. Two of the five encoded proteins, which we named E. histolytica ILWEQ (EhILWEQ) and E. histolytica BAR (EhBAR), were chosen for localization via SNAP tag labeling and localized to the site of partially formed phagosomes. Therefore, both EhILWEQ and EhBAR appear to contribute to E. histolytica virulence through their function in phagocytosis, and the large proportion (5/15 [33%]) of gene-silenced strains with a reduced ability to phagocytose host cells validates the previously published microarray data set demonstrating feed-forward control of E. histolytica phagocytosis. Finally, although only limited conclusions can be drawn from studies using the virulence-deficient G3 Entamoeba strain, the relative specificity of the defects induced for phagocytosis of apoptotic cells but not healthy cells suggests that cell killing may play a rate-limiting role in the process of Entamoeba histolytica host cell engulfment.
The dorsomedial prefrontal cortex mediates the interaction between moral and aesthetic valuation: a TMS study on the beauty-is-good stereotype

Abstract Attractive individuals are perceived as possessing more positive personal traits than unattractive individuals. This reliance on aesthetic features to infer moral character suggests a close link between aesthetic and moral valuation. Here we aimed to investigate the neural underpinnings of the interaction between aesthetic and moral valuation by combining transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with a priming paradigm designed to assess the Beauty-is-Good stereotype. Participants evaluated the trustworthiness of a series of faces (targets), each of which was preceded by an adjective describing desirable, undesirable, or neutral aesthetic qualities (primes). TMS was applied between prime and target to interfere with activity in two regions known to be involved in aesthetic and moral valuation: the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC, a core region in social cognition) and the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC, critical in decision making). Our results showed that when TMS was applied over vertex (control) and over the dlPFC, participants judged faces as more trustworthy when preceded by positive than by negative aesthetic primes (as also shown in two behavioral experiments). However, when TMS was applied over the dmPFC, primes had no effect on trustworthiness judgments. A second Experiment corroborated this finding. Our results suggest that mPFC plays a causal role linking moral and aesthetic valuation.
The Strong Link Graph for Enhancing Sybil Defenses

The sybil problem is a fundamental problem in distributed systems and online social networks (OSNs). The basic problem is that an attacker can easily create multiple identities in a distributed or open online system. Popular and effective sybil defenses are usually based on properties of the network structure. However, most defenses assume that it is hard for the attacker to make many connections to honest users. However, this assumption can be invalid in real OSNs which decreases the effectiveness of many sybil defenses. We propose a graph transformation, the strong link graph, to mitigate such attacks by reducing the effect ofa large number of attack edges. Our preliminary experiments show indeed that when the attacker has many attack edges, existing algorithms such as SybilLimit, SybilRank and Gatekeeper are ineffective. After the strong link graph is applied, it deletes many of the attack edges, restoring the effectiveness of the sybil defenses.
Colonization and infection with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae in patients with malignancy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) constitute a global threat and are prevalent in both nosocomial and community settings. These pathogens have been associated with delays in initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy and worse clinical outcomes. Patients with solid or hematologic malignancy represent a high-risk population for both colonization and infection with ESBL-PE. Areas covered: A description of the microbiology and epidemiology of the ESBL-PE is presented. Also, we explore studies on ESBL-PE colonization and infection, and examine areas where future research is needed. Expert commentary: ESBL-PE constitute an increasing threat to patients with malignancy. Unfortunately, substantial geographic variations as well as knowledge gaps in certain regions of the world limit our ability to reach conclusions that are valid globally. Furthermore, there is limited evidence regarding the optimal ways to prevent and manage infections caused by ESBL-PE. Research is urgently needed to elucidate these areas and allow the institution of appropriate infection control and antimicrobial stewardship policies and recommendations.
Effects of Cognitive Load on Driving Performance: The Cognitive Control Hypothesis

Objective: The objective of this paper was to outline an explanatory framework for understanding effects of cognitive load on driving performance and to review the existing experimental literature in the light of this framework. Background: Although there is general consensus that taking the eyes off the forward roadway significantly impairs most aspects of driving, the effects of primarily cognitively loading tasks on driving performance are not well understood. Method: Based on existing models of driver attention, an explanatory framework was outlined. This framework can be summarized in terms of the cognitive control hypothesis: Cognitive load selectively impairs driving subtasks that rely on cognitive control but leaves automatic performance unaffected. An extensive literature review was conducted wherein existing results were reinterpreted based on the proposed framework. Results: It was demonstrated that the general pattern of experimental results reported in the literature aligns well with the cognitive control hypothesis and that several apparent discrepancies between studies can be reconciled based on the proposed framework. More specifically, performance on nonpracticed or inherently variable tasks, relying on cognitive control, is consistently impaired by cognitive load, whereas the performance on automatized (well-practiced and consistently mapped) tasks is unaffected and sometimes even improved. Conclusion: Effects of cognitive load on driving are strongly selective and task dependent. Application: The present results have important implications for the generalization of results obtained from experimental studies to real-world driving. The proposed framework can also serve to guide future research on the potential causal role of cognitive load in real-world crashes.
A Unified Video Text Detection Method with Network Flow

Scene text detection in videos has many application needs but has drawn less attention than that in images. Existing methods for video text detection perform unsatisfactorily because of the insufficient utilization of spatial and temporal information. In this paper, we propose a novel video text detection method with network flow based tracking. The system first applies a newly proposed Fully Convolutional Neural Network (FCN) based scene text detection method to detect texts in individual frames and then track proposals in adjacent frames with a motion-based method. Next, the text association problem is formulated into a cost-flow network and text trajectories are derived from the network with a min-cost flow algorithm. At last, the trajectories are post-processed to improve the precision accuracy. The method can detect multi-oriented scene text in videos and incorporate spatial and temporal information efficiently. Experimental results show that the method improves the detection performance remarkably on benchmark datasets, e.g., by a 15.66% increase of ATA Average Tracking Accuracy) on ICDAR video scene text dataset.
Continuous Chest Compressions During Sustained Inflations in a Perinatal Asphyxial Cardiac Arrest Lamb Model

Objective: Continuous chest compressions are more effective during resuscitation in adults. Sustained inflation rapidly establishes functional residual capacity in fluid-filled lungs at birth. We sought to compare the hemodynamics and success in achieving return of spontaneous circulation in an asphyxial cardiac arrest lamb model with transitioning fetal circulation and fluid-filled lungs between subjects receiving continuous chest compressions during sustained inflation and those receiving conventional 3:1 compression-to-ventilation resuscitation. Design: Prospective, randomized, animal model study. Setting: An experimental laboratory. Subjects: Fourteen newborn term gestation lambs. Interventions: Lambs were randomized into two groups: 3:1 compression-to-ventilation (control) and continuous chest compressions during sustained inflation. The umbilical cord was occluded to induce asphyxia and asystole. The control group was resuscitated per NRP guidelines. In the sustained inflation + continuous chest compressions group, sustained inflation at 35 cm H2O was provided for 30 seconds with 1-second interruptions before another sustained inflation was provided. One hundred twenty chest compressions/min started after the initial sustained inflation. The first dose of IV epinephrine was given at 6 minutes if return of spontaneous circulation was not achieved and then every 3 minutes until return of spontaneous circulation or for a total of four doses. Measurement and Results: All lambs achieved return of spontaneous circulation in a comparable median time (interquartile range) of 390 seconds (225–405 s) and 345 seconds (204–465 s) in the sustained inflation + continuous chest compressions and control groups, respectively. Four of seven (sustained inflation + continuous chest compressions) and three of six (control) lambs required epinephrine to achieve return of spontaneous circulation. Diastolic blood pressures were lower in the sustained inflation + continuous chest compressions (4 ± 2 mm Hg) compared to the control group (7 ± 2 mm Hg), p < 0.05. PaCO2, PaO2, and lactate were similar between the groups during the study period. Conclusion: In this perinatal cardiac arrest lamb model with transitioning fetal circulation and fluid-filled lungs, sustained inflation + continuous chest compressions is as effective as 3:1 compression-to-ventilation resuscitation in achieving return of spontaneous circulation. Half the lambs achieved return of spontaneous circulation without epinephrine. continuous chest compressions during sustained inflation reduced diastolic pressures but did not alter gas exchange or carotid blood flow compared to 3:1 compression-to-ventilation resuscitation.
Critical behavior in the cubic dimer model at nonzero monomer density

We study critical behavior in the classical cubic dimer model (CDM) in the presence of a finite density of monomers. With attractive interactions between parallel dimers, the monomer-free CDM exhibits an unconventional transition from a Coulomb phase to a dimer crystal. Monomers acts as charges (or monopoles) in the Coulomb phase and, at nonzero density, lead to a standard Landau-type transition. We use large-scale Monte Carlo simulations to study the system in the neighborhood of the critical point, and find results in agreement with detailed predictions of scaling theory. Going beyond previous studies of the transition in the absence of monomers, we explicitly confirm the distinction between conventional and unconventional criticality, and quantitatively demonstrate the crossover between the two. Our results also provide additional evidence for the theoretical claim that the transition in the CDM belongs in the same universality class as the deconfined quantum critical point in the SU(2) JQ model.
Comparison of Computed Tomography and Plain Radiography in Assessing Traumatic Spinal Deformity

Study Design An imaging study assessing agreement between computed tomographic (CT) scans and plain radiographs when measuring acute thoracolumbar spinal deformity. Objective To compare the ability of the screening CT scans to measure spinal deformity in the thoracolumbar spine with that of portable plain radiographs. Summary of Background Data At the time of arrival at many trauma centers, patients undergo screening whole body CT as the initial imaging evaluation for trauma. The thoracolumbar spine is well visualized on both coronal and sagittal reconstructions. Methods Images of patients who underwent screening CT and portable supine plain radiography of thoracolumbar fractures were reviewed. Four observers, at 2 separate times, measured pathologic kyphosis and scoliosis on each image by using the Cobb method. Data were analyzed for statistical differences. Results In the sagittal plane, screening CT scans and plain radiographs showed an average mean difference of −1.13 degrees±SD of 3.76 degrees. In the coronal plane, CT scans and radiographs showed an average mean difference of 0.10 degrees±SD of 2.52 degrees. The interobserver correlation coefficients among the 4 observers were 0.913 in the sagittal plane and 0.953 in the lateral plane, indicating excellent interobserver correlation. Conclusions Screening CT demonstrates excellent correlation with plain radiography for measuring thoracolumbar spinal deformity in the coronal and sagittal planes for patients with trauma.
Effect of Work of Adhesion on Nanoindentation

Three adhesion contact models, JKR (Johnson-Kendall-Roberts), DMT (Derjaguin-Muller-Toporov) and MD (Maugis-Dugdale) are compared with the Hertz model in dealing with the nano-contact problems. It has been shown that the dimensionless load parameter, $\bar{P}=P/(\pi\Delta\gamma R)$, and the transition parameter, $\Lambda$, have significant influences on the contact stiffness (contact area) at micro/nano-scale and should not be ignored in shallow nanoindentation.
Endosomal trafficking regulates receptor-mediated transcytosis of antibodies across the blood brain barrier

Current methods for examining antibody trafficking are either non-quantitative such as immunocytochemistry or require antibody labeling with tracers. We have developed a multiplexed quantitative method for antibody ‘tracking’ in endosomal compartments of brain endothelial cells. Rat brain endothelial cells were co-incubated with blood-brain barrier (BBB)-crossing FC5, monovalent FC5Fc or bivalent FC5Fc fusion antibodies and control antibodies. Endosomes were separated using sucrose-density gradient ultracentrifugation and analyzed using multiplexed mass spectrometry to simultaneously quantify endosomal markers, receptor-mediated transcytosis (RMT) receptors and the co-incubated antibodies in each fraction. The quantitation showed that markers of early endosomes were enriched in high-density fractions (HDF), whereas markers of late endosomes and lysosomes were enriched in low-density fractions (LDF). RMT receptors, including transferrin receptor, showed a profile similar to that of early endosome markers. The in vitro BBB transcytosis rates of antibodies were directly proportional to their partition into early endosome fractions of brain endothelial cells. Addition of the Fc domain resulted in facilitated antibody ‘redistribution’ from LDF into HDF and additionally into multivesicular bodies (MVB). Sorting of various FC5 antibody formats away from late endosomes and lysosomes and into early endosomes and a subset of MVB results in increased antibody transcytosis at the abluminal side of the BBB.
Interaction of oxygen and nitrogen impurities with dislocations in silicon single-crystals

An experimental technique based on the immobilisation of dislocations by segregation of impurity atoms to the dislocation core (dislocation locking) has been developed and used to investigate the critical conditions for slip occurrence in Czochralski-grown and nitrogen-doped floating-zone-grown silicon crystals.The accumulation of nitrogen and oxygen impurities along a dislocation and the resulting dislocation locking effect has been investigated in silicon samples subjected to different annealing conditions. In particular, the stress needed to unlock the dislocations after their decoration by impurities has been measured as a function of annealing duration and temperature.The approach used in this study has allowed the determination of new diffusivity data for oxygen and nitrogen in silicon in the technologically important range of temperatures 350-850°C. No other data covering such wide temperature range are available in the literature.In addition to transport properties, the binding energy of an impurity atom to a dislocation in silicon has been deduced from the experimental data in the case of oxygen and nitrogen impurities. A discussion in terms of the impurity species responsible for transport (monomers or dimers) and dislocation locking is also presented.The role of oxide precipitates in the generation of glide dislocation loops and the parameters affecting the occurrence of slip have been investigated in silicon samples containing precipitates of different sizes and different morphologies.The fundamental parameters deduced in this work have been used to develop a numerical model to investigate the effect of different heat treatments on the mechanical properties of silicon wafers containing a controlled distribution of impurities. This model has then been used to simulate real wafer processing conditions during device fabrication to show how they may be modified to increase dislocation locking. It is hoped that these results will have relevance to how wafers are processed in order to minimise or eliminate dislocation multiplication and consequent warpage.