Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alterations in c‐myc expression in relation to maturational status of human colon carcinoma cells

Previous work from this laboratory established a large bank of human colon carcinoma cell lines in culture and classified them with respect to growth regulatory phenotypes based on several biological and biochemical characteristics. In the present report, Northern analysis indicates that addition of the maturational agent N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) (1.0%) to proliferating HCT 116 and MOSER cells resulted in a repression of c‐myc proto‐oncogene expression; retinoic acid (1.0 μM) was less effective in this regard. Repression of c‐myc expression by DMF was observed in MOSER and HCT 116 cells, whether it was added to proliferating or late log phase cultures, and was associated with a corresponding reduction in cellular proliferation. The reduction in c‐myc expression by DMF did not require new protein synthesis and occurred within a few minutes after its addition, resulting in a 70% reduction within approximately 2 hr. Previous work from this laboratory indicated that transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) elicited alterations in MOSER cells similar to those observed following DMF treatment. The present report demonstrates that proliferating, but not late log phase, MOSER cells responded to TGF‐β with a repression of c‐myc expression. Similarly, an inhibition of cellular proliferation was only observed when TGF‐β (10 ng/ml) was added to proliferating cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that repression of c‐myc expression is associated with diminished cellular proliferation and the induction of a more benign phenotype in human colon carcinoma cells. Furthermore, this report is the first demonstration of a c‐myc response to TGF‐β in an epithelial cell line.
Phase congruency and morphology based approach for text localization in videos

In this knowledge era, cognitive learning and media technologies promote high visual orientation through videos which appears in the form of text, graphics, animations, audio or still images. Text present in videos carry important semantic information which is indeed essential for video comprehension. In this context, we propose a novel method of detecting the text clusters in video frames based on the phase congruency model and morphology based approaches. We investigate the matching features extracted from both these methods and devise a set of rules using morphological operators for false positive elimination. The text regions are detected using connected component analysis and finally the text is localized. We have evaluated the performance of the proposed method on the standard datasets and the results highlight the effectiveness in localizing the text in videos and scene images.
ON THE ORIGIN OF A SUNQUAKE DURING THE 2014 MARCH 29 X1 FLARE

Helioseismic data from the Helioseismic Magnetic Imager instrument have revealed a sunquake associated with the X1 flare SOL2014-03-29T17:48 in active region NOAA 12017. We try to discover if acoustic-like impulses or actions of the Lorentz force caused the sunquake. We analyze spectropolarimetric data obtained with the Facility Infrared Spectrometer (FIRS) at the Dunn Solar Telescope (DST). Fortunately, the FIRS slit crossed the flare kernel close to the acoustic source during the impulsive phase. The infrared FIRS data remain unsaturated throughout the flare. Stokes profiles of lines of Si i 1082.7 nm and He i 1083.0 nm are analyzed. At the flare footpoint, the Si i 1082.7 nm core intensity increases by a factor of several, and the IR continuum increases by 4% ± 1%. Remarkably, the Si i core resembles the classical Ca ii K line's self-reversed profile. With nLTE radiative models of H, C, Si, and Fe, these properties set the penetration depth of flare heating to 100 ± 100 km (i.e., photospheric layers). Estimates of the non-magnetic energy flux are at least a factor of two less than the sunquake energy flux. Milne–Eddington inversions of the Si i line show that the local magnetic energy changes are also too small to drive the acoustic pulse. Our work raises several questions. Have we missed the signature of downward energy propagation? Is it intermittent in time and/or non-local? Does the 1–2 s photospheric radiative damping time discount compressive modes?
Fracture behavior of rubber‐modified injection molded poly(butylene terephthalate) with and without short glass fiber reinforcement

Fracture behavior of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and its rubber-toughened (RT) 10 wt %) grades; ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate-co-methacrylate terpolymer-toughened poly(butylene terephthalate) PBT/AX8900 (90/10), and Paraloid acrylic-based rubber-toughened poly(butylene terephthalate) PBT/EX2314 (90/10) was investigated using the fracture mechanics approach. The effects of controlling parameters such as type of impact modifier and deformation rate on fracture behavior of PBT and RT-PBT were investigated. Fracture tests were carried out on notched compact tension (CT) specimens. Fracture toughness, Kc, and fracture energy, Gc, of PBT decreased as the test speed increased from 1 to 500 mm/min. An opposite trend was observed in PBT/AX8900 and PBT/EXL2314. The fracture properties of 30 wt % short glass fiber-reinforced PBT (SGF-PBT) and 10 wt % impact-modified PBT composite (SGF-RT-PBT) were also studied. Incorporation of SGF into PBT has profoundly increased the fracture properties both at high and low speed. However, inclusion of 10 wt % of AX8900 into the reinforced PBT (PBT/AX8900/SGF) (60/10/30) adversely affected the fracture properties. EXL2314, on the other hand, showed a different effect, especially at high testing speed. Both types of impact modifiers were able to retain the flexural strength and flexural modulus of PBT. However, PBT/EXL2314 showed a better retention of flexural properties than PBT/AX8900. Incorporation of SGF in the EXL2314-toughened PBT, i.e., PBT/EXL2314/SGF (60/10/30) also gave a better balance of flexural properties compared to PBT/AX8900/SGF (60/10/30). Both PBT/AX8900 and PBT/EXL2314 showed enhancement of impact strength on the unnotched specimens. The failure modes of CT and impact specimens of PBT, RT-PBTs, and SGF-RT-PBTs were assessed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Brittle failure was observed for CT specimens of PBT at high testing speed, while incorporation of the impact modifier AX8900 and EXL2314 resulted in a shift of failure mode from brittle to ductile. SEM micrographs also revealed extensive fiber pull out in SGF-PBT and SGF-RT-PBT. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 84: 1233–1244, 2002; DOI 10.1002/app.10446
Survey on Visual Servoing for Manipulation

Vision guided robotics has been one of the major research issue for more than three decades. The more recent technological development facilitated the advancement in the area which has resulted in a number of successful and even commercial systems using off–the–shelf hardware. The applications of visually guided systems are many: from intelligent homes to automotive industry. However, one of the open and commonly stated problems in the area is the need for exchange of experiences and research ideas. In our opinion, a good starting point for this is to advertise the successes and propose a common terminology in form of a survey paper. The paper concentrates on different types of visual servoing: image based, position based and 2 1/2D visual servoing. Different issues concerning both the hardware and software requirements are considered and the most prominent contributions are reviewed. The proposed terminology is used to introduce a young researcher and lead the experts in the field through a three decades long historical field of vision guided robotics. We also include a number of real–world examples from our own research providing not only a conceptual framework but also illustrating most of the issues covered in the paper.
Improvements in Empathy and Cognitive Flexibility after Court-Mandated Intervention Program in Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators: The Role of Alcohol Abuse

Research assessing the effectiveness of intervention programs for intimate partner violence (IPV) perpetrators has increased considerably in recent years. However, most of it has been focused on the analysis of psychological domains, neglecting neuropsychological variables and the effects of alcohol consumption on these variables. This study evaluated potential neuropsychological changes (emotional decoding, perspective taking, emotional empathy and cognitive flexibility) and their relationship with alcohol consumption in a mandatory intervention program for IPV perpetrators, as well as how these variables affect the risk of IPV recidivism. The sample was composed of 116 individuals with high alcohol (n = 55; HA) and low alcohol (n = 61; LA) consumption according to self-report screening measures who received treatment in a IPV perpetrator intervention program developed in Valencia (Spain). IPV perpetrators with HA consumption were less accurate in decoding emotional facial signals and adopting others’ perspective, and less cognitively flexible than those with LA consumption before the IPV intervention. Further, the effectiveness of the intervention program was demonstrated, with increases being observed in cognitive empathy (emotional decoding and perspective taking) and in cognitive flexibility. Nevertheless, the HA group showed a smaller improvement in these skills and higher risk of IPV recidivism than the LA group. Moreover, improvement in these skills was related to a lower risk of IPV recidivism. The study provides guidance on the targeting of cognitive domains, which are key factors for reducing IPV recidivism.
Passwords and Perceptions

The security of many computer systems hinges on the secrecy of a single word - if an adversary obtains knowledge of a password, they will gain access to the resources controlled by this password. Human users are the 'weakest link' in password control, due to our propensity to reuse passwords and to create weak ones. Policies which forbid such unsafe password practices are often violated, even if these policies are well-advertised. We have studied how users perceive their accounts and their passwords. Our participants mentally classified their accounts and passwords into a few groups, based on a small number of perceived similarities. Our participants used stronger passwords, and reused passwords less, in account groups which they considered more important. Our participants thus demonstrated awareness of the basic tenets of password safety, but they did not behave safely in all respects. Almost half of our participants reused at least one of the passwords in their high-importance accounts. Our findings add to the body of evidence that a typical computer user suffers from 'password overload'. Our concepts of password and account grouping point the way toward more intuitive user interfaces for password-and account-management systems.
Characterization of Regulatory Pathways in Xylella fastidiosa: Genes and Phenotypes Controlled by gacA

ABSTRACT The xylem-limited, insect-transmitted bacterium Xylella fastidiosa causes Pierce's disease in grapes through cell aggregation and vascular clogging. GacA controls various physiological processes and pathogenicity factors in many gram-negative bacteria, including biofilm formation in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. Cloned gacA of X. fastidiosa was found to restore the hypersensitive response and pathogenicity in gacA mutants of P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000 and Erwinia amylovora. A gacA mutant of X. fastidiosa (DAC1984) had significantly reduced abilities to adhere to a glass surface, form biofilm, and incite disease symptoms on grapevines, compared with the parent (A05). cDNA microarray analysis identified 7 genes that were positively regulated by GacA, including xadA and hsf, predicted to encode outer membrane adhesion proteins, and 20 negatively regulated genes, including gumC and an antibacterial polypeptide toxin gene, cvaC. These results suggest that GacA of X. fastidiosa regulates many factors, which contribute to attachment and biofilm formation, as well as some physiological processes that may enhance the adaptation and tolerance of X. fastidiosa to environmental stresses and the competition within the host xylem.
Resistance of Polymer (PET) - Mortar Composites to Aggressive Solutions

This paper describes an innovative use of plastic bottle waste as cement-substitution within composite materials for preventing chemical attacks or repairing various reinforced concrete structures. Various weight fractions of cement varying from 2.5% to 7.5% were substituted by the same weight of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The specimens were tested in flexure and compressive strength and for chemical resistance to acid, basic solutions at 5% and for chloride ion permeability. From this study, it was found that the PET-modified mortars exposed to aggressive environments showed better resistance to chemical attack and higher resistance to chloride ion penetration than unmodified one without substantially affecting the mechanical strength in tap water. The addition of PET to the modified mortars, means reducing the penetration of aggressive agents. So, the mass loss of composites exposed to hydrochloric and acetic acid solutions is lower than those of unmodified mortar. The basic solutions are harmless for composite materials. The formations which appear such as different calcium salts were determined by X-ray diffraction and FT-IR.
A Cell-Free System for Regulated Exocytosis in Pc12 Cells

We have developed a cell-free system for regulated exocytosis in the PC12 neuroendocrine cell line. Secretory vesicles were preloaded with acridine orange in intact cells, and the cells were sonicated to produce flat, carrier-supported plasma membrane patches with attached vesicles. Exocytosis resulted in the release of acridine orange which was visible as a disappearance of labeled vesicles and, under optimal conditions, produced light flashes by fluorescence dequenching. Exocytosis in vitro requires cytosol and Ca2+ at concentrations in the micromolar range, and is sensitive to Tetanus toxin. Imaging of membrane patches at diffraction- limited resolution revealed that 42% of docked granules were released in a Ca2+-dependent manner dur- ing 1 min of stimulation. Electron microscopy of membrane patches confirmed the presence of dense-core vesicles. Imaging of membrane patches by atomic force microscopy revealed the presence of numerous particles attached to the membrane patches which decreased in number upon stimula- tion. Thus, exocytotic membrane fusion of single vesicles can be monitored with high temporal and spatial resolution, while providing access to the site of exocytosis for biochemical and molecular tools.
Small (<or=3 cm) solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas at multiphasic multidetector CT.

PURPOSE To analyze the imaging features of small (≤3 cm) solid pseudopapillary tumors (SPTs) seen at multiphasic multidetector computed tomography (CT) in comparison with those of larger SPTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and the requirement for informed consent was waived. CT images of 42 histopathologically proven SPTs in the pancreas were retrospectively reviewed. Two radiologists in consensus analyzed the CT findings for the shape, location, diameter, ratio of solid-to-cystic components, border and margin, enhancement pattern, and enhancement grade of the tumors, as well as the presence of calcification, dilatation of the pancreatic duct, and parenchymal atrophy. Then, according to the feature analysis results, the reviewers classified all SPTs as typical or atypical; they also subdivided all SPTs into small (≤3 cm) and large SPTs (>3 cm) depending on the tumor size. Differences in the morphologic features between small SPTs and large typical and atypical SPTs were statistically evaluated by using the Fisher exact test; differences in attenuation between the pre- and postcontrast images and in the dynamic enhancement pattern according to nodule size (≤3 cm versus >3 cm) were evaluated by using the χ(2) test or Fisher exact test for categorical variables. RESULTS There were 20 typical SPTs and 22 atypical SPTs. Of the 22 atypical SPTs, 12 (54%) were 3 cm or smaller in diameter and 10 (45%) were larger than 3 cm in diameter. Small atypical SPTs usually appeared as solid tumors with a sharp margin and without accompanying pancreatic duct dilatation or parenchymal atrophy. They also showed weak enhancement during the pancreatic phase and a gradually increasing enhancement pattern. All typical SPTs were larger than 3 cm and appeared as well-defined cystic and solid masses with heterogeneous enhancement, while all large atypical SPTs appeared as calcified solid masses or large cystic masses. CONCLUSION The imaging features of small SPTs are different from those of large SPTs, and small SPTs frequently appear as purely solid tumors with a sharp margin and gradual enhancement.
Tuberculosis surveillance in immigrants through health undertakings in Western Australia.

SETTING Tuberculosis Control Program, Western Australia. OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness and efficiency of tuberculosis (TB) surveillance in immigrants. DESIGN Retrospective descriptive analysis of records of immigrants who first registered with the Tuberculosis Program from January 1994 to December 1995, having entered Western Australia on health undertakings (nonlegal contracts signed by those determined during premigration screening to require post-arrival evaluation). RESULTS Of 1,344 immigrants on health undertakings for TB in the period, 587 (44%) had findings directly related to TB through pre-migration screening, 69 of whom required treatment for active disease. Another 443 (33%) had chest X-ray changes for which TB could not be excluded. Of the remaining 314 (23%), 172 had poor quality X-rays. Post-arrival assessment and follow-up of the whole group detected four of seven additional cases of active TB, 373 persons (28%) requiring on-going surveillance, 667 (50%) with non-TB conditions and 280 (21%) with normal chest X-rays. CONCLUSIONS Migrant surveillance for TB in Australia is effective in detecting active disease and identifying a high-risk subgroup requiring further evaluation. Efficiency can be improved and high compliance achieved with simple administrative changes. Routine pre-migration Mantoux testing is inappropriate, and its inclusion in post-arrival assessments should be a national policy decision.
Modelling Australian annual mean rainfall data: a new approach based on fractional integration

The modelling of rainfall and other hydrological data has been the point of much discussion in past research. Hurst (1951) heuristically detected the presence of long range dependence (or long memory) in the well-known series of annual minima of the Nile River. These processes are so called because they display a high degree of association between observations which are distant in time. Following Hurst’s work, extensive research has been carried out to detect long memory in hydrological data. According to Montanari and Rosso (1997) there are two main reasons for the presence of the Hurst phenomenon in time series: (a) the series exhibits persistence, i.e. a strong association between observations widely separated in time, and/or (b) the mean of the series changes with time, i.e. the series is nonstationary. Nowadays, it is widely accepted that the Hurst phenomenon may be caused by both serial correlation and nonstationarity. In another study, Montanari et al. (1996) examined six rainfall time series in various sites in Italy, in order to analyse whether a linear trend and/or long memory is present in the data. Among other methods, they propose a modified variance-type estimator to detect long memory even when some types of nonstationarity are potentially present. They found a decreasing trend, though not statistically significant, in each of their records, but significant long memory in only two of them. In this article we examine the long memory property of annual Australian-averaged rainfall data using fractional integration techniques. By fractional integration we mean that the order of differencing required to get a series that is stationary may be a fractional value. A proper discussion of this idea and other relevant statistical concepts will be presented in the following section. We employ a procedure that permits us to estimate the fractional differencing parameter even in nonstationary contexts. Moreover, the presence of a changing deterministic pattern is also examined through a method that allows us to estimate the deterministic terms and the fractional orders of integration at each subsample, the break-date being endogenously determined by the model itself. There are numerous papers describing analysis of Australian rainfall data. For example, McBride and Nicholls (1983) showed that the variability of rainfall across Australia is strongly influenced by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on interannual time scales. Chiew and McMahon (2003) also demonstrated a link between ENSO and Australian rainfall. More recently, Srikanthan et al. (2007) argued that long-term persistence in Australian annual rainfall data Modelling Australian annual mean rainfall data: a new approach based on fractional integration
The C. elegans UNC-23 protein, a member of the BCL-2-associated athanogene (BAG) family of chaperone regulators, interacts with HSP-1 to regulate cell attachment and maintain hypodermal integrity

Mutations in the unc-23 gene in the free-living nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans result in detachment and dystrophy of the anterior body wall musculature and a bent-head phenotype when grown on solid substrate. We have determined that the unc-23 gene product is the nematode ortholog of the human BAG-2 protein, a member of the Bcl-2 associated athanogene (BAG) family of molecular chaperone regulators. We show that a functional GFP-tagged UNC-23 protein is expressed throughout development in several tissues of the animal, including body wall muscle and hypodermis, and associates with adhesion complexes and attachment structures within these 2 tissues. In humans, the BAG protein family consists of 6 members that all contain a conserved 45 amino acid BAG domain near their C-termini. These proteins bind to and modulate the activity of the ATPase domain of the heat shock cognate protein 70, Hsc70. We have isolated missense mutations in the ATPase domain of the C. elegans heat shock 70 protein, HSP-1 that suppress the phenotype exhibited by unc-23(e25) mutant hermaphrodites and we show that UNC-23 and HSP-1 interact in a yeast-2-hybrid system. The interaction of UNC-23 with HSP-1 defines a role for HSP-1 function in the maintenance of muscle attachment during development.