Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins in relation to adhesion and spreading dynamics of prostate cancer cells interacting with fibronectin under in vitro conditions

Interaction of cell integrins with the ECM (extracellular matrix) proteins is commonly assumed to be associated with cell dissemination and tumour metastases. Since these processes depend on the mechanism of cell—protein interaction, we have attempted to show the contribution of α5β1 and αvβ3 integrins of the prostate cancer PC‐3 cells in in vitro interaction with FN (fibronectin) adsorbed on defined polystyrene surfaces. Cell adhesion, spreading and cytoskeleton organization were studied using antibodies against integrins or a GRGDSP (Gly‐Arg‐Gly‐Asp‐Ser‐Pro) peptide. The results show that blocking the α5β1 integrin causes: (i) a decrease in the number of the adherent cells in the early phase of adhesion and (ii) a decrease in the dynamics of cell spreading and cell shape changes, and weaker reorganization of cytoskeletal proteins than in the control cells. Conversely, the blocking of the αvβ3 integrin: (i) causes no observable effect on the number of the adhered cells; however, (ii) causes an increase in the dynamics of cell spreading and cell shape changes, and stronger reorganization of cytoskeletal proteins than in the control cells. Interestingly, the blocking of integrins with a GRGDSP peptide strongly decreases the number of the adhered cells, and a complete inhibition of cell spreading. Our results strongly suggest that the α5β1 integrin plays the main role in the adhesion and spreading of PC‐3 cells interacting with FN, whereas the αvβ3 integrin seems to regulate other receptors in the spreading process. Moreover, integrin—FN interaction through the RGD sequence evidently curbed the cell adhesion and spreading.
Vision recognition using shape context for autonomous underwater sampling

The ocean floor is one of the few remaining unexplored places on the planet. Underwater vehicles, both teleoperated and autonomous, have been built to take images of the ocean floor. The depth that a teleoperated vehicle can achieve is limited by its tether. Autonomous vehicles are able to study the deepest parts of the ocean without a complex tether system. These vehicles, while being great at mapping the ocean floor, are not able to autonomously retrieve samples. In order to retrieve samples the vehicle must: know what objects look like, correctly identify new instances of the target object, estimate the pose so the manipulator can grab it, and retrieve its coordinates in 3D space. Color filtering, shape context and the use of stereovision have been used to autonomously locate, identify, and estimate the pose of objects. Color filtering allows the image to be filtered so that only objects of similar color remain and extraneous information can be disregarded. Shape context matches the shape, as defined by the edge pixels, of each potential target to a known object. Shape context uses a costing function to determine if the potential target is a match to the known object. The costing function takes into account the amount of 'bending energy' it takes to make the shape of the potential target conform to that of the known object. This gives a metric of how well the match is between the potential target and a known object and is done for both the left and right cameras. Once objects have been identified in each image, calibration parameters can be used to retrieve the 3D position of the object. This allows a manipulator on an underwater vehicle to autonomously sample targets.
Microsatellite instability in long-standing ulcerative colitis

Objective. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon associated with a high risk of developing colorectal cancer. Several genetic alterations have been documented in dysplasia and cancer developing in UC. Concerning microsatellite instability (MSI), many contradictory results have been published. We therefore analysed a large, well-characterized UC material for MSI to elucidate its significance in long-standing UC. Material and methods. From 33 patients, a total of 159 microdissected lesions and 165 mucosa samples obtained adjacent to the tissue blocks were analysed for MSI using the five standard markers recommended by the National Cancer Institute; D2S123, D5S346, D17S250, BAT-25 and BAT-26. In addition, 12 of the patients were investigated by a mini-satellite marker at the D1S7 locus. Results. High-level MSI (MSI-H) was detected in one villous adenoma with high-grade dysplasia and right-sided location. This represents 3.6% (1/28) of dysplastic mucosa investigated. No other lesions showed MSI in the five standard markers or at the D1S7 locus. Conclusions. This study suggests that MSI is rare in UC-related neoplasia as well as non-neoplastic lesions, and does not contribute to the development of dysplasia.
A Joint SUCR Protocol and TA Information Pilot Random Access Scheme

To resolve the pilot contamination problem in the massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems, a pilot random access scheme which combines the strongest user collision resolution with timing advance information (SUCR-TA), is proposed. This scheme takes the propagation delay into account, and selects an appropriate TA information for each active pilot to reduce the number of contenders who will perform the SUCR algorithm. We also analyze the system throughput of the SUCRTA scheme, i.e. the number of MTC devices that can be allocated pilots successfully. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared with the SUCR algorithm, SUCR-TA scheme can significantly improve the system throughput.
NiCE formula editor

Interactive Whiteboards are becoming an increasingly important component of face-to-face meetings, particularly in educational settings. Still, non-interactive surfaces have remained the standard for mathematics-oriented discussions in part due to the lack of robust algorithms for recognizing handwritten mathematical expressions. Thus teachers, for example, are typically burdened with drawing visualizations by hand to reinforce abstract and complex mathematical problems. Our work expands upon the notion of mathematical sketching [1] by supporting both pen and touch interactions on an interactive whiteboard to write expressions, to perform algebraic transformations, and to drive sophisticated 2D and 3D illustrations. By incorporating lightweight touch-based interactions, students can "play" with formulas and explore mathematics from a fundamentally interactive perspective that we believe many will find to be engaging and enjoyable.
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF YOUNG SOCCER PLAYERS ACCORDING TO THEIR PLAYING POSITION: RELEVANCE FOR THE SELECTION PROCESS

The aim of this study was to establish the anthropometric and physiological profiles of young nonelite soccer players according to their playing position, and to determine their relevance for the selection process. Two hundred forty-one male soccer players who were members of the Getxo Arenas Club (Bizkaia) participated in this study. Players, age 17.31 (± 2.64) years, range 14–21 years, were classified into the following groups: forwards (n = 56), midfielders (n = 79), defenders (n = 77), and goalkeepers (n = 29). Anthropometric variables of participants (height, weight, body mass index, 6 skinfolds, 4 diameters, and 3 perimeters) were measured. Also, their somatotype and body composition (weights and percentages of fat, bone, and muscle) were calculated. Participants performed the Astrand test to estimate their absolute and relative &OV0312;O2max, an endurance test, sprint tests (30 meters flat and 30 meters with 10 cones) and 3 jump tests (squat jump, counter movement jump and drop jump). Forwards were the leanest, presenting the highest percentage of muscle. They were the best performers in all the physiological tests, including endurance, velocity, agility, and power. In contrast, goalkeepers were found to be the tallest and the heaviest players. They also had the largest fat skinfolds and the highest fat percentage, but their aerobic capacity was the lowest. In the selection process, agility and the jump tests were the most discriminating for forwards. In contrast, agility, height, and endurance were the key factors for midfielders. The defenders group was characterized by a lower quantity of fat. Thus, we may conclude that anthropometric and physiological differences exist among soccer players who play in different positions. These differences fit with their different workload in a game. Therefore, training programs should include specific sessions for each positional role.
Differential Requirements for Endosomal Reduction in the Presentation of Two H2-Ed-Restricted Epitopes from Influenza Hemagglutinin1

We examined the role of reduction in the presentation of two H2-Ed-restricted epitopes (site 1 epitope (S1) and site 3 epitope (S3)) occupying distinct domains of the influenza hemagglutinin major subunit that contains four intrachain disulfide bonds and is connected to the virion by one interchain bond. S3 is situated within the stalk region that unfolds in response to mild acidification, and loads onto recycling H2-Ed in the early endosome, while S1, located in the structurally constrained globular domain, loads onto nascent H2-Ed in the late endosome. Predicting dependence upon reduction for either epitope seemed plausible but the results from several approaches were clear: presentation of S1 but not S3 is reduction dependent. Surprisingly, IFN-γ-inducible lysosomal thiol reductase (GILT), the only reductase thus far known to be involved in MHC class II-restricted processing, is not necessary for the generation of S1. However, GILT is necessary for presentation of either epitope when the virus is pretreated with a reducible cross-linker. The results suggest that unfolding of the Ag, perhaps a prerequisite for proteolytic processing in many cases, proceeds either spontaneously in the early endosome or via reduction in a later endosome. They further imply mechanisms for GILT-independent reduction in the late endosome, with GILT perhaps being reserved for more intractable Ags.
Relationship of retinal vascular caliber with optic disc diameter in children.

PURPOSE To describe the relationships of retinal vascular caliber to optic disc diameter in children. METHODS A school-based cross-sectional study of 746 children aged 7 to 9 years who participated in the Singapore Cohort Study of the Risk Factors for Myopia. Digital retinal photographs of both eyes were taken in 2001 and graded for retinal vascular caliber, vertical optic disc diameter, and vertical cup-to-disc ratio (CDR) according to standardized protocols. All measurements in pixels were analyzed after correction of the magnification. RESULTS In this study population, the mean retinal arteriolar caliber (SD) was 5.95 (0.51) pixels, retinal venular caliber was 8.58 (0.69) pixels, vertical disc diameter was 73.02 (7.48) pixels, and vertical CDR was 0.34 (0.09). In multiple linear regression analysis with adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index, and birth weight, arteriolar caliber decreased by 0.011 pixel (P < 0.001) and venular caliber decreased by 0.016 pixel (P < 0.001), for each pixel decrease in vertical optic disc diameter. The associations remained similar and statistically significant with further adjustment for blood pressure. Vertical CDR was not related to retinal vascular caliber. CONCLUSIONS In this population of generally healthy children, smaller vertical optic disc diameter was associated with narrower retinal arteriolar and venular calibers. The findings of this study, in conjunction with studies in adults, suggest anatomic relationships between the optic disc and retinal vasculature that may provide additional insights into the vascular etiology of glaucomatous and nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy. However, because the detected differences in retinal vascular caliber were small, the clinical significance of the study findings remains uncertain.
Involvement of Family Members and Professionals in Older Women’s Post-Fall Decision Making

ABSTRACT This exploratory, descriptive study examined involvement of family members and professionals in older women’s post-fall decision making. We conducted semistructured interviews with 17 older women who had recently fallen and 11 individuals these women identified as being engaged in their post-fall decision-making processes. Qualitative data analysis involved open and axial coding and development of themes. After experiencing a fall, these older women’s openness to others’ opinions and advice; their assessments of types and credibility of potential information sources; and the communication practices they established with these sources influenced how they accessed, accepted, or rejected information from family members and professionals. Increased awareness of the involvement of others in post-fall decision making could enhance communication with older women who fall. Developing and implementing practical strategies to help family members and professionals initiate and engage in conversations about falls and their consequences could lead to more open decision making and improved post-fall quality of life among older women.
Understanding How Public Finances Are Spent Under Devolved System of Government: A Case of Constituency Development Funded Projects in Kasipul Constituency, Kenya

Devolved system of government in Kenya was introduced in 2010, when a new constitution was promulgated. This drastically changed the way that public funds are allocated, spent and monitored by oversight institutions. Changes in governance structures envisaged devolution as a panacea that would ensure good governance, equity and transparency in the utilization of finances. The study used a case study of a devolved development fund that is implemented by the national government, the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in Kasipul constituency, Homa-bay County to understand public finance management under devolved system of government. The study employed mixed methods research design involving both quantitative and qualitative data. A total of 400 respondents were sampled using multi staged proportionate random sampling techniques involving project beneficiaries, project managers, local governmental officials and the National Government Constituency Development Fund committee members. Data was collected using questionnaires, focus group discussions and interview guides. Quantitative data was analyzed using statistical techniques with the help of STATA version 14. The study found that project financing had a statistically significant and positive effect on the effective management of NG-CDF funded projects. The estimated coefficient of project financing in the model was found to be 1.436 with a statistically significant. It’s therefore recommended that existing policies should be strengthened and a framework to improve the effectiveness of project management by increasing the levels of project financing. The existing financing model should be reformed to avoid the negative influence on the implementation of beneficiary projects to avoid systematic fund transfer delays.
Relevance of synaptic tagging and capture to the persistence of long-term potentiation and everyday spatial memory

Memory for inconsequential events fades, unless these happen before or after other novel or surprising events. However, our understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms of novelty-enhanced memory persistence is mainly restricted to aversive or fear-associated memories. We now outline an “everyday appetitive” behavioral model to examine whether and how unrelated novelty facilitates the persistence of spatial memory coupled to parallel electrophysiological studies of the persistence of long-term potentiation (LTP). Across successive days, rats were given one trial per day to find food in different places and later had to recall that day's location. This task is both hippocampus and NMDA receptor dependent. First, encoding with low reward induced place memory that decayed over 24 h; in parallel, weak tetanization of CA1 synapses in brain slices induced early-LTP fading to baseline. Second, novelty exploration scheduled 30 min after this weak encoding resulted in persistent place memory; similarly, strong tetanization—analogous to novelty—both induced late-LTP and rescued early- into late-LTP on an independent but convergent pathway. Third, hippocampal dopamine D1/D5 receptor blockade or protein synthesis inhibition within 15 min of exploration prevented persistent place memory and blocked late-LTP. Fourth, symmetrically, when spatial memory was encoded using strong reward, this memory persisted for 24 h unless encoding occurred under hippocampal D1/D5 receptor blockade. Novelty exploration before this encoding rescued the drug-induced memory impairment. Parallel effects were observed in LTP. These findings can be explained by the synaptic tagging and capture hypothesis.
Proximal nail fold-lunula double punch technique: a less invasive method for sampling nail matrix without nail avulsion.

1. de Berker D, Bristow I, Baran R, Dawber R. Nails: Appearance and Therapy, 2nd ed. London: Martin Dunitz; 2002. p. 16-7. 2. Baran R. An effective surgical treatment for nail thickening in Darier’s disease. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2005;19:689-91. 3. Bostancı S, Ekmekci P, Gurgey E. Chemical matricectomy with phenol for the treatment of ingrowing toe nail: A review of the literature and follow-up of 172 patients. Acta Derm Venereol 2001;81:181-3. 4. de Berker DA. Phenolic ablation of the nail matrix. Australas J Dermatol 2001;42:59-61. 5. Di Chiacchio N, Belda W Jr, Chiacchio NG, Kezam Gabriel FV, de Farias C. Nail matrix phenolization for treatment of ingrowing nail: Technique report and recurrence rate of 267 surgeries. Dermatol Surg 2010;36:534-7. 6. Altinyazar HC, Demirel CB, Koca R, Hosnuter M. Digital block with and without epinephrine during chemical matricectomy with phenol. Dermatol Surg 2010;36:1568-71. 7. Hassel JC, Hassel AJ, Löser C. Phenol chemical matricectomy is less painful, with shorter recovery times but higher recurrence rates, than surgical matricectomy: A patient’s view. Dermatol Surg 2010;36:1294-9. 8. Becerro de Bengoa Vallejo R, Losa Iglesias ME, Sanchez Gomez R, Jules KT. Gauze application of phenol for matrixectomy. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc 2008;98:418-21. 9. Jellinek NJ. Nail surgery: Practical tips and treatment options. Dermatol Ther 2007;20:68-74. Proximal nail fold-lunula double punch technique: A less invasive method for sampling nail matrix without nail avulsion
[110] strained-SOI n-MOSFETs with higher electron mobility

We have recently developed [110]-surface strained silicon-on-insulator (SOI) n-MOSFETs. The strained-silicon (Si) layer with the strain of about 0.6% has been fabricated on a relaxed SiGe-on-insulator (SGOI) structure with the germanium (Ge) content of 25%. The electron mobility characteristics along the various current directions have been experimentally studied and compared to those of [100]- and [110]-surface unstrained-bulk MOSFETs. We have demonstrated, for the first time, that the electron mobility of [110] strained-SOI MOSFETs is enhanced, compared to that of [110] unstrained-bulk MOSFETs. The electron mobility enhancement depends on the current-flow directions, and the maximum enhancement factor amounts to 23% along the <001> direction. As a result, the electron mobility ratio of [110] strained-SOI MOSFETs to [100] universal mobility is 81% at maximum, whereas the ratio of [110] unstrained-bulk MOSFETs is only 66%. Therefore, [110] strained-SOI devices are also promising candidates for future high-performance CMOS.
Bad statistical practice in pharmacology (and other basic biomedical disciplines): you probably don't know P

Statistical analysis is universally used in the interpretation of the results of basic biomedical research, being expected by referees and readers alike. Its role in helping researchers to make reliable inference from their work and its contribution to the scientific process cannot be doubted, but can be improved. There is a widespread and pervasive misunderstanding of P‐values that limits their utility as a guide to inference, and a change in the manner in which P‐values are specified and interpreted will lead to improved outcomes. This paper explains the distinction between Fisher's P‐values, which are local indices of evidence against the null hypothesis in the results of a particular experiment, and Neyman–Pearson α levels, which are global rates of false positive errors from unrelated experiments taken as an aggregate. The vast majority of papers published in pharmacological journals specify P‐values, either as exact‐values or as being less than a value (usually 0.05), but they are interpreted in a hybrid manner that detracts from their Fisherian role as indices of evidence without gaining the control of false positive and false negative error rate offered by a strict Neyman–Pearson approach. An informed choice between those approaches offers substantial advantages to the users of statistical tests over the current accidental hybrid approach.
Clinical and Laboratory Potential Predictors of Blood Culture Positivity in Under Five Children with Clinically Severe Pneumonia - Khartoum -Sudan.

BACKGROUND Blood culture is necessary for appropriate management of clinically severe pneumonia in children under five years of age. However, in limited resource countries it might be unduly costly and waste of valuable time because of the high negative culture rate. OBJECTIVES This study aims to identify clinical and laboratory parameters that potentially predict a positive blood culture in cases of severe pneumonia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A hospital based study, enrolled 189 cases satisfying the WHO definition of severe pneumonia. Age, gender, clinical history, physical examination, temperature, complete blood count, C-reactive protein, blood culture and Chest X Ray for all the patients were recorded. RESULTS Forty one patients had positive blood culture giving a prevalence of 21.7%. All variables were used in a dichotomous manner. White Blood Count (WBC) more than 20 000, very high C-reactive protein (C-RP ≥8mg/L) and Temperature more than 40(o)C, had a positive predictive value of 46.1%, 44.3% and 40.0% respectively for a positive culture as well as a Negative Predictive Value of 91.1%, 91.6% and 91.7% respectively. The WBC more than 20 000 and temperature above 40(o)C had a significant association with a positive blood culture. Their adjusted Odds Ratios were 3.9 (95% CI: 1.4-10.90) and 3.1 (95% CI: 1.2-8.4) respectively. This was not the case for C-RP (Odds Ratio=2.2, 95% CI: 0.7-2.2) or positive Chest X Ray (Odds Ratio=1.5, 95% CI: 0.6-3.6). CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Temperature of more than 40(o)C, Very high C-RP and WBC of more than 20 000 are good indicators of a potential positive blood culture. It is therefore recommended that further research be undertaken to refine these predictors as screening tools before resorting to blood culture. It is also recommended that antibiotic treatment may be initiated on the basis of the high temperature and WBC, while waiting for the culture results.
A robust head pose tracking and estimating aprouch for driver assistant system

This paper introduces a head pose estimation method based on Geometric Approach that automatically localizes the facial components for real-time applications specially driver assistant systems (DAS) in automotive engineering, etc. We have used a statistical model to segment face regions in the image. Once a face is detected it locates the facial parts such as eyes and lips. The algorithm starts from the extraction of skin pixels and geometric features and then face poses are tracked in the image sequence. Experimental results show that the proposed features could describe the structure of driver face image successfully, and have a good performance in real scenes. Proposed system is not only useful for automobile safety and security but also can help the severely handicapped people and can be used in Driver Assistant Devices, Collision Prevention Systems and other ITS applications.