Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Submillimeter-resolution fluorescence laparoscopy of pancreatic cancer in a carcinomatosis mouse model visualizes metastases not seen with standard laparoscopy.

BACKGROUND Staging laparoscopy can visualize peritoneal and liver metastases in pancreatic cancer otherwise undetectable by preoperative imaging. However, false-negative rates may be as high as 18%-26%. The aim of the present study was to improve detection of metastatic pancreatic cancer with the use of fluorescence laparoscopy (FL) in a nude-mouse model with the tumors expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP). METHODS The carcinomatosis mouse model of human pancreatic cancer was established by intraperitoneal injections of green fluorescent protein-expressing MiaPaca-2 human pancreatic cancer cells into 6-week-old female athymic mice. Two weeks later, mice underwent diagnostic laparoscopy. Laparoscopy was performed first under standard brightfield lighting, followed by fluorescent lighting. The number of metastatic foci identified within the four quadrants of the peritoneal cavity was recorded. After laparoscopy, the animals were sacrificed, opened, and imaged with the OV-100 Small Animal Imaging system as a positive control to identify metastasis. Tumors were collected and processed for histologic review. RESULTS FL enabled visualization of pancreatic cancer metastatic foci not visualized with standard brightfield laparoscopy (BL). Under FL, in 1 representative mouse, 26 separate micrometastatic lesions were identified. In contrast, only very large tumors were seen using BL. Use of the OV-100 images, as positive controls, confirmed the presence of tumor foci. FL thus allowed identification and exact localization of submillimeter tumor foci. Such small-sized tumor foci were not distinguished from surrounding tissue under BL. All malignant lesions were histologically confirmed. CONCLUSIONS The use of FL enables the identification of tumor foci that cannot be seen with standard laparoscopy. The technology described in this report has important potential for the clinical development of FL.
In vivo migration of transplanted myoblasts requires matrix metalloproteinase activity.

Muscle cell migration and extracellular matrix remodeling are essential aspects of muscle development and regeneration. In this study, using a new technique to assess in vivo myoblast migration, we have confirmed previous results showing that the C(2)C(12) myoblast cell line exhibits a higher migratory capacity than primary myoblasts. To test the hypothesis that matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are required for the migration of C(2)C(12) myoblasts, we determined whether a synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitor, BB94 (Batimastat), inhibited this process in vivo. Pretreatment with BB94 for 3 days decreased the C(2)C(12) migration at 2 days after cell injection. Since MMP expression is thus necessary for myoblast migration, we have undertaken the identification and characterization of the MMPs expressed by the C(2)C(12) cell line. An RT-PCR assay was used to determine the pattern of MMP mRNA expression by the C(2)C(12) cell line. The proteolytic activities of the MMPs secreted in the culture medium were also assessed by gelatin zymography. The results showed that MMP2 (gelatinase A, 72-kDa type IV collagenase) and MT1-MMP transcripts were expressed by this cell line; however, only MMP2 was secreted and was able to be activated in the extracellular environment. This cell line failed to express MMP9 (gelatinase B, 92-kDa type IV collagenase), stromelysine 2, or stromelysine 3. Our observation that the membrane type MMP (MT1-MMP) transcript is also expressed by the C(2)C(12) suggests that the MMP2 proform (pro-MMP2), may be activated by the MT1-MMP. This possibility is supported by our observation that the pretreatment of C(2)C(12) with concanavalin A (which is known to induce the expression of MT1-MMP) resulted in the processing of pro-MMP2 to its mature form, in a dose-dependent manner. Overexpression and activation of MMP2 in normal myoblasts showed significant increased migration of mouse myoblasts in vivo. Our finding that MMP2 and MT1-MMP gene are coexpressed by C(2)C(12) myoblasts could account for the high migratory capacity of C(2)C(12). Together these results supported the importance of MMP2 and its activation by MT1-MMP for myoblast migration.
Topoisomerase II Binds to Ellipticine in the Absence or Presence of DNA.

Although a number of drugs currently in use for the treatment of human cancers act by stimulating topoisomerase II-mediated DNA breakage, little is known regarding interactions between these agents and the enzyme. To further define the mechanism of drug action, interactions between ellipticine (an intercalative drug with clinical relevance) and yeast topoisomerase II were characterized. By utilizing a yeast genetic system, topoisomerase II was identified as the primary cellular target of the drug. Furthermore, ellipticine did not inhibit enzyme-mediated DNA religation, suggesting that it stimulates DNA breakage by enhancing the forward rate of cleavage. Finally, ellipticine binding to DNA, topoisomerase II, and the enzymeDNA complex was assessed by steady-state and frequency domain fluorescence spectroscopy. As determined by changes in fluorescence intensity and emission maximum wavelength, and by lifetime analysis, only the protonated species of ellipticine bound to a double-stranded 40-mer oligonucleotide containing a topoisomerase II cleavage site (K ≈ 65 nM). In contrast, predominantly deprotonated ellipticine bound to the enzymeDNA complex (K ≈ 1.5 μM) or to the enzyme in the absence of nucleic acids (K ≈ 160 nM). These findings suggest that ellipticine interacts directly with topoisomerase II and that the enzyme dictates the ionic state of the drug in the ternary complex. A model is presented in which the topoisomerase IIellipticineDNA complex is formed via initial drug binding to either the enzyme or DNA.
Lesbian Mommy Blogging in Canada: Documenting Subtle Homophobia in Canadian Society and Building Community Online

This article analyzes how lesbian mommy bloggers in Canada are using their blogs as forums for self-expression and a means to form community, as they record their unique experiences as queer parents. Further, it argues that lesbian mommy blogging is documenting a subtle form of homophobia that exists in Canada in terms of social acceptance. Although there is legal acceptance of queer families, society has not necessarily caught up with the law. These blogs show that lesbian parents in Canada still struggle with issues of equality, including difficulties being “out,” invisibility, and having to advocate for the non-birth parent.
NeuroD6 genomic signature bridging neuronal differentiation to survival via the molecular chaperone network

During neurogenesis, expression of the basic helix‐loop‐helix NeuroD6/Nex1/MATH‐2 transcription factor parallels neuronal differentiation and is maintained in differentiated neurons in the adult brain. To dissect NeuroD6 differentiation properties further, we previously generated a NeuroD6‐overexpressing stable PC12 cell line, PC12‐ND6, which displays a neuronal phenotype characterized by spontaneous neuritogenesis, accelerated NGF‐induced differentiation, and increased regenerative capacity. Furthermore, we reported that NeuroD6 promotes long‐term neuronal survival upon serum deprivation. In this study, we identified the NeuroD6‐mediated transcriptional regulatory pathways linking neuronal differentiation to survival, by conducting a genome‐wide microarray analysis using PC12‐ND6 cells and serum deprivation as a stress paradigm. Through a series of filtering steps and a gene‐ontology analysis, we found that NeuroD6 promotes distinct but overlapping gene networks, consistent with the differentiation, regeneration, and survival properties of PC12‐ND6 cells. By using a gene‐set‐enrichment analysis, we provide the first evidence of a compelling link between NeuroD6 and a set of heat shock proteins in the absence of stress, which may be instrumental in conferring stress tolerance on PC12‐ND6 cells. Immunocytochemistry results showed that HSP27 and HSP70 interact with cytoskeletal elements, consistent with their roles in neuritogenesis and preserving cellular integrity. HSP70 also colocalizes with mitochondria located in the soma, growing neurites, and growth cones of PC12‐ND6 cells prior to and upon stress stimulus, consistent with its neuroprotective functions. Collectively, our findings support the notion that NeuroD6 links neuronal differentiation to survival via the network of molecular chaperones and endows the cells with increased stress tolerance. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonlinear Evolution of Ion-Cyclotron Turbulence Generated by Artificial Plasma Cloud Release

Nonlinear evolution of plasma turbulence generated by a plasma cloud released into a magnetized background plasma is studied using electromagnetic hybrid (fluid electrons and particle ions) plasma simulations incorporating electron inertia. The turbulence considered is generated from free energy in an assumed ring velocity distribution in the released plasma cloud heavy ions. The turbulence initially lies near harmonics of the ring plasma ion cyclotron frequency and propagates nearly perpendicular to the background magnetic field as predicted by linear theory. If the amplitude of the turbulence is sufficiently large, the relatively short wavelength ion cyclotron waves evolve nonlinearly into much longer wavelength obliquely propagating shear Alfven waves. The results indicate that ring densities above a few percent of the background plasma density may produce wave amplitudes large enough for such an evolution to occur. The extraction of energy from the ring plasma may be in the range of 10-20% with a slight decrease in the magnitude as the ring density is increased from a few percent to several 10’s of percent of the background plasma density. Suitability of the nonlinearly generated shear Alfven waves for applications to scattering radiation belt particles is discussed.
Automatic Clustering of Defect Reports

An inertia responsive actuating device for safety belt retractors comprises a support having a substantially circular hole and an upwardly facing conical surface surrounding the hole and sloping upwardly in all directions from the hole. An inertia mass supported on the support has a locating projection that is received in the hole and a spherical surface surrounding the projection and adapted to roll up the surface of the support in response to an inertial force on the mass. A portion of an actuator engages an upwardly facing surface on the mass and is displaceable generally upwardly in response to rolling motion of the mass. A cam surface on the upper portion of the mass cooperates with a cam follower element on the actuator such that the vertical displacement of such portion of the actuator is substantially greater than the vertical displacement of the mass itself when the mass rolls up the conical surface of the support.
Multifactorial control of the release of hormones from the locust retrocerebral complex

The retrocerebral complex of locusts consists of the corpus cardiacum, the corpora allata, and the nerves that connect these glands with the central nervous system. Both corpus cardiacum and corpora allata are neuroendocrine organs and consist of a glandular part, which synthesizes adipokinetic hormones and juvenile hormone, respectively, and of a neurohemal part. The glandular adipokinetic cells in the corpus cardiacum appear to be subjected to a multitude of regulatory stimulating, inhibiting, and modulating substances. Neural influence comes from secretomotor cells in the lateral part of the protocerebrum. Up to now, only peptidergic factors have been established to be present in the neural fibres that make synaptic contact with the adipokinetic cells. Humoral factors that act on the adipokinetic cells via the hemolymph are of peptidergic and aminergic nature. In addition, high concentrations of trehalose inhibit the release of adipokinetic hormones. Although there is evidence that neurosecretory cells in the protocerebrum are involved in the control of JH biosynthesis, the nature of the factors involved remains to be resolved. Microsc. Res. Tech. 45:142–153, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 infection activates the Epstein–Barr virus replicative cycle via a CREB‐dependent mechanism

The reactivation of latent Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) to lytic replication is important in pathogenesis and requires virus–host cellular interactions. However, the mechanism underlying the reactivation of EBV is not yet fully understood. In the present study, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) was shown to induce the reactivation of latent EBV by triggering BZLF1 expression. The BZLF1 promoter (Zp) was not activated by HSV‐1 essential glycoprotein‐induced membrane fusion. Nevertheless, Zp was activated within 6 h post HSV‐1 infection in virus entry‐dependent and replication‐independent manners. Using a panel of Zp deletion mutants, HSV‐1 was shown to promote Zp through a cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element (CRE) located in ZII. The phosphorylated cAMP response element‐binding (phos‐CREB) protein, the cellular transactivator that binds to CRE, also increased after HSV‐1 infection. By transient transfection, cAMP‐dependent protein kinase A and HSV‐1 US3 protein were found to be capable of activating Zp in CREB‐ and CRE‐dependent manners. The relationship between EBV activation and HSV‐1 infection revealed a possible common mechanism that stimulated latent EBV into lytic cycles in vivo.
WGS for surveillance of antimicrobial resistance: a pilot study to detect the prevalence and mechanism of resistance to azithromycin in a UK population of non-typhoidal Salmonella.

OBJECTIVES WGS and phenotypic methods were used to determine the prevalence of azithromycin resistance in Salmonella enterica isolates from the UK and to identify the underlying mechanisms of resistance. METHODS WGS by Illumina HiSeq was carried out on 683 Salmonella spp. isolates. Known genes associated with azithromycin resistance were detected by WGS using a mapping-based approach. Macrolide resistance determinants were identified and the genomic context of these elements was assessed by various bioinformatics tools. Susceptibility testing was in accordance with EUCAST methodology (MIC ≤16 mg/L). RESULTS Fifteen isolates of non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica belonging to serovars Salmonella Blockley, Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Thompson, Salmonella Ridge and Salmonella Kentucky showed resistance or decreased susceptibility to azithromycin (from 6 to >16 mg/L) due to the presence of macrolide resistance genes mphA, mphB or mefB. These genes were either plasmid or chromosomally mediated. Azithromycin-resistant Salmonella Blockley isolates harboured a macrolide inactivation gene cluster, mphA-mrx-mphr(A), within a novel Salmonella azithromycin resistance genomic island (SARGI) determined by MinION sequencing. This is the first known chromosomally mediated mphA gene cluster described in salmonellae. Phylogenetic analysis and epidemiological information showed that mphA Salmonella Blockley isolates were not derived from a single epidemiologically related event. The azithromycin MICs of the 15 Salmonella spp. isolates showed that the presence of the mphA gene was associated with MIC ≥16 mg/L, while the presence of mefB or mphB was not. CONCLUSIONS Azithromycin resistance due to acquisition of known macrolide resistance genes was seen in four different Salmonella serovars and can be either plasmid-encoded or chromosomally encoded.
Human rhinoviruses induce IL‐35‐producing Treg via induction of B7‐H1 (CD274) and sialoadhesin (CD169) on DC

IL‐35 is a heterodimer of EBV‐induced gene 3 and of the p35 subunit of IL‐12, and recently identified as an inhibitory cytokine produced by natural Treg in mice, but not in humans. Here we demonstrate that DC activated by human rhinoviruses (R‐DC) induce IL‐35 production and release, as well as a suppressor function in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells derived from human peripheral blood but not in naïve T cells from cord blood. The induction of IL‐35‐producing T cells by R‐DC was FOXP3‐independent, but blocking of B7‐H1 (CD274) and sialoadhesin (CD169) on R‐DC with mAb against both receptors prevented the induction of IL‐35. Thus, the combinatorial signal delivered by R‐DC to T cells via B7‐H1 and sialoadhesin is crucial for the induction of human IL‐35+ Treg. These results demonstrate a novel pathway and its components for the induction of immune‐inhibitory T cells.
A Thematic Analysis of Software Developers' Experience in online sourcing marketplaces

Online sourcing marketplaces (OSMs) enable the hiring of skilled workers around the globe. It becomes a significant factor for the increasing recognition of online sourcing as an alternative outsourcing option. Despite the adoption of individuals and small and medium enterprises, there is a dearth of study that looks into the service providers (workers) in OSM. This paper addresses this gap by exploring the experiences of online workers from the Philippines, particularly software developers engaged in independent online work. Findings found at least six themes prevalent to online software developers (OSDs) including uncertainty and transitions, trust and work agreements, reputation and client relationships, accomplishing tasks, platforms and software support, and work practices. The study suggests that by looking at the experiences of software developers, current and future clients (employers) can gain insights in considering this outsourcing option. Moreover, OSMs can consider the needs of OSDs presented in this study as inputs in customizing their services.
Local Search for Hard SAT Formulas: The Strength of the Polynomial Law

Random k-CNF formulas at the anticipated k-SAT phase-transition point are prototypical hard k-SAT instances. We develop a stochastic local search algorithm and study it both theoretically and through a large-scale experimental study. The algorithm comes as a result of a systematic study that contrasts rates at which a certain measure concentration phenomenon occurs. This study yields a new stochastic rule for local search. A strong point of our contribution is the conceptual simplicity of our algorithm. More importantly, the empirical results overwhelmingly indicate that our algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art. This includes a number of winners and medalist solvers from the recent SAT Competitions.
Optimum DCT quantization

The paper offers a solution to the problem of determining good quantization tables for use with the discrete cosine transform. Using the methods proposed, the designer of a system can choose a selection of test images and a coefficient weighting scenario, from which a quantization table can be produced, optimized for the choices made. The method is based on simulated annealing searches which the space of quantization tables to minimize some chosen measure. <<ETX>>
Recognizing ODIA handwritten scripts

This paper deals with Optical character recognition (OCR) for Odia handwritten Characters which deserves more attention from the researchers. In the proposed method, an existing database has been studied. First of all the images are preprocessed. Then the preprocessed images are used for feature extraction. Features are extracted using two simple yet powerful algorithms like shadow feature algorithm and zoning based algorithm. Finally using SVM, the characters are classified which gives accuracy upto 85%.
Improve the robustness of digitally-controlled LCL-filtered inverters against grid impedance variation with a lag compensator

Capacitor-current-feedback active damping method is commonly used in LCL-filtered grid-connected inverters, which attenuates the resonance peak by emulating a virtual resistor in parallel with the filter capacitor. Taking the digital control delay into account, the emulation component becomes frequency-dependent, and it will turn negative when the filter resonance frequency becomes higher than one-sixth of the sampling frequency, resulting in the inconsistent stability requirement. Due to the variation of grid impedance, the filter resonance frequency will vary in a wide range, and the inconsistent stability requirement may occur, which will pose a challenge to the inverter stability. In this paper, the stability of digitally controlled LCL-filtered inverter is studied first, and a phase lag compensator is introduced to ensure the stability requirement keeps consistent even if the filter resonance frequency reaches the Nyquist frequency. Thus the stability-robustness of the inverter to the grid impedance variation is improved. Finally, the validation of the proposed compensation method is verified by simulation and experimental results.
A > 89% efficient LED driver with 0.5V supply voltage for applications requiring low average current

A modified boost converter topology is proposed to achieve better than 89% efficiency as an LED driver for applications in which low supply voltage and low average current are desired such as in a photoplethysmographic (PPG) heart rate (HR) monitor device. The approach embraces pulsing of the LED current, and allows a highly digital implementation for varying LED brightness based on Pulse Density Modulation (PDM). Measured results indicate that the LED driver, which is implemented in 180nm CMOS along with an external inductor, achieves an output current range of 28uA to 1.3mA with 6 current settings while maintaining >89% efficiency over a supply voltage range of 0.5 to 0.6V.
Identification of the Site in the cGMP-inhibited Phosphodiesterase Phosphorylated in Adipocytes in Response to Insulin and Isoproterenol (*)

Stimulation of rat adipocytes with insulin and isoproterenol results in serine phosphorylation and activation of the adipocyte cGMP-inhibited phosphodiesterase (cGI PDE), events believed to be important in the antilipolytic action of insulin (Degerman, E., Smith, C. J., Tornqvist, H., Vasta, V., Manganiello, V. C., and Belfrage, P.(1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 87, 533-537). Here we demonstrate, by two-dimensional phosphopeptide mapping, that the major phosphopeptide generated by trypsin, or trypsin followed by Asp-N protease digestion of [P]cGI PDE phosphorylated in adipocytes in response to isoproterenol and/or insulin, in each case co-migrates with the phosphopeptide released by the same treatment of MFRRPS(P)LPCISREQ. This peptide was synthesized based on the deduced sequence of the cloned rat adipocyte cGI PDE and phosphorylated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (protein kinase A). Radiosequencing of authentic and synthetic tryptic P-peptides showed that a single site in cGI PDE (Ser) was phosphorylated in adipocytes incubated with isoproterenol and/or insulin. The more than additive phosphorylation and activation of cGI PDE in response to the two hormones found in this report and previously (Smith, C. J., Vasta, V., Degerman, E., Belfrage, P., and Manganiello, V. C.(1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 13385-13390) is proposed to reflect cross-talk between their respective signal transduction pathways at the level of the cGI PDE serine protein kinase or upstream regulatory component(s).