Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An MLCK‐dependent window in late G1 controls S phase entry of proliferating rodent hepatocytes via ERK‐p70S6K pathway

We show that MLCK (myosin light chain kinase) plays a key role in cell cycle progression of hepatocytes: either chemical inhibitor ML7 or RNA interference led to blockade of cyclin D1 expression and DNA replication, providing evidence that MLCK regulated S phase entry. Conversely, inhibition of RhoK by specific inhibitor Y27632 or RhoK dominant‐negative vector did not influence progression in late G1 and S phase entry. Inhibition of either MLCK or RhoK did not block ERK1/2 phosphorylation, whereas MLCK regulated ERK2‐dependent p70S6K activation. In addition, DNA synthesis was reduced in hepatocytes treated with p70S6K siRNA, demonstrating the key role played by the kinase in S phase entry. Interestingly, after the G1/S transition, DNA replication in S phase was no longer dependent on MLCK activity. We strengthened this result by ex vivo experiments and evidenced an MLCK‐dependent window in late G1 phase of regenerating liver after two‐thirds partial hepatectomy. In conclusion, our results underline an MLCK‐dependent restriction point in G1/S transition, occurring downstream of ERK2 through the regulation of p70S6K activation, and highlighting a new signaling pathway critical for hepatocyte proliferation. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;44:152–163.)
A practical method for simulating pectoral fin locomotion of a biomimetic autonomous underwater vehicle

In this paper, a practical method to simulate pectoral fin locomotion of a fishlike AUV testbed is presented. Basing on a blade element synthesis scheme, the authors developed a simple mathematical model to evaluate the hydrodynamic forces acting on a pectoral fin in feathering motion and lead-lag motion. The pectoral fin is treated as a number of moving blade element, the lift, cross flow drag and added inertia acting on each blade element are evaluated as a two dimensional oscillating thin foil and they are described in the fin-fixed coordinate system. These forces of blade element are transferred to the fuselage-fixed coordinate system and then integrated to obtain the total forces acting on a pectoral fin. Kato's data from model test and calculation on a pectoral fin of a bass are cited to compare with the corresponding calculation results by the present simple mathematical model. The quite satisfactory agreement confirmed the validity of the simple model for evaluating the hydrodynamic forces of a pectoral fin. On this base, the previously developed computer program for simulating body-tail undulatory locomotion is then extended to simulate the pectoral fin locomotion of a biomimetic autonomous underwater vehicle
Identification and characterization of a two-component regulatory system involved in invasion of eukaryotic cells and heavy-metal resistance in Burkholderia pseudomallei

Burkholderia pseudomallei is the causative agent of melioidosis, a disease increasingly recognized as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in many regions of the world. B. pseudomallei is a facultative intracellular pathogen capable of invading eukaryotic cells. We used Tn5-OT182 mutagenesis to generate mutants deficient in the ability to invade a human type II pneumocyte cell line (A549 cells). One of these mutants, AJ1D8, exhibited approximately 10% of the ability of the parental strain, 1026b, to invade A549 cells. There was no difference in the abilities of 1026b and AJ1D8 to resist killing by RAW macrophages or the human defensin HNP-1. The nucleotide sequence flanking the Tn5-OT182 integration in AJ1D8 was determined, and two open reading frames were identified. The predicted proteins shared considerable homology with two-component regulatory systems involved in the regulation of heavy-metal resistance in other organisms. AJ1D8 was 16-fold more sensitive to Cd2+ and twofold more sensitive to Zn2+ than was 1026b but was not sensitive to any of the other heavy metals examined. The B. pseudomallei two-component regulatory system, termed irlRS, complemented the invasion-deficient and heavy-metal-sensitive phenotype of AJ1D8 in trans. There was no significant difference between the virulence of AJ1D8 and that of 1026b in infant diabetic rats and Syrian hamsters, suggesting that the irlRS locus is probably not a virulence determinant in these animal models of acute B. pseudomallei infection.
Experimental Models of Temporary Normothermic Liver Ischemia

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury has so far been investigated in various experimental models. A clinical transfer of experimental results is, however, problematic because of anatomical and physiological differences and also the inevitable simplification of experimental work. The choice of model must therefore be adapted to the clinical question to be answered. The simplest procedure for inducing normothermic ischemia is to clamp the hepatoduodenal ligament. Models that do not avert portal congestion are regarded as unsuitable. Our current understanding of the pathogenesis of ischemia/reperfusion injury depends mainly on studies whose authors have investigated either global liver ischemia with a portocaval shunt, spleen transposition and in the isolated perfused system, or partial ischemia. This review is a critical examination of various approaches to the study of normothermic hepatic ischemia in experimental animals.
Delay analysis in symmetrical SOI-based rib waveguide for high speed optical interconnect

Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) has become one of the popular materials in recent years, especially in silicon photonics applications. Using SOI, thispaper demonstrated a Single Mode Condition (SMC) of symmetrical rib waveguide geometry for high speed Optical Interconnect (OI). The symmetrical rib waveguide with different dimensions was simulated using OptiBPM mode solver in order to obtain a value of effective index (Neff) and SMC profile. A correlation between the ratio of slab height to the overall rib height (r) and Neff was plotted to show the relationship of width to the waveguide dimensions. The delay output was recorded based on 1mm waveguide length. The smallest delay was achieved is 10.7ps/mm with r=0. 6μm.
The role of the mitochondrial oxidative stress in the cytotoxic effects of the green tea catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate, in oral cells.

SCOPE The tea catechin, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), has potential cancer preventive effects. The prooxidant activity of EGCG may play a role in these effects. METHODS AND RESULTS Here, we report that EGCG exerted cytotoxic effects against oral cancer cell lines (IC50 = 83-95 μM). EGCG treatment resulted in formation of extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), however, these ROS were rapidly cleared (half-life = 1.7 h). EGCG treatment increased the production of mitochondrial H2 O2 in SCC-25 cells (0-6 h) before the induction of apoptosis. Subsequently, an opening of the mitochondrial transition pore and a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential were observed. The mitochondria-specific antioxidant, MitoTEMPO, reduced these effects. HGF-1 human gingival fibrobasts were resistant to EGCG (IC50 > 200 μM) and EGCG-induced ROS. EGCG induced differential expression of genes related to antioxidant defense in oral cancer cells and gingival fibroblasts: metallothionein 3, superoxide dismutase 2/3, and thioredoxin reductase 2 were downregulated in SCC-25 cells, but upregulated in HGF-1 cells. CONCLUSION We conclude that induction of mitochondrial ROS and mitochondrial dysfunction by EGCG play a role in the inhibition of oral cancer, and that gingival fibroblasts are spared from these effects in part because of a selective induction of antioxidant responsive genes.
Influence of colloid fluids on polymorphonuclear granulocyte function in vivo

Background: Granulocytes have a role in the immediate immune response. In a previous investigation we could demonstrate in vitro a moderate increase of the complement receptors CR1 (CD35) and CR3 (CD11b/CD18) on the surface of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) after incubation of whole blood with colloids. To elucidate the clinical significance, we investigated if these changes were also present in vivo.
Comparative analysis of color and texture features in content based image retrieval

Content-based image retrieval is a system which extracts the relevant set of images and matches with query image from large number of dataset. CBIR is used in many important areas such as education, defense, biomedical, crime prevention etc. In CBIR, the images are indexed according to content of image i.e. color, texture and shape that are derived from images. Many features and algorithms can be used to improve retrieval accuracy and to reduce the retrieval time. In this paper, we compare the different algorithms to extract color and texture features of an image and retrieve the relevant images. We measure the similarity between two images using different distance measures. The performance of each method has been individually evaluated in terms of average precision.
Paired Associative Stimulation to Suppress Contralesional Corticospinal Excitability in Three People with Stroke Using Nof-1 Crossover Design

Background: Some of the deficit in people with stroke results from down-regulation of surviving neurons. Up-regulation can be enhanced with transcranial magnetic stimulation methods. Paired associative stimulation (PAS) is one such method but this has not been explored sufficiently in stroke. Further, N-of-1 clinical trials are valuable in eliminating inter-subject variability to develop individualized interventions. Objective: Explore the effects of PAS using different interstimulus intervals (ISIs) to suppress excitability of the contralesional primary motor area (M1) in stroke. Methods: We used an N-of-1, blinded, crossover design with random assignment of four PAS treatment arms to three people with stroke. Each PAS treatment involved 225 pairs of transcranial magnetic stimuli to contralesional M1 paired with electrical stimuli to the median nerve at the nonparetic wrist. Three suppressive ISIs plus a sham condition were compared. The dependent variable was cortical excitability measured by peak-to-peak amplitude of motor evoked potentials over time. Results: Two participants with cortical lesions exhibited significant overall suppression of cortical excitability with an ISI of N20-7ms, whereas a participant with basal ganglia lesion showed significant facilitation with the same ISI. Conclusions: PAS suppressed cortical excitability in cortical stroke but facilitated excitability in basal ganglia stroke. The divergent responses may stem from literature accounts of metaplasticity differences involving individualized intracellular calcium oscillations around thresholds that govern the magnitude and direction of synaptic plasticity to maintain synaptic homeostasis.
SOME REMARKS ON CENTRAL ELEMENTARY ABELIAN P-SUBGROUPS AND COHOMOLOGY OF CLASSIFYING SPACES

This note is concerned with the question how a central elementary abelian p-subgroup C of a compact Lie group G influences the mod p cohomology of its classifying space BG and, more generally, of the Borel construction EG×GX for a G space X on which C acts trivially. Here p is a prime number and an elementary abelian p-group is a group isomorphic to (Z/p) for some natural number n which is called its rank. Mod p cohomology of a space Y will always be denoted by H∗Y while for a G-space X we write H∗ GX for the mod p cohomology of the Borel construction EG×G X. Our starting point is the simple observation that for a central elementary abelian psubgroup C of G and a G-space X with trivial C-action the multiplication C × G −→ G induces a map BC × (EG×GX) −→ EG×GX which in turn induces an H∗BC comodule structure on H∗ GX. This observation leads to a short proof of the following result on the depth of H∗ GX (see section 2.)
VO(2) kinetics and the O(2) deficit in heavy exercise.

The purpose of this study was to examine a new method for calculating the O(2) deficit that considered the O(2) uptake (VO(2)) kinetics during exercise as two separate phases in light of previous research in which it was shown that the traditional O(2) deficit calculation overestimated the recovery O(2) consumption (ROC). Eight subjects completed exercise transitions between unloaded cycling and 25% (heavy, H) or 50% (very heavy, VH) of the difference between the lactic acid threshold (LAT) and peak VO(2) for 8 min. The O(2) deficit, calculated in the traditional manner, was significantly greater than the measured ROC for both above-LAT exercises: 4.03 +/- 1.01 vs. 2.63 +/- 0.80 (SD) liters for VH and 2.36 +/- 0.91 vs. 1.74 +/- 0.63 liters for H for the O(2) deficit vs. ROC (P < 0.05). When the kinetics were viewed as two separate components with independent onsets, the calculated O(2) deficit (2.89 +/- 0.79 and 1.71 +/- 0.70 liters for VH and H, respectively) was not different from the measured ROC (P < 0.05). Subjects also performed the same work rate for only 3 min. These data, from bouts terminated before the slow component could contribute appreciably to the overall VO(2) response, show that the O(2) requirement during the transition is less than the final steady state for the work rate, as evidenced by symmetry between the O(2) deficit and ROC. This new method of calculating the O(2) deficit more closely reflects the expected O(2) deficit-ROC relationship (i.e., ROC >/= O(2) deficit). Therefore, estimation of the O(2) deficit during heavy exercise transitions should consider the slow component of VO(2) as an additional deficit component with delayed onset.
Decision making with hybrid models: the case of collective and individual motivations

In the aftermath of a large-scale disaster, agents' decisions range from individual (e.g., survival) to collective (e.g., victims' rescue or fire extinction) attitudes, thus shaping a 2-strata decision model. However, current decision-theoretic models are either purely individual or purely collective and find it difficult to deal with motivational attitudes. On the other hand, mental-state based models find it difficult to deal with uncertainty. We describe two hybrid decision models: 1) the collective 'versus' individual (CvI), which integrates both strata quantitative evaluation of decision making; 2) the CvI-JI which extends the CvI model, using the joint-intentions formulation of teamwork, to deal with collective mental-state motivational attitudes. Both models are evaluated from an experimental, case study-based, outlook that explores the tradeoff between cost reduction and loss of optimality while learning coordination skills in a partially observable stochastic domain.
Buttress formation and directional stress experienced during critical phases of tree development

Patterns of buttress formation in tropical trees vary greatly within and among species. In Kibale National Park, Uganda, some form of a buttres was found on 23% of the 78 species (1785 trees) sampled from a variety of distantly related families. Large differences in buttress formation were documented within a single family and even within the same genus. Previous studies have suggested that buttresses are mechanical adaptations to counter asymmetric loads experienced during brief critical phases in a tree’s development and these persist after the need for a mechanical support has disappeared. As a tree grows from the understorey, up to the canopy, or emerges from the canopy, the potential number of occasions that a tree will experience directional stress increases. Many canopy level trees will probably have been in the vicinity of a treefall gap during their development, while emergent trees may experience gap exposure in addition to wind stresses associated with canopy emergence. Therefore, it is predicted that understorey trees should have fewer and less developed buttresses (after correcting for overall tree size) than canopy trees, which should have fewer and less developed buttresses than emergent trees. Detailed measurements of buttresses from 194 trees of eight species support this prediction. There was no evidence that trees thought to have experienced directional stress associated with selective logging almost 30 y ago had increased the number or size of existing buttresses. The pattern of buttressing in Kibale generally supports the idea that buttresses are mechanical adaptations to counter episodic asymmetric loads, and that buttresses persist after the need for a mechanical support has disappeared.
Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoenzyme in the reticulum cells of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis.

Abstract Acid phosphatase activity in the reticulum cells of leukemic reticuloendotheliosis is quantitatively and qualitatively different from that in the lymphosarcoma cells of lymphosarcoma and in lymphocytes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Enzyme activity in the reticulum cells is strong and tartrate resistant, whereas that in the lymphoid cells of the other two diseases is very weak and is inhibited by tartrate. A combined cytochemical and electrophoretic study indicates that this tartrate-resistant enzyme activity represents isoenzyme 5. It is present almost exclusively in the reticulum cells and not in other hemic cells in leukemic reticuloendotheliosis. It is not present in the lymphoid cells in lymphosarcoma or chronic lymphocytic leukemia. It may be used as the marker enzyme to diagnose leukemic reticuloendotheliosis and to trace the origin of the "reticulum cells" ("hairy cells") in the reticuloendothelial system.
The context of the interface

Our ideas on context (from both a soft and hard laboratory perspective) often manifest themselves at the interface. Interfaces for information seeking range from systems which offer little contextual information or flexibility of use to systems which are highly driven by the searcher's individual interaction. In this talk I will use existing search interfaces to highlight how the nature of information retrieval interfaces has changed in response to research from contextual IS&R. A particular theme will be the commercial nature of web search interfaces and how approaches such as persuasive and emotional design can be used to encourage interaction. I will also consider the nature of specialized versus general purpose search interfaces and the challenges raised in interface design. The (not very) hidden agenda behind this presentation will be to argue for an interaction-centered approach to IR systems.
INTERMEDIATE-BAND PHOTOMETRY OF THE OPEN CLUSTER NGC 3114.

Four-color and Hβ photometry has been obtained of 33 stars in the southern galactic cluster NGC 3114. This cluster contains many interesting stars including blue stragglers, red giants, and stars with spectral peculiarities. The distance modulus was found to be V0 - Mυ = 10.26 which corresponds to 1130 pc. The color excess is E(b - y) = 0.m060. The cluster appears to be slightly older than the Pleiades. There are two extreme blue stragglers and six additional stars which might be considered milder cases of the same phenomenon. The distance moduli of the stars with peculiar spectra and the blue stragglers inferred from the photometry agree with those of the normal cluster stars and we conclude that this strengthens the view that the photometric indices of such stars are not affected significantly by their peculiarities.
Estimating and Evaluating the Predictive Abilities of Semiparametric Multivariate Models with Application to Risk Management

An apparatus for sealing a web of film in a packaging machine. The apparatus includes a sealing bar for heating a web of film to a temperature sufficient to melt at least a portion of the web of film. The sealing bar includes a surface that directly contacts the web of film and does not include a release layer. The surface includes thereon a measuring member for measuring the temperature of the molten area of the film. The apparatus further includes a cooling member for cooling the melted portion of the film to its crystallization point during a cycle time of the packaging machine.
MRI in the Early Detection of Breast Cancer in Women with High Genetic Risk

Aims and background Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 germline mutations have an elevated risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer. Because of the early onset of the disease, screening of this group of women should start at an earlier age than in the general population. The association of breast magnetic resonance imaging (BMRI) and ultrasonography (US) with mammography (MX) and clinical breast examination (CBE) in the regular surveillance of these individuals has been proposed and seems to improve the early detection of breast cancer. Methods Within a multicenter study started by the Istituto Superiore di Sanita (Rome), at the Istituto Nazionale Tumori of Milan (INT) we enrolled 116 women at high genetic risk for breast cancer; they were either BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation carriers or had a strong family history of breast cancer. They underwent CBE, MX, US and BMRI once a year. Results Between June 2000 and April 2005, at INT 12 cancers were detected among the 116 screened individuals (10%). In this subgroup, 1 patient refused BMRI and in 2 cases US was not performed. With BMRI we found 11 cancers and 6 of them were detectable only by this technique. In these 6 cases, the size of the disease was less than 1 cm and MX was false negative due to irregularly nodular parenchyma in 4 cases and scar tissue or prosthesis in the other 2. US was not performed in 2 cases and was false negative in 4 cases. Three false positive results were found with BMRI: 1 case was considered suspect but related to hormonal influences; 1 case with the same pattern was sent for second-look US, which gave a negative result and BMRI review after 6 months showed normalization of the parenchyma; in the third case histology revealed the presence of adenosis. No false positive results were registered for MX. Conclusions The aim of secondary prevention is the detection of cancer at its earliest stage. BMRI screening in women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or at high familiar risk appears to be highly sensitive and may detect mammographically occult disease. The accuracy of MR imaging is higher than that of conventional imaging but the technique is flawed by a lower specificity. In order to avoid unnecessary biopsies we believe that the combination of BMRI and conventional imaging can be very useful in screening women with a high genetic risk of breast cancer, especially with second-look evaluation by means of US when BMRI yields the only positive diagnostic result. Second-look US has been demonstrated to be of critical importance both in recognizing false positive BMRI results and in guiding biopsies, when necessary.
Recommender system for learning SQL using hints

ABSTRACT Today’s software industry requires individuals who are proficient in as many programming languages as possible. Structured query language (SQL), as an adopted standard, is no exception, as it is the most widely used query language to retrieve and manipulate data. However, the process of learning SQL turns out to be challenging. The need for a computer-aided solution to help users learn SQL and improve their proficiency is vital. In this study, we present a new approach to help users conceptualize basic building blocks of the language faster and more efficiently. The adaptive design of the proposed approach aids users in learning SQL by supporting their own path to the solution and employing successful previous attempts, while not enforcing the ideal solution provided by the instructor. Furthermore, we perform an empirical evaluation with 93 participants and demonstrate that the employment of hints is successful, being especially beneficial for users with lower prior knowledge.
Incorporation of DNA and Protein Precursors into Macromolecules by Bacteria at −15oC

ABSTRACT DNA and protein precursors were incorporated into trichloroacetic acid-precipitated material by bacterial cell suspensions during incubation for 50 to 100 days at −15oC. Incorporation did not occur at −70oC and was inhibited by antibiotics. The results demonstrate that bacteria can perform macromolecular synthesis under conditions that mimic entrapment in glacial ice.