Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metalloelastase (MMP‐12) expression by tumour cells in squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva correlates with invasiveness, while that by macrophages predicts better outcome

Human metalloelastase (MMP‐12) has been implicated in elastin degradation and macrophage migration in many pathological conditions. It also generates angiostatin, thus having a potential to prevent tumour angiogenesis. It has previously been shown that transformed epithelial cells express MMP‐12 in skin cancer. The aim of this study was further to elucidate the role of metalloelastase in squamous cell cancer (SCC) progression. By in situ hybridization, expression of MMP‐12 mRNA was detected in 28/33 vulvar SCC samples in CD‐68‐positive macrophages, while 10 samples had positive cancer cells. By immunohistochemistry, MMP‐12 protein was seen in the same area as the mRNA. MMP‐12 mRNA expression in tumour cells correlated with more aggressive histology (p = 0.0099). In contrast, macrophage‐derived MMP‐12 mRNA was more abundant in well‐differentiated grade I than grade III tumours (p = 0.01). However, the level of MMP‐12 mRNA, regardless of its origin, did not correlate with metastasis or patient survival. No significant correlation was found between macrophage‐derived MMP‐12 mRNA and a low amount of blood vessels, as quantitated after von Willebrand staining. In agreement with vulvar SCCs in vivo, MMP‐12 was expressed in cultured SCC cells by northern and western blot analysis. In HaCaTs and epithelial MCF‐10f cells, MMP‐12 mRNA was induced by transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) as measured by quantitative RT‐PCR (TaqMan). Two MMPs capable of generating angiostatin in vivo, matrilysin (MMP‐7) and gelatinase B (MMP‐9), were also examined in these tumours. MMP‐7 mRNA was mainly expressed by epithelial tumour cells, particularly in less differentiated tumours. MMP‐9 was usually expressed by neutrophils and macrophages; epithelial protein was predominantly found in grade II/III tumours. These results suggest a dual role for MMP‐12 in tumour progression. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Frequency domain simulation of drive induced oscillation in a coupled cavity TWT

We present an approach to and an example of the simulation of drive induced oscillation (DIO) in a coupled cavity TWT based on a large signal, multi-frequency steady state formulation of the governing equations. A simulation code based on such a formulation can provide results in less time than a time domain approach, since it avoids having to integrate the governing equations through the initial transient startup of the amplifier. Two approaches to inhibiting DIO, namely (1) the introduction of a circuit velocity step in the output section, and (2) the use of lossy material in selected cavities in the output section are demonstrated using the large signal frequency domain code CHRISTINE-CC.
Consistency Techniques for Numeric CSPs

Many problems can be expressed in terms of a numeric constraint satisfaction problem over finite or continuous domains (numeric CSP). The purpose of this paper is to show that the consistency techniques that have been developed for CSPs can be adapted to numeric CSPs. Since the numeric domains are ordered the underlying idea is to handle domains only by their bounds. The semantics that have been elaborated, plus the complexity analysis and good experimental results, confirm that these techniques can be used in real applications.
Calibration Requirements and Procedures for a Monitor-Based Augmented Reality System

Augmented reality entails the use of models and their associated renderings to supplement information in a real scene. In order for this information to be relevant or meaningful, the models must be positioned and displayed in such a way that they blend into the real world in terms of alignments, perspectives, illuminations, etc. For practical reasons the information necessary to obtain this realistic blending cannot be known a priori, and cannot be hard wired into a system. Instead a number of calibration procedures are necessary so that the location and parameters of each of the system components are known. We identify the calibration steps necessary to build a computer model of the real world and then, using the monitor based augmented reality system developed at ECRC (GRASP) as an example, we describe each of the calibration processes. These processes determine the internal parameters of our imaging devices (scan converter, frame grabber, and video camera), as well as the geometric transformations that relate all of the physical objects of the system to a known world coordinate system. >
MR Imaging Features of Triple‐Negative Breast Cancers

Triple‐negative (TN) breast cancers, which are associated with a more aggressive clinical course and poorer prognosis, often present with benign imaging features on mammography and ultrasound. The purpose of this study was to compare the magnetic resonance imaging features of TN breast cancers with estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) negative cancers. Retrospective review identified 140 patients with TN breast cancer who underwent a preoperative breast MRI between 2003 and 2008. Comparison was made to 181 patients with ER+/PR+/HER2− cancer. Breast MRIs were independently reviewed by two radiologists blinded to the pathology. Discrepancies were resolved by a third radiologist. TN cancers presented with a larger tumor size (p = 0.002), higher histologic grade (<0.001), and were more likely to be unifocal (p = 0.018) compared with ER+/PR+/HER2− tumors. MRI features associated with TN tumors included mass enhancement (p = 0.026), areas of intratumoral high T2 signal intensity (p < 0.001), lobulated shape (p < 0.001), rim enhancement (p < 0.001), and smooth margins (p = 0.005). Among the TN tumors with marked necrosis, 26% showed a large central acellular zone of necrosis.
Three dimensional software modelling

Traditionally, diagrams used in software systems modelling have been two dimensional (2D). This is probably because graphical notations, such as those used in object-oriented and structured systems modelling, draw upon the topological graph metaphor, which, at its basic form, receives little benefit from three dimensional (3D) rendering. This paper presents a series of 3D graphical notations demonstrating effective use of the third dimension in modelling. This is done by e.g. connecting several graphs together, or in using the Z co-ordinate to show special kinds of edges. Each notation combines several familiar 2D diagrams, which can be reproduced from 2D projections of the 3D model. 3D models are useful even in the absence of a powerful graphical workstation: even 2D stereoscopic projections can expose more information than a plain planar diagram.
Actin filaments target the oligomeric maturation of the dynamin GTPase Drp1 to mitochondrial fission sites

While the dynamin GTPase Drp1 plays a critical role during mitochondrial fission, mechanisms controlling its recruitment to fission sites are unclear. A current assumption is that cytosolic Drp1 is recruited directly to fission sites immediately prior to fission. Using live-cell microscopy, we find evidence for a different model, progressive maturation of Drp1 oligomers on mitochondria through incorporation of smaller mitochondrially-bound Drp1 units. Maturation of a stable Drp1 oligomer does not forcibly lead to fission. Drp1 oligomers also translocate directionally along mitochondria. Ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, causes rapid mitochondrial accumulation of actin filaments followed by Drp1 accumulation at the fission site, and increases fission rate. Inhibiting actin polymerization, myosin IIA, or the formin INF2 reduces both un-stimulated and ionomycin-induced Drp1 accumulation and mitochondrial fission. Actin filaments bind purified Drp1 and increase GTPase activity in a manner that is synergistic with the mitochondrial protein Mff, suggesting a role for direct Drp1/actin interaction. We propose that Drp1 is in dynamic equilibrium on mitochondria in a fission-independent manner, and that fission factors such as actin filaments target productive oligomerization to fission sites. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.11553. 001
On the assessment of microfluidic switching capabilities in NLoC networks

Microfluidic devices have recently attracted the interest of researchers for the number of applications especially in healthcare and controlled drug delivery. However these devices are today not programmable and static in the sense that they perform simple and fixed operations which cannot be changed during device's functioning. To overcome the limitations of traditional microfluidic devices, we have recently proposed the idea of supporting dynamic addressing of different microfluidic elements able to execute various tasks by introducing basic communication and networking functionalities in the microfluidic domain. To enable this vision, we have designed a passive switching device for droplets - that we call microfluidic switch - in which the path followed by a droplet in a microfluidic network can be controlled across a series of junctions, by simply modulating the distance between droplets in the microfluidic channel. In this paper, an experimental testing of a microfluidic switch is presented and compared with results obtained from numerical simulations.
INVESTIGATIONS OF THE PARAMETER SPACE FOR THE LHC LUMINOSITY UPGRADE

Increasing the LHC luminosity by a factor of ten is a major challenge, especially for the beam-beam long-range interactions and even more for the magnet technology and insertion layout. To help identifying consistent solutions in this multi-dimensional constrained space, a parametric model of an LHC insertion was prepared, based on the present LHC layout, i.e. “quadrupole first” and small crossing angle. The model deals with the layout, beam optics, beam-beam effect, superconductor margin and peak heat deposition in the coils. The approach is simplified to obtain a large gain in the optimization time. This study puts in evidence, as critical for the luminosity upgrade, the following actions: enlarging significantly the quadrupole aperture, moving the insertion towards the interaction point, using the highest available critical field superconductors and complementing the insertion with an early separation scheme. The luminosity reach can then be extended to 2×10 35 cm -2 s -1 while 1×10 35 can be obtained with significantly reduced requirements (lower beam currents, simpler RF system…).
Automatic Political Profiling in Heterogeneous Corpora

In this paper we consider automatic political tendency recognition in a variety of genres. To this end, four different types of texts in Hebrew with varying levels of political content (manifestly political, semipolitical, non-political) are examined. It is found that in each case, training and testing in the same genre yields strong results. More significantly, training on political texts yields classifiers sufficiently strong to classify non-political personal Facebook pages with fair accuracy. This suggests that individualsâ political tendencies can be identified without recourse to any tagged personal data.
Determining clinically relevant neuropsychological change in an epilepsy sample

Accurate interpretation of pre- and post-surgical cognitive assessments is essential for patients undergoing surgery for temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, potentially confounding issues such as practice effects and low test-retest reliability may influence a person’s test score when they are given the same neuropsychological test on a second occasion, such as following surgery. Determining how much change in test scores is due to methodological issues and how much is due to genuine post-operative cognitive improvement or decline can better inform both clinical and client decisions regarding surgical intervention for TLE. Such data has been reported in North American TLE populations but the generalisability of this data to other centres is unknown. Using data obtained from unoperated patients with TLE, the current study utilised standardised regression-based change (SRB) and reliable change index (RCI) methodologies to determine change on retest across cognitive domains. Both the local and North American RCIs and SRB change norms were then applied to an Australian post-operative sample to evaluate cognitive outcomes, as well as to investigate the generalisability of change data derived from different demographic backgrounds.
Comparative evaluation of the effect of different crown ferrule designs on the fracture resistance of endodontically treated mandibular premolars restored with fiber posts, composite cores, and crowns: An ex-vivo study

Introduction: In cases of severe hard tissue loss, 2 mm circumferential ferrule is difficult to achieve which leads to incorporation of different ferrule designs. Aim: To compare and evaluate the effect of different crown ferrule designs on the fracture resistance of mandibular premolars restored with fiber posts, composite cores, and crowns. Materials and Methods: Fifty freshly extracted mandibular premolars were endodontically treated and divided into five groups: Group I - 2 mm circumferential ferrule above the cementoenamel junction (CEJ); Group II - 2 mm ferrule on the facial aspect above CEJ; Group III - 2 mm ferrule on the lingual aspect above CEJ; Group IV - 2 mm ferrule on the facial and lingual aspects above CEJ with interproximal concavities, and Group V - no ferrule (control group) and were later restored with fiber posts, composite cores, and crowns. Specimens were mounted on a universal testing machine, and compressive load was applied at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min until fracture occurred. Results: The results showed that circumferential ferrule produced the highest mean fracture resistance and the least fracture resistance was found in the control group. Conclusion: Circumferential ferrule increases the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with bonded post, core, and crown.
Rab GTPase-Activating Protein AS160 Is a Major Downstream Effector of Protein Kinase B/Akt Signaling in Pancreatic β-Cells

OBJECTIVE— Protein kinase B/Akt plays a central role in β-cells, but little is known regarding downstream Akt substrates in these cells. Recently, Rab GTPase-activating protein AS160, a substrate of Akt, was shown to be involved in insulin modulation of GLUT4 trafficking in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression and potential role of AS160 in β-cells. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— AS160 mRNA expression was measured in mouse and human islets and fluorescence-activated cell sorted β-cells and compared in islets from control subjects versus individuals with type 2 diabetes. For knockdown experiments, transformed mouse insulin-secreting MIN6B1 cells were transfected with pSUPER-GFP plasmid encoding a small hairpin RNA against insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2, AS160, or a negative control. Primary mouse islet cells were transfected with AS160 small interfering RNA. RESULTS— AS160 was expressed in human and mouse pancreatic β-cells and phosphorylated after glucose stimulation. AS160 mRNA expression was downregulated in pancreatic islets from individuals with type 2 diabetes. In MIN6B1 cells, glucose induced phosphorylation of Akt and AS160, and this was mediated by insulin receptor/IRS-2/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase independently of changes in cytosolic Ca2+. Knockdown of AS160 resulted in increased basal insulin secretion, whereas glucose-stimulated insulin release was abolished. Furthermore, β-cells with decreased AS160 showed increased apoptosis and loss of glucose-induced proliferation. CONCLUSIONS— This study shows for the first time that AS160, previously recognized as a key player in insulin signaling in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue, is also a major effector of protein kinase B/Akt signaling in the β-cell.
The Effect of the Industrial Sector on Firms’ PerformanceIn A Multi-Cultural Economy

This paper presents empirical findings on the impact of the industrial sector on the performance of firms in a culturally div erse nation like Nigeria. The main objective of the study is to determine the overall effect of the industry in whic h a firm operates in a multicultural economy on its performance. The study opines that the cultural diversity of the Nigerian citizenry could determine to an extent the performance of a given firm in an industry and how the national economic policies affec t its operation. It examines the relationship that exist between the industrial sector of quoted firms in Nigeria and their return on assets (as an accounting performance measure) and Tobin’s Q (as a market performance measure). The study employed panel data analysis using the Random Effect Model which is best suited for the data set, since there is need to control for the effe ct of the industrial sector on firms’ performance. The study shows that the industrial sector dummy variables are not significantly related to the accounting measure of performance (ROA) but have a significant relationship with the market performance (Tobin’s Q). The study concludes that regardless of the diverse cultural citizenship values in Nigeria, there is presence of the industrial sector in the economy. The study therefore recommends that Nigerian firms should strive to match their high market performance with real internal activities/operations that would reflect or rub -off on their internal growth and accounting performance.
Population genetic structure of two rare tree species (Colubrina oppositifolia and Alphitonia ponderosa, Rhamnaceae) from Hawaiian dry and mesic forests using random amplified polymorphic DNA markers

Hawaiian dry and mesic forests contain an increasingly rare assemblage of species due to habitat destruction, invasive alien weeds and exotic pests. Two rare Rhamnaceae species in these ecosystems, Colubrina oppositifolia and Alphitonia ponderosa, were examined using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers to determine the genetic structure of the populations and the amount of variation relative to other native Hawaiian species. Relative variation is lower than with other Hawaiian species, although this is probably not a consequence of genetic bottleneck. Larger populations of both species contain the highest levels of genetic diversity and smaller populations generally the least as determined by number of polymorphic loci, estimated heterozygosity, and Shannon’s index of genetic diversity. Populations on separate islands were readily discernible for both species as were two populations of C. oppositifolia on Hawai’i island (North and South Kona populations). Substructure among Kaua’i subpopulations of A. ponderosa that were ecologically separated was also evident. Although population diversity is thought to have remained at predisturbance levels, population size continues to decline as recruitment is either absent or does not keep pace with senescence of mature plants. Recovery efforts must focus on control of alien species if these and other endemic dry and mesic forest species are to persist.
Organizing the Global Value Chain

We develop a property-rights model of the firm in which production entails a continuum of uniquely sequenced stages. In each stage, a final-good producer contracts with a distinct supplier for the procurement of a customized stage-specific component. Our model yields a sharp characterization for the optimal allocation of ownership rights along the value chain. We show that the incentive to integrate suppliers varies systematically with the relative position (upstream versus downstream) at which the supplier enters the production line. Furthermore, the nature of the relationship between integration and "downstreamness" depends crucially on the elasticity of demand faced by the final-good producer. Our model readily accommodates various sources of asymmetry across final-good producers and across suppliers within a production line, and we show how it can be taken to the data with international trade statistics. Combining data from the U.S. Census Bureau's Related Party Trade database and estimates of U.S. import demand elasticities from Broda and Weinstein (2006), we find empirical evidence broadly supportive of our key predictions. In the process, we develop two novel measures of the average position of an industry in the value chain, which we construct using U.S. Input-Output Tables.
Cognitive radio DAB MAC protocol performance using a CR specific simulator and Software Defined Radio

With the constant advances in wireless technology, radio spectrum has become a very scarce resource. Cognitive Radio (CR) has emerged as a viable way to deal with our inefficient use of the radio spectrum by utilizing unused spectrum holes or white spaces, as they are referred to. Using Software Defined Radio (SDR) we are able to realize CRs and their unique properties. Most of the research that has been done on CR protocols has been based on analytical assessments and simulations using non-CR specific network simulators. In this paper we code and compare two existing CR specific Medium Access Control (MAC) protocols using a CR specific simulator. We then prototype the chosen protocols using the Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP). This allows us to see how close the simulated performance results come to those actually achieved in a real prototype.
A novel feature extraction technique for the recognition of segmented handwritten characters

High accuracy character recognition techniques can provide useful information for segmentation-based handwritten word recognition systems. This research describes neural network-based techniques for segmented character recognition that may be applied to the segmentation and recognition components of an off-line handwritten word recognition system. Two neural architectures along with two different feature extraction techniques were investigated. A novel technique for character feature extraction is discussed and compared with others in the literature. Recognition results above 80% are reported using characters automatically segmented from the CEDAR benchmark database as well as standard CEDAR alphanumerics.
Orthographic Star Coordinates

Star coordinates is a popular projection technique from an nD data space to a 2D/3D visualization domain. It is defined by setting n coordinate axes in the visualization domain. Since it generally defines an affine projection, strong distortions can occur: an nD sphere can be mapped to an ellipse of arbitrary size and aspect ratio. We propose to restrict star coordinates to orthographic projections which map an nD sphere of radius r to a 2D circle of radius r. We achieve this by formulating conditions for the coordinate axes to define orthographic projections, and by running a repeated non-linear optimization in the background of every modification of the coordinate axes. This way, we define a number of orthographic interaction concepts as well as orthographic data tour sequences: a scatterplot tour, a principle component tour, and a grand tour. All concepts are illustrated and evaluated with synthetic and real data.