Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Roadmap Roadmap on ultrafast optics

The year 2015 marked the 25th anniversary of modern ultrafast optics, since the demonstration of the first Kerr lens modelocked Ti:sapphire laser in 1990 (Spence et al 1990 Conf. on Lasers and Electro-Optics, CLEO, pp 619–20) heralded an explosion of scientific and engineering innovation. The impact of this disruptive technology extended well beyond the previous discipline boundaries of lasers, reaching into biology labs, manufacturing facilities, and even consumer healthcare and electronics. In recognition of such a milestone, this roadmap on Ultrafast Optics draws together articles from some of the key opinion leaders in the field to provide a freeze-frame of the state-of-the-art, while also attempting to forecast the technical and scientific paradigms which will define the field over the next 25 years. While no roadmap can be fully comprehensive, the thirteen articles here reflect the most exciting technical opportunities presented at the current time in Ultrafast Optics. Several articles examine the future landscape for ultrafast light sources, from practical solid-state/fiber lasers and Raman microresonators to exotic attosecond extreme ultraviolet and possibly even zeptosecond x-ray pulses. Others address the control and measurement challenges, requiring radical approaches to harness nonlinear effects such as filamentation and parametric generation, coupled with the question of how to most accurately characterise the field of ultrafast pulses simultaneously in space and time. Applications of ultrafast sources in materials processing, spectroscopy and time-resolved Journal of Optics J. Opt. 18 (2016) 093006 (32pp) doi:10.1088/2040-8978/18/9/093006 15 Guest editor of the roadmap. 2040-8978/16/093006+32$33.00 © 2016 IOP Publishing Ltd Printed in the UK 1 chemistry are also discussed, highlighting the improvements in performance possible by using lasers of higher peak power and repetition rate, or by exploiting the phase stability of emerging new frequency comb sources.
Small G proteins in insulin action: Rab and Rho families at the crossroads of signal transduction and GLUT4 vesicle traffic

Insulin stimulates glucose uptake into muscle and adipose tissues through glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4). GLUT4 cycles between the intracellular compartments and the plasma membrane. GLUT4 traffic‐regulating insulin signals are largely within the insulin receptor‐insulin receptor substrate‐phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (IR‐IRS‐PI3K) axis. In muscle cells, insulin signal bifurcates downstream of the PI3K into one arm leading to the activation of the Ser/Thr kinases Akt and atypical protein kinase C, and another leading to the activation of Rho family protein Rac1 leading to actin remodelling. Activated Akt inactivates AS160, a GTPase‐activating protein for Rab family small G proteins. Here we review the roles of Rab and Rho proteins, particularly Rab substrates of AS160 and Rac1, in insulin‐stimulated GLUT4 traffic. We discuss: (1) how distinct steps in GLUT4 traffic may be regulated by discrete Rab proteins, and (2) the importance of Rac1 activation in insulin‐induced actin remodelling in muscle cells, a key element for the net gain in surface GLUT4.
Inhibition of Liver Metastasis of Human Pancreatic Carcinoma by Angiogenesis Inhibitor TNP‐470 in Combination with Cisplatin

The anti‐tumor and anti‐metastatic effects of O‐(chloroacetyl‐carbamoyl) fumagillol (TNP‐470), an angiogenesis inhibitor, and cisplatin (CDDP), an anti‐neoplastic agent, were investigated using our established liver‐metastasizing pancreatic carcinoma line, HPC‐3H4. HPC‐3H4 was injected into the spleens of nude mice. Mice were randomly divided into 5 groups; a control group given saline solution, a group receiving 45 mg/kg TNP‐470, a group receiving 90 mg/kg TNP‐470, a group receiving 90 mg/kg TNP‐470 in combination with 0.25 mg/kg CDDP, and a group receiving 0.25 mg/kg CDDP. In the control group, liver metastasis developed in 14 of 15 mice (93.3%). Liver metastasis developed in 9 of 11 mice (81.8%) receiving 0.25 mg/kg CDDP. It developed in 11 of 15 mice (73.3%) receiving 45 mg/kg TNP‐470, in 17 of 18 mice (94.4%) receiving 90 mg/kg TNP‐470, and in 4 of 10 mice (40%) receiving 90 mg/kg TNP‐470 in combination with 0.25 mg/kg CDDP. TNP‐470 in combination with CDDP displayed a significant inhibitory effect on liver metastasis compared to the control. Although TNP‐470 alone and CDDP alone had no effect on the tumor growth in vivo, 90 mg/kg TNP‐470 in combination with 0.25 mg/kg CDDP had a significant effect. In vitro examinations demonstrated that the growth of HPC‐3H4 cells was only mildly inhibited by TNP‐470, but the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by HPC‐3H4 was clearly inhibited by TNP‐470. The inhibitory effect on the production of VEGF was not strong with CDDP treatment. These results indicate that the angiogenesis inhibitor TNP‐470 in combination with low‐dose CDDP has inhibitory activity against liver metastasis of human pancreatic carcinoma.
Candidate gene identification of ovulation-inducing genes by RNA sequencing with an in vivo assay in zebrafish

We previously reported the microarray-based selection of three ovulation-related genes in zebrafish. We used a different selection method in this study, RNA sequencing analysis. An additional eight up-regulated candidates were found as specifically up-regulated genes in ovulation-induced samples. Changes in gene expression were confirmed by qPCR analysis. Furthermore, up-regulation prior to ovulation during natural spawning was verified in samples from natural pairing. Gene knock-out zebrafish strains of one of the candidates, the starmaker gene (stm), were established by CRISPR genome editing techniques. Unexpectedly, homozygous mutants were fertile and could spawn eggs. However, a high percentage of unfertilized eggs and abnormal embryos were produced from these homozygous females. The results suggest that the stm gene is necessary for fertilization. In this study, we selected additional ovulation-inducing candidate genes, and a novel function of the stm gene was investigated.
Vision-based cellular force measurement using an elastic microfabricated device

Manipulation and characterization of individual biological cells require cellular forces to be precisely measured in real time. This paper presents a computer vision-based cellular force measurement platform that allows for the use of a single vision sensor (CCD/CMOS camera) to simultaneously obtain two forms of feedback (i.e., vision and force). A novel silicone elastomer-based cell holding device and a sub-pixel visual tracking algorithm are developed. Deflections of elastic, low-stiffness structures are visually tracked, and material deflections are subsequently transformed into cellular forces. Experimental results demonstrate that the current vision-based force sensing system is capable of performing robust cellular force measurements at a full 30 Hz with a 3.7 µN resolution. Importantly, the vision-based cellular force sensing framework established in this study is not scale- or cell-line-dependent. The device design, visual tracking algorithm, and experimental technique form a powerful framework that would permit visually resolving cellular forces in real time with a sub-nanoNewton (26 pN) resolution for applications in single cell manipulation and characterization.
The Crutial Way of Critical Infrastructure Protection

Critical infrastructures are essentially physical processes controlled by networked computers. They're usually as vulnerable as any other interconnected computer system, but their failure has a high socioeconomic impact. The critical utility infrastructural resilience (Crutial) information switch is an intrusion-tolerant and self-healing device designed to protect these critical infrastructures.
The TdT‐mediated dUTP Nick End Labeling Assay Precisely Assesses the DNA Damage in Human Tumor Xenografts

Cultured HL‐60, HeLa S3 and WiDr cells grown in male BALB/c nu/nu mice were studied by conventional and field‐inversion DNA gel electrophoresis (FIGE), as well as by means of cytomorphological approaches, including TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Chemosensitivity tests revealed HL‐60 to be sensitive to vindesine (VDS), and HeLa S3 and WiDr to mitomycin C (MMC). Although VDS‐treated HL‐60 exhibited condensation of chromatin and a DNA ladder, MMC‐exposed HL‐60 cells showed apoptotic figures without typical DNA ladders. With MMC‐treated WiDr cells, neither DNA ladders nor apoptotic figures were observed. Cells characterized by chromatin condensation were TUNEL‐positive in both treated and untreated cases with the exception of the MMC‐treated WiDr case, in which many TUNEL‐positive cells were observed without cytomorphological changes. On FIGE, DNA fragments of approximately 50, 300 and 400 kbp were detected in groups treated with both effective and ineffective drugs, as well as in untreated controls. Furthermore, change of the time parameters in FIGE resulted in different sizes (550 and 850 kbp) of DNA fragments. These findings indicate that i) cell death is not always detectable in terms of apoptotic figures or DNA oligonucleosomal fragmentation, ii) only the TUNEL assay is a reliable tool to detect DNA damage and, iii) FIGE does not provide accurate size profiles of macromolecular DNA fragments.
Abstract 446: HSP90 inhibitors disrupt a transient HSP90-HSF1 interaction and identify a noncanonical model of HSP90-mediated HSF1 regulation

Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is an evolutionarily conserved transcription factor that initiates the cytoprotective heat shock response (HSR) and mediates a cancer-specific transcriptional program, which is comprised of over 500 genes and has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. HSF1 is thought to be regulated by molecular chaperones, including Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90). The purpose of our study was to describe the interactions between molecular chaperones, such as HSP90 and HSP70, and HSF1 and to determine the mechanism(s) by which HSP90 inhibitors promote the HSR in mammalian cells. Using a combination of techniques including IP-WB, ChIP, and RT-qPCR analysis, we demonstrated that HSP90 binding to HSF1 depends on HSP90 conformation and is only readily visualized for the ATP-dependent, N-domain dimerized chaperone, a conformation rarely sampled by mammalian HSP90. We also showed that ATP-competitive, N-domain targeted HSP90 inhibitors disrupt this interaction and enhance HSF1 phosphorylation, resulting in the increased duration of HSF1 occupancy of the hsp70 promoter and significant prolongation of both the constitutive and heat-induced HSF1 transcriptional activity. While our data do not support a role for HSP90 in sequestering HSF1 monomers to suppress HSF1 transcriptional activity, as has been previously proposed, our findings do identify a noncanonical role for HSP90 in providing dynamic modulation of HSF1 activity by participating in removal of HSF1 trimers from heat shock elements in DNA, thus terminating the heat shock response. Citation Format: Megan L. Tigue, Toshiki Kijima, Thomas L. Prince, Kendrick H. Yim, Harvey Schwartz, Kristin Beebe, Sunmin Lee, Marek A. Budzynski, Heinric Williams, Jane B. Trepel, Lea Sistonen, Stuart Calderwood, Len Neckers. HSP90 inhibitors disrupt a transient HSP90-HSF1 interaction and identify a noncanonical model of HSP90-mediated HSF1 regulation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 446.
Simulation and management implications of feral horse grazing on Cumberland Island, Georgia.

Cumberiand Island National ! &shore, Georgia, is inhabited by a population of feral horsea that intensively graze the island’s salt marshes. Based on 18 months of experimental grazing studies, a carbon flow simulation model was developed for a medium height Spartina a&emfloru marsh and used to estimate an acceptable population size of feral horses. Five-year shnulations indicated a threshold of 2,700 kg/ha aboveground Spurtha biomass below which the system did not recover if intensive grazing continued. The difference between this threshold and annual peak biomazs of ungrazed Sparth was used to estimate horse densities that would not cause marsh degradation. Results suggest the horse population should number between 49 and 73 horses if exceesive damage to the salt marshes is to be prevented. Thus, the current population of 180 horses should be reduced.
How many hidden layers and nodes?

The question of how many hidden layers and how many hidden nodes should there be always comes up in any classification task of remotely sensed data using neural networks. Until today there has been no exact solution. A method of shedding some light to this question is presented in this paper. A near‐optimal solution is discovered after searching with a genetic algorithm. A novel fitness function is introduced that concurrently seeks for the most accurate and compact solution. The proposed method is thoroughly compared to many other methods currently in use, including several heuristics and pruning algorithms. The results are encouraging, indicating that it is time to shift our focus from suboptimal practices to efficient search methods, to tune the parameters of neural networks.
DIVERSITY MONOPULSE ANTENNA BASED ON A DUAL-FREQUENCY AND DUAL MODE CRLH RAT- RACE COUPLER

A diversity monopulse antenna is presented in this paper. This monopulse antenna is based on a dual frequency dual mode ratrace coupler that has been designed by using Composite Right/Left Handed (CRLH) Transmission Lines (TL). The device has two input ports while the (Σ) and (Δ) outputs are interchangable at either of the two operating frequencies. In this way the monopulse antenna can work at two different frequencies with two sets of radiation patterns, Σ and Δ. In addition, there is no need of diplexing to separate the (Σ) and (Δ) radiation patterns since these patterns at either frequency are directly obtained at different ports. The dual frequency dual mode rat-race requires that the phase delay of the CRLH lines must be different at either working frequency. As an example of an application, a 950MHz/1.8GHz dual-band dual-mode rat-race coupler is shown.
The University of Bradford Institutional Repository

— On the inception of the third millennium, there is much evidence that cloud technologies have become the strategic trend for many governments, not only for developed countries (e.g. the UK, Japan and the USA), but also developing countries (e.g. Malaysia and countries in the Middle East region). These countries have launched cloud computing movements for enhanced standardization of IT resources, cost reduction and more efficient public services. Cloud-based e-government services are considered to be one of the high priorities for government agencies in Jordan. Although experiencing phenomenal evolution, government cloud-services are still suffering from the adoption challenges of e-government initiatives (e.g. technological, human, social and financial aspects) which need to be considered carefully by governments contemplating their implementation. While e-government adoption from the citizens’ perspective has been extensively investigated using different theoretical models, these models have not paid adequate attention to security issues. This paper presents a pilot study to investigate citizens’ perceptions of the extent to which these challenges inhibit the acceptance and use of cloud computing in the Jordanian public sector and examine the effect of these challenges on the security perceptions of citizens. Based on the analysis of data collected from online surveys, some important challenges were identified. The results can help to guide successful acceptance of cloud-based e-government services in Jordan.
INSECTS AS FOOD IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Data on insects as food in sub-Saharan Africa were collected by reviewing the literature and conducting interviews in a number of African countries. A list of about 250 edible insect species from Africa was compiled. Of these, 78 percent are Lepidoptera (30%), Orthoptera (29%) and Coleoptera (19%), and 22 percent Isoptera, Homoptera, Hymenoptera, Heteroptera, Diptera and Odonota. Insects are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, and a good source of iron and B-vitamins. Examples of insects being toxic are given, but often traditional methods are used to remove the poison. Whether or not insects are eaten depends not only on taste and nutritional value, but also on customs, ethnic preferences or prohibitions. The harvesting of insects is often done by women. The way of collecting depends on insects’ behaviour. For example, inactivity at low temperatures enables easy catching of locusts and grasshoppers in the morning. Night flyers (termites, some grasshoppers) can be lured into traps by light and some insects like palm weevils can be attracted to artificially created breeding sites. Some species (crickets, cicadas) can be located by the sound they make. A number of tools are used to facilitate capturing such as glue, sticks, nets and baskets. Because most insects are only seasonally available, preservation by drying is often practised. Some examples of how to prepare them as food are given from important insect groups.
Robust control of a flexible robot arm using the quadratic d-stability approach

This paper shows how the quadratic d-stability design method provides a solution to a flexible robot arm control problem. The experimental process exhibits time delay, nonminimum phase behavior and lightly damped modes. The method is based on pole placement considerations and involves the resolution of two parameter dependent Riccati equations with an extra condition. Performances achieved numerically by the designed controller are tested on the physical system.
Exome array analysis of adverse reactions to fluoropyrimidine-based therapy for gastrointestinal cancer

Fluoropyrimidines, including 5-fluororacil (5FU) and its pro-drug Capecitabine, are the common treatment for colorectal, breast, neck and head cancers—either as monotherapy or in combination therapy. Adverse reactions (ADRs) to the treatment are common and often result in treatment discontinuation or dose reduction. Factors contributing to ADRs, including genetic variation, are poorly characterized. We performed exome array analysis to identify genetic variants that contribute to adverse reactions. Our final dataset consisted of 504 European ancestry individuals undergoing fluoropyrimidine-based therapy for gastrointestinal cancer. A subset of 254 of these were treated with Capecitabine. All individuals were genotyped on the Illumina HumanExome Array. Firstly, we performed SNP and gene-level analyses of protein-altering variants on the array to identify novel associations the following ADRs, which were grouped into four phenotypes based on symptoms of diarrhea, mucositis, and neutropenia and hand-and-foot syndrome. Secondly, we performed detailed analyses of the HLA region on the same phenotypes after imputing the HLA alleles and amino acids. No protein-altering variants, or sets of protein-altering variants collapsed into genes, were associated with the main outcomes after Bonferroni correction. We found evidence that the HLA region was enriched for associations with Hand-and-Foot syndrome (p = 0.023), but no specific SNPs or HLA alleles were significant after Bonferroni correction. Larger studies will be required to characterize the genetic contribution to ADRs to 5FU. Future studies that focus on the HLA region are likely to be fruitful.
Efficient coding explains the universal law of generalization in human perception

Balancing costs and performance Deciding whether a novel object is another instance of something already known or an example of something different is an easily solved problem. Empirical mapping of human performance across a wide range of domains has established an exponential relationship between the generalization gradient and interstimuli distance. Sims now shows that this relationship can be derived from a consideration of the costs of optimal information coding. Science, this issue p. 652 Learning from experience is an inevitable outcome of any error-minimizing information processing system. Perceptual generalization and discrimination are fundamental cognitive abilities. For example, if a bird eats a poisonous butterfly, it will learn to avoid preying on that species again by generalizing its past experience to new perceptual stimuli. In cognitive science, the “universal law of generalization” seeks to explain this ability and states that generalization between stimuli will follow an exponential function of their distance in “psychological space. ” Here, I challenge existing theoretical explanations for the universal law and offer an alternative account based on the principle of efficient coding. I show that the universal law emerges inevitably from any information processing system (whether biological or artificial) that minimizes the cost of perceptual error subject to constraints on the ability to process or transmit information.
Fusion, Propagation, and Structuring in Belief Networks

Belief networks are directed acyclic graphs in which the nodes represent propositions (or variables), the arcs signify direct dependencies between the linked propositions, and the strengths of these dependencies are quantified by conditional probabilities. A network of this sort can be used to represent the generic knowledge of a domain expert, and it turns into a computational architecture if the links are used not merely for storing factual knowledge but also for directing and activating the data flow in the computations which manipulate this knowledge. The first part of the paper deals with the task of fusing and propagating the impacts of new information through the networks in such a way that, when equilibrium is reached, each proposition will be assigned a measure of belief consistent with the axioms of probability theory. It is shown that if the network is singly connected (e.g. tree-structured), then probabilities can be updated by local propagation in an isomorphic network of parallel and autonomous processors and that the impact of new information can be imparted to all propositions in time proportional to the longest path in the network. The second part of the paper deals with the problem of finding a tree-structured representation for a collection of probabilistically coupled propositions using auxiliary (dummy) variables, colloquially called "hidden causes. " It is shown that if such a tree-structured representation exists, then it is possible to uniquely uncover the topology of the tree by observing pairwise dependencies among the available propositions (i.e., the leaves of the tree). The entire tree structure, including the strengths of all internal relationships, can be reconstructed in time proportional to n log n, where n is the number of leaves.