Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macrophage Scavenger Receptor A Promotes Tumor Progression in Murine Models of Ovarian and Pancreatic Cancer

Alternatively activated macrophages express the pattern recognition receptor scavenger receptor A (SR-A). We demonstrated previously that coculture of macrophages with tumor cells upregulates macrophage SR-A expression. We show in this study that macrophage SR-A deficiency inhibits tumor cell migration in a coculture assay. We further demonstrate that coculture of tumor-associated macrophages and tumor cells induces secretion of factors that are recognized by SR-A on tumor-associated macrophages. We tentatively identified several potential ligands for the SR-A receptor in tumor cell–macrophage cocultures by mass spectrometry. Competing with the coculture-induced ligand in our invasion assay recapitulates SR-A deficiency and leads to similar inhibition of tumor cell invasion. In line with our in vitro findings, tumor progression and metastasis are inhibited in SR-A−/− mice in two in vivo models of ovarian and pancreatic cancer. Finally, treatment of tumor-bearing mice with 4F, a small peptide SR-A ligand able to compete with physiological SR-A ligands in vitro, recapitulates the inhibition of tumor progression and metastasis observed in SR-A−/− mice. Our observations suggest that SR-A may be a potential drug target in the prevention of metastatic cancer progression.
Anticaries potential of commercial fluoride rinses as determined by fluoridation and remineralization efficiency.

OBJECTIVE The objective of this work was to compare the anticaries potential of several currently marketed fluoride-containing mouthrinse products using two in vitro approaches: 1) fluoride uptake studies of demineralized human enamel samples after exposure to rinse products; and 2) microhardness studies of sound enamel samples after exposure to the rinse products and demineralizing agents. METHODS Four currently marketed rinse products, formulated at 100 ppm F, were evaluated in fluoride uptake studies relative to a negative (water) rinse control (Study 1). The same rinse products were evaluated in microhardness studies (Study 2) against a positive control, ACT Anticavity rinse, which is formulated with 225 ppm F and carries the ADA Seal of Acceptance as an effective anticavity mouthrinse. Test products included ACT Total Care rinse (pH = 6.34), Listerine Total Care rinse (pH = 3.57), Crest Pro-Health for Me rinse (pH = 3.33), and Crest Pro-Health Complete rinse (pH = 3.43). RESULTS Study 1-Samples treated with any of the fluoride-containing rinses showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of fluoride uptake than the negative (water) control. Two of the products (Crest Pro-Health for Me and Crest Pro-Health Complete) showed significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of fluoride uptake into demineralized enamel than the other marketed rinses (Listerine Total Care and ACT Total Care). Study 2-Samples treated with the same two rinse products (Crest Pro-Health For Me and Crest Pro-Health Complete) showed significantly lower mineral loss than the other rinse products, as well as the positive control. CONCLUSION Results of these in vitro studies indicate that the Crest mouthrinse products evaluated here are capable of providing significantly better fluoridation of demineralized enamel, as well as significantly better protection against the initiation and progression of demineralization, compared to the other marketed fluoride-containing mouthrinse products tested.
Quantitative assessment of the retinal microvasculature using optical coherence tomography angiography

Abstract. Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) is clinically useful for the qualitative assessment of the macular microvasculature. However, there is a need for comprehensive quantitative tools to help objectively analyze the OCT angiograms. Few studies have reported the use of a single quantitative index to describe vessel density in OCT angiograms. In this study, we introduce a five-index quantitative analysis of OCT angiograms in an attempt to detect and assess vascular abnormalities from multiple perspectives. The indices include vessel area density, vessel skeleton density, vessel diameter index, vessel perimeter index, and vessel complexity index. We show the usefulness of the proposed indices with five illustrative cases. Repeatability is tested on both a healthy case and a stable diseased case, giving interclass coefficients smaller than 0.031. The results demonstrate that our proposed quantitative analysis may be useful as a complement to conventional OCTA for the diagnosis of disease and monitoring of treatment.
Family Preferences Concerning Online Privacy, Data Mining, and Targeted Ads: Regulatory Implications

Abstract Young Internet users engage in risky or inappropriate behavior online that could either be embarrassing or harmful to their future. As importantly, young Internet users engage in online activities that reveal a great deal about the cost to serve them and their willingness to pay for goods and services, which could be used against them by well-informed sellers. Educational applications that collect users’ information are becoming ubiquitous in the classroom, presenting the opportunity for students’ data to be mined. We are not aware of prior studies that examine parental or students’ attitudes and preferences toward data mining of educational application accounts, and how these attitudes differ across several countries. We used three survey instruments to measure parents’ and students’ attitudes toward data mining of educational applications. Parents in all countries studied prefer far less data mining of students’ online activities than seems to be the current practice. Most importantly, aversion to data mining does not seem to be correlated with awareness of current practices of data mining of teens’ activities. This study highlights regulatory alternatives and suggests future research and future data requirements for designing appropriate regulatory interventions. The nature of the intervention will be guided by the nature of the causes of inappropriate online behavior and inappropriate selection of educational software. Intervention could range from no regulation needed, through providing greater transparency, to new and detailed legal requirements that software providers must meet.
Loss of Fbxw7 expression is a predictor of recurrence in colorectal liver metastasis

Fbxw7 is a tumor suppressor through ubiquitination and degradation of multiple oncoproteins. Loss of Fbxw7 is frequently observed in various human cancers. In this study, we examined the role of Fbxw7 expression in colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM) and its mechanism.
A preliminary video analysis of concussion in the National Rugby League

Abstract Primary objective: To conduct the first video analysis of concussion in the Australian National Rugby League (NRL) and describe player and injury characteristics, situational factors and time to return to play. Research design: Descriptive, observational case series. Methods and procedures: Video analysis of 20 medically diagnosed concussions for three consenting clubs during the 2013 NRL season. Main outcome and results: Most concussions (83%) occurred during a high tackle, and all injured ball carriers were hit high. Loss of consciousness was observed in 30% of cases. Common observable signs of injury included clutching of the head, balance problems or wobbly legs and a blank or vacant state. There were no post-concussive seizures. All players with loss of consciousness were removed from play. However, only half of the total sample was removed from play and one athlete who was removed returned to play in the same match. Of the players who were removed from play, the large majority returned the following week. Illegal play accounted for 25% of all concussions. Conclusions: Video analysis may be a useful method to study the incidence, mechanism and management of concussion in sports such as Rugby League. Future studies may include larger numbers to validate this preliminary data and may also investigate other levels of play and age ranges.
Deep Learning in Intrusion Detection System: An Overview

Identifying unknown attacks is one of the big challenge s in network Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) research. In the past decades, researchers adopted various machine learning approaches to classify and distinguish anomaly traffic from benign traffic without prior knowledge on the attack signature. Extensive academic research on machine learning made a significant breakthrough in mimicking human brain recently. The state-of-the-art on machine learning breakthrough comes from deep learning which has been predicted to cause a powerful improvement in artificial intelligence field. Numerous complex applications have been accomplished by deep learning. One of the distinguished applications is AlphaGo from Google that uses Convolutional Neural Network. AlphaGo beat the Korean world champion in the “Go” game recently by showing superman-like capabilities in remote machine learning. The advancements on this learning algorithms may improve IDS ability to reach high detection rate and low false alarm rate. However, the deep learning implementations in intrusion detection applications may have some limitations. In this paper, we survey previous IDSs that embrace deep learning approaches. Deep learning methods such as deep belief network, restricted Boltzman machine, deep Boltzman machine, deep neural network, auto encoder, etc. , are commonly used in IDSs. We examine such deep learning methods with their advantages and disadvantages in order to get better understanding on how to apply deep learning. We realize that there is a confusion of how to adopt deep learning in IDS application properly. Our claim is that deep learning is useful in IDS, especially for feature extraction. In order to support our claim, we provide future challenges and directions to employ deep learning in IDS accordingly. Finally, deep learning methods can enhance future research on unknown attack detection.
A 1.2 mV ripple, 4.5 V charge pump using controllable pumping current technology

: This paper represents a 4.5 V regulated charge pump with extremely small ripple. The pump designed with Voltage Doubler (VD) signi ﬁ cantly reduces the output ripple voltage. In addition, this circuit utilizes a controllable pumping current (CPC) technology, which achieves automatically adjusting output current by feedback mechanism and resizing transfer transistors. The proposed charge pump has been demonstrated in 0.32 µm 3D NAND periphery technology under 3 V power supply. Simulation results show that the output ripple voltage is 1.2 mV at 5 mA load current with 0.1 µF load capacitance. The maximum current drivability and power ef ﬁ ciency is 8 mA and 81% respectively.
Dynamic analysis of flip-chip self-alignment

Self-alignment of soldered electronic components such as flip-chips (FC), ball grid arrays (BGA) and optoelectronic devices during solder reflow is important as it ensures good alignment between components and substrates. Two uncoupled analytical models are presented which provide estimates of the dynamic time scales of both the chip and the solder in the self-alignment process. These predicted time scales can be used to decide whether a coupled dynamic analysis is required for the analysis of the chip motion. In this paper, we will show that for flip-chips, the alignment dynamics can be described accurately only when the chip motion is coupled with the solder motion because the two have similar time-scale values. To study this coupled phenomenon, a dynamic modeling method has been developed. The modeling results show that the uncoupled and coupled calculations result in significantly different predictions. The calculations based on the coupled model predict much faster rates of alignment than those predicted using the uncoupled approach.
Evolutionary genetics evidence of an essential, nonredundant role of the IFN‐γ pathway in protective immunity

Identifying how natural selection has affected immunity‐related genes can provide insights into the mechanisms that have been crucial for our survival against infection. Rare disorders of either chain of the IFN‐γ receptor, but not of IFN‐γ itself, have been shown to confer predisposition to mycobacterial disease in patients otherwise normally resistant to most viruses. Here, we defined the levels of naturally occurring variation in the three specific genes controlling the IFN‐γ pathway (IFNG, IFNGR1, IFNGR2) and assessed whether and how natural selection has acted on them. To this end, we resequenced the three genes in 186 individuals from sub‐Saharan Africa, Europe, and East‐Asia. Our results show that IFNG is subject to strong purifying selection against nonsynonymous variants. Conversely, IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 evolve under more relaxed selective constraints, although they are not completely free to accumulate amino acid variation having a major impact on protein function. In addition, we have identified signatures of population‐specific positive selection, including at one intronic variant known to be associated with higher production of IFN‐γ. The integration of our population genetic data into a clinical framework demonstrates that the IFN‐γ pathway is essential and nonredundant in host defense, probably because of its role in protective immunity against mycobacteria. Hum Mutat 32:1–10, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Anchorage Bend in the Begg Technique *

The anchorage bend is an essential feature of the Begg technique. The factors which affect the degree of the anchorage bend include operator preferences as well as certain mechanical features of the case being treated. A test jig was constructed so as to be able to measure on the bench the intrusive forces developed by an anchorage bend over the six anterior teeth for a selection of different archwires. The amount of force developed was proportional to the degree of anchorage bend and also to the diameter of the archwire. The jig was modified in order to measure the frictional resistance to distal movement generated by the anchorage bend. The resistance was found to be greater than the usually quoted forces designed to slide the upper archwire distally. An oval tube was placed on to the test jig and doubled back archwires used. A reduction in intrusive force for a particular degree of anchorage bend was seen although frictional resistance was not affected when using doubled back archwires.
Subcellular localization of proteins governing the proteolytic activation of a developmental transcription factor in Bacillus subtilis

Background: Spore formation in Bacillus subtilis takes place in a sporangium consisting of two compartments called the forespore and the mother cell. Late in development, when the forespore is wholly contained within the mother cell, gene transcription is coordinated between the compartments by an intercellular signal transduction pathway. This pathway operates at the level of proteolytic processing of the proprotein precursor (pro‐σK) to the mother‐cell transcription factor σK. The conversion of pro‐σK to σK is governed by the putative processing enzyme SpoIVFB and its negative regulator SpoIVFA, which are produced in the mother cell.
Synthesis and Screening for Anti-HIV Activity of Some N-Mannich Bases of Isatin Derivatives

The effect of about 12 new compounds of Mannich bases of isatin against HIV-1 (IIIB) and HIV-2 (ROD) strains in MT 4 cells was studied. The screening method employed was MTT. In initial studies, one compound has shown maximum protection of 16% in subtoxic concentration.
A Cycling Protein Complex Required for Selective Autophagy

Survival of environmental stress conditions requires the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. To preserve this balance, cells utilize a degradative mechanism known as autophagy. During this process, in response to starvation or other stresses, bulk cytoplasm is non-specifically sequestered within double-membrane vesicles and delivered to the lysosome/vacuole for subsequent degradation and recycling. The cytoplasm to vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway is a type of specific autophagy, which occurs constitutively during growing conditions. Here, we examine three autophagy-related (Atg) proteins, Atg9, Atg23 and Atg27, which exhibit a unique localization pattern, residing both at the pre-autophagosomal structure (PAS) and other peripheral sites. These proteins colocalize, interact with one another in vivo, and form a functional complex. Furthermore, all three proteins cycle between the PAS and the other sites, and depend upon one another for this movement. Our data suggest that Atg9, Atg23 and Atg27 play a role in Atg protein retrieval from the PAS. In addition, Atg9 and Atg27 are the only known integral membrane Atg proteins involved in vesicle formation; a better understanding of their function may offer insight into the mechanism of membrane delivery to the PAS, the site of double-membrane vesicle assembly.
Targeted Therapy for Renal Cell Carcinoma: A New Therapeutic Paradigm

Renal cell carcinoma is the most common tumor of the kidney. It has an unpredictable behavior and poor response to systemic therapy. Developing newer therapy for this disease is a priority considering the high recurrence rate and the small subset of patients who benefit from the use of cytokines such as interferon-α or interleukin-2. Identifying molecular targets and targeting various biomarkers has revolutionized the therapeutic approach to advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Although some of the antiangiogenic agents and receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors appear promising, further understanding of their mechanism of action and the patient population who would benefit most from such agents is still being explored. As numerous targeted agents are entering the clinical investigation arena in a relatively short period of time, newer challenges in renal cell carcinoma therapeutics are emerging. Some of the future challenges in using targeted antineoplastic agents in renal cell carcinoma will include evaluating their long-term safety and benefit, using the particular drug in the appropriate patient population after appropriate stratification and studying the combination of some of these drugs for synergy or additive effects.
Domain Size of Phase-Separated NaxCoO2 as Investigated by X-Ray Microdiffraction

O3-NaCoO 2 is a promising cathode material for sodium ion secondary batteries (SIBs). Na x CoO 2 shows phase separation (PS) into the O3 and O ′ 3 phases in the Na concentration range of 0.89 ⩽ x ⩽ 0.99. In order to estimate the domain size (r) in the two-phase region, we performed X-ray microdiffraction (XRMD) of thin films of Na x CoO 2 at x = 0.97 and ∼1. We found that r (≈400 nm) of the O ′ 3 domain is comparable to the particle size d (=331 ± 87 nm) in the as-grown O3-NaCoO 2 film. This observation suggests that individual particles of Na x CoO 2 are single phase to minimize the strain at the O3–O ′ 3 phase boundary.
D 2 D Meets Cellular Using Network Coding

Device-to-device (D2D) connections among mobile devices is promising to meet the increasing throughput demand over cellular links. In particular, when mobile devices are in close proximity of each other and are interested in the same content, D2D connections such as Wi-Fi Direct can be opportunistically used to construct a cooperative networking system. In this setup, it is crucial to understand, quantify, and exploit the potential of cooperative mobile devices when D2D connections are used in conjunction with cellular. This paper presents our work on effectively utilizing network coding for cooperative mobile devices that have D2D and cellular connections. In particular, we first develop “Content -Aware Network Coding” algorithm for cooperative mobile devices utilizing cellular and D2D connections. The core idea behind content-aware network coding is to deliver high quality multimedia content to mobile devices by taking into account the importance of each packet. Then, we develop Network Coding with Multiple Interfaces (NCMI) framework, which jointly uses cellular and D2D links to deliver content. NCMI minimizes the amount of time to deliver data to all mobile devices by making a decision on which network coded packets should be transmitted over cellular and D2D connections. We demonstrate the benefits of our algorithms through simulations.
Adaptive detection for tracking moving biological objects in video microscopy sequences

We present a method to detect and track multiple moving biological objects in images acquired by video microscopy. The automatic detection is based upon the correlation of the image with a filter which varies adaptively to represent an object as it moves and deforms. The tracking is performed using a Kalman filter and a cost function which enable the position of the moving objects to be predicted, refined and updated. The efficiency of the method has been tested on real biological image sequences and is illustrated by results obtained from the analysis of typical biological video microscopy sequences.
Bacterial Growth on Cochlear Implants as a Potential Origin of Complications

Objective To investigate the presence and spectrum of bacterial colonization in relation to cochlear implant infections by introducing molecular biologic methods. Method In a pilot test, a virgin device served as a control to validate the subsequent sampling and analysis process via PCR and SSCP. Subsequently, analysis was performed on specimens of 15 cochlear implants explanted from 15 patients because of device failures, infections, or malinsertions. Results Positive SSCP results could be verified on 8 of the 15 explanted CI, in detail, 3 of 4 infected cochlear implants and 5 of 9 cochlear implants explanted because of device failure. The germ spectrum shows common germs such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Haemophilus influenzae, as well as germs from the dental cavity, with a peak of P. aeruginosa in infections. Conclusion Detection and identification of microbial colonization on cochlear implants can be successfully conducted using the proposed approach of smear test subsequent genetic analysis. The prevalence of P. aeruginosa and germs from the dental cavity may demand an adaption of antibiosis with respect to these germs. Further investigations of the path of infection are needed, and patients might require a prevention by preoperative dental treatment.
Robust position control of ultrasonic motor using VSS observer

Intrinsic properties of ultrasonic motor (high torque for low speed, high static torque, compact in size, etc.) offer great advantages for industrial applications. However, when load torque is applied, dead-zone occurs in control input. Therefore, sliding mode controller, which is a nonlinear controller, is adopted for ultrasonic motor. The state quantities, such as acceleration, speed, and position are needed to apply the sliding mode controller for position control. However, rotary encoder causes quantization errors in the speed information. This paper presents a robust position control method for ultrasonic motor by using Variable Structure System(VSS) observer. The state variables for sliding mode controller are estimated by the VSS observer. Besides, a small, low cost, and good response sliding mode controller is designed in this paper by using a micro computer that is essential in embedded system for the developments of industrial equipments. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by experimental results.