Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Challenges for imaging angiogenesis.

Angiogenesis, the sprouting of new capillaries from existing blood vessels, and vasculogenesis, the de novo generation of blood vessels, are the two primary methods of vascular expansion by which nutrient supply to tissues is adjusted to match physiological demand. Accordingly, vasculogenesis is an integral and essential component of embryonic development, and angiogenesis accompanies organ growth and regeneration [1]. Angiogenesis also occurs during wound repair, in spontaneous growth of collateral vessels in response to ischaemia, in the ovaries and uterus during the female reproductive cycle, in retinopathy and in cancer. The angiogenic process is a complex multistep phenomenon involving many growth factors and interactions between a number of cell types [2]. Angiogenesis is invoked by expression of pro-angiogenic growth factors in cells of the target tissue and by suppression of anti-angiogenic factors. Expression of angiogenic growth factors can be induced as a response to hypoxic stress, by hormonal stimulation, but can also result from activation of oncogenes. Normal vessels activated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) respond within minutes by dilation and increased permeability to macromolecular serum proteins. Extravasation of plasma proteins leads to deposition of a provisional extracellular matrix (ECM), which facilitates endothelial cell migration. Prior to endothelial proliferation and migration, activated vessels show local shedding of pericytes and smooth muscle cells. These perivascular cells are essential for maintaining vascular integrity but also further suppress endothelial cell proliferation. Proliferation, migration and elongation of endothelial capillaries require degradation of the ECM, and endothelial cells thus activated release a number of proteolytic enzymes, including collagenase. Tumours may benefit from the ECM remodelling and growth factors released during the early stages of angiogenesis, even in the absence of increased perfusion [3]. This process leads to the generation of a functional but immature endothelial plexus. The final stages of angiogenesis include stabilization, remodelling and maturation of the new vessels by recruitment of pericytes and smooth muscle cells.
Chk2 Activation and Phosphorylation-Dependent Oligomerization

ABSTRACT The tumor suppressor gene CHK2 encodes a versatile effector serine/threonine kinase involved in responses to DNA damage. Chk2 has an amino-terminal SQ/TQ cluster domain (SCD), followed by a forkhead-associated (FHA) domain and a carboxyl-terminal kinase catalytic domain. Mutations in the SCD or FHA domain impair Chk2 checkpoint function. We show here that autophosphorylation of Chk2 produced in a cell-free system requires trans phosphorylation by a wortmannin-sensitive kinase, probably ATM or ATR. Both SQ/TQ sites and non-SQ/TQ sites within the Chk2 SCD can be phosphorylated by active Chk2. Amino acid substitutions in the SCD and the FHA domain impair auto- and trans-kinase activities of Chk2. Chk2 forms oligomers that minimally require the FHA domain of one Chk2 molecule and the SCD within another Chk2 molecule. Chk2 oligomerization in vivo increases after DNA damage, and when damage is induced by gamma irradiation, this increase requires ATM. Chk2 oligomerization is phosphorylation dependent and can occur in the absence of other eukaryotic proteins. Chk2 can cross-phosphorylate another Chk2 molecule in an oligomeric complex. Induced oligomerization of a Chk2 chimera in vivo concomitant with limited DNA damage augments Chk2 kinase activity. These results suggest that Chk2 oligomerization regulates Chk2 activation, signal amplification, and transduction in DNA damage checkpoint pathways.
Myxobolus species infecting the cartilaginous rays of the gill filaments in cyprinid fishes

During a survey on myxosporean parasites of cyprinid fishes in Hungary, Myxobolus infections were found in the cartilaginous rays of the gill filaments in roach (Rutilus rutilus) and bleak (Alburnus alburnus). Myxobolus spp. causing the infections were studied by morphological, histological and molecular methods. Small plasmodia surrounded by chondrocytes contained relatively few spores which differed from each other and from the known Myxobolus spp. both in their morphology and 18S rDNA sequences. Both species, described as M. feisti sp. nov. and M. susanlimae sp. nov., are characterised by a specific cartilaginous histotropism.
Parasitological Confirmation and Analysis of Leishmania Diversity in Asymptomatic and Subclinical Infection following Resolution of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background The contribution of individuals with subclinical infection to the transmission and endemicity of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is unknown. Immunological evidence of exposure to Leishmania in residents of endemic areas has been the basis for defining the human population with asymptomatic infection. However, parasitological confirmation of subclinical infection is lacking. Methods We investigated the presence and viability of Leishmania in blood and non-invasive mucosal tissue samples from individuals with immunological evidence of subclinical infection in endemic areas for CL caused by Leishmania (Viannia) in Colombia. Detection of Leishmania kDNA was conducted by PCR-Southern Blot, and parasite viability was confirmed by amplification of parasite 7SLRNA gene transcripts. A molecular tool for genetic diversity analysis of parasite populations causing persistent subclinical infection based on PCR amplification and sequence analysis of an 82bp region between kDNA conserved blocks 1 and 2 was developed. Principal Findings Persistent Leishmania infection was demonstrated in 40% (46 of 114) of leishmanin skin test (LST) positive individuals without active disease; parasite viability was established in 59% of these (27 of 46; 24% of total). Parasite burden quantified from circulating blood monocytes, nasal, conjunctival or tonsil mucosal swab samples was comparable, and ranged between 0.2 to 22 parasites per reaction. kDNA sequences were obtained from samples from 2 individuals with asymptomatic infection and from 26 with history of CL, allowing genetic distance analysis that revealed diversity among sequences and clustering within the L. (Viannia) subgenus. Conclusions Our results provide parasitological confirmation of persistent infection among residents of endemic areas of L. (Viannia) transmission who have experienced asymptomatic infection or recovered from CL, revealing a reservoir of infection that potentially contributes to the endemicity and transmission of disease. kDNA genotyping establishes proof-of-principle of the feasibility of genetic diversity analysis in previously inaccessible and unexplored parasite populations in subclinically infected individuals.
Face authentication for e-Learning using time series information

One problem in e-Learning is that cheating by impersonation is easy. We examined variations in facial images taken with a webcam during e-Learning with the aim of detecting impersonation. In previous work, we proposed an authentication method based on updating a learner's facial images. This study examines weighted updating and the use of only the maximum similarity calculated instantaneously during the e-Learning session. The findings indicate that these proposed methods improve authentication accuracy.
Quality‐adjusted survival: A rigorous assessment of cure after cancer during childhood and adolescence

Survivors of cancer in childhood and adolescence, while increasing gratifyingly in number with ever more effective therapy, have a life expectancy that is compromised all‐too‐often in both duration and value as a result of adverse treatment‐related sequelae. Accounting for this burden of morbidity and mortality is essential for a proper appreciation of cure. Adjusting estimates of survival by measures of its quality affords a means of accomodating this requirement. It can be accomplished by “weighting” the length of survival according to preference‐based assessments of health‐related quality of life (HRQL), which allow the calculation of quality‐adjusted life years. Inclusion of measures of HRQL in clinical trials is imperative as we reach to the ultimate objective; the truly cured child restored to normal health. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finding major gene effects in Australian meat sheep : feasibility study for a Texel dataset.

Segregation analysis indicated the presence of major genes for three post-weaning traits; weight, eyemuscle depth and C fat, within a Texel based dataset obtained from LAMBPLAN. The effect of expressing one paternal copy (in phenotypic standard deviation units in brackets) was 2.71 kg (0.48) for weight, 1.05mm (0.50) for eye-muscle depth and -0.42mm (0.60) for C fat. Power calculations were used to determine the family sizes required to detect markers linked to these genes for both the halfsib (HS2) and grandprogeny (HS3) designs. Marker detection using the HS2 design required phenotypes on approximately 150 half-sibs, a feasable number within this breed.
Synergy Between Tumour Necrosis Factorα and Interleukin‐1 in the Induction of Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Migration During Inflammation

Endotoxin is a potent inflammatory stimulus and induces polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) infiltration into tissues. Macrophage (MΦ) derived IL‐1 has been proposed as a mediator of this response. TNFα is also produced by MΦs in response to endotoxin and both IL‐1 and TNF enhance PMNL adhesion to vascular endothelium in vitro. We investigated the activity of recombinant human IL‐1α, IL‐1β, and TNFα in inducing PMNL infiltration into the skin of rabbits using a quantitative 51Cr labelled blood leukocyte assay. IL‐1α and IL‐1β induced progressive PMNL accumulation, the 50% maximal response being induced by ≈ 20 units. In comparison, TNFα even at 100,000 U, induced only mild PMNL accumulations, although IL‐1α and TNFα were similarly active in inducing PMNL adherence to human umbilical vein endothelium. The human TNFα preparation was pyrogenic and induced acute, transient neutropenia in rabbits upon i.v. infusion. IL‐1α, IL‐1β and TNFα are often secreted simultaneously by MΦs, therefore we investigated their action in combination. The combination of IL‐1α with IL‐1β was nearly additive in inducing PMNL accumulation, i.e., 87% of predicted result based on the sum of the responses to individual components. The combination of TNFα with either IL‐1, each in submaximal doses, resulted in 65‐125% greater than the additive response. No such effect was observed when these monokines were injected in combination with PMNL chemotactic stimuli. These results indicate a complex interaction between inflammatory monokines in the regulation of PMNL accumulation in vivo.
Identification of Platelet Receptors for the Streptococcus gordonii DL1 Sialic Acid‐Binding Adhesin

Aggregation of human platelets by Streptococcus gordonii DL1, an interaction implicated in the pathogenesis of infective endocarditis, requires the expression of hsa, the gene encoding the sialic acid‐binding adhesin (Hsa) of this organism. To identify the sialoglycoproteins on the platelet surface as the receptors for Hsa, intrinsic membrane proteins were assessed by bacterial overlay assay. S. gordonii DL1 adhered to 130‐140‐kDa proteins, a reaction that was abolished by neuraminidase treatment of immobilized platelet surface proteins. These sialoglycoproteins were identified as platelet glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) and glycoprotein IIb (GPIIb) by immunoprecipitation with specific monoclonal antibody against each glycoprotein.
Risk Factors for Sporadic Non-Pregnancy Associated Listeriosis in Germany—Immunocompromised Patients and Frequently Consumed Ready-To-Eat Products

Non-pregnancy associated (N-PA) listeriosis, caused by Listeria monocytogenes, is a rare but severe disease, and is predominantly food-borne. Most cases appear sporadic and their infection vehicle remains unknown. Incidence has increased since 2008 in Germany. We aimed to identify underlying conditions and foods associated with sporadic N-PA listeriosis in Germany. We performed a nationwide case-control study from March 2012-December 2013. Cases were sporadic N-PA listeriosis patients notified to public health. Control subjects were age (40–65 years, 66–75 years, ≥76 years) frequency-matched persons from a nationwide random telephone sample. A structured questionnaire collected information on underlying diseases, therapies and >60 food items. We conducted multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusting for host factors identified by causal diagram theory, and calculated population attributable fractions. We enrolled 109 cases and 1982 controls. Cases’ median age was 69 years, 55% were male, 44% received immunosuppressive therapy within 3 months prior to illness onset; a further 28% had at least one immunocompromising disease. In multivariable analysis, immunosuppressive therapy (OR 8.8, 95%CI 4.9–15.6), immunocompromising disease (OR 2.7; 95%CI 1.4–5.2), gastric acid suppression (OR 3.0; 95%CI 1.4–6.3), the consumption of cold cooked sausages (OR 2.6; 95%CI 1.6–4.4), the preferred consumption of packaged cheese (OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.3–3.5) and pre-sliced cheese (OR 2.2; 95%CI 1.3–3.7) were significantly associated with N-PA listeriosis. These foods accounted for 59% of all cases. Typical high risk foods, e.g. cold seafood, certain types of cheeses, tended to be negatively associated with disease. In conclusion, immunosuppressive therapy and frequently consumed ready-to-eat foods are the main risk factors for sporadic N-PA listeriosis in Germany. To reduce their risk, immunocompromised persons should consume the identified foods well before the ‘use-by’ date. The microbiological criteria for Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat foods may insufficiently protect persons who are markedly immunocompromised.
Comparative Analysis of Abstract Policies to Transfer Learning in Robotics Navigation

Reinforcement learning enables a robot to learn behavior through trial-and-error. However, knowledge is usually built from scratch and learning may take a long time. Many approaches have been proposed to transfer the knowledge learned in one task and reuse it in another new similar task to speed up learning in the target task. A very effective knowledge to be transferred is an abstract policy, which generalizes the learned policies in source tasks to extend the domain of tasks that can reuse them. There are inductive and deductive methods to generate abstract policies. However, there is a lack of deeper analysis to assess not only the effectiveness of each type of policy, but also the way in which each policy is used to accelerate the learning in a new task. In this paper we propose two simple inductive methods and we use a deductive method to generate stochastic abstract policies from source tasks. We also propose two strategies to use the abstract policy during learning in a new task: the hard and the soft strategy. We make a comparative analysis between the three types of policies and the two strategies of use in a robotic navigation domain. We show that these techniques are effective in improving the agent learning performance, especially during the early stages of the learning process, when the agent is completely unaware of the new task.
[The use of platelet-rich fibrin membrane in gingival recession treatment].

INTRODUCTION Fibrin, fibronectin, platelet derived growth factor, and transforming growth factors from platelet concetrate are crucial for tissue reparation and regeneration. OBJECTIVE This study was designed to evaluate clinical effectiveness of activated platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane in treatment of gingival recession. METHODS 19 gingival recessions Miller class I or II were treated with a coronally advanced flap and the PRF membrane (PRF group). Following the elevation of the flap, bone and root surfaces were covered with the PRF membrane. After suturing, the PRF membrane was covered with a coronally advanced flap. In the same patients, 19 other gingival recessions were treated with CTG in combination with the coronally advanced flap (the CTG group). Clinical recordings were made of vertical recession depth (VRD), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL) and keratinized tissue width (KTW) before and 12 months after mucogingival surgical treatment. Clinical evaluation of healing events was estimated with recordings of the healing index (HI). Recordings of HI were performed in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd week post-surgically. RESULTS Mean root coverage was significant in both groups (the PRF group 79.94% and the CTG group 88.56% %; p < 0.01). The difference between the two tested groups was not statistically significant. Results of the keratinized tissue width showed significant increase (p < 0.05) 12 months after the surgery in both, the PRF and CTG groups. Results of KTW showed statistical significance of recorded differences obtained in the two evaluated groups (p < 0.05). There was no statistical significance in reduction of PD and CAL recorded in the PRF and CTG groups. The values of HI recorded in the 1st and 2nd week postoperatively were significantly enhanced in the PRF group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Results of this study confirm both procedures as effective with equivalence of clinical results in solving gingival recession problems. The utilization of the PRF resulted in a decreased postoperative discomfort and advanced tissue healing.
Desktop VR using a Mirror Metaphor for Natural User Interface

The main objective of this research work is to create a desktop VR environment which enables users to interact naturally with virtual objects positioned both in front and behind the screen. We propose a mirror metaphor that simulates a physical stereoscopic screen with the properties of a mirror. In addition to allowing users to interact with virtual objects positioned in front of the stereoscopic screen using their virtual hands, the virtual hands can be transferred inside the virtual mirror to interact with objects behind the screen. When the virtual hands are operating inside the virtual mirror, they are transformed like the reflection in a real mirror. This effectively doubles the interactable space and creates an interactive space that could facilitate collaborative tasks. Our user study shows that users could interact through the mirror approach as effectively as similar interaction techniques, hence demonstrating that the mirror technique is a viable interface in certain VR setups.
The intubating laryngeal mask airway

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is accepted as both a rescue ventilation and a primary airway management device in both the prehospital and emergency department environments.1–3 A modified version of the LMA, the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA, LMA-Fastrach; Intavent Ltd, Reading, UK) exists, which, when combined with a modified tracheal tube, can be used for blind tracheal intubation. There is evidence that the ILMA is an effective means of maintaining ventilation and oxygenation in the prehospital,4 operating theatre,5 and emergency department6,7 environments. In addition, it has been reported to be effective in facial trauma,7 neck immobilisation,8,9 in a lateral position,10 while wearing a chemical protective hood,11 and while in a helicopter.12 Importantly, it has been shown to be effective even among inexperienced operators.6,8,13,14 A best evidence equipment review was undertaken to assess whether, when compared with a conventional LMA, the ILMA would be of use as an airway rescue device. The ILMA is a modified version of the LMA, which, in addition to permitting ventilation, is designed to facilitate blind tracheal intubation with a tracheal tube in an obtunded or anaesthetised patient. It has a soft inflatable laryngeal mask and a rigid, anatomically curved airway tube terminating in a standard 15 mm connector and is wide enough to accept a cuffed 8 mm tracheal tube. The rigid handle permits removal and “steering” of the device in relation …
Allee effects can both conserve and create spatial heterogeneity in population densities.

In order to determine conditions which allow the Allee effect (caused by biparental reproduction) to conserve and create spatial heterogeneity in population densities, we studied a deterministic model of a symmetric two-patch metapopulation. We proved that under certain conditions there exist stable equilibria with unequal population densities in the two patches, a situation which can be interpreted as conserved heterogeneity. Furthermore, the Allee effect can lead to instability of the equilibrium with equal population densities if some degree of competition is assumed to occur between the subpopulations (non-local competition). This indicates the potential of the Allee effect to create spatial heterogeneity. Neither of these effects appear under biologically realistic parameter values in a model where uniparental reproduction is assumed. We proved that both the between-patch migration intensity and the degree of non-local competition are decisive in determining boundaries between these types of behaviour of the spatial system with Allee effect. Therefore, we propose that the Allee effect, migration intensity, and non-local competition should be considered jointly in studies focusing on problems like pattern formation in space and invasions of spreading species.
Algorithmischer Ansatz zur automatisierten Entwurfsraum-Exploration auf hoher Abstraktionsebene

Aktuelle Bestrebungen im Bereich des Entwurfs integrierter Schaltungen sind auf die Bereitstellung von Verfahren ausgerichtet, die eine Spezifikation des Entwurfs auf hoher Abstraktionsebene gestatten und ausgehend von dieser Ebene durchgängige Entwurfsmethoden zur Verfügung stellen (automatisierter Systementwurf). Mit steigenderAbstraktionsebene vergrößert sich jedoch gleichzeitig auch der Entwurfsraumauf dieser Ebene: durch das Betrachten immer komplexerer Ausschnitte des Gesamtsystems erhöht sich zwangsläufig auch die Anzahl der innerhalb eines Prozeßschrittes erfaßten Komponenten, was zu einer Vergrößerung des Optimierungspotentialsführt. Aus diesem Grund sollte nicht nur der Syntheseprozeß selbst, sondern Hand in Hand dazu auch der Prozeß der (automatisierten) Entwurfsraum-Exploration auf hoher Abstraktionsebene ansetzen.
An exploratory study on ERP adoption in SMEs - a case of Gwalior region in North-Central India

While the utility of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems as a means of providing complete business solutions for large firms is well established; the same may not be the case with small and medium enterprises (SMEs). However; that has not deterred many SMEs from developing keenness in implementing ERP systems in their set ups for bringing in an efficient and integrated operation. This paper presents findings of an exploratory study on the factors that influence ERP adoption decision in SMEs based on field study and questionnaire survey and brings in the key factors involved.
Control of a Two-Stage, Single-Phase Grid-Tied, GaN Based Solar Micro-Inverter

This work presents the modelling and the implementation of the control of a single-phase grid-tied GaN micro-inverter dedicated to photovoltaic applications. First, the power hardware based wide-band-gap components is shown, and then, switches pulses control blocks and control loops of this specific grid-tied inverter are described.