Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abnormalities in Osteoclastogenesis and Decreased Tumorigenesis in Mice Deficient for Ovarian Cancer G Protein-Coupled Receptor 1

Ovarian cancer G protein-coupled receptor 1 (OGR1) has been shown to be a proton sensing receptor in vitro. We have shown that OGR1 functions as a tumor metastasis suppressor gene when it is over-expressed in human prostate cancer cells in vivo. To examine the physiological functions of OGR1, we generated conditional OGR1 deficient mice by homologous recombination. OGR1 deficient mice were viable and upon gross-inspection appeared normal. Consistent with in vitro studies showing that OGR1 is involved in osteoclastogenesis, reduced osteoclasts were detected in OGR1 deficient mice. A pH-dependent osteoclasts survival effect was also observed. However, overall abnormality in the bones of these animals was not observed. In addition, melanoma cell tumorigenesis was significantly inhibited in OGR1 deficient mice. OGR1 deficient mice in the mixed background produced significantly less peritoneal macrophages when stimulated with thioglycolate. These macrophages also showed altered extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) activation and nitric oxide (NO) production in response to lipopolysaccharide. OGR1-dependent pH responses assessed by cAMP production and cell survival in macrophages or brown fat cells were not observed, presumably due to the presence of other proton sensing receptors in these cells. Our results indicate that OGR1's role in osteoclastogenesis is not strong enough to affect overall bone development and its role in tumorigenesis warrants further investigation. The mice generated can be potentially used for several disease models, including cancers or osteoclast-related diseases.
Privacy in VANETs using Changing Pseudonyms - Ideal and Real

Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) and vehicular communications are considered a milestone in improving the safety, efficiency and convenience in transportation. Vehicular ad hoc networks and many vehicular applications rely on periodic broadcast of the vehicles' location. For example, the location of vehicles can be used for detecting and avoiding collisions or geographical routing of data to disseminate warning messages. At the same time, this information can be used to track the users' whereabouts. Protecting the location privacy of the users of VANETs is important, because lack of privacy may hinder the broad acceptance of this technology. Frequently changing pseudonyms are commonly accepted as a solution to protect the privacy in VANETs. In this paper, we discuss their effectiveness and different methods to change pseudonyms. We introduce the context mix model that can be used to describe pseudonym change algorithms. Further, we asses in which situations, i.e. mix contexts, a pseudonym change is most effective and improves the privacy in vehicular environments.
Estimating the evolution of categorized web page populations

This paper proposes a statistical approach for estimating the evolution of categorized web pages. The proposal is based on the capture-recapture method used in wildlife biological studies and it is modified according to the necessary assumptions and amendments for applying the experiments on the web, where web pages are considered as animals and the specific types of e-commerce pages as particular species of animals whose abundance, birth and survival rates is estimated. An artificial classifier capable of categorizing web pages, plays the role of the biologist who recognizes the species under study. Finally, a virtual experiment in the e-commerce field was simulated and the derived results were quite promising especially as far as the estimations of the survival probability values are concerned.
The contribution of hydrophobic residues in the pore-forming region of the ryanodine receptor channel to block by large tetraalkylammonium cations and Shaker B inactivation peptides

Although no high-resolution structural information is available for the ryanodine receptor (RyR) channel pore-forming region (PFR), molecular modeling has revealed broad structural similarities between this region and the equivalent region of K+ channels. This study predicts that, as is the case in K+ channels, RyR has a cytosolic vestibule lined with predominantly hydrophobic residues of transmembrane helices (TM10). In K+ channels, this vestibule is the binding site for blocking tetraalkylammonium (TAA) cations and Shaker B inactivation peptides (ShBPs), which are stabilized by hydrophobic interactions involving specific residues of the lining helices. We have tested the hypothesis that the cytosolic vestibule of RyR fulfils a similar role and that TAAs and ShBPs are stabilized by hydrophobic interactions with residues of TM10. Both TAAs and ShBPs block RyR from the cytosolic side of the channel. By varying the composition of TAAs and ShBPs, we demonstrate that the affinity of both species is determined by their hydrophobicity, with variations reflecting alterations in the dissociation rate of the bound blockers. We investigated the role of TM10 residues of RyR by monitoring block by TAAs and ShBPs in channels in which the hydrophobicity of individual TM10 residues was lowered by alanine substitution. Although substitutions changed the kinetics of TAA interaction, they produced no significant changes in ShBP kinetics, indicating the absence of specific hydrophobic sites of interactions between RyR and these peptides. Our investigations (a) provide significant new information on both the mechanisms and structural components of the RyR PFR involved in block by TAAs and ShBPs, (b) highlight important differences in the mechanisms and structures determining TAA and ShBP block in RyR and K+ channels, and (c) demonstrate that although the PFRs of these channels contain analogous structural components, significant differences in structure determine the distinct ion-handling properties of the two species of channel.
A Comparative Study on the Effectiveness of Patterns in Software Libraries and Standalone Applications

The existence of design pattern instances is often regarded as an indication of elaborate software design, since patterns have been reported in many studies as techniques that improve software quality properties. Driven by the widespread belief that software libraries excel in terms of design quality compared to standalone applications, this study investigates first whether this claim is confirmed and second whether the improved quality can be attributed to the use of patterns. In particular we examine: (a) whether libraries exhibit improved design quality in terms of metrics compared to standalone applications, (b) the intensity of use of design patterns in the two software categories and (c) whether there is any correlation of design patterns usage and design quality at system level. The results of the study suggest that, some of the quality properties are improved in library software although no significant difference in the use of patterns have been observed. Moreover, there is an important number of GoF design patterns that appears to be correlated to software quality metrics.
Group and collaborative dictionary pair learning for face recognition

In this paper, three new algorithms are presented by applying group idea and collaborative thought to projective dictionary pair learning (DPL). These algorithms further extend the framework of discriminative dictionary learning (DL). Based on projective dictionary pair learning which realizes the goals of signal representation and pattern classification by learning a synthesis dictionary and an analysis dictionary at the same time, this paper successfully facilitates group idea and collaborative thought into projective dictionary pair learning. The application of these methods not only leads to very competitive accuracies in face recognition tasks compared with DPL, but also greatly reduces the time complexity in training and test stages, compared with conventional DL methods.
Cancer consequences of the Chernobyl accident: 20 years on

26 April 2006 marks the 20th anniversary of the Chernobyl accident. On this occasion, the World Health Organization (WHO), within the UN Chernobyl Forum initiative, convened an Expert Group to evaluate the health impacts of Chernobyl. This paper summarises the findings relating to cancer. A dramatic increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer has been observed among those exposed to radioactive iodines in childhood and adolescence in the most contaminated territories. Iodine deficiency may have increased the risk of developing thyroid cancer following exposure to radioactive iodines, while prolonged stable iodine supplementation in the years after exposure may reduce this risk. Although increases in rates of other cancers have been reported, much of these increases appear to be due to other factors, including improvements in registration, reporting and diagnosis. Studies are few, however, and have methodological limitations. Further, because most radiation-related solid cancers continue to occur decades after exposure and because only 20 years have passed since the accident, it is too early to evaluate the full radiological impact of the accident. Apart from the large increase in thyroid cancer incidence in young people, there are at present no clearly demonstrated radiation-related increases in cancer risk. This should not, however, be interpreted to mean that no increase has in fact occurred: based on the experience of other populations exposed to ionising radiation, a small increase in the relative risk of cancer is expected, even at the low to moderate doses received. Although it is expected that epidemiological studies will have difficulty identifying such a risk, it may nevertheless translate into a substantial number of radiation-related cancer cases in the future, given the very large number of individuals exposed.
Detection specificity studies of bacteriophage adhesin-coated long-period grating-based biosensor

In this work, we present a label-free detection specificity study of an optical fiber long-period grating (LPG) biosensor working near the dispersion turning point of higher order cladding modes. The LPG sensor functionalized with bacteriophage adhesin is tested with specific and non-specific bacteria dry weight. We show that such biosensor is able to selectively bind, thus recognize different bacteria. We use bacteria dry weights of E. coli B as positive test and E. coli K12 and Salmonella enterica as negative tests. The resonance wavelength shift induced by E. coli B reaches over 90 nm, while for E. coli K12 and Salmonella enterica approximately 40 and 20 nm, respectively.
A study on the elements of body feature based on the classification of social robots

The objectives of this study are to examine the appropriate body features for four types of social robots and to explore how the elements of body feature affect subjectspsila impressions of the robot. Five body feature elements were deduced from a literature review and a preliminary survey. Based on the extracted body feature elements, various robot samples were implemented with a robot kit. In an experiment, participants evaluated each robot on the appropriateness of the robot for the four types of social robots and their impressions of the robot. The evaluation results provided the appropriate elements of body feature with the proper number of each element for each type of social robot and explained how the body feature elements affect the impressions made on people by the robot. An anthropomorphic robot with one head, two arms and legs and a body was familiar and enjoyable such that it was suitable for intimate interactions with humans. A zoomorphic robot was distinctive with one tail and four legs, which made the robot more pleasant and interesting. A caricatured robot was composed of diverse body feature elements in order to reveal an unrealistic or cartoon-like image. A functional robot had no head or arms; instead, it effectively utilized a screen to supply various services.
In Vivo Characterization of Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque by Use of Optical Coherence Tomography

Background—The current understanding of the pathophysiology of coronary artery disease is based largely on postmortem studies. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high-resolution (≈10 μm), catheter-based imaging modality capable of investigating detailed coronary plaque morphology in vivo. Methods and Results—Patients undergoing cardiac catheterization were enrolled and categorized according to their clinical presentation: recent acute myocardial infarction (AMI), acute coronary syndromes (ACS) constituting non–ST-segment elevation AMI and unstable angina, or stable angina pectoris (SAP). OCT imaging was performed with a 3.2F catheter. Two observers independently analyzed the images using the previously validated criteria for plaque characterization. Of 69 patients enrolled, 57 patients (20 with AMI, 20 with ACS, and 17 with SAP) had analyzable images. In the AMI, ACS, and SAP groups, lipid-rich plaque (defined by lipid occupying ≥2 quadrants of the cross-sectional area) was observed in 90%, 75%, and 59%, respectively (P=0.09). The median value of the minimum thickness of the fibrous cap was 47.0, 53.8, and 102.6 μm, respectively (P=0.034). The frequency of thin-cap fibroatheroma (defined by lipid-rich plaque with cap thickness ≤65 μm) was 72% in the AMI group, 50% in the ACS group, and 20% in the SAP group (P=0.012). No procedure-related complications occurred. Conclusions—OCT is a safe and effective modality for characterizing coronary atherosclerotic plaques in vivo. Thin-cap fibroatheroma was more frequently observed in patients with AMI or ACS than SAP. This is the first study to compare detailed in vivo plaque morphology in patients with different clinical presentations.
Cleavage of caspases-1, -3, -6, -8 and -9 substrates by proteases in skeletal muscles from mice undergoing cancer cachexia

A prominent feature of several type of cancer is cachexia. This syndrome causes a marked loss of lean body mass and muscle wasting, and appears to be mediated by cytokines and tumour products. There are several proteases and proteolytic pathways that could be responsible for the protein breakdown. In the present study, we investigated whether caspases are involved in the proteolytic process of skeletal muscle catabolism observed in a murine model of cancer cachexia (MAC16), in comparison with a related tumour (MAC13), which does not induce cachexia. Using specific peptide substrates, there was an increase of 54% in the proteolytic activity of caspase-1, 84% of caspase-8, 98% of caspase-3 151% to caspase-6 and 177% of caspase-9, in the gastrocnemius muscle of animals bearing the MAC16 tumour (up to 25% weight loss), in relation to muscle from animals bearing the MAC13 tumour (1–5% weight loss). The dual pattern of 89 kDa and 25 kDa fragmentation of poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) occurred in the muscle samples from animals bearing the MAC16 tumour and with a high amount of caspase-like activity. Cytochrome c was present in the cytosolic fractions of gastrocnemius muscles from both groups of animals, suggesting that cytochrome c release from mitochondria may be involved in caspase activation. There was no evidence for DNA fragmentation into a nucleosomal ladder typical of apoptosis in the muscles of either group of mice. This data supports a role for caspases in the catabolic events in muscle involved in the cancer cachexia syndrome. © 2001 Cancer Research Campaign
The RNA 3′ cleavage factors CstF 64 kDa and CPSF 100 kDa are concentrated in nuclear domains closely associated with coiled bodies and newly synthesized RNA.

The cleavage stimulation factor (CstF), and the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) are necessary for 3′‐terminal processing of polyadenylated mRNAs. To study the distribution of 3′ cleavage factors in the nuclei of human T24 cells, monoclonal antibodies against the CstF 64 kDa subunit and against the CPSF 100 kDa subunit were used for immunofluorescent labelling. CstF 64 kDa and CPSF 100 kDa were distributed in a fibrogranular pattern in the nucleoplasm and, in addition, were concentrated in 1–4 bright foci. Double immunofluorescence labelling experiments revealed that the foci either overlapped with, or resided next to, a coiled body. Inhibition of transcription with alpha‐amanitin or 5,6‐dichloro‐beta‐D‐ribofuranosyl‐benzimidazole (DRB) resulted in the complete co‐localization of coiled bodies and foci containing 3′ cleavage factors. Electron microscopy on immunogold double‐labelled cells revealed that the foci represent compact spherical fibrous structures, we named ‘cleavage bodies’, intimately associated with coiled bodies. We found that approximately 20% of the cleavage bodies contained a high concentration of newly synthesized RNA, whereas coiled bodies were devoid of nascent RNA. Our results suggest that the cleavage bodies that contain RNA are those that are adjacent to a coiled body. These findings reveal a dynamic and transcription‐dependent interaction between different subnuclear domains, and suggest a relationship between coiled bodies and specific transcripts.
Controlling Assistive Machines in Paralysis Using Brain Waves and Other Biosignals

The extent to which humans can interact with machines significantly enhanced through inclusion of speech, gestures, and eye movements. However, these communication channels depend on a functional motor system. As many people suffer from severe damage of the motor system resulting in paralysis and inability to communicate, the development of brain-machine interfaces (BMI) that translate electric or metabolic brain activity into control signals of external devices promises to overcome this dependence. People with complete paralysis can learn to use their brain waves to control prosthetic devices or exoskeletons. However, information transfer rates of currently available noninvasive BMI systems are still very limited and do not allow versatile control and interaction with assistive machines.Thus, using brain waves in combination with other biosignals might significantly enhance the ability of people with a compromisedmotor system to interact with assistivemachines.Here, we give an overview of the current state of assistive, noninvasive BMI research and propose to integrate brain waves and other biosignals for improved control and applicability of assistive machines in paralysis. Beside introducing an example of such a system, potential future developments are being discussed.
The pathobiology of biliary epithelia

The morbidity and mortality from chronic biliary diseases (i.e., the cholangiopathies) remains substantial. End‐stage liver disease from biliary causes of cirrhosis (e.g., primary biliary cirrhosis [PBC], and primary sclerosing cholangitis) account for approximately one third of patients referred for liver transplantation. A single‐topic conference sponsored by the American Association for the Studies of Liver Diseases entitled “The Pathobiology of Biliary Epithelia” brought together investigators to review the status of the field of cholangiocyte pathobiology, identify new areas of interest, and propose future directions. This information was presented in 6 sessions: “Structural and Functional Characteristics of the Bile Duct System,” “Biological Topics from Nonbiliary Epithelia,” “Malignant Transformation of Cholangiocytes,” “Cholangiocyte Proliferation and Death,” “Transport Mechanisms in Bile Duct Epithelia,” and “Pathobiology of Biliary Epithelia. ” In the 7 years since the first symposium on this topic, major advances have been made in our understanding of ductal bile formation, including, greater insight into the hormones, intracellular signaling mechanisms, and effector proteins responsible for bile secretion and absorption. More sophisticated imaging technologies have increased our understanding of the polarity of cholangiocytes, their embryology and ultrastructural anatomy, and in vivo human secretory responses to current medical therapy. Information on mediators of inflammation permeated many sessions, having potentially important roles in malignant transformation of cholangiocytes, cholangiocyte apoptosis, fluid and electrolyte transport, and have begun to be specifically characterized for certain biliary diseases, e.g., acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) cholangiopathy and graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD).
Mechanical properties and tensile fatigue of graphene nanoplatelets reinforced polymer nanocomposites

Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) are novel nanofillers possessing attractive characteristics, including robust compatibility with most polymers, high absolute strength, and cost effectiveness. In this study, GNPs were used to reinforce epoxy composite and epoxy/carbon fiber composite laminates to enhance their mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of GNPs/epoxy nanocomposite, such as ultimate tensile strength and flexure properties, were investigated. The fatigue life of epoxy/carbon fiber composite laminate with GPs-added 0.25 wt% was increased over that of neat laminates at all levels of cyclic stress. Consequently, significant improvement in the mechanical properties of ultimate tensile strength, flexure, and fatigue life was attained for these epoxy resin composites and carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy composite laminates.
Reexpression of glial fibrillary acidic protein rescues the ability of astrocytoma cells to form processes in response to neurons

Astroglial cells play an important role in orchestrating the migration and positioning of neurons during central nervous system development. Primary astroglia, as well as astrocytoma cells will extend long stable processes when co-cultured with granule neurons. In order to determine the function of the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), the major intermediate filament protein in astroglia and astrocytoma cells, we suppressed the expression of GFAP by stable transfection of an anti- sense GFAP construct in human astrocytoma U251MG cells. The resulting AS2-U251 cells can no longer extend stable processes in the presence of granule neurons. To show that this effect is due specifically to the absence of GFAP, we reintroduced a fully encoding rat brain GFAP cDNA into these AS2-U251 cells. The resulting rat GFAP appeared as a filamentous network and the reexpression of GFAP rescued the ability of these astrocytoma cells to form stable processes when co-cultured with neurons. From these results, it is clear that the glial specific intermediate filament protein, GFAP, is required for process extension of these astrocytoma cells in response to granule neurons.
Laboratorio experimental: Lessons learned after two years encouraging undergraduate research in computer engineering

In 2012 the Instituto Tecnológico de Costa Rica opened the Computer Engineering program at the recently created Centro Academico de Alajuela. By that time there were neither research space nor resources available for undergraduate students to practice problem solving by applying theoretical concepts to real life problems. The Laboratorio Experimental was proposed on mid 2013 as a research initiative where students and faculty could engage together in projects powered by low cost open hardware and free software. This article shares the experiences learned by the proponents of the lab after two years of operation.
A miniaturized multilayer quasi-elliptic bandpass filter with aperture-coupled microstrip resonators

A four-pole quasi-elliptic function bandpass filter for a compact low-temperature cofired ceramic is proposed in this paper. The filter is constructed by the open-loop resonators and the miniaturized hairpin resonators that can be coupled through the apertures on the common ground plane, and the 0/spl deg/ feed structure adds two extra transmission zeros to the filter response. It is shown that the filter occupies a very small size. As a result, the proposed structure of the filter occupies a very small circuit area and has a good out-of band rejection.