Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical demonstration of steroid C21 hydroxylase in normal and neoplastic human breasts

Steroid C21 hydroxylase was investigated immunohistochemically with the use of antibody against cytochrome P‐450 specific for steroid C21 hydroxylation (P‐450C21) in normal and neoplastic human breast tissues. In the histologically normal breast, P‐450C21 was exclusively present in secretory tubules and ducts. In mammary dysplasia and fibroadenoma, P‐450C21 was intensively stained in epithelial cells. In gynecomastia, P‐450C21 was faintly observed in epithelial cells in some cases. In intraductal and invasive ductal carcinoma, P‐450C21 was observed in the cells with ductal formation. P‐450C21 was not observed in medullary and mucinous carcinoma. In lobular carcinoma, only two cases were positive for P‐450C21 of nine cases examined. P‐450C21 is considered to be closely related to the ductal differentiation in neoplastic transformation of the breast.
A Stress Repair Mechanism That Maintains Vertebrate Structure During Stress

This presentation describes the “Stress Repair Mechanism”(SRM) that enables the “Universal Theory of Medicine” predicted by Hans Selye. It explains the nature of embryology, physiology, pathology, and stress. SRM function comprises the autonomic nervous system, the vascular endothelium, and the dynamic enzymatic interaction of blood‐borne hepatic Factors VII, VIIIC, IX and X that produces thrombin, soluble fibrin and insoluble fibrin, whose combined effects account for all SRM manifestations. The vascular endothelium is a diaphanous neuroendocrine organ that lines all blood vessels and is the sole constituent of capillary walls. It secretes tissue factor into extravascular tissues, and insulates those tissues from the hepatic enzymes. Tissue disruption exposes tissue factor to the enzymatic interaction and activates tissue repair. The vascular endothelium also releases nitric oxide and von Willebrand Factor into blood in accord with autonomic balance to regulate the enzymatic interaction to govern tissue perfusion and organ function. Therefore, continuously fluctuating combinations of nervous stimuli that affect autonomic balance and forces that disrupt tissues determine SRM activity.
Laser fenestration of the mesial septum for treatment of guttural pouch chondroids in a pony.

OBJECTIVE To describe removal of guttural pouch chondroids through a laser fenestrated mesial septum in a pony with an obstructed pharyngeal ostium of the left guttural pouch. STUDY DESIGN Case report. ANIMALS Pony. METHODS Transendoscopic laser neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) fenestration of the mesial guttural pouch septum was made by contact method (bare fiber, 15-25 W, exposure time 4 seconds). Dissected tissue was removed by transendoscopic monopolar electrosurgery (loop electrode, cutting blade) and multiple chondroids of varying size were removed from the left guttural pouch through the fenestration. RESULTS After removing all chondroids and repeated flushing of the left guttural pouch via the right side, inflammation of the guttural pouch membranes decreased remarkably. The pony was discharged with instructions for transendoscopic lavage once weekly and was reevaluated at 2 months. A permanent septal fenestration was observed and the pony was free of abnormal clinical signs and being used for carriage driving competitions. CONCLUSION Nd:YAG laser fenestration of the mesial septum is an approach for access to guttural pouch chondroids. CLINICAL RELEVANCE When guttural pouch empyema and/or chondroids is associated with adhesion of the pharyngeal ostium, laser fenestration of the mesial septum from the opposite guttural pouch should be considered as an alternative approach for access, rather than classic external surgical approaches.
Distributed protocols for Ego Betweenness Centrality computation in DOSNs

Online Social Networks (OSNs) usually exploit a logically centralized infrastructure which has several drawbacks including scalability, privacy, and dependence on a provider. In contrast to centralized OSNs, a Distributed Online Social Network helps to lower the cost of the provider drastically, and allows better control of user privacy. A distributed approach introduces new problems to address, as data availability or information diffusion, which require the definition of methods for the analysis of the social graph. This paper focuses the problem of the evaluation of the centrality of a node in a Distributed Online Social Network and proposes a distributed approach for the computation of the Ego Betweenness Centrality, which is an ego-centric method to approximate the Betweenness Centrality. We propose a set of algorithms to compute the betweenness centrality in static and dynamic graphs, which can be directed or undirected. We propose both a broadcast and a gossip protocol to compute the Ego Betweenness Centrality. A set of experimental results proving the effectiveness of our approach are presented.
Buffer-Integrated-Cache: A cost-effective SRAM architecture for handheld and embedded platforms

In an SoC, building local storage in each accelerator is area inefficient due to the low average utilization. In this paper, we present design and implementation of Buffer-integrated-Caching (BiC), which allows many buffers to be instantiated simultaneously in caches. BiC enables cores to view portions of the SRAM as cache while accelerators access other portions of the SRAM as private buffers. We demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of BiC based on a recognition MPSoC that includes two Pentiumℒ cores, an Augmented Reality accelerator and a speech recognition accelerator. With 3% extra area added to the baseline L2 cache, BiC eliminates the need to build 215KB dedicated SRAM for the accelerators, while increasing total cache misses by no more than 0.3%.
Cognitive and neural mechanisms of decision biases in recognition memory.

In recognition memory tasks, stimuli can be classified as "old" either on the basis of accurate memory or a bias to respond "old", yet bias has received little attention in the cognitive neuroscience literature. Here we examined the pattern and timing of bias-related effects in event-related brain potentials (ERPs) to determine whether the bias is linked more to memory retrieval or to response verification processes. Participants were divided into a High Bias and a Low Bias group according to their bias to respond "old". These groups did not differ in recognition accuracy or in the ERP pattern to items that actually were old versus new (Objective Old/New Effect). However, when the old/new distinction was based on each subject's perspective, i.e. when items judged "old" were compared with those judged "new" (Subjective Old/New Effect), significant group differences were observed over prefrontal sites with a timing (300-500 ms poststimulus) more consistent with bias acting early on memory retrieval processes than on post-retrieval response verification processes. In the standard old/new effect (Hits vs Correct Rejections), these group differences were intermediate to those for the Objective and the Subjective comparisons, indicating that such comparisons are confounded by response bias. We propose that these biases are top-down controlled processes mediated by prefrontal cortex areas.
KMARF: A Framework for Knowledge Management and Automated Reasoning

In this paper, we present a generic framework for knowledge management and automated reasoning (KMARF) as an enabler for intelligent adaptive systems. KMARF targets multiple reasoning problem classes (such as planning, verication and optimization) that can share the same underlying system state representation. e idea behind KMARF is to automatically select an appropriate problem solver based on a formalized reasoning expertise in the knowledge base, and convert a problem denition to a problem solver-readable format. Automation of the reasoning process reduces operational costs and enables the system to operate in dynamic environment conditions. We demonstrate our approach using a transportation planning use case.
Incipient carbonate melting drives metal and sulfur mobilization in the mantle

We present results from high-pressure, high-temperature experiments that generate incipient carbonate melts at mantle conditions (~90 kilometers depth and temperatures between 750° and 1050°C). We show that these primitive carbonate melts can sequester sulfur in its oxidized form of sulfate, as well as base and precious metals from mantle lithologies of peridotite and pyroxenite. It is proposed that these carbonate sulfur–rich melts may be more widespread than previously thought and that they may play a first-order role in the metallogenic enhancement of localized lithospheric domains. They act as effective agents to dissolve, redistribute, and concentrate metals within discrete domains of the mantle and into shallower regions within Earth, where dynamic physicochemical processes can lead to ore genesis at various crustal depths.
Rocket plume image sequence enhancement using 3D operators

Reported here are the results of tests of five 3D image operators in eleven configurations to determine which is best for the enhancement of image sequences of rocket plumes. The operators enhance images both for visual inspection and for radiometric characterization. The tests used real and synthetic imagery to evaluate the operators under a variety of conditions. The results suggest the best choice of operator depends on the grayscale distribution of the noise in the image sequence. In terms of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), long duration median filters with moderate spatial support appear to work best overall. The results show that successful enhancement for visual inspection requires the original image data to be remapped prior to filtering. This need not destroy the radiometric information in the imagery. Some attributes of rocket plume image time sequences and the noise in them are described. The remapping procedure is detailed and the operators tested are described. The methodology is explained and the results of the numerous tests on synthetic imagery are presented. The application of the procedures to two real rocket plume image sequences is described.
Mannose-Binding Lectin Regulates Host Resistance and Pathology during Experimental Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi

Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) is a humoral pattern-recognition molecule important for host defense. Although recent genetic studies suggest an involvement of MBL/MASP2-associated pathways in Chagas’ disease, it is currently unknown whether MBL plays a role in host resistance to the intracellular protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas’ disease. In this study we employed MBL−/− mice to assess the role of MBL in resistance to experimental infection with T. cruzi. T. cruzi infection enhanced tissue expression of MBL both at the mRNA and protein level. Similarly, symptomatic acute Chagas’ disease patients displayed increased serum concentrations of MBL compared to patients with indeterminate, asymptomatic forms of the disease. Furthermore, increased parasite loads in the blood and/or tissue were observed in MBL−/− mice compared to WT controls. This was associated with reduced systemic levels of IL-12/23p40 in MBL−/− mice. Importantly, MBL−/− mice infected with a cardiotropic strain of T. cruzi displayed increased myocarditis and cardiac fibrosis compared to WT controls. The latter was accompanied by elevated hydroxyproline content and mRNA levels of collagen-1 and -6 in the heart. These observations point to a previously unappreciated role for MBL in regulating host resistance and cardiac inflammation during infection with a major human pathogen.
Transmitting Tone and Intonation Simultaneously — The Parallel Encoding and Target Approximation ( PENTA ) Model

Lexical tones use F0 to distinguish between words that are otherwise phonemically identical. Intonation uses F0 to convey discourse, attitudinal and affective information that is often not directly encoded in the words or syntax of the spoken utterances. Because the same acoustic parameter is being used, it is a question how well lexical tones and intonation can coexist in a language. The Parallel Encoding and Target Approximation (PENTA) model proposed here addresses the concurrent transmission of these two aspects of speech in a principled way. As will be demonstrated, the PENTA model can help us better understand both the capacity and limitation of F0 contours in simultaneously conveying meanings carried by tone and intonation.
Six Sigma: concepts, tools, and applications

Purpose – To provide a sound discussion on the Six Sigma methodology and see how it fits in with other quality initiatives.Design/methodology/approach – A conceptual paper that takes at in‐depth look at the origins, pros and cons of Six Sigma and how it relates to some of the other quality initiatives in industry.Findings – The immediate goal of Six Sigma is defect reduction. Reduced defects lead to yield improvement; higher yields improve customer satisfaction. Six Sigma defect reduction is intended to lead to cost reduction. It has a process focus and aims to highlight process improvement opportunities through systematic measurement. Six Sigma implementation can have negative consequences if applied in the wrong project. Six Sigma is a toolset, not a management system and is best used in conjunction with other more comprehensive quality standards such as the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence or the European Quality Award.Research limitations/implications – This is a conceptual study and hence.
A Genetical Theory of Species Selection

Species selection, differential rates of speciation or extinction resulting from species level characters, is often invoked as the main mechanism of macroevolution that is not simply an extension of microevolutionary processes. So long as we are careful in defining ‘‘species’’, the logic of species selection is sound. This does not mean, however, that this process can influence evolutionary dynamics under realistic conditions. The principal challenge to the efficacy of species selection as an evolutionary mechanism is the idea that selection between individuals within species will be so much more efficient as to swamp out any effects of selection between species. To assess this, a genetic model is constructed that includes simultaneous selection within and between species, and this is used to ask: under what conditions could species selection influence evolutionary dynamics, even in the face of opposing selection between individuals? The model shows that the efficacy of species selection is strongly determined by the time between speciation events (measured in individual generations), the mutation rate of the character under consideration, and the initial size of a newly formed reproductively isolated population. Data indicate that a few studied lineages have shown sufficiently high speciation rates to make species selection an important mechanism in the evolution of characters with mutation rates on the order of 10 per generation. Quantitative characters, such as body size, generally change too readily for species selection to be relevant to their evolution. Complex characters, however, may be good candidates to be influenced by species selection. The interaction of selection within and between species can be subtle, with individual selection looking, from the standpoint of a species, very much like development of an individual. Furthermore, selection between individuals may be the main process assembling complex adaptations, while species selection allows them to persist over long periods of time. 7 1995 Academic Press Limited
Unipolar electrogram morphology to assess lesion formation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: successful translation into clinical practice.

The past decade has seen a significant increase in catheter ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation (AF)1; however, data on the efficacy of pulmonary vein (PV) isolation (PVI) are soberingly modest, with single and multiple procedure success rates of 54% and 79% for paroxysmal AF, respectively, during long-term follow-up (≥3 years). 2 The main mechanism of AF recurrence after catheter ablation is resumption of PV-left atrial (LA) conduction.3 The time-dependent inevitability of recovery of PV conduction has been consistently demonstrated in acute studies showing PV conduction in ≤93% of patients during an intraprocedural waiting period of 60 minutes after PVI.4 Furthermore, late recurrence of AF is associated with conduction recovery in ≥1 PV in >97% of patients who are having a redo procedure.2 Thus, durable PVI is critical if we are to make inroads toward enhancing procedural efficacy. Article see p 1095 Gaps in the ablation line5 and failure to produce transmural lesions6 are implicated in recovery of PV conduction. PVI can be achieved after partial completion of a circumferential ring of lesions around the PVs, irrespective of intervening gaps. This is thought to result from a combination of irreversible and reversible atrial injury.7 Reversible atrial injury may stem from incomplete lesion formation that causes temporary electric uncoupling but not cell death ≤3.5 mm away from the lesion boundary, dependent on tissue temperature and tissue geometry.8 With time, tissue at the boundary of the transmural lesion recovers normal conduction during the course of 1 to 4 weeks.8 Thus, lesion gaps that exhibit conduction block frequently go undetected during the index procedure, and block persists for up to several weeks or months thereafter until tissue injury heals. Conduction block may occur in tissue with normal conductivity despite a gap of ≤1.4 mm …
Inhibition of IL-25/IL-17RA improves immune-related adverse events of checkpoint inhibitors and reveals antitumor activity

Background Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved outcomes and extended patient survival in several tumor types. However, ICIs often induce immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that warrant therapy cessation, thereby limiting the overall effectiveness of this class of therapeutic agents. Currently, available therapies used to treat irAEs might also blunt the antitumor activity of the ICI themselves. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify treatments that have the potential to be administered alongside ICI to optimize their use. Methods Using a translationally relevant murine model of anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies-induced irAEs, we compared the safety and efficacy of prednisolone, anti-IL-6, anti-TNFɑ, anti-IL-25 (IL-17E), and anti-IL-17RA (the receptor for IL-25) administration to prevent irAEs and to reduce tumor size. Results While all interventions were adequate to inhibit the onset of irAEs pneumonitis and hepatitis, treatment with anti-IL-25 or anti-IL-17RA antibodies also exerted additional antitumor activity. Mechanistically, IL-25/IL-17RA blockade reduced the number of organ-infiltrating lymphocytes. Conclusion These findings suggest that IL-25/IL-17RA may serve as an additional target when treating ICI-responsive tumors, allowing for better tumor control while suppressing immune-related toxicities.
The extracellular matrix of normal chick embryo fibroblasts: its effect on transformed chick fibroblasts and its proteolytic degradation by the transformants

Extracellular matrix (ECM), prepared from chick embryo fibroblasts, contains fibronectin as the major structural protein along with collagen and other polypeptides as less abundant protein components. When Rous sarcoma virus-transformed chick embryo fibroblasts are cultured on the ECM in the presence of the tumor promoter tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate, the transformed cells lose their characteristic rounded morphology and align on and within the ECM fibrillar network. This restrictive aspect of ECM is only temporary, however, and with time (24-72 h) the transformed cells progressively degrade the ECM fibers and resume their rounded appearance. The matrix degradation can be monitored by employing biosynthetically radiolabeled ECM. The addition of purified chicken plasminogen to the Rous sarcoma virus- transformed chick embryo fibroblast cultures enhances the rate and extent of ECM degradation, due to the elevated levels in the transformed cultures of plasminogen activator. Plasminogen-dependent and -independent degradation of ECM has been characterized with regard to sensitivity to various natural and synthetic protease inhibitors and to the requirement of cell/ECM contact. Plasminogen-dependent degradation of ECM occurs rapidly when ECM and cells are in contact or separated, whereas plasminogen-independent degradation is greatly reduced when ECM and cells are separated, which suggests that cell surface-associated proteolytic enzymes are involved. A possible role in ECM degradation has been indicated for cysteine proteases, metallo enzymes, and plasminogen activator, the latter as both a zymogen activator and a direct catalytic mediator.
Knitted Strain Sensors: Impact of Design Parameters on Sensing Properties

This paper presents a study of the sensing properties exhibited by textile-based knitted strain sensors. Knitted sensors were manufactured using flat-bed knitting technology, and electro-mechanical tests were subsequently performed on the specimens using a tensile testing machine to apply strain whilst the sensor was incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge arrangement to allow electrical monitoring. The sensing fabrics were manufactured from silver-plated nylon and elastomeric yarns. The component yarns offered similar diameters, bending characteristics and surface friction, but their production parameters differed in respect of the required yarn input tension, the number of conductive courses in the sensing structure and the elastomeric yarn extension characteristics. Experimental results showed that these manufacturing controls significantly affected the sensing properties of the knitted structures such that the gauge factor values, the working range and the linearity of the sensors varied according to the knitted structure. These results confirm that production parameters play a fundamental role in determining the physical behavior and the sensing properties of knitted sensors. It is thus possible to manipulate the sensing properties of knitted sensors and the sensor response may be engineered by varying the production parameters applied to specific designs.