Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of Integrin &bgr;5 Enhances the Paracrine Properties of Circulating Angiogenic Cells via Src Kinase–Mediated Activation of STAT3

Objective—To determine the intracellular mechanisms mediating the angiogenic effects of integrin &agr;v&bgr;5 overexpression in circulating angiogenic cells (CACs). Methods and Results—Integrin &agr;v&bgr;5 is expressed on angiogenic endothelial cells, and integrin &agr;v&bgr;5 activation was shown to improve the reparative functions of endothelial progenitors within the cardiovascular system. CACs were transiently transfected with the full-length cDNA of human integrin &bgr;5 (CAC-ITGB5) or control-vector (CAC-vector). Integrin &bgr;5 overexpression was confirmed using flow cytometry, Western blot, and PCR analysis; it enhanced the angiogenic capacities of CACs in vitro (spheroid and Matrigel angiogenesis assay) and stimulated new vessel formation in vivo (murine hind limb ischemia model). Overexpression of ITGB5 resulted in integrin &agr;v&bgr;5 phosphorylation and activation of Src kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3. Furthermore, elevated mRNA and protein expression of the CXC chemokine CXCL8 and the CC chemokine CCL2 was detected in CAC-ITGB5, and conditioned medium from CAC-ITGB5 enhanced the sprouting of coincubated human endothelial cells in a STAT3-, CXCL8-, and CCL2-dependent manner. Conclusion—Src kinase–mediated activation of STAT3 and subsequent angiogenic gene expression mediate the effects of integrin &agr;v&bgr;5 and may be exploited to enhance the paracrine activities of CACs.
Identity Verification from Photographs in Travel Documents: The Role of Display Duration and Orientation on Performance

At border control, it is the personnel's job to identify possible passport fraud, in particular to verify whether the photograph in a travel document matches its bearer. However, as various earlier studies suggest, identity verification from photographs or CCTV is far from accurate. The aim of this study was thus to investigate identity verification at border control. Particularly, we examined the influence of display duration in document verification. Results showed that performance significantly suffered from time restrictions, which stresses the importance of working environments at border control free of time pressure. A second aim was to assess a possible benefit of inversion of the document on identity verification performance, as was suggested by anecdotal evidence from security personnel but clearly contradicts the well known inversion effect in face recognition. Indeed, no such beneficial influence of inversion was found in this study. The results are discussed in terms of application-oriented implications.
Real-time face detection/identification for surveillance system

Face processing is one among the popular problems of detection and recognition. In surveillance system application, the massive data of video is analyzed by complex algorithms that must consider the real-time constraints. In this paper we propose a face processing framework as a component-based architecture for dealing with face online processing. Face detection and classification algorithms are realized based on a Haar-like features and support vector machine (SVM) respectively as a way to efficiently extract a face image and enhance face recognition rates with robustness on different orientation Experimental results are presented with discussion.
Extending the functional training approach for B-splines

When used for function approximation purposes, neural networks belong to a class of models whose parameters can be separated into linear and nonlinear, according to their influence in the model output. This concept of parameter separability can also be applied when the training problem is formulated as the minimization of the integral of the (functional) squared error, over the input domain. Using this approach, the computation of the gradient involves terms that are dependent only on the model and the input domain, and terms which are the projection of the target function on the basis functions and on their derivatives with respect to the nonlinear parameters, over the input domain. This paper extends the application of this formulation to B-splines, describing how the Levenberg-Marquardt method can be applied using this methodology. Simulation examples show that the use of the functional approach obtains important savings in computational complexity and a better approximation over the whole input domain.
Two novel mutations in the bestrophin-1 gene and associated clinical observations in patients with best vitelliform macular dystrophy

The purpose of the current study was to investigate the 11 bestrophin-1 (BEST1) exons in patients with best vitelliform macular dystrophy (BVMD), and to characterize the associated clinical features. Complete ophthalmic examinations were conducted on two families, and two family members were diagnosed with BVMD. Genomic DNA was extracted from the leukocytes of peripheral blood collected from the patients and their family members, in addition to 100 unrelated control subjects recruited from the same population. The polymerase chain reaction was used to amplify a total of 11 exons of the BEST1 gene, which were directly sequenced. Ophthalmic examinations, including best-corrected visual acuity, slit-lamp examination, fundus examination, fundus photography and fluorescein angiography imaging, as well as anterior segment analysis with Pentacam and optical coherence tomography, were conducted. The patients exhibited yellowish lesions in the macular area. A heterozygous mutation c. 910_912delGAT (p.304del Asp) in exon 7 was identified in Case 1. A heterozygous BEST1 missense mutation c.685T>G (p.Trp229Gly) in exon 5 was identified in Case 2, but not in any of the unaffected family members or normal controls. Although BEST1 gene mutations and polymorphisms have previously been reported in various ethnic groups, the current study identified, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, two novel BEST1 gene mutations in patients with BVMD.
Improving the quality of consent to randomised controlled trials by using continuous consent and clinician training in the consent process

Objective: To assess whether continuous consent, a process in which information is given to research participants at different stages in a trial, and clinician training in that process were effective when used by clinicians while gaining consent to the Total Body Hypothermia (TOBY) trial. The TOBY trial is a randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigating the use of whole-body cooling for neonates with evidence of perinatal asphyxia. Obtaining valid informed consent for the TOBY trial is difficult, but is a good test of the effectiveness of continuous consent. Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with 30 sets of parents who consented to the TOBY trial and with 10 clinicians who sought it by the continuous consent process. Analysis was focused on the validity of parental consent based on the consent components of competence, information, understanding and voluntariness. Results: No marked problems with consent validity at the point of signature were observed in 19 of 27 (70%) couples. Problems were found mainly to lie with the competence and understanding of the parents: mothers, particularly, had problems with competence in the early stages of consent. Problems in understanding were primarily to do with side effects. Problems in both competence and understanding were observed to reduce markedly, particularly for mothers, in the post-signature phase, when further discussion took place. Randomisation was generally understood but unpopular. Information was not always given by clinicians in stages during the short period available before parents gave consent. Most clinicians, however, were able to give follow-up information. Discussion: Consent validity was found to compare favourably with similar trials examined in the Euricon study. Conclusion: Adopting the elements of the continuous consent process and clinician training in RCTs should be considered by researchers, particularly when they have concerns about the quality of consent they are likely to obtain by using a conventional process.
Chromogenic behaviors of the Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas) studied in situ with an animal-borne video package

Dosidicus gigas (Humboldt or jumbo flying squid) is an economically and ecologically influential species, yet little is known about its natural behaviors because of difficulties in studying this active predator in its oceanic environment. By using an animal-borne video package, National Geographic's Crittercam, we were able to observe natural behaviors in free-swimming D. gigas in the Gulf of California with a focus on color-generating (chromogenic) behaviors. We documented two dynamic displays without artificial lighting at depths of up to 70 m. One dynamic pattern, termed ‘flashing' is characterized by a global oscillation (2–4 Hz) of body color between white and red. Flashing was almost always observed when other squid were visible in the video frame, and this behavior presumably represents intraspecific signaling. Amplitude and frequency of flashing can be modulated, and the phase relationship with another squid can also be rapidly altered. Another dynamic display termed ‘flickering’ was observed whenever flashing was not occurring. This behavior is characterized by irregular wave-like activity in neighboring patches of chromatophores, and the resulting patterns mimic reflections of down-welled light in the water column, suggesting that this behavior may provide a dynamic type of camouflage. Rapid and global pauses in flickering, often before a flashing episode, indicate that flickering is under inhibitory neural control. Although flashing and flickering have not been described in other squid, functional similarities are evident with other species.
Faith-Based Partnerships for Population Health: Challenges, Initiatives, and Prospects

©2014 Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health In 1999, former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher stated, “Through partnership with faith organizations and the use of health promotion and disease prevention sciences, we can form a mighty alliance to build strong, healthy, and productive communities. ”1 This sentiment was recently seconded by Dr. Howard Koh, Assistant Secretary for Health.2 Despite the contentiousness surrounding establishment of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives (OFBCI) under President Bush, repurposed as the Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (OFBNP) under President Obama, the subsequent creation of a Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (the Partnership Center) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) signifies that faith-health partnerships are no longer hypothetical; rather, they are an ongoing part of the national conversation on public health. This brief overview summarizes the scope of existing efforts among faith-based and public health institutions and organizations to work in partnership to further the health of the population. These intersections between the faith-based and public health sectors are more diverse than many public health professionals may realize, and of greater longstanding than the past two presidential administrations.3,4
Observer-Based Vaccination for a SEIR Epidemic Model with Time-Varying Total Population

This paper presents a linear vaccination for a SEIR (susceptible plus infected plus infectious plus removed populations) propagation disease model. The control objective is the asymptotically tracking of the removed-by-immunity population to the total population while achieving simultaneously the remaining population to asymptotically tend to zero. A state observer is used to estimate the true various partial populations of susceptible, infected, infectious and immune which are assumed to be unknown.
A Novel Immunodominant CD8+ T Cell Response Restricted by a Common HLA-C Allele Targets a Conserved Region of Gag HIV-1 Clade CRF01_AE Infected Thais

Background CD8+ T cell responses play an important role in the control of HIV-1. The extensive sequence diversity of HIV-1 represents a critical hurdle to developing an effective HIV-1 vaccine, and it is likely that regional-specific vaccine strains will be required to overcome the diversity of the different HIV-1 clades distributed world-wide. Unfortunately, little is known about the CD8+ T cell responses against CRF01_AE, which is responsible for the majority of infections in Southeast Asia. Methodology/Principal Findings To identify dominant CD8+ T cell responses recognized in HIV-1 clade CRF01_AE infected subjects we drew upon data from an immunological screen of 100 HIV-1 clade CRF01_AE infected subjects using IFN-gamma ELISpot to characterize a novel immunodominant CD8+ T cell response in HIV-1 Gag restricted by HLA-Cw*0102 (p24, 277YSPVSILDI285, YI9). Over 75% of Cw*0102+ve subjects targeted this epitope, representing the strongest response in more than a third of these individuals. This novel CD8 epitope was located in a highly conserved region of HIV-1 Gag known to contain immunodominant CD8 epitopes, which are restricted by HLA-B*57 and -B*27 in clade B infection. Nonetheless, viral escape in this epitope was frequently observed in Cw*0102+ve subjects, suggestive of strong selection pressure being exerted by this common CD8+ T cell response. Conclusions/Significance As HLA-Cw*0102 is frequently expressed in the Thai population (allelic frequency of 16.8%), this immunodominant Cw*0102-restricted Gag epitope may represent an attractive candidate for vaccines specific to CRF01_AE and may help facilitate further studies of immunopathogenesis in this understudied HIV-1 clade.
LARYNGEAL CANCER: SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC, LIFE STYLE AND CLINICAL RISK FACTORS AMONG PATIENTS UNDERWENT TOTAL LARYNGECTOMY

Introduction: Laryngeal cancer (LC) is an important health problem. It is one of the most common respiratory cancers. The prevalence of this cancer is increasing all over the world. Objectives: The aim of the present study is to determine the clinical features of the laryngeal cancer patients underwent total laryngectomty (TL); to define the characteristic features of surgery in these patients; and to define the life style, health behavioral, sociodemographic and clinical risk factors of the patients. Subjects and methods: A total of 90 laryngeal cancer patients and a control group of the same number were enrolled in the study. A case-control, hospital based study design was used. Results: The most important clinical features of the studied laryngeal cancer cases underwent TL were; most lesions site was glottis (56.7%), presented with hoarseness of voice (85.6%) and most of the patients were in stage III (63.3%). Also, the most important characteristics of the surgery in these cases were 64.4% had TL and primary tracheoesophageal puncture, 88.9% underwent thyroidectomy and 25.6% had preoperative tracheostomy. The +ve reflux symptoms index was significant clinical risk factor (OR=6.77). Factory worker occupation was significant risk factor (OR=4.65). The most important sociodemographic risk factors for laryngeal cancer were male sex, urban residence, old age, low social level and low occupational level (ORs= 52.59, 2.43, 2.43, 1.99 and 1.97; respectively). Further, the most important significant health behavioral risk factors were cigarette smoking, goza smoking and no healthy food intake (ORs= 4.44, 4.25 and 2.74; respectively). Recommendations: Population based studies are needed in different areas in Egypt and on large numbers of patients to understand the full epidemiology of the laryngeal cancer and quality of life of these patients.
Unexpected Regulatory Role of CCR9 in Regulatory T Cell Development

T cells reactive to microbiota regulate the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). As T cell trafficking to intestines is regulated through interactions between highly specific chemokine-chemokine receptors, efforts have been made to develop intestine-specific immunosuppression based on blocking these key processes. CCR9, a gut-trophic chemokine receptor expressed by lymphocytes and dendritic cells, has been implicated in the regulation of IBD through mediating recruitment of T cells to inflamed sites. However, the role of CCR9 in inducing and sustaining inflammation in the context of IBD is poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that CCR9 deficiency in effector T cells and Tregs does not affect the development of colitis in a microbiota antigen-specific, T cell-mediated model. However, Treg cells express higher levels of CCR9 compared to those in effector T cells. Interestingly, CCR9 inhibits Treg cell development, in that CCR9-/- mice demonstrate a high level of Foxp3+ Tregs, and ligation of CCR9 by its ligand CCL25 inhibits Treg cell differentiation in vitro. Collectively, our data indicate that in addition to acting as a gut-homing molecule, CCR9 signaling shapes immune responses by inhibiting Treg cell development.
A Survival Association Study of 102 Polymorphisms Previously Associated with Survival Outcomes in Colorectal Cancer

Several published studies identified associations of a number of polymorphisms with a variety of survival outcomes in colorectal cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore 102 previously reported common genetic polymorphisms and their associations with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in a colorectal cancer patient cohort from Newfoundland (n = 505). Genotypes were obtained using a genomewide SNP genotyping platform. For each polymorphism, the best possible genetic model was estimated for both overall survival and disease-free survival using a previously published approach. These SNPs were then analyzed under their genetic models by Cox regression method. Correction for multiple comparisons was performed by the False Discovery Rate (FDR) method. Univariate analysis results showed that RRM1-rs12806698, IFNGR1-rs1327474, DDX20-rs197412, and PTGS2-rs5275 polymorphisms were nominally associated with OS or DFS (p < 0.01). In stage-adjusted analysis, the nominal associations of DDX20-rs197412, PTGS2-rs5275, and HSPA5-rs391957 with DFS were detected. However, after FDR correction none of these polymorphisms remained significantly associated with the survival outcomes. We conclude that polymorphisms investigated in this study are not associated with OS or DFS in our colorectal cancer patient cohort.
Profound thrombocytopenia and survival of hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients without clinically significant bleeding, using prophylactic platelet transfusion triggers of 10 × 109 or 20 × 109 per L

BACKGROUND: A trigger of 10 × 109 per L for prophylactic platelet (PLT) transfusions is generally recommended for stable thrombocytopenic patients who receive chemotherapy, based on studies showing similar incidence, severity, and fatality of bleeding compared with the 20 × 109 per L trigger. The outcome of thrombocytopenic nonbleeding patients has not been well described. This retrospective analysis evaluates thrombocytopenia and survival of 381 hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients without clinically significant bleeding, with 10 × 109 and 20 × 109 per L prophylactic triggers.
Semantic Dependency Parsing using N-best Semantic Role Sequences and Roleset Information

In this paper, we describe a syntactic and semantic dependency parsing system submitted to the shared task of CoNLL 2008. The proposed system consists of five modules: syntactic dependency parser, predicate identifier, local semantic role labeler, global role sequence candidate generator, and role sequence selector. The syntactic dependency parser is based on Malt Parser and the sequence candidate generator is based on CKY style algorithm. The remaining three modules are implemented by using maximum entropy classifiers. The proposed system achieves 76.90 of labeled F1 for the overall task, 84.82 of labeled attachment, and 68.71 of labeled F1 on the WSJ+Brown test set.
Maternal High-Fat Diet During Gestation or Suckling Differentially Affects Offspring Leptin Sensitivity and Obesity

Maternal high-fat (HF) diet throughout gestation and suckling has long-term consequences on the offspring’s metabolic phenotype. Here we determine the relative contribution of pre- or postnatal maternal HF diet on offspring’s metabolic phenotype. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were maintained on normal chow or HF diet throughout gestation and suckling. All litters were cross-fostered to chow or HF dams on postnatal day (PND)1, resulting in four groups. Body weight, body composition, and glucose tolerance were measured at weaning and in adulthood. Leptin sensitivity was assessed by signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 activation on PND10 and PND21. Pups cross-fostered to HF dams gained more body weight than chow pups by PND7 and persisted until weaning. Postnatal HF pups had greater adiposity, higher plasma leptin concentration, impaired glucose tolerance, and reduced phosphorylated STAT3 in response to leptin in the arcuate nucleus at weaning. After weaning, male offspring cross-fostered to HF dams were hyperphagic and maintained greater body weight than postnatal chow pups. Postnatal HF diet during suckling continued to impair glucose tolerance in male and female offspring in adulthood. Maternal HF diet during suckling has a greater influence in determining offspring’s metabolic phenotype than prenatal HF diet exposure and could provide insight regarding optimal perinatal nutrition for mothers and children.
Evidence for Widespread Convergent Evolution around Human Microsatellites

Microsatellites are a major component of the human genome, and their evolution has been much studied. However, the evolution of microsatellite flanking sequences has received less attention, with reports of both high and low mutation rates and of a tendency for microsatellites to cluster. From the human genome we generated a database of many thousands of (AC)n flanking sequences within which we searched for common characteristics. Sequences flanking microsatellites of similar length show remarkable levels of convergent evolution, indicating shared mutational biases. These biases extend 25–50 bases either side of the microsatellite and may therefore affect more than 30% of the entire genome. To explore the extent and absolute strength of these effects, we quantified the observed convergence. We also compared homologous human and chimpanzee loci to look for evidence of changes in mutation rate around microsatellites. Most models of DNA sequence evolution assume that mutations are independent and occur randomly. Allowances may be made for sites mutating at different rates and for general mutation biases such as the faster rate of transitions over transversions. Our analysis suggests that these models may be inadequate, in that proximity to even very short microsatellites may alter the rate and distribution of mutations that occur. The elevated local mutation rate combined with sequence convergence, both of which we find evidence for, also provide a possible resolution for the apparently contradictory inferences of mutation rates in microsatellite flanking sequences.