Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrin-α10 Dependency Identifies RAC and RICTOR as Therapeutic Targets in High-Grade Myxofibrosarcoma.

Myxofibrosarcoma is a common mesenchymal malignancy with complex genomics and heterogeneous clinical outcomes. Through gene-expression profiling of 64 primary high-grade myxofibrosarcomas, we defined an expression signature associated with clinical outcome. The gene most significantly associated with disease-specific death and distant metastasis was ITGA10 (integrin-α10). Functional studies revealed that myxofibrosarcoma cells strongly depended on integrin-α10, whereas normal mesenchymal cells did not. Integrin-α10 transmitted its tumor-specific signal via TRIO and RICTOR, two oncoproteins that are frequently co-overexpressed through gene amplification on chromosome 5p. TRIO and RICTOR activated RAC/PAK and AKT/mTOR to promote sarcoma cell survival. Inhibition of these proteins with EHop-016 (RAC inhibitor) and INK128 (mTOR inhibitor) had antitumor effects in tumor-derived cell lines and mouse xenografts, and combining the drugs enhanced the effects. Our results demonstrate the importance of integrin-α10/TRIO/RICTOR signaling for driving myxofibrosarcoma progression and provide the basis for promising targeted treatment strategies for patients with high-risk disease. SIGNIFICANCE Identifying the molecular pathogenesis for myxofibrosarcoma progression has proven challenging given the highly complex genomic alterations in this tumor type. We found that integrin-α10 promotes tumor cell survival through activation of TRIO-RAC-RICTOR-mTOR signaling, and that inhibitors of RAC and mTOR have antitumor effects in vivo, thus identifying a potential treatment strategy for patients with high-risk myxofibrosarcoma. Cancer Discov; 6(10); 1148-65. ©2016 AACR.This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1069.
Management of Active Networks

Active networks provide the possibility to perform computations within the network. This feature introduces greater flexibility, but more complexity as well. Therefore, a sound management of active networks is a prerequisite to the acceptance of such networks. Management of large complex systems can be improved with the introduction of further abstraction levels and with moving the responsibility for the management down the line. Network management applications have two basic tasks to perform: operation of a node and control of message execution. In active networks there is a need for debugging functions a user has injected into the network. For operation and debugging, the monitoring of events occurring within an active network, and visualizing it, helps performing these tasks. Utilized and well scaling mechanisms for monitoring active networks are node clustering, event abstraction and filtering which have been applied to the presented prototypical implementation. We further propose a framework for monitoring and managing the active network.
Compressive radar sensing via one-bit sampling with time-varying thresholds

We propose a compressive radar that uses single bit quantization of the received noisy signal. The one-bit quantization is performed by a comparator with a time-varying reference level. The problem is studied through a sparse method, leading to an optimization problem which can be solved numerically. Simulation results show that the proposed method has a promising performance.
Probing the structure of cytoplasm

We have used size-fractionated, fluorescent dextrans to probe the structure of the cytoplasmic ground substance of living Swiss 3T3 cells by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and video image processing. The data indicate that the cytoplasm of living cells has a fluid phase viscosity four times greater than water and contains structural barriers that restrict free diffusion of dissolved macromolecules in a size-dependent manner. Assuming these structural barriers comprise a filamentous meshwork, the combined fluorescence recovery after photobleaching and imaging data suggest that the average pore size of the meshwork is in the range of 300 to 400 A, but may be as small as 200 A in some cytoplasmic domains.
Chrysoeriol isolated from the leaves of Eurya ciliata stimulates proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells

Chrysoeriol (1) was isolated as the main constituent from the methanol extract of the dried leaves of Eurya ciliata Merr. To investigate the bioactivities of 1 on bone metabolism, its effects on the function of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells were studied. Compound 1 significantly increased the growth of MC3T3-E1 cells and caused a significant elevation of alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen content, and nodule mineralization in the cells (P < 0.05). Our data indicate that the enhancement of osteoblast function by 1 may be useful in the prevention of osteoporosis.
Evaluation of Risk Factors for Vertebral Compression Fracture after Stereotactic Radiosurgery in Spinal Tumor Patients

Objective Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an emerging treatment modality for malignant spinal tumors. After SRS, some patients suffered from pain aggravation due to development of vertebral compression fracture (VCF). In these cases, surgery should be considered. Methods This study consisted of 72 patients who underwent SRS due to spinal tumors. In them, whether post-SRS VCF developed or not was investigated. We retrospectively analyzed their medical records and radiological imaging data. VCF was diagnosed with X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The incidence, time to development and risk factors for VCF were investigated. Age, sex, whole vertebral body involvement rate, vertebral body osteolysis rate, pre-SRS spinal deformity, spinal instability neoplastic score (SINS), spinal canal encroachment, lesion level, and radiation dose were analyzed as potential risk factors. A multi-variate logistic regression model was used for statistical analysis. Results In our study population, VCF was observed in 26 patients (36%). The mean time to VCF development was 1.5 months. Using uni-variate analyses, the significant risk factors were pre-SRS spinal deformity, SINS, vertebral body osteolysis rate, and whole vertebral body involvement rate. However, using multi-variate analyses, the only significant risk factor was vertebral body osteolysis rate. The patients whose vertebral body was destroyed by more than 60% showed an 8.4 times higher risk of VCF than those who had vertebral body destruction of less than 60%(p=0.016). Conclusion The most significant prognostic factor for post-SRS VCF was vertebral body osteolysis rate, rather than whole vertebral body involvement rate. When more than 60% of the vertebral body was destroyed, the risk of VCF or spinal deformity was high.
The Protein Interactome of Streptococcus pneumoniae and Bacterial Meta-interactomes Improve Function Predictions

Identification of protein interactions in bacterial species can help define the individual roles that proteins play in cellular pathways and pathogenesis. Very few protein interactions have been identified for the important human pathogen S. pneumoniae. We used an experimental approach to identify over 2,000 new protein interactions for S. pneumoniae, the most extensive interactome data for this bacterium to date. To predict protein function, we used our interactome data augmented with interactions from other closely related bacteria. The combination of the experimental data and meta-interactome data significantly improved the prediction results, allowing us to assign possible functions to a large number of poorly characterized proteins. ABSTRACT The functions of roughly a third of all proteins in Streptococcus pneumoniae, a significant human-pathogenic bacterium, are unknown. Using a yeast two-hybrid approach, we have determined more than 2,000 novel protein interactions in this organism. We augmented this network with meta-interactome data that we defined as the pool of all interactions between evolutionarily conserved proteins in other bacteria. We found that such interactions significantly improved our ability to predict a protein’s function, allowing us to provide functional predictions for 299 S. pneumoniae proteins with previously unknown functions. IMPORTANCE Identification of protein interactions in bacterial species can help define the individual roles that proteins play in cellular pathways and pathogenesis. Very few protein interactions have been identified for the important human pathogen S. pneumoniae. We used an experimental approach to identify over 2,000 new protein interactions for S. pneumoniae, the most extensive interactome data for this bacterium to date. To predict protein function, we used our interactome data augmented with interactions from other closely related bacteria. The combination of the experimental data and meta-interactome data significantly improved the prediction results, allowing us to assign possible functions to a large number of poorly characterized proteins.
Anti‐inflammatory Activities of Gouania leptostachya Methanol Extract and its Constituent Resveratrol

Gouania leptostachya DC. var. tonkinensis Pitard. Rhamnaceae is a traditional medicinal plant used in Thailand for treating various inflammatory symptoms. However, no systematic studies have been performed concerning the anti‐inflammatory effects or molecular mechanisms of this plant. The immunopharmacological activities of a methanol extract from the leaves and twigs of G. leptostachya (Gl‐ME) were elucidated based on the gastritis symptoms of mice treated with HCl/EtOH and the inflammatory responses, such as nitric oxide (NO) release and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, from RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. Moreover, inhibitory target molecules were also assessed. Gl‐ME dose‐dependently diminished the secretion of NO and PGE2 from LPS‐stimulated RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. The gastritis lesions of HCl/EtOH‐treated mice were also attenuated after Gl‐ME treatment. The extract (50 and 300 µg/mL) clearly reduced mRNA expression of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, nuclear translocation of p65/nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, phosphorylation of p65‐activating upstream enzymes, such as protein kinase B (AKT), inhibitor of κBα kinase (IKK), and inhibitor of κB (IκBα), and the enzymatic activity of Src. By HPLC analysis, one of the major components in the extract was revealed as resveratrol with NO and Src inhibitory activities. Moreover, this compound suppressed NO production and HCl/EtOH‐induced gastric symptoms. Therefore, these results suggest that Gl‐ME might be useful as an herbal anti‐inflammatory medicine through the inhibition of Src and NF‐κB activation pathways. The efficacy data of G. leptostachya also implies that this plant could be further tested to see whether it can be developed as potential anti‐inflammatory preparation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Continuous curvature constrained shortest path for a car-like robot using S-Roadmaps

This paper proposes a new approach for motion planning for a car-like robot which is based on a surfaced roadmap concept. A major advantage of our approach is that, it enables the same roadmap to be efficiently utilized for car-like robots with different kinematical constraints or with different starting and ending points. Our approach first represents the 2D environment using the B-Surface concept. Then, build a roadmap onto the B-Surface which does not incorporate any kinematical constraints. The paths encoded in the roadmap consist of poly-geodesic segments. The roadmap assists in the optimization and smoothing of these paths using NURBS curves. We also demonstrate experimental results for a simple model of a car-like robot moving on 2D environments.
Combining motion segmentation and feature based tracking for object classification and anomaly detection

We present a novel pipeline for automated visual surveillance system based on utilising conventional adaptive background modelling in-conjunction with optic flow to provide motion sensitive foreground/background segmentation. Furthermore active contours are then used to detect robust motion boundaries within the scene from which PCA is used for object classification. Feature based tracking is then used to build an object and trajectory inventory for the scene from which basic anomaly detection is implemented. (1 page)
Liver Metastases in Prostate Carcinoma Represent a Relatively Aggressive Subtype Refractory to Hormonal Therapy and Short-Duration Response to Docetaxel Monotherapy

Background We report a single institution’s experience from a small series of patients suggesting that liver metastasis in metastatic castration-refractory prostate cancer (mCRPC) represents a relatively aggressive subtype that is refractory to hormonal manipulation treatment, including luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LA) and abiraterone (Ab) therapy, although docetaxel is briefly effective. Methods Between 2007 and 2013, six patients with prostate cancer with liver metastases were analyzed. Biochemical response was defined as > 50% decrease in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value. Results Two patients who presented with liver metastases died in less than 3 months after LA therapy. Two out of three patients (one died while receiving chemotherapy) received Ab after chemotherapy did not show any response and died while on therapy. One patient who presented with lung metastases initially received LA therapy and progressed on it with liver metastases in < 6 months. Thus, five of six patients did not respond to hormone therapy including LA and Ab. Three patients who received docetaxel after LA therapy had more than 50% objective PSA response with a mean survival of 4 months. Conclusions No literature addresses the response to hormone treatment in hepatic metastasis in prostate carcinoma. This small series suggests that liver metastases in prostate carcinoma represent a relatively aggressive subset against which hormonal therapy, including the LA and Ab, appears to be ineffective. Although our patients responded to docetaxel chemotherapy, their responses were of short duration. A further clinical trial involving more patients will be necessary to substantiate our findings.
Relationship Bonding Strategies and Customer Retention : A Study in Business To Business Context Prof .

A company’s ability to attract and retain new customers, is not only related to its product or services, but strongly related to the way it services its existing customers and the reputation it creates within and across the marketplace. The use of relationship management as a key driver in the sustenance and growth of customer base has never been in doubt. Businesses can build customer relationships by initiating one or several types of bonds. Berry (1995) introduced the concept of relational bonding levels that are categorized as financial, social and structural bonds and suggested that the effectiveness of relationship strategies are measured on the basis of these three bonds. Financial, social and structural bonds are important factors that enhance customer relationships and improve customer retention. The present study was an attempt to analyze the effect of relationship bonding strategies on customer retention. The primary data for the study was collected from customers of Philips Carbon Black Limited (PCBL) in Kerala and Chennai. The respondents were contacted personally and the data required for the study were collected by administering pretested structured questionnaires. The population of the study comprised of all regular customers of PCBL in Kerala and Chennai. The sampling frame consisted of 114 regular customers of PCBL, out of which 28 customers were from Chennai and 86 customers were from Kerala. The required sample size of 70 was arrived at by adopting simple random sampling. From the analysis it is clear that, structural bonds and social bonds have significant positive effect on customer retention. Hence companies should not merely rely on financial bonds as a mechanism to build long term customer retention because they are easily imitated. The use of structural bonds and social bonds were found to be more effective to achieve customer retention, during later stages of customerfirm relationship.
Porous Silicon Covered with Silver Nanoparticles as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Substrate for Ultra-Low Concentration Detection

Microporous and macro-mesoporous silicon templates for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates were produced by anodization of low doped p-type silicon wafers. By immersion plating in AgNO3, the templates were covered with silver metallic film consisting of different silver nanostructures. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs of these SERS substrates showed diverse morphology with significant difference in an average size and size distribution of silver nanoparticles. Ultraviolet–visible–near-infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) reflection spectroscopy showed plasmonic absorption at 398 and 469 nm, which is in accordance with the SEM findings. The activity of the SERS substrates was tested using rhodamine 6G (R6G) dye molecules and 514.5 nm laser excitation. Contrary to the microporous silicon template, the SERS substrate prepared from macro-mesoporous silicon template showed significantly broader size distribution of irregular silver nanoparticles as well as localized surface plasmon resonance closer to excitation laser wavelength. Such silver morphology has high SERS sensitivity that enables ultralow concentration detection of R6G dye molecules up to 10−15 M. To our knowledge, this is the lowest concentration detected of R6G dye molecules on porous silicon-based SERS substrates, which might even indicate possible single molecule detection.
Structure and biology of cartilage and bone matrix noncollagenous macromolecules

Over recent years a number of cartilage and bone matrix molecules have been identified and characterized. These include major constituents such as collagens and proteoglycans as well as a number of less‐abundant matrix proteins. In several cases these proteins have been characterized by cloning and sequence analysis of the corresponding cDNA. Some properties of the macromolecules have been studied and an understanding of their functions in the structure, assembly, and breakdown of connective tissue matrix is emerging. It appears that some of these molecules have structural roles whereas others participate in the assembly of the tissue. In this paper we attempt to give a current picture of the organization and role of the noncollagenous matrix macromolecules in cartilage and bone. —Heinegård, D. ; Oldberg, Å. Structure and biology of cartilage and bone matrix noncollagenous macromolecules. FASEB J. 3: 2042‐2051; 1989.
Differentiation of Malignant and Benign Incidental Breast Lesions Detected by Chest Multidetector-Row Computed Tomography: Added Value of Quantitative Enhancement Analysis

To retrospectively determine the association between breast lesion morphology and malignancy and to determine the optimal value of lesion enhancement (HU, Hounsfield units) to improve the diagnostic accuracy of breast cancer in patients with incidental breast lesions (IBLs). A total of 97 patients with 102 IBLs detected from July 2009 to December 2012 were enrolled in this study. Two radiologists analyzed CT images for the presence of malignancy based on the morphology of the lesions alone and in combination with an enhancement value (HU) analysis. There were 36 malignant and 66 benign IBLs. When the morphology and enhancement values were combined, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 92%, 97%, and 95%, respectively, for reader 1 and 89%, 94%, and 92%, respectively, for reader 2. The addition of HU values led to correct changes in the diagnosis; specifically, the accuracy of the diagnosis of reader 1 and reader 2 improved by 6.9% and 11.8%, respectively. The addition of the enhancement value (HU) to the CT morphology improved the diagnostic accuracy in the differentiation of malignant from benign IBLs by using the region of interest (ROI) to measure the HU within the most suspicious part of the lesion.
Dissimilarity in adolescent and maternal representations of Type 1 diabetes: exploration of relations to adolescent well-being.

PURPOSE To compare the illness representations of adolescents with Type 1 diabetes and their mothers, and to explore how congruence and incongruence influences adolescent psychological adjustment. METHODS A total of 30 adolescents (13-19 years) with Type 1 diabetes completed self-report questionnaires of illness representations and psychological well-being; 26 mothers completed the illness representation questionnaire. RESULTS t-Test and correlation analyses showed convergence on the majority of the illness representation dimensions with maternal representations differing significantly on only two dimensions: perceiving their adolescent's diabetes to have more serious consequences and to have a greater emotional impact. Computation of dissimilarity scores between mothers and adolescents, showed mothers to maximize the seriousness of diabetes across several dimensions, but no significant associations were found with adolescent psychological well-being. CONCLUSIONS Chronic illness in children and young people exists in a social context and the management of diabetes requires an ongoing supportive relationship between parent and child. The results show a high degree of consistency in the beliefs adolescents and their mothers hold, and such congruence is presumed to benefit psychological well-being. However, the mediators and moderators for family belief processes are unclear and several possibilities are discussed.
CCN1 (CYR61) and CCN3 (NOV) signaling drives human trophoblast cells into senescence and stimulates migration properties

ABSTRACT During placental development, continuous invasion of trophoblasts into the maternal compartment depends on the support of proliferating extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs). Unlike tumor cells, EVTs escape from the cell cycle before invasion into the decidua and spiral arteries. This study focused on the regulation properties of glycosylated and non-glycosylated matricellular CCN1 and CCN3, primarily for proliferation control in the benign SGHPL-5 trophoblast cell line, which originates from the first-trimester placenta. Treating SGHPL-5 trophoblast cells with the glycosylated forms of recombinant CCN1 and CCN3 decreased cell proliferation by bringing about G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, which was accompanied by the upregulation of activated Notch-1 and its target gene p21. Interestingly, both CCN proteins increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase activity and the expression of the senescence marker p16. The migration capability of SGHPL-5 cells was mostly enhanced in response to CCN1 and CCN3, by the activation of FAK and Akt kinase but not by the activation of ERK1/2. In summary, both CCN proteins play a key role in regulating trophoblast cell differentiation by inducing senescence and enhancing migration properties. Reduced levels of CCN1 and CCN3, as found in early-onset preeclampsia, could contribute to a shift from invasive to proliferative EVTs and may explain their shallow invasion properties in this disease.