Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advances and Challenges on Cancer Cells Reprogramming Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Technologies

Cancer cells transformation into a normal state or into a cancer cell population which is less tumorigenic than the initial one is a challenge that has been discussed during last decades and it is still far to be solved. Due to the highly heterogeneous nature of cancer cells, such transformation involves many genetic and epigenetic factors which are specific for each type of tumor. Different methods of cancer cells reprogramming have been established and can represent a possibility to obtain less tumorigenic or even normal cells. These methods are quite complex, thus a simple and efficient method of reprogramming is still required. As soon as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) technology, which allowed to reprogram terminally differentiated cells into embryonic stem cells (ESC)-like, was developed, the method strongly attracted the attention of researches, opening new perspectives for stem cell (SC) personalized therapies and offering a powerful in vitro model for drug screening. This technology is also used to reprogram cancer cells, thus providing a modern platform to study cancer-related genes and the interaction between these genes and the cell environment before and after reprogramming, in order to elucidate the mechanisms of cancer initiation and progression. The present review summarizes recent advances on cancer cells reprogramming using iPSC technology and shows the progress achieved in such field.
Human DNA Repair Excision Nuclease

Human DNA repair excision nuclease removes DNA damage by incising on both sides of the lesion in a precise manner. The activity requires participation of 16-17 polypeptides. Of these, the XPF•ERCC1 complex and XPG were predicted to carry the nuclease active sites based on studies with the recombinant proteins and the yeast homologs of these proteins. Furthermore, recent work with model (undamaged) substrates have led to predictions of the roles of these proteins in incising 5′ or 3′ to the lesion. We have used damaged DNA substrates and antibodies to XPG and ERCC1 to test these predictions. Our results reveal that anti-XPG antibodies change the site of 3′ incision and at high concentration inhibit the 3′ incision without significantly affecting the 5′ incision, indicating that XPG makes the 3′ incision and further that under this condition 5′ incision can occur without 3′ incision. In contrast, anti-ERCC1 antibodies inhibit both the 3′ and 5′ incisions. Using a defined system for excision repair we also demonstrate that the 3′ incision can occur without the 5′ incision, leading us to conclude that under certain conditions the two incisions can occur independently.
Surgical assist robot for the active navigation in the intraoperative MRI: hardware design issues

A magnetic resonance (MR) compatible surgical assistance robot system, designed to aid minimally invasive surgical techniques, such as positioning and directing a catheter or a laser pointer, has been built and is under preclinical evaluation. Two specific issues arise in the MR environment: (i) the reduced space in which to place the robot; and (ii) the MR compatibility. The main mechanical body is located above the head of the surgeon, with two rigid, hanging arms that reach into the workspace. This novel configuration contributes to a small occupancy in the workspace and to the MR compatibility. The robot is also carefully designed for safety and sterilization issues. Details of the kinematics and the design of the robot are given, and the MR compatibility is examined. This shows that the robot has no adverse effect on the imaging, even when it is in motion.
The Effect of Treadmill Running on Passive Avoidance Learning in Animal Model of Alzheimer Disease

Background: Alzheimer's disease was known as a progressive neurodegenerative disorder in the elderly and is characterized by dementia and severe neuronal loss in the some regions of brain such as nucleus basalis magnocellularis. It plays an important role in the brain functions such as learning and memory. Loss of cholinergic neurons of nucleus basalis magnocellularis by ibotenic acid can commonly be regarded as a suitable model of Alzheimer's disease. Previous studies reported that exercise training may slow down the onset and progression of memory deficit in neurodegenerative disorders. This research investigates the effects of treadmill running on acquisition and retention time of passive avoidance deficits induced by ibotenic acid nucleus basalis magnocellularis lesion. Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly selected and divided into five groups as follows: Control, sham, Alzheimer, exercise before Alzheimer, and exercise groups. Treadmill running had a 21 day period and Alzheimer was induced by 5 μg/μl bilateral injection of ibotenic acid in nucleus basalis magnocellularis. Results: Our results showed that ibotenic acid lesions significantly impaired passive avoidance acquisition (P < 0.01) and retention (P < 0.001) performance, while treadmill running exercise significantly (P < 0.001) improved passive avoidance learning in NBM-lesion rats. Conclusion: Treadmill running has a potential role in the prevention of learning and memory impairments in NBM-lesion rats.
Single-letter characterization of epsilon-capacity for mixed memoryless channels

For the class of mixed channels decomposed into stationary memoryless channels, single-letter characterizations of the ε-capacity have not been known except for restricted classes of channels such as the regular decomposable channel introduced by Winkelbauer. This paper gives single-letter characterizations of ε-capacity for mixed channels decomposed into at most countably many memoryless channels with a finite input alphabet with/without cost constraints. It is shown that the given characterization reduces to the one for the channel capacity given by Ahlswede when ε is zero. Some properties of the function of the ε-capacity are analyzed.
Treatment with the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone promotes recovery of motor behavior after moderate contusive spinal cord injury in the mouse

The neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has neuroprotective properties after ischemic and excitatory insults to the brain. In the developing embryo, it is produced in discrete regions of the central nervous system (CNS), where it specifically promotes axonal growth of differentiated neurons. To test if DHEA could be beneficial after spinal cord injury (SCI), we used a model of moderate contusive SCI developed and characterized in the mouse. Immediately after surgery, we applied treatment with DHEA or with vehicle only and compared treatment groups (n = 12 in each group) over a 42‐day period. Locomotor recovery was assessed in an open field using a standardized 21‐point scale, according to gait analysis on paw print recordings and using foot fault analyses on an inclined ladder beam. The DHEA‐treated group showed improved function compared to vehicle‐treated animals in these tests. More strikingly, DHEA enhanced recovery of left‐right coordination and fine motor control. In an attempt to correlate functional recovery with spinal cord neuropathology in the different experimental groups, we studied the area of spared white matter at the epicenter and reactive gliosis/scar formation 42 days post‐injury (DPI). DHEA significantly increased the area of white matter spared at the epicenter and reduced the area of reactive gliosis surrounding the lesion. These data demonstrate the effectiveness of DHEA in promoting functional recovery in the adult murine injured spinal cord. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nematode community responses to range‐expanding and native plant communities in original and new range soils

Abstract Many plant species expand their range to higher latitudes in response to climate change. However, it is poorly understood how biotic interactions in the new range differ from interactions in the original range. Here, in a mesocosm experiment, we analyze nematode community responses in original and new range soils to plant communities with either (a) species native in both the original and new range, (b) range‐expanding species related to these natives (related range expanders), or (c) range expanders without native congeneric species in the new range (unrelated range expanders). We hypothesized that nematode community shifts between ranges are strongest for unrelated range expanders and minimal for plant species that are native in both ranges. As a part of these community shifts, we hypothesized that range expanders, but not natives, would accumulate fewer root‐feeding nematodes in their new range compared to their original range. Analyses of responses of nematodes from both original and new ranges and comparison between range expanders with and without close relatives have not been made before. Our study reveals that none of the plant communities experienced evident nematode community shifts between the original and new range. However, in soils from the new range, root‐feeding nematode communities of natives and related range expanders were more similar than in soils from the original range, whereas the nematode community of unrelated range expanders was distinct from the communities of natives and related range expanders in soils from both ranges. The abundances of root‐feeding nematodes were comparable between the original and new range for all plant communities. Unexpectedly, unrelated range expanders overall accumulated most root‐feeding nematodes, whereas related range expanders accumulated fewest. We conclude that nematode communities associated with native and range‐expanding plant species differ between the original and the new range, but that range‐expanding plant species do not accumulate fewer root‐feeding nematodes in their new than in their original range.
Design methodology for Sigma-Delta modulators based on a genetic algorithm using hybrid cost functions

The design of Sigma-Delta modulators (ΣΔMs) encompasses different variables that need to be optimized together in order to maximize the performance. The design task is even more complex due to the non-linear behavior of the quantizer. Typically, a linearized model of the quantizer is used to obtain linear equations that predict the performance of the modulator, which may cause significant discrepancies between the predicted and actual behavior of ΣΔMs. To better predict the behavior of a given design solution, we propose a design methodology for ΣΔMs based on a genetic algorithm (GA) that uses both linear equations and simulations: the design solution is evaluated using the equations and, if the performance is good enough, it will be evaluated trough simulation. This hybrid cost function allows to use a GA with a large population and, therefore, obtains the best possible design solution. The hybrid cost function takes thermal noise, quantization noise, voltage swing variations and stability of the modulator into account. Furthermore, it also selects the design solution that is the most insensitive to component variations. The design of a continuous-time (CT) and a discrete-time (DT) ΣΔM are given as proof-of-concept.
Building Bridges: The Allyn & Bacon Student Guide to Service-Learning

Written by a former college instructor with extensive service learning experience, this brief book will help students understand the value of service learning, find a appropriate placement, and have a more rewarding field experience. This book can be applied to any course where students are required to fulfill some kind of learning service requirement. Undergraduates.
Fetal thoracoamniotic shunting as the only treatment for pulmonary sequestration with hydrops: favorable long‐term outcome without postnatal surgery

Although it is established that bronchopulmonary sequestration complicated by fetal hydrops carries a high risk of perinatal mortality, prenatal management remains controversial. Therapeutic options include immediate delivery, medical therapy based on an inotropic regimen, alcohol ablation of the vascular pedicle, open fetal surgery, or thoracoamniotic shunting of fetal pleural effusions. We report a case of pulmonary sequestration with hydrothorax and fetal hydrops which was successfully treated by a single fetal thoracoamniotic catheter drainage. Following emergency catheter placement, hydrothorax and hydrops decreased dramatically. The sequestration gradually disappeared postnatally, and long‐term outcome remained normal without any postnatal therapy. Based on this observation, the natural history of pulmonary sequestration and prenatal management options are reviewed. Copyright © 2003 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A traceability semantics approach for supporting product value analysis

Product requirements prioritization approaches identify the most valuable requirements according to customer value, requirements risk, volatility, cost or other market parameters. However, it is still a challenge in Value-Based Engineering to manage the requirement values for incrementing the product value. The analysis of the product value requires a better understanding of interdependencies among various artifacts of the software development lifecycle, particularly, requires to get a better understanding of how the value chain is preserved from the problem space to the solution space. In this position paper our aim is to study the feasibility of using traceability as the backbone to preserve the value chain between the prioritized product requirements and the product architecture. We propose traceability semantics to address this aim. Some initial findings from our research are presented.
Fresh-frozen structural allografts in the foot and ankle.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to review the results of using structural fresh-frozen femoral head allografts in foot and ankle procedures. These grafts were used in order to restore more normal dimensions of the foot and ankle following surgery or trauma and to treat arthritis or deformity in situations in which conventional cancellous graft would not be sufficient. METHODS Between January 1995 and December 1998, seventy-five foot and ankle operations were performed with use of structural allograft in seventy-three patients with an average age of forty-six years. The graft was used in conjunction with procedures such as arthrodesis of the subtalar joint (twenty-eight procedures) and osteotomy of the calcaneus (eleven procedures). Risk factors identified preoperatively included diabetes and neuropathy, smoking, osteonecrosis, and multiple previous operations. Each operation was performed in a standard manner, with rigid internal fixation. The mean structural dimension (height or length) of the graft was 1.85 cm. Healing was determined by the absence of swelling and warmth and by the presence of trabeculation across the arthrodesis or osteotomy site on both sides of the allograft as seen radiographically. RESULTS Healing occurred, at a mean of 4.0 months, after 92% (sixty-nine) of the seventy-five procedures. Once the graft was integrated, there was no evidence of graft resorption or subsidence at a mean of 3.5 years postoperatively. Nine of the seventy-three patients had a superficial wound complication (dehiscence or infection), and a deep infection developed in two patients. CONCLUSIONS Use of structural allografts is appropriate for reconstructive procedures in the foot and ankle. The grafts may be used successfully, with a relatively low complication rate, in patients with risk factors for less satisfactory bone-healing.
Focal Adhesion Kinase Regulates Pathogen-Killing Capability and Life Span of Neutrophils via Mediating Both Adhesion-Dependent and -Independent Cellular Signals1

Various neutrophil functions such as phagocytosis, superoxide production, and survival are regulated by integrin signaling. Despite the essential role of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) in mediating this signaling pathway, its exact function in neutrophils is ill defined. In this study, we investigated the role of FAK in neutrophils using a myeloid-specific conditional FAK knockout mouse. As reported in many other cell types, FAK is required for regulation of focal adhesion dynamics when neutrophils adhere to fibronectin or ICAM-1. Adhesion on VCAM-1-coated surfaces and chemotaxis after adhesion were not altered in FAK null neutrophils. In addition, we observed significant reduction in NADPH oxidase-mediated superoxide production and complement-mediated phagocytosis in FAK null neutrophils. As a result, these neutrophils displayed decreased pathogen killing capability both in vitro and in vivo in a mouse peritonitis model. In adherent cells, the defects associated with FAK deficiency are likely due to suppression of phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PtdIns(3,4,5)P3) signaling and chemoattractant-elicited calcium signaling. Disruption of FAK also reduced chemoattractant-elicited superoxide production in suspended neutrophils in the absence of cell adhesion. This may be solely caused by suppression of PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 signaling in these cells, because the fMLP-elicited calcium signal was not altered. Consistent with decreased PtdIns(3,4,5)P3/Akt signaling in FAK null neutrophils, we also observed accelerated spontaneous death in these cells. Taken together, our results revealed previously unrecognized roles of FAK in neutrophil function and provided a potential therapeutic target for treatment of a variety of infectious and inflammatory diseases.
CESSFORD : PERCEPTION AND REALITY OF CONFLICT : WALKERS AND MOUNTAIN BIKES ON THE QUEEN CHARLOTTE TRACK IN NEW ZEALAND Cessford

A variety of social and physical impacts are attributed to mountain biking. In many cases, the perception of these impacts differs from the reality of on-site experiences. This distinction is explored in two ways. First, a brief review of impact issues associated with mountain bikes is carried out. Second, results are presented from a survey of 370 walkers on a multi-day natural track where biking has been allowed on a trial basis. Walker opinions are surprisingly positive toward bikes. These opinions are found to be more positive among those walkers who had actual encounters with bikes. By contrast, more negative opinions were found among those who had no such encounters. Such distinctions between perception of a conflict and the actual outcome from an experience have important implications for park managers responsible for providing a range of different recreation opportunities.
Regional calibration of a watershed model

Abstract As watershed models become increasingly sophisticated and useful, there is a need to extend their applicability to locations where they cannot be calibrated or validated. A new methodology for the regionalization of a watershed model is introduced and evaluated. The approach involves calibration of a watershed model to many sites in a region, concurrently. Previous research that has sought to relate the parameters of monthly water balance models to physical drainage basin characteristics in a region has met with limited success. Previous studies have taken the two-step approach: (a) estimation of watershed model parameters at each site, followed by (b) attempts to relate model parameters to drainage basin characteristics. Instead of treating these two steps as independent, both steps are implemented concurrently. All watershed models in a region are calibrated simultaneously, with the dual objective of reproducing the behaviour of observed monthly streamflows and, additionally, to obtain good relationships between watershed model parameters and basin characteristics. The approach is evaluated using 33 basins in the southeastern region of the United States by comparing simulations using the regional models for three catchments which were not used to develop the regional regression equations. Although the regional calibration approach led to nearly perfect regional relationships between watershed model parameters and basin characteristics, these “improved” regional relationships did not result in improvements in the ability to model streamflow at ungauged sites. This experiment reveals that improvements in regional relationships between watershed model parameters and basin characteristics will not necessarily lead to improvements in the ability to calibrate a watershed model at an ungauged site.
Conformational Integrity and Ligand Binding Properties of a Single Chain T-cell Receptor Expressed in Escherichia coli *

We recently showed that a soluble, heterodimeric murine D10 T-cell receptor (TCR) (Vα2Cα, Vβ8.2Cβ) expressed in insect cells binds both Vβ8. 2-specific bacterial superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin C2 (SEC2) and a soluble, heterodimeric major histocompatibility complex class II I-Ak·conalbumin peptide complex with a low micromolar affinity. To define further the structural requirements for the TCR/ligand interactions, we have produced in Escherichia coli a soluble, functional D10 single chain (sc) TCR molecule in which the Vα and Vβ domains are connected by a flexible peptide linker. Purified and refolded D10 scTCR bound to SEC2 and murine major histocompatibility complex class II I-Ak·conalbumin peptide complex with thermodynamic and kinetic binding constants similar to those measured for the baculovirus-derived heterodimeric D10 TCR suggesting that neither the TCR constant domains nor potential N- orO-linked carbohydrate moieties are necessary for ligand recognition and for expression and proper folding of the D10 scTCR. Purified D10 scTCR remained soluble at concentrations up to 1 mm. Circular dichroism and NMR spectroscopy indicated that D10 scTCR is stabilized predominantly by β-sheet secondary structure, consistent with its native-like conformation. Because of its limited size, high solubility, and structural integrity, purified D10 scTCR appears to be suitable for structural studies by multidimensional NMR spectroscopy.
Tissue typing by unidirectional mixed lymphocyte culture. I. Demonstration of the cumulative effect of non-H-2 antigens in mice by cultured lymphocytes mixed with cell homogenate.

1. The mixed lymphocyte culture test where live lymphocytes of female mice are cultured with supersonicated cell homogenate of isogeneic male mice does not reflect the difference in H-Y histocompatibility antigen alone. 2. When non-H-2 antigens are cumulated in various combinations, the rate of blastformation becomes greater than the combination of C3H ♀ themselves. 3. When non-H-2 antigens and H-Y antigens are added in various combinations, the rate of blastformation becomes significantly higher than in the combination of C3H ♀ themselves.
A Replication-Inhibited Unsegregated Nucleoid at Mid-Cell Blocks Z-Ring Formation and Cell Division Independently of SOS and the SlmA Nucleoid Occlusion Protein in Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT Chromosome replication and cell division of Escherichia coli are coordinated with growth such that wild-type cells divide once and only once after each replication cycle. To investigate the nature of this coordination, the effects of inhibiting replication on Z-ring formation and cell division were tested in both synchronized and exponentially growing cells with only one replicating chromosome. When replication elongation was blocked by hydroxyurea or nalidixic acid, arrested cells contained one partially replicated, compact nucleoid located mid-cell. Cell division was strongly inhibited at or before the level of Z-ring formation. DNA cross-linking by mitomycin C delayed segregation, and the accumulation of about two chromosome equivalents at mid-cell also blocked Z-ring formation and cell division. Z-ring inhibition occurred independently of SOS, SlmA-mediated nucleoid occlusion, and MinCDE proteins and did not result from a decreased FtsZ protein concentration. We propose that the presence of a compact, incompletely replicated nucleoid or unsegregated chromosome masses at the normal mid-cell division site inhibits Z-ring formation and that the SOS system, SlmA, and MinC are not required for this inhibition.