Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An obesogenic diet started before puberty leads to abnormal mammary gland development during pregnancy in the rabbit

Alterations to the metabolic environment during puberty can impact future lactation efficiency and mammary tumorigenesis. During this study, we used a model of rabbits receiving an obesogenic diet (OD), starting before puberty and extending until mid‐pregnancy. Three months later, the body weight of OD animals was significantly higher than that of controls and their mammary glands displayed a precocious and abnormal development at mid‐pregnancy. OD mammary ducts were filled with dense products, while alveolar structures invaded most of the fat pad. The proportion of secretory epithelium was significantly higher in OD mammary tissue, which contained an abundant accumulation of milk proteins and lipids. In conclusion, an obesogenic diet started before puberty induced an accelerated development of the rabbit mammary gland, leading to an accumulation of secretory products at mid‐pregnancy. These results support the critical influence of nutrition on mammary growth and differentiation, which may be deleterious to mammary development and subsequent lactation. Developmental Dynamics 240:347–356, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prognostic significance of tumor grade in clinical trials of adjuvant therapy for breast cancer with axillary lymph node metastasis

The prognostic significance of histologic tumor grade has been evaluated in 1537 women entered into the Ludwig Trials I‐IV of adjuvant therapy for node‐positive breast cancer. Tumor grade was determined on histologic review of primary tumor sections by two central review pathologists using a modification of the Bloom and Richardson grading system. The 5‐year overall survival rates (±SE) were: Grade 1, 86% ± 2; Grade 2, 70% ± 2; and Grade 3, 57% ± 2 (P <0.0001). This survival difference was seen in both premenopausal (P <0.0001) and postmenopausal (P <0.0001) women. Significant differences in disease‐free survival (DPS) by tumor grade were also observed (P <0.0001). The tumor grade determined by the 75 contributing local clinic pathologists was also highly significant for predicting DPS and overall survival. Tumor grade remained a statistically significant prognostic factor for DPS (P <0.0001) and overall survival (P <0.0001) in multivariate analyses controlling for nodal status, tumor size, estrogen receptor status, menopausal status, age, peritumoral vessel invasion, and treatment assigned. In postmenopausal patients for whom adjuvant treatment was compared with no adjuvant therapy, the prognostic significance of tumor grade was modified by the effect of treatment. The presence of vessel invasion by primary tumor cells was a stronger predictor of early recurrence than was increasing tumor grade in postmenopausal patients who received no adjuvant therapy. The higher failure rates for patients with high‐grade tumors was due to a larger number of failures in regional and visceral sites. Tumor grade can be determined by any pathologist and allows for selection of a subpopulation of breast cancer patients at high risk for early mortality.
Phase-separated condensate-aided enrichment of biomolecular interactions for high-throughput drug screening in test tubes

Modification-dependent and -independent biomolecular interactions, including protein–protein, protein–DNA/RNA, protein–sugar, and protein–lipid interactions, play crucial roles in all cellular processes. Dysregulation of these biomolecular interactions or malfunction of the associated enzymes results in various diseases; therefore, these interactions and enzymes are attractive targets for therapies. High-throughput screening can greatly facilitate the discovery of drugs for these targets. Here, we describe a biomolecular interaction detection method, called phase-separated condensate-aided enrichment of biomolecular interactions in test tubes (CEBIT). The readout of CEBIT is the selective recruitment of biomolecules into phase-separated condensates harboring their cognate binding partners. We tailored CEBIT to detect various biomolecular interactions and activities of biomolecule-modifying enzymes. Using CEBIT-based high-throughput screening assays, we identified known inhibitors of the p53/MDM2 (MDM2) interaction and of the histone methyltransferase, suppressor of variegation 3-9 homolog 1 (SUV39H1), from a compound library. CEBIT is simple and versatile, and is likely to become a powerful tool for drug discovery and basic biomedical research.
Blimp Based on Embedded Computer Vision and Fuzzy Control for Following Ground Vehicles

Abstract This paper mainly covers the development of a fuzzy controller and a robust embedded visual system to follow a ground robot target by an indoor blimp robot. The presented control strategy is based on the visual information given by embedded computer vision. To realize the autonomous ground target following, an efficient vision-based object detection and localization algorithm is proposed by using Speeded Up Robust Features technique. The vision feedback is optimized by fuzzy set model to correct the prediction position information and then it is integrated with the blimp's flight control system to guide it to follow the ground target. The fuzzy control system was implemented to make blimp robot complete the whole navigation performance and approaching the target. The overall vision system has been tested in actual flight missions, and the results show that the system is effective, robust and suitable for complex controls task.
Indoor microlocation with BLE beacons and incremental rule learning

Location is one of the most valuable and extensively used information in mobile context-aware systems. Its understanding may vary from geolocation that uses GPS infrastructure to locate objects on Earth, up to microlocation, which aims at locating users and objects inside closed areas. Although geolocation can be considered as a mature field, there is an ongoing research in the area of microlocation. Despite that, microlocation techniques do not offer satisfactory level of accuracy and implementation flexibility to be practically incorporated into commercial solutions. This is mainly because of high workload that needs to be done in terms of maps preparation and algorithms tuning. In this paper we present a method that can overcome this issue by providing incremental rule learning algorithm for automated discovery of user location on a room-level accuracy. We also show a method of augmenting semantic annotations on physical objects with a use of Bluetooth Low Energy beacons.
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol Anchor Modification Machinery Deficiency Is Responsible for the Formation of Pro-Prion Protein (PrP) in BxPC-3 Protein and Increases Cancer Cell Motility*

The normal cellular prion protein (PrP) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored cell surface glycoprotein. However, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell lines, such as BxPC-3, PrP exists as a pro-PrP retaining its glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) peptide signaling sequence. Here, we report the identification of another pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cell line, AsPC-1, which expresses a mature GPI-anchored PrP. Comparison of the 24 genes involved in the GPI anchor modification pathway between AsPC-1 and BxPC-3 revealed 15 of the 24 genes, including PGAP1 and PIG-F, were down-regulated in the latter cells. We also identified six missense mutations in DPM2, PIG-C, PIG-N, and PIG-P alongside eight silent mutations. When BxPC-3 cells were fused with Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, which lack endogenous PrP, pro-PrP was successfully converted into mature GPI-anchored PrP. Expression of the individual gene, such as PGAP1, PIG-F, or PIG-C, into BxPC-3 cells does not result in phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C sensitivity of PrP. However, when PIG-F but not PIG-P is expressed in PGAP1-expressing BxPC-3 cells, PrP on the surface of the cells becomes phosphoinositide-specific phospholipase C-sensitive. Thus, low expression of PIG-F and PGAP1 is the major factor contributing to the accumulation of pro-PrP. More importantly, BxPC-3 cells expressing GPI-anchored PrP migrate much slower than BxPC-3 cells bearing pro-PrP. In addition, GPI-anchored PrP-bearing AsPC-1 cells also migrate slower than pro-PrP bearing BxPC-3 cells, although both cells express filamin A. “Knocking out” PRNP in BxPC-3 cell drastically reduces its migration. Collectively, these results show that multiple gene irregularity in BxPC-3 cells is responsible for the formation of pro-PrP, and binding of pro-PrP to filamin A contributes to enhanced tumor cell motility.
Association Between Serum Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Sarcopenia and Physical Disability Among Older Chinese Men: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass, function and quality and associated with a range of adverse health outcomes including disability. Despite a negative correlation between muscle mass and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in postmenopausal women, it is unclear if FSH is associated with sarcopenia and its poor outcomes, especially in older men. Methods: We used cross-sectional data from 360 men aged over 80 who participated in health check-ups to investigate correlations between serum FSH and sarcopenia, individual sarcopenia components, low physical performance (gait speed ≤ 0.8 m/s) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) disability. Sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia were diagnosed according to the revised definition of the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Old People (EWGSOP2). Results: The prevalence of sarcopenia was 17.8% in this population. In binary logistic regression analysis, compared with higher FSH group, lower FSH group showed a significant reduction in the risk of low calf circumference (a surrogate for muscle mass; OR 0.308, 95% CI 0.109–0.868, P = 0.026) after adjusting potential confounders including age, waist circumference, education, exercise, associated biochemical parameters, other sex hormones and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. The correlation between FSH and low handgrip strength was marginally significant (OR 0.390, 95% CI 0.151–1.005, P = 0.051). No associations were observed between FSH and sarcopenia, severe sarcopenia, and disability in adjusted models. Conclusion: In older men, circulating FSH was not associated with sarcopenia, sarcopenia severity, the majority of its components and adverse health outcome (IADL disability), with the exception of low calf circumference. Further work is needed to better elucidate the association of FSH and low muscle quantity by adopting more accurate measurement method of appendicular skeletal muscle mass such as DXA, CT or MRI.
Organization and development of brain stem auditory nuclei in the chick: Ontogeny of postsynaptic responses

The onset of responsiveness to eighth nerve stimulation was examined in n. magnocellularis and n. laminaris, (second‐ and third‐order neurons) of the chick brainstem auditory system. Extracellular microelectrode mapping techniques were used to examine postsynaptic responses in in vitro brainstem preparations. Two specific questions were addressed. First, what is the earliest time at which postsynaptic action potentials can be evoked in n. magnocellularis and n. laminaris by eighth nerve stimulation? Second, does responsiveness to eighth nerve stimulation develop along a spatial gradient in n. magnocellularis and, if so, how does this gradient compare with other developmental events observed in the chick auditory system?
The Non-phagocytic Route of Collagen Uptake

The degradation of collagens, the most abundant proteins of the extracellular matrix, is involved in numerous physiological and pathological conditions including cancer invasion. An important turnover pathway involves cellular internalization and degradation of large, soluble collagen fragments, generated by initial cleavage of the insoluble collagen fibers. We have previously observed that in primary mouse fibroblasts, this endocytosis of collagen fragments is dependent on the receptor urokinase plasminogen activator receptor-associated protein (uPARAP)/Endo180. Others have identified additional mechanisms of collagen uptake, with different associated receptors, in other cell types. These receptors include β1-integrins, being responsible for collagen phagocytosis, and the mannose receptor. We have now utilized a newly developed monoclonal antibody against uPARAP/Endo180, which down-regulates the receptor protein level on treated cells, to examine the role of uPARAP/Endo180 as a mediator of collagen internalization by a wide range of cultured cell types. With the exception of macrophages, all cells that proved capable of efficient collagen internalization were of mesenchymal origin and all of these utilized uPARAP/Endo180 for their collagen uptake process. Macrophages internalized collagen in a process mediated by the mannose receptor, a protein belonging to the same protein family as uPARAP/Endo180. β1-Integrins were found not to be involved in the endocytosis of soluble collagen, irrespectively of whether this was mediated by uPARAP/Endo180 or the mannose receptor. This further distinguishes these pathways from the phagocytic uptake of particulate collagen.
Tourism as a long-run economic growth factor: the Spanish case

This paper examines the role of tourism in the Spanish long-run economic development. The tourism-led growth hypothesis is confirmed through cointegration and causality testing. The results indicate that, at least, during the last three decades, economic growth in Spain has been sensible to persistent expansion of international tourism. The increase of this activity has produced multiplier effects over time. External competitivity has also been proved in the model to be a fundamental variable for Spanish economic growth. From the empirical analysis it can be inferred the positive effects on income that government policy, in the adequacy of supply as well as in the promotion of tourist activity, may bring about.
Role of surface charge and oxidative stress in cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of graphene oxide towards human lung fibroblast cells

Recently, attempts have been made to apply graphene oxide (GO) in the field of biology and medicine, such as DNA sensing and drug delivery with some necessary modifications. Therefore, the toxicity of GO must be evaluated before it is applied further in biomedicine. In this paper, the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of GO to human lung fibroblast (HLF) cells have been assessed with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), sub‐G1 measurement and comet assays, and the mechanism of its toxicity has been explored. Various modifications of GO have been made to help us determine the factors which could affect the toxicity of GO. The results indicated that cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of GO to HLF cells were concentration dependent, and the genotoxicity induced by GO was more severe than the cytotoxicity to HLF cells. Oxidative stress mediated by GO might explain the reason of its toxic effect. Furthermore, the electronic charge on the surface of GO would play a very important role in the toxicity of GO to HLF cells. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel DOA estimation based on signal subspace structure of uniform linear array

In the study, we present a novel directions of arrivals (DOAs) estimation by using signal subspace structure of an uniform linear array. The proposed method resolves the directions by using the eigenanalysis of a square matrix formed by the eigencomponents in the signal subspace of data correlation matrix. Simulation results validate the high resolution capacity and fast convergence rate of the proposed method. In addition, the proposed method has less computation burden than Root-MUSIC.
Crisis, Farming & Community

In 2001, the UK was hit by Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) precipitating one of the biggest crises ever to affect the UK farming system. The crisis unfolded as a series of information and communication problems, from government to farmers and from farmers to farmers, with consequences for action in a time of crisis, social support, and the maintenance of community. What happens to a farming community during such a crisis? When the countryside shuts down, and no one can enter or leave the farm, how can information be disseminated? As methods of dealing with the disease change rapidly, as happened in this crisis, how can information be delivered in a timely and coordinated manner? To explore these questions, data have been gathered from reports and writing about the crisis, and from interviews with Cumbrian farmers. Although we will address throughout the multiple information channels used by farmers, this paper focuses on the role of information and communication technologies (ICTs) during the crisis, notably a community networking initiative known as Pentalk. We conclude with a look at the current role of Pentalk in the farming community, and with discussion of how networks such as these can help during crises involving major information and communication management.
Design of the companion robot interaction for supporting major tasks of the elderly

This research aims to develop the companion robot experience design optimized for supporting living tasks of the elderly in Korea. First, Elder users' main needs were categorized into 4 groups based on ethnographic research. Second, the functional elements and physical actuators of robot were mapped to user needs in function-needs deploy matrix. The final UX design of companion robot was derived as a verbal non-touch multi modal interface with emotional facial expression. Usability test of the interface was conducted targeting 8 elderly users and users' response and acceptance was positive.
Design of an interactive digital nutritional education package for elderly people

Designing a system for the elderly is crucial, as aging is associated with physiological changes that may impair perception, cognition and other social aspects; therefore, many aspects need consideration, especially in interface design. This study was conducted to develop a digital nutritional education package (WE Sihat) by following appropriate guidelines for elderly people to achieve better design interface and interaction. Touch-screen technology was used as a platform for user interaction. The nutritional content was based on previous nutrition studies and a lifestyle education package on healthy aging, which contains four modules. The questionnaires were distributed to 31 Malay subjects aged 60–76 years old, containing an evaluation about the overall content, graphics, design layout, colour, font size, audio/video, user-perceived satisfaction and acceptance levels. The findings showed positive feedback and acceptance. Most subjects agreed that the digital nutritional education package can increase their nutritional knowledge for a healthy lifestyle and is easy to use. The touch-screen technology was also well accepted by elderly people and can be used as a kiosk for disseminating nutrition education for healthy aging.
Optimal FOLPD approximation by GAs and an assessment method

In this paper, an optimal first order lag plus delay (FOLPD) approximation of linear systems is presented, based on minimizing ITAE criterion, using modified genetic algorithms (GAs) with gray coding method and real coding method respectively. An Embedded MATLAB Function is created in order that the population could be manipulated in parallel mode in SIMULINK. One high order process is employed for numerical example. The illustration in time domain demonstrates that the step responses of the proposed methods are more approximative to that of the original plant than some other methods. A new method for the assessment of model reduction is also proposed, which is based on the comparison between the PID robust regions of the original process and of these reduced FOLPD processes. The result reveals that only the proposed method could hold the PID robust regions for the used process.
Évaluation de l'influence dans un réseau multi-relationnel : le cas de Twitter

RÉSUMÉ. L’influence sur Twitter est devenue un sujet de recherche important. Certains utilisateurs révèlent plus de capacité que d’autres pour influencer les personnes avec lesquelles ils sont connectés. Ainsi, trouver les utilisateurs les plus influents peut permettre une diffusion efficace de l’information à grande échelle, action très utile dans le marketing ou les campagnes politiques. Dans cet article, nous proposons une nouvelle approche pour l’évaluation de l’influence dans les réseaux multi-relationnels tels que Twitter. Notre méthode est basée sur la règle de combinaison conjonctive de la théorie des fonctions de croyance qui permet de fusionner différents types de relations. Nous expérimentons notre méthode sur des données Twitter collectées lors des élections européennes de 2014 et déterminons les candidats les plus influents.
Transplanted oligodendrocyte precursor cells reduce neurodegeneration in a model of glaucoma.

PURPOSE Glaucoma is a common neurodegenerative disease for which current therapies are often insufficient; thus, new neuroprotective strategies are an important goal. Stem cells are attracting increasing attention as mediators of neuroprotection, often conferred via the trophic support of injured neurons. The purpose of our investigation was to determine whether oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), a type of neural stem cell, can protect retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from glaucomatous damage in vivo. METHODS Intraocular pressure was chronically increased by trabecular laser treatment delivered unilaterally to adult rat eyes. OPCs were isolated in vitro and then transplanted intravitreally either before, or concurrent with, injury induction. Survival, migration, differentiation, and integration of grafted cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry. RGC survival was assessed by optic nerve axon quantification. RESULTS Transplanted OPCs were found to survive within the eye for at least 12 weeks and to localize close to the RGCs. Moreover, OPCs significantly enhanced the survival of RGCs in the glaucomatous eye, but only when concomitantly activated by inflammation. Axonal loss relative to the untreated fellow eye was 28.34% +/- 11.51% in eyes that received activated OPCs, compared with 60.34% +/- 8.28% in control eyes (mean +/- SEM; P = 0.05). Amelioration of RGC death was not attributable to inflammation but relied on an interaction between inflammatory cells and OPCs. Engrafted cells also displayed multipotentiality in vivo. CONCLUSIONS The impressive neuroprotection conferred by OPCs in this model suggests stem cell-based therapies should be explored further as a potential treatment for glaucoma.