Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Numerosity Estimation as a Function of Stimulus Organization

It was proposed that stimulus organization of a set of homogeneous items can best be measured by using the mean distance to nearest neighbours. Patterns of dots were generated that fell on four different positions along the cluster continuum, from highly regular, through random, to clustered. When thirty subjects were asked to judge numerosity, their estimates decreased signicantly as cluster measures increased. Four possible interpretations of the effect of organization on numerosity perception are discussed.
Using Mobile Device for Learning： From Students＇ Perspective

This study aims to examine studentsâ€™ acceptance of mobile technology usage for learning. A questionnaire designed with five open-ended questions was distributed to 20 students from the Faculty of Industrial Art and Design Technology of Unisel (Universiti Industri Selangor), Malaysia. Results construes that students were not keen on m-learning (mobile learning), as they did not rely greatly on the mobile phone in assessing their learning materials such as lectures and lab sessions. They were more familiar with studio-based and face-to-face learning approach instead of m-learning and were not receptive to this new idea of learning using mobile technology, even though they always used the mobile device features. The limitations in the mobile device feature, costs and its usability become the prominent factors that hinder the students from fully accomplishing their m-learning exercises. They were willing to explore the idea of using mobile technology for learning, especially in a studio-based setting. They did not see any improvement of knowledge from the perspective of the learning process know-how to the show-how on mobile technology usage for learning. They could not relate to any learning connection between mobile technology and studio-based learning, even though in the first part of the case study, the results have shown positive attitude and acceptance on the study made on a sample lesson of form, space and gestalt theory in the graphic design subject. Students also obtained analogous experiences on small size keypads, screen resolutions, and navigation which could be the major problematic factors to them and thus, affected their m-learning process as it was unfriendly to use and the device was prone to damage. They have yet to accept that the concept of mobility in learning is applicable to the learning process, apart from utilising a mobile device for casual usage. However, this limitation does not restrict the students from exploring this new learning environment in the future, since they were willing to increase their learning exposure using mobile device
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of immunomodulation in the brain through environmental enrichment

Recent studies on environmental enrichment (EE) have shown cytokines, cellular immune components [e.g., T lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells], and glial cells in causal relationship to EE in bringing out changes to neurobiology and behavior. The purpose of this review is to evaluate these neuroimmune mechanisms associated with neurobiological and behavioral changes in response to different EE methods. We systematically reviewed common research databases. After applying all inclusion and exclusion criteria, 328 articles remained for this review. Physical exercise (PE), a form of EE, elicits anti-inflammatory and neuromodulatory effects through interaction with several immune pathways including interleukin (IL)-6 secretion from muscle fibers, reduced expression of Toll-like receptors on monocytes and macrophages, reduced secretion of adipokines, modulation of hippocampal T cells, priming of microglia, and upregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 in central nervous system. In contrast, immunomodulatory roles of other enrichment methods are not studied extensively. Nonetheless, studies showing reduction in the expression of IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in response to enrichment with novel objects and accessories suggest anti-inflammatory effects of novel environment. Likewise, social enrichment, though considered a necessity for healthy behavior, results in immunosuppression in socially defeated animals. This has been attributed to reduction in T lymphocytes, NK cells and IL-10 in subordinate animals. EE through sensory stimuli has been investigated to a lesser extent and the effect on immune factors has not been evaluated yet. Discovery of this multidimensional relationship between immune system, brain functioning, and EE has paved a way toward formulating environ-immuno therapies for treating psychiatric illnesses with minimal use of pharmacotherapy. While the immunomodulatory role of PE has been evaluated extensively, more research is required to investigate neuroimmune changes associated with other enrichment methods.
The Other Side of Acceptance: Studying the Direct and Indirect Effects of Emotions on Information Technology Use

Much ado has been made regarding user acceptance of new information technologies. However, research has been primarily based on cognitive models and little attention has been given to emotions. This paper argues that emotions are important drivers of behaviors and examines how emotions experienced early in the implementation of new IT applications relate to IT use. We develop a framework that classifies emotions into four distinct types: challenge, achievement, loss, and deterrence emotions. The direct and indirect rela tionships between four emotions (excitement, happiness, anger, and anxiety) and IT use were studied through a survey of 249 bank account managers. Our results indicate that excitement was positively related to IT use through task adaptation. Happiness was directly positively related to IT use and, surprisingly, was negatively associated with task adaptation, which is a facilitator of IT use. Anger was not related to IT use directly, but it was positively related to seeking social support, which in turn was positively related to IT use. Finally, anxiety was negatively related to IT use, both directly and indirectly through psychological distancing. Anxiety was also indirectly positively related to IT use through seeking social support, which countered the original negative effect of anxiety. Post hoc ANOVAs were conducted to compare IT usage of different groups of users experiencing similar emotions but relying on different adaptation behaviors. The paper shows that emotions felt by users early in the implementation of a new IT have important effects on IT use. As such, the paper provides a complementary perspective to understanding acceptance and antecedents of IT use. By showing the importance and complexity of the relationships between emotions and IT use, the paper calls for more research on the topic
Prevalence of hookworm infection evaluated with Willis flotation and Formal Ethyl Acetate concentration : A field study in Da Nang, Vietnam

Hookworm infection can cause nausea, stomach pain and anemia, with the most harmful effect being found among women of reproductive age and children. The infection rates is high in poor parts of the world with a high number of infected in Asia. The infection is many times neglected since it rarely causes mortality, however the morbidity can be destructive. In Vietnam the prevalence of hookworm is largely unknown, but there is believed to be a 29-80 % infection rate in the country. Through a field study in Da Nang, Vietnam, the prevalence of hookworm was identified using two methods, Willis flotation and formal ethyl acetate concentration. Any correlation between hookworm infection and individuals’ gender, age and geographic area was evaluated. A total of 101 consecutive selected samples from hospitals and communities in rural and urban parts of the city were obtained from both gender ranging between 1-72 years in age. No quantitative differences were found between the two methods nor any correlation between genders (p-value 0,143). The overall prevalence was 16,8%. The rural part of the city showed a higher infection rate in contrast to the urban districts (p-value 0,001). Individuals in the age group 25-48 showed a higher infection rate in contrast to the other age groups (p-value 0,035).
Does Offline TV Advertising Affect Online Chatter? Quasi-Experimental Analysis Using Synthetic Control

This study analyzes the impact of offline television advertising on multiple metrics of online chatter or user-generated content. The context is a quasi experiment in which a focal brand undertakes a massive advertising campaign for a short period of time. The authors estimate multiple dimensions of chatter (popularity, negativity, visibility, and virality) from numerous raw metrics using the content and the hyperlink structure of consumer reviews and blogs. The authors use the method of synthetic control to construct a counterfactual (synthetic) brand as a convex combination of the rivals during the preadvertising period. The gap in the dimensions of chatter between the focal brand and the synthetic brand in the test versus advertising periods assesses the influence of advertising. Offline television advertising causes a short but significant positive effect on online chatter. This effect is stronger on information-spread dimensions (visibility and virality) than on content-based dimensions (popularity a.
Comparison of parametric and non-parametric approaches for vehicle speed prediction

Predicting the future speed of the ego-vehicle is a necessary component of many Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) applications, in particular for safety and energy management systems. In the last four decades many parametric speed prediction models have been proposed, the most advanced ones being developed for use in traffic simulators. More recently non-parametric approaches have been applied to closely related problems in robotics. This paper presents a comparative evaluation of parametric and non-parametric approaches for speed prediction during highway driving. Real driving data is used for the evaluation, and both short-term and long-term predictions are tested. The results show that the relative performance of the different models vary strongly with the prediction horizon. This should be taken into account when selecting a prediction model for a given ITS application.
The ITS2 Database II: homology modelling RNA structure for molecular systematics

An increasing number of phylogenetic analyses are based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). They mainly use the fast evolving sequence for low-level analyses. When considering the highly conserved structure, the same marker could also be used for higher level phylogenies. Furthermore, structural features of the ITS2 allow distinguishing different species from each other. Despite its importance, the correct structure is only rarely found by standard RNA folding algorithms. To overcome this hindrance for a wider application of the ITS2, we have developed a homology modelling approach to predict the structure of RNA and present the results of modelling the ITS2 in the ITS2 Database. Here, we describe the database and the underlying algorithms which allowed us to predict the structure for 86 784 sequences, which is more than 55% of all GenBank entries concerning the ITS2. These are not equally distributed over all genera. There is a substantial amount of genera where the structure of nearly all sequences is predicted whereas for others no structure at all was found despite high sequence coverage. These genera might have evolved an ITS2 structure diverging from the standard one. The current version of the ITS2 Database can be accessed via http://its2.bioapps. biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de.
Laterality of the Performance of Glaucoma Mass Screening Using Frequency-Doubling Technology

PurposeThis study investigated laterality during the performance of glaucoma mass screening with a frequency-doubling technology perimetry test. Materials and MethodsA frequency-doubling technology screening mode (C-20–1, version 2.6) test was performed on both eyes of 14,784 persons. Subjects with visual field abnormalities detected by the frequency-doubling technology test or with fixation error underwent retesting without a specified interval for rest. Consequently, 206 subjects who fulfilled the screening criteria of the frequency-doubling technology-based glaucoma screening protocol [FDT-GSP(+)] were further investigated using the Humphrey visual field analyzer (30–2). As a result, 74 right eyes and 57 left eyes were shown to have definite glaucoma. ResultsFrequency-doubling technology data for the left eye demonstrated a significantly (P <0.001) higher rate of artifacts, such as no reproducibility of results between the first and second tests (left/right: 2.4%/1.7%) as well as fixation errors (left/right: 2.8%/1.0%). The false-positive rate of the FDT-GSP for glaucoma was more than 1.5-fold higher in the left eye than in the right eye (16.3%/9.8%). In the case that either eye exhibited FDT-GSP(+), the positive predictive value of the FDT-GSP for definite glaucoma in the left eye was almost half of that in the right eye (28.4% vs. 53.8%). Specificity of the FDT-GSP for detection of definite glaucoma also exhibited a lower trend (P = 0.097) in the left eye (44.6%) than in the right eye (55.3%), but the sensitivity of the test was similar in both eyes (91.2% vs. 90.5%, respectively). ConclusionsWhen frequency-doubling technology-based mass screening is performed on the general population, performance is lower for the left eye than for the right eye. This performance disparity is likely to be primarily associated with a difference in specificity.
Dimers of Class A G Protein-coupled Receptors Function via Agonist-mediated Trans-activation of Associated G Proteins*

The histamine H1 receptor and the α1b-adrenoreceptor are G protein-coupled receptors that elevate intracellular [Ca2+] via activation of Gq/G11. Assessed by co-immunoprecipitation and time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer they both exist as homo-dimers. The addition of the G protein G11α to the C terminus of these receptors did not prevent dimerization. Agonists produced a large stimulation of guanosine 5′-3-O-([35S]thio)triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) binding to receptor-G protein fusions containing wild type forms of both polypeptides. For both receptors this was abolished by incorporation of G208AG11α into the fusions. Mutation of a highly conserved leucine in intracellular loop 2 of each receptor also eliminated agonist function but not binding. Co-expression of the two non-functional but complementary fusion constructs reconstituted agonist-mediated binding of [35S]GTPγS in membranes of HEK293 cells and elevation of [Ca2+]i in mouse embryo fibroblasts lacking both Gq and G11. Co-expression of the histamine H1 receptor- and the α1b-adrenoreceptor-G11α fusions allowed detection of functional hetero-dimeric complexes, whereas co-expression of histamine H1 receptor-G11α with increasing amounts of L151Dα1b-adrenoreceptor resulted in decreasing levels of histamine-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding. Co-expression of the α1b-adrenoreceptor with a fusion protein incorporating the N-terminal domain and transmembrane helix 1 of the α1b-adrenoreceptor and G11α did not result in agonist activation of the G protein but did indicate a role for transmembrane helix 1 in dimerization. These data demonstrate that dimers of these class A receptors function via trans-activation of associated G proteins.
Positive Darwinian selection in gamete recognition proteins of Strongylocentrotus sea urchins

Gamete recognition proteins commonly experience positive Darwinian selection and evolve more rapidly than nonreproductive proteins, but the selective forces responsible for their adaptive diversification remain unclear. We examined the patterns of positive selection in the cognate interacting pair of proteins formed by sperm bindin and its egg receptor (EBR1) and in two regions of the sea urchin sperm receptor for egg jelly suREJ3 gene (exons 22 and 26) among four species of Strongylocentrotus sea urchins (S. purpuratus, S. droebachiensis, S. pallidus and S. franciscanus). The signatures of selection differed at each reproductive protein. A strong signal of positive selection was detected at bindin in all lineages even though the species compared had highly variable gamete traits and experience different intensities and forms of sexual selection and sexual conflict in nature. Weaker selection was observed at EBR1 but the small region studied precluded a clear understanding of the extent of sexual conflict between bindin and the EBR1 protein. At the suREJ3 locus, diversifying selection was observed in exon 22 but not exon 26, suggesting that these regions experience different selective pressures and evolutionary constraints. Positive selection was also detected within S. pallidus at suREJ‐22 because of the presence of 12 amino acid replacement mutations segregating at frequencies >0.10. Our results suggest that sexual conflict may be the predominant evolutionary mechanism driving the rapid diversification of reproductive proteins between, and polymorphism within, strongylocentrotid sea urchins.
Role of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases in Peptidoglycan-Induced Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase and Nitric Oxide in Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages: Extracellular Signal-Related Kinase, a Negative Regulator

ABSTRACT The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the production of nitric oxide (NO) are important host defense mechanisms against pathogens in mononuclear phagocytes. The objectives of this study were to examine the roles of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and transcription factors (nuclear factor-κB [NF-κB] and activating protein 1 [AP-1]) in peptidoglycan (PGN)-induced iNOS expression and NO production in macrophages. PGN is a cell wall component of Gram-positive bacteria that stimulates inflammatory responses both ex vivo and in vivo. PGN stimulates the activation of all three classes of MAPKs, extracellular signal-related kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38mapk in macrophages, albeit with differential activation kinetics. Using a selective inhibitor of JNK (SP600125) and JNK1/2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) knocked-down macrophages, it was observed that PGN-induced iNOS and NO expression is significantly inhibited. This suggested that JNK MAPK plays an essential role in PGN-induced iNOS expression and NO production. In contrast, inhibition of the ERK pathway using PD98059 dose dependently enhanced PGN-induced iNOS expression and NO production. PGN-induced ERK activation was attenuated in ERK1/2 siRNA knocked-down macrophages; however, NO and iNOS expression were significantly enhanced. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that SP600125 inhibited PGN-induced NF-κB and AP-1 activation, whereas inhibition of the ERK pathway enhanced NF-κB activation, but with no effect on AP-1. These results indicate that the JNK MAPK positively regulate PGN-induced iNOS and NO expression by activating NF-κB and AP-1 transcription factors, whereas the ERK pathway plays a negative regulatory role via affecting NF-κB activity.
Drug Resistance Mutations for Surveillance of Transmitted HIV-1 Drug-Resistance: 2009 Update

Programs that monitor local, national, and regional levels of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance inform treatment guidelines and provide feedback on the success of HIV-1 treatment and prevention programs. To accurately compare transmitted drug resistance rates across geographic regions and times, the World Health Organization has recommended the adoption of a consensus genotypic definition of transmitted HIV-1 drug resistance. In January 2007, we outlined criteria for developing a list of mutations for drug-resistance surveillance and compiled a list of 80 RT and protease mutations meeting these criteria (surveillance drug resistance mutations; SDRMs). Since January 2007, several new drugs have been approved and several new drug-resistance mutations have been identified. In this paper, we follow the same procedures described previously to develop an updated list of SDRMs that are likely to be useful for ongoing and future studies of transmitted drug resistance. The updated SDRM list has 93 mutations including 34 NRTI-resistance mutations at 15 RT positions, 19 NNRTI-resistance mutations at 10 RT positions, and 40 PI-resistance mutations at 18 protease positions.
Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with doubled semitendinosus and gracilis tendons and lateral extra-articular reconstruction.

BACKGROUND The outcome of revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction has only rarely been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of revision anterior cruciate ligament surgery with use of an autogenous doubled semitendinosus and gracilis graft in association with an extra-articular procedure. METHODS Between 1997 and 2003, thirty patients underwent a repeat reconstruction of a previously reconstructed torn anterior cruciate ligament with use of a doubled semitendinosus and gracilis graft combined with an extra-articular reconstruction. Primary reconstruction had been done with an autogenous patellar tendon graft in twenty-six patients and with a prosthetic ligament in four patients; the average time from the primary reconstruction to the revision was five years. Functional outcomes, graft survival, and radiographic outcomes were evaluated at a mean of five years. A graft was considered to have failed when a revision was done or when the side-to-side difference on KT-1000 arthrometer testing was >5 mm and/or the pivot-shift test grade was greater than a trace. RESULTS One patient underwent another revision reconstruction because of graft failure at three years postoperatively. The mean International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) subjective knee score for the remaining twenty-nine patients was 84 +/- 12 points, and the mean Lysholm knee score was 90 +/- 10 points. The side-to-side difference as measured with the KT-1000 arthrometer with maximum manual force was <3 mm in twenty patients (of the twenty-eight who returned for follow-up), between 3 and 5 mm in six patients, and >5 mm in two patients. The result of the pivot shift examination was normal in fifteen patients, slightly positive in eleven patients, and positive in two patients. Twenty-five percent of the patients showed no radiographic signs of degenerative joint disease. CONCLUSIONS Revision anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with use of an autogenous doubled semitendinosus and gracilis graft combined with an extra-articular procedure provided satisfactory functional outcomes, with a failure rate of 10%.