Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stage-Specific Pathways of Leishmania infantum chagasi Entry and Phagosome Maturation in Macrophages

The life stages of Leishmania spp. include the infectious promastigote and the replicative intracellular amastigote. Each stage is phagocytosed by macrophages during the parasite life cycle. We previously showed that caveolae, a subset of cholesterol-rich membrane lipid rafts, facilitate uptake and intracellular survival of virulent promastigotes by macrophages, at least in part, by delaying parasitophorous vacuole (PV)-lysosome fusion. We hypothesized that amastigotes and promastigotes would differ in their route of macrophage entry and mechanism of PV maturation. Indeed, transient disruption of macrophage lipid rafts decreased the entry of promastigotes, but not amastigotes, into macrophages (P<0.001). Promastigote-containing PVs were positive for caveolin-1, and co-localized transiently with EEA-1 and Rab5 at 5 minutes. Amastigote-generated PVs lacked caveolin-1 but retained Rab5 and EEA-1 for at least 30 minutes or 2 hours, respectively. Coinciding with their conversion into amastigotes, the number of promastigote PVs positive for LAMP-1 increased from 20% at 1 hour, to 46% by 24 hours, (P<0.001, Chi square). In contrast, more than 80% of amastigote-initiated PVs were LAMP-1+ at both 1 and 24 hours. Furthermore, lipid raft disruption increased LAMP-1 recruitment to promastigote, but not to amastigote-containing compartments. Overall, our data showed that promastigotes enter macrophages through cholesterol-rich domains like caveolae to delay fusion with lysosomes. In contrast, amastigotes enter through a non-caveolae pathway, and their PVs rapidly fuse with late endosomes but prolong their association with early endosome markers. These results suggest a model in which promastigotes and amastigotes use different mechanisms to enter macrophages, modulate the kinetics of phagosome maturation, and facilitate their intracellular survival.
Clinical Implications of Circulating Tumor Cells of Breast Cancer Patients: Role of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Plasticity

There is increasing interest in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) due to their purported role in breast cancer metastasis, and their potential as a “liquid biopsy” tool in breast cancer diagnosis and management. There are, however, questions with regards to the reliability and consistency of CTC detection and to the relationship between CTCs and prognosis, which is limiting their clinical utility. There is increasing acceptance that the ability of CTCs to alter from an epithelial to mesenchymal phenotype plays an important role in determining the metastatic potential of these cells. This review examines the phenotypic and genetic variation, which has been reported within CTC populations. Importantly, we discuss how the detection and characterization of CTCs provides additional and often differing information from that obtained from the primary tumor, and how this may be utilized in determining prognosis and treatment options. It has been shown for example that hormone receptor status often differs between the primary tumor and CTCs, which may help to explain failure of endocrine treatment. We examine how CTC status may introduce alternative treatment options and also how they may be used to monitor treatment. Finally, we discuss the most interesting current clinical trials involving CTC analysis and note further research that is required before the breast cancer “liquid biopsy” can be realized.
When And How Does IT Service Matter? An Analytical And Empirical Analysis Of Heterogeneity Of IT Service Dimensions and the Impact of Non-IT Capability On Performance of Science Oriented Firms

Strategic use of IT has been the subject of considerable interest among researchers and practitioners, spurred by Carr(2003) and research about ‘IT productivity paradox’. The gist of debate is whether IT investment leads to competitive advantage or not. Even though IT is consist of multiple dimensions, previous studies consider the IT as one unit and oversimplify it. We examine how IT is strategically used in different IT dimensions by investigating the optimal IT investment decision of different dimensions in IT service competition. We consider IT conversion process as two steps. IT investment converts to IT service quality and, in order, service quality converts to financial performance. We refer to each step as ‘IT build’ and ‘IT use’ in this paper. We investigate the influence of non-IT capability on each step of conversion process. Our study shows that IT is strategic necessary and does not show strategic differences in some dimensions. And, in other dimensions, firms show strategic differences in IT investment and service quality decision. These are determined by trait of the non-IT capability required for generating IT service. This is consistent with ‘resource based view’. Also we show that firms have different capability in IT using. That is, firm’s capability of IT using moderates the effect of service quality on financial performance. These are investigated by analytical model and empirical test.
Controlling conjunctive partial deduction of definite logic programs

\Classical" partial deduction, within the framework by Lloyd and Shepherdson, computes partial deduction for separate atoms independently. As a consequence, a number of program optimisa-tions, known from unfold/fold transformations and supercompilation, cannot be achieved. In this paper, we show that this restriction can be lifted through (polygenetic) specialisation of entire atom conjunctions. We present a generic algorithm for such partial deduction and discuss its correctness in an extended formal framework. We concentrate on novel control challenges speciic to this \conjunctive" partial deduction. We reene the generic algorithm into a fully automatic concrete one that registers partially deduced conjunctions in a global tree, and prove its termination and correctness. We discuss some further control reenements and illustrate the operation of the concrete algorithm and/or some of its possible variants on interesting transformation examples.
DESIGN OF A BIOLOGICALLY INSPIRED DIRECTIONAL ACOUSTIC SENSOR

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The Acceptance and Use of Computer Based Assessment in Higher Education

Computer Based Assessment (CBA) is being a very popular method to evaluate students’ performance at the university level. This research aims to examine the constructs that affect students’ intention to use the CBA. The proposed model is based on previous technology models such as Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Usage of Technology (TAUT). The proposed CBA model is based on nine variables: Goal Expectancy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Computer Self Efficacy, Content, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Playfulness, and Behavioral Intention. Data were collected using a survey questionnaire from 546 participants who had used the computer based exam system at the University of Jordan. Results indicate that Perceived Playfulness has a direct effect on CBA use. Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, Computer Self Efficacy, Social Influence, Facilitating Conditions, Content and Goal Expectancy have only indirect effects. The study concludes that a system is more likely to be used by students if it is playful and CBA is more likely to be playful when it is easy to use and useful. Finally, the studied acceptance model for computer based assessment explains approximately only 10% of the variance of behavioral intention to use CBA.
Plasmodium falciparum Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Pregnancy Malaria Associated Gene Expression

Background Pregnancy-associated malaria (PAM) causing maternal anemia and low birth weight is among the multiple manifestations of Plasmodium falciparum malaria. Infected erythrocytes (iEs) can acquire various adhesive properties that mediate the clinical severity of malaria. Recent advances on the molecular basis of virulence and immune evasion have helped identify var2csa as a PAM-specific var gene. Methodology/Principal Findings The present study presents a genome-wide microarray transcript analysis of 18 P. falciparum parasite isolates freshly collected from the placenta. The proportion of PAM over-expressed genes located in subtelomeric regions as well as that of PAM over-expressed genes predicted to be exported were higher than expected compared to the whole genome. The identification of novel parasite molecules with specificity to PAM and which are likely involved in host-pathogen interactions and placental tropism is described. One of these proteins, PFI1785w, was further characterized as the product of a two-exon PHIST gene, and was more often recognized by serum samples from P. falciparum-exposed women than from men. Conclusions/Significance These findings suggest that other parasite proteins, such as PFI1785w, may contribute beside VAR2CSA to the pathogenesis of PAM. These data may be very valuable for future vaccine development.
Impact of Strategically Located White Matter Hyperintensities on Cognition in Memory Clinic Patients with Small Vessel Disease

Background and Purpose Studies on the impact of small vessel disease (SVD) on cognition generally focus on white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume. The extent to which WMH location relates to cognitive performance has received less attention, but is likely to be functionally important. We examined the relation between WMH location and cognition in a memory clinic cohort of patients with sporadic SVD. Methods A total of 167 patients with SVD were recruited from memory clinics. Assumption-free region of interest-based analyses based on major white matter tracts and voxel-wise analyses were used to determine the association between WMH location and executive functioning, visuomotor speed and memory. Results Region of interest-based analyses showed that WMHs located particularly within the anterior thalamic radiation and forceps minor were inversely associated with both executive functioning and visuomotor speed, independent of total WMH volume. Memory was significantly associated with WMH volume in the forceps minor, independent of total WMH volume. An independent assumption-free voxel-wise analysis identified strategic voxels in these same tracts. Region of interest-based analyses showed that WMH volume within the anterior thalamic radiation explained 6.8% of variance in executive functioning, compared to 3.9% for total WMH volume; WMH volume within the forceps minor explained 4.6% of variance in visuomotor speed and 4.2% of variance in memory, compared to 1.8% and 1.3% respectively for total WMH volume. Conclusions Our findings identify the anterior thalamic radiation and forceps minor as strategic white matter tracts in which WMHs are most strongly associated with cognitive impairment in memory clinic patients with SVD. WMH volumes in individual tracts explained more variance in cognition than total WMH burden, emphasizing the importance of lesion location when addressing the functional consequences of WMHs.
On the Use of the Gap Approximation for the Gaussian Broadcast Channel

In the paper it is shown that, similar to the Gaussian multiple access channel (MAC) that was considered in previous work, the gap approximation can also be used for the Gaussian broadcast channel (BC) to analyze transmission of discrete constellations using superposition. The values of the gap for the Gaussian BC are different than for the Gaussian MAC and depend on the powers of the noises at the receivers. Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) is employed as an example, and it is demonstrated how the gap for the single-user AWGN channel should be modified in the case of the Gaussian BC. Moreover, even when discrete constellations are employed, similar to the capacity-achieving case, it is possible to simplify the implementation of the receivers using Successive Interference Cancellation (SIC) without penalty in performance.
Redefining Field Experiences: Virtual Environments in Teacher Education

The explosion of interest in online gaming and virtual worlds is leading many universities to investigate possible educational applications of the new environments. In this paper we explore the possibilities of 3D online worlds for teacher education, particularly the field experience component. Drawing upon two pedagogical examples, we suggest that virtual simulations may, with certain limitations, create safe spaces that allow preservice teachers to adopt alternate identities and interact safely with the "other. " In so doing they may become aware of the constructed nature of social categories and gain the essential pedagogical skill of perspective-taking. We suggest that, ultimately, the ability to be the principal creators of themselves in virtual environments can increase their ability to do the same in the real world. Keywords—field experience, pedagogy, simulation, teacher education
Government Spending in a Simple Model of Endogeneous Growth

One strand of endogenous-growth models assumes constant returns to a broad concept of capital. I extend these models to include tax-financed government services that affect production or utility. Growth and saving rates fall with an increase in utility-type expenditures; the two rates rise initially with productive government expenditures but subsequently decline. With an income tax, the decentralized choices of growth and saving are "too low," but if the production function is Cobb-Douglas, the optimizing government still satisfies a natural condition for productive efficiency. Empirical evidence across countries supports some of the hypotheses about government and growth.
Toward a situated cognition approach to design: effect of emotional context on designers' ideas

Motivation -- Our main objective was to explore the effect of context on designers' creative activities, especially on the emergence of sources of inspiration or ideas. In addition, we wished to suggest educational exercises and new computational systems aimed at stimulating creativity in design. Research approach -- Thirty-two professional designers were asked to individually design a new product according to a design brief. The design context consisted of images featuring a combination of two experimental factors: emotions and distance from the object to be designed. Findings/Design -- Results showed that it is possible to favour the evocation of sources of inspiration by professional designers. More specifically, the context conveying positive emotions and allowing designers to extend their idea search space significantly favoured the emergence of creative designs. Research limitations/Implications -- Only professional designers took part in this study. Thus, the positive impact of context was observed in participants who were already very knowledgeable about design. Originality/Value -- The present study helps to identify the contextual characteristics that favour creative design, notably by exploring the impact of emotions. In addition, our results suggest new directions for developing teaching methods as well as computational systems aimed at stimulating creativity in design. Take away message -- A context that conveys positive emotions stimulates the emergence of creativity. The beneficial effect of context is even greater when it combines positive emotions with examples that are at a remove from the object to be designed.
Repeated fMRI Using Iron Oxide Contrast Agent in Awake, Behaving Macaques at 3 Tesla

Iron oxide contrast agents have been employed extensively in anesthetized rodents to enhance fMRI sensitivity and to study the physiology of cerebral blood volume (CBV) in relation to blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) signal following neuronal activation. This study quantified the advantages of exogenous agent for repeated neuroimaging in awake, nonhuman primates using a clinical 3 Tesla scanner. A monocrystalline iron oxide nanoparticle (MION) solution was injected at iron doses of 8 to 10 mg/kg in two macaque monkeys. Adverse behavioral effects due to contrast agent were not observed in either monkey using cumulative doses in excess of 60 mg/kg. Relative to BOLD imaging at 3 Tesla, MION increased functional sensitivity by an average factor of 3 across the brain for a stimulus of long duration. Rapid stimulus presentation attenuated MION signal changes more than BOLD signal changes, due to the slower time constant of the blood volume response relative to BOLD signal. Overall, the contrast agent produced a dramatic improvement in functional brain imaging results in the awake, behaving primate at this field strength. (c) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).
Chaos in random neural networks.

A continuous-time dynamic model of a network of $N$ nonlinear elements interacting via random asymmetric couplings is studied. A self-consistent mean-field theory, exact in the $N\ensuremath{\rightarrow}\ensuremath{\infty}$ limit, predicts a transition from a stationary phase to a chaotic phase occurring at a critical value of the gain parameter. The autocorrelations of the chaotic flow as well as the maximal Lyapunov exponent are calculated.
Constraints on Scalar-Field Dark Energy from Galaxy Cluster Gas Mass Fraction versus Redshift Data

We use the Allen et al. Chandra measurements of the X-ray gas mass fraction of 26 rich clusters to place constraints on the scalar-field dark energy model with an inverse power-law potential energy density. The constraints are consistent with, and typically more constraining than, those from other cosmological tests, and they mildly favor the Einstein cosmological constant limit of the dark energy model.
Lost in digital world: Chinese tourists in Morocco A qualitative research on tourists’ post-travel perception of UGC credibility

Currently, travel-related UGC is widely used in tourists’ decision-making process. These contents are perceived as credible sources since they are customer-oriented and independent, furthermore, have significant influence on travelers’ buying behavior. Multiple studies concentrated on discussing UGC credibility in travelers’ decision-making, namely “pre-consuming” process, However, tourists’ perception of UGC credibility is permutable as they might experience something different or unexpected during the trip. Therefore, it is then important to unravel the relationship between tourists’ perceived credibility of UGC and their actual travel experience. This exploratory research focuses on discussing consumers’ post-travel perceptions of UGC credibility based on one practical case about Chinese tourists in Morocco. And the research question of this study is “How tourists’ actual travel experiences affect their perceptions of the travel-related UGC credibility? ” In order to answer the question, this study employed a combined research method of qualitative content analysis and in-depth interview. By coding 40 user-generated articles on Chinese Internet and interviewing nine Chinese tourists, research found that the travelers with dissatisfied and mismatched travel experience showed less perceived credibility on UGC, whereas the ones with satisfied and matched travel experience showed their consistent attitude towards UGC. Another finding is that travelers still accept the reference value of UGC and choose to use them in future trip planning, even though they show less perceived credibility on UGC. Meanwhile, they decide to adjust their UGC consuming behavior in the future. Additionally, in line with the previous theories, the study discovered travel-related UGC helped destination build three kinds of image: “Cognitive”, “affective” and “conative”, while the first two were more salient than the third one. Such contents described travel destinations in five angles, “natural resource”, “attractions”, “amenity”, “accommodation” and “cultural activities”. For travelers’ consuming behavior on UGC, research found consumers paid attention on the content quality in four dimensions: “Completeness”, “accuracy”, “authenticity” and “objectivity”. Lastly, travelers’ two information needs from UGC, “functional” and “hedonic” were also proved by this study, furthermore, the “functional” information needs was the most important element.
Association of dopamine transporter gene variants with childhood ADHD features in bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder (BD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) exhibit remarkably high rates of comorbidity, as well as patterns of familial co‐segregation. Epidemiological data suggests that these disorders either share a common genetic architecture or that ADHD features in BD may represent an etiologically distinct subtype. We previously used the Wender Utah Rating Scale (WURS) to assess ADHD features in BD families and identified three heritable factors relating to impulsivity, mood instability, and inattention. Linkage analysis revealed a LOD score of 1.33 for the inattention factor on 5p15.3 near the dopamine transporter gene (DAT1), which has been associated with both BD and ADHD. Pharmacological evidence also suggests a role for DAT in both disorders. We have now evaluated the association of ten DAT1 variants for the WURS total score and factors in an overlapping sample of 87 BD families. Significant associations for three SNPs were observed across the WURS measures, notably for a SNP in intron 8 with the WURS total score (P = 0.007) and for variants in introns 9 and 13 with mood instability (P = 0.009 and 0.004, respectively). Analysis of an independent sample of 52 BD cases and 46 healthy controls further supported association of the intron 8 variant with mood instability (P = 0.005), and a combined analysis confirmed the associations of this SNP with WURS total score. Impulsivity and mood instability (P = 0.002, 0.007, and 8 × 10−4, respectively). These data suggest that variants within DAT1 may predispose to a subtype of BD characterized by early prodromal features that include attentional deficits. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Evaluation of Discretization Methods for Non-Supervised Analysis of Time-Series Gene Expression Data

A compressor limiter is provided for the processing of audio signals. Fundamentally, the invention includes an amplifier receiving audio input signals and including a photoresistive element in the feedback circuit thereof. The output of the amplifier is provided to a dual stage control voltage generating circuit. The first stage generates a current through a light emitting diode corresponding to the amplitude of the output signal from the amplifier. The light emitting diode sets a threshold for suppression of the output audio signal such that, as light is emitted from the diode, it effects the photoresistor in the feedback circuit of the amplifier, thus adjusting the gain. The other branch of the control voltage generating circuitry comprises a peak detector which is operative for controlling the light emitted from the diode when successive audio signals exceeding the threshold are received in rapid succession.