Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adenylyl Cyclase α and cAMP Signaling Mediate Plasmodium Sporozoite Apical Regulated Exocytosis and Hepatocyte Infection

Malaria starts with the infection of the liver of the host by Plasmodium sporozoites, the parasite form transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Sporozoites migrate through several hepatocytes by breaching their plasma membranes before finally infecting one with the formation of an internalization vacuole. Migration through host cells induces apical regulated exocytosis in sporozoites. Here we show that apical regulated exocytosis is induced by increases in cAMP in sporozoites of rodent (P. yoelii and P. berghei) and human (P. falciparum) Plasmodium species. We have generated P. berghei parasites deficient in adenylyl cyclase α (ACα), a gene containing regions with high homology to adenylyl cyclases. PbACα-deficient sporozoites do not exocytose in response to migration through host cells and present more than 50% impaired hepatocyte infectivity in vivo. These effects are specific to ACα, as re-introduction of ACα in deficient parasites resulted in complete recovery of exocytosis and infection. Our findings indicate that ACα and increases in cAMP levels are required for sporozoite apical regulated exocytosis, which is involved in sporozoite infection of hepatocytes.
What kinds of input influence the memorization of object names by 4- and 5-year-olds?

This paper investigates the impact of adults' verbal input on preschoolers' performances of a memory task. In the first phase of an initial study, 80 parents were asked to spontaneously label objects displayed in threes on a computer screen during an interaction with their child, adding any comments they wished. In the second phase, after a short interval, only two of the objects in each triplet were shown and the children had to say which one was missing. Parental comments were divided into several categories (chunking, general knowledge, physical descriptions, recontextualization), the proportions of which changed between four and five years. In a second study, seventy-nine 4- and 5-year-old children were given three homogeneous instructions corresponding to the various types provided by the parents in Study 1. All three types of comments were found to be equally efficient, and there were no differences in the children's memory performances between Study 1 (parental context) and Study 2 (experimental context). Results are interpreted in terms of the development of scaffolding in relation to children's growing skills.
Facile synthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by polyacrylamide-reduction approach to antibacterial application.

The current time increase in the prevalence of antibiotic resistant 'super-bugs' and the risks associated with food safety have become global issues. Therefore, further research is warranted to identify new and effective antimicrobial substances. Silver nanoparticles (Ag-NPs) were synthesized by autoclaving technique using, different concentrations of Ag salt (AgNO3) solution (1, 5, 10, and 25 mM). Their presence was confirmed by a surface plasmon resonance band at ∼435 nm using UV-Vis absorption spectra. The morphology of the synthesized Ag-NPs stabilized by polyacrylamide (PAM) was examined by TEM, SAED, and EDS. TEM images revealed that the synthesized Ag-NPs had an average diameter of 2.98±0.08 nm and SAED and EDS results confirmed the formation of Ag-NPs. In addition, FT-IR spectroscopy revealed that a PAM polymer matrix stabilized the Ag-NPs. The well diffusion method, was used to test, Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria were examined. Also the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were studied against Ag-NPs. The Ag-NPs exhibited strong inhibitory activity, MIC and MBC against the tested clinical bacterial isolates. These results suggest that Ag-NPs stabilized in PAM are highly effective against clinical bacterial isolates can be applied in medical fields.
Health Beliefs of a Sample of Black Patients Attending a Specialized Medical Facility

Cross-cultural research has highlighted the influential role of health beliefs in shaping responses to health messages and subsequent health behaviour. Research into health behaviour constitutes an interdisciplinary field which studies personal attributes related to health maintenance, restoration and improvement and it embraces concepts related to biopsychosocial health care and behavioural medicine. Health behaviour research is in its infancy in Africa. Particularly in South Africa, where there is a high incidence of diseases requiring high technology medical intervention within a large spectrum of an underprivileged population, there is a need to gain more cross-cultural health behaviour knowledge that would permit the formulation of a health-care education programme specifically designed for local needs. Given this, this study investigated health beliefs amongst a group of black patients who required highly specialized medical treatment. The sample consisted of a random selection of black patients attending a university-affiliated specialized teaching hospital's out-patient clinic for ‘high-tech’ medical or surgical procedures. Results showed statistically significant differences between the health beliefs of rural and urbanized patients and the importance of religious concepts in health beliefs. Further, the patients' health beliefs related to health behaviour were influenced by several other variables including the interaction between socio-economic, cultural, environmental, and other factors. It is argued that, in order to introduce health behaviour changes, these complex sets of beliefs must be taken into account when health-care education programmes are designed.
Between Pure and Approximate Differential Privacy

We show a new lower bound on the sample complexity of (ε,δ)-differentially private algorithms that accurately answer statistical queries on high-dimensional databases. The novelty of our bound is that it depends optimally on the parameter δ, which loosely corresponds to the probability that the algorithm fails to be private, and is the first to smoothly interpolate between approximate differential privacy (δ >0) and pure differential privacy (δ= 0). Specifically, we consider a database D ∈{±1}n×d and its one-way marginals, which are the d queries of the form “What fraction of individual records have the i-th bit set to +1? ” We show that in order to answer all of these queries to within error ±α (on average) while satisfying (ε,δ)-differential privacy for some function δ such that δ≥2−o(n) and δ≤1/n1+Ω(1), it is necessary that \[n≥Ω (\frac{√dlog(1/δ)}{αε}). \] This bound is optimal up to constant factors. This lower bound implies similar new bounds for problems like private empirical risk minimization and private PCA. To prove our lower bound, we build on the connection between fingerprinting codes and lower bounds in differential privacy (Bun, Ullman, and Vadhan, STOC’14). In addition to our lower bound, we give new purely and approximately differentially private algorithms for answering arbitrary statistical queries that improve on the sample complexity of the standard Laplace and Gaussian mechanisms for achieving worst-case accuracy guarantees by a logarithmic factor.
Participatory action research and the reconstruction of teachers’ practical thinking: lesson studies and core reflection. An experience in Spain

Following the thoughts and topics we have discussed and worked on for a very long time with Bridget Somekh, we would like to present the theoretical relationship between lesson studies, action research and practical knowledge in teacher education. Inspired by the pedagogical philosophy of lesson studies, participatory action research, and core reflection of Korthagen’s approach, we have carried out an educational innovation and research project in a master’s degree on educational innovation, offered online for Spanish‐speaking teachers by three universities in Andalusia (southern Spain). In particular, we analyse the possibilities of lesson studies as an action research model in which observation, action, reflection and cooperation between participants should help to reconstruct the theories in use that teachers count on in their school practice. Let us offer Bridget this brief tribute, from Spain, to thank her and recognise her important work in teaching and cooperation ever since her first visit to Andalusia in 1985.
Routing Metrics of Cognitive Radio Networks: A Survey

The majority of work in cognitive radio networks have focused on single-hop networks with mainly challenges at the physical and MAC layers. Recently, multi-hop secondary networks have gained attention as a promising design to leverage the full potential of cognitive radio networks. One of the main features of routing protocols in multi-hop networks is the routing metric used to select the best route for forwarding packets. In this paper, we survey the state-of-the-art routing metrics for cognitive radio networks. We start by listing the challenges that have to be addressed in designing a good routing metric for cognitive radio networks. We then provide a taxonomy of the different metrics and a survey of the way they have been used in different routing protocols. Then we present a case study to compare different classes of metrics. After that, we discuss how to combine individual routing metrics to obtain a global one. We end the paper with a discussion of the open issues in the design of future metrics for cognitive radio networks.
Change experience and employee reactions: developing capabilities for change

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore how experience with organizational change influences employees' reactions to change. While exposure to an increasingly frequent organizational change can lead to change fatigue and cynicism, it can also generate more positive reactions to change. The authors identify experience‐based change capabilities and explore conditions for developing such capabilities.Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on qualitative interview data from two studies of reactions to planned change. The authors probe employees' accounts of their reactions to change and show how they vary depending on employees' level and type of experience.Findings – The findings suggest that experience provides opportunities for employees to develop their change capabilities, which leads to milder and more constructive reactions to subsequent change initiatives. However, negative experiences can lead to loyal behavior that is based on cynical attitudes.Research limitations/implications – Th.
A multi-layer mobility management architecture using cross-layer signalling interactions

Every layer of the mobile protocol stack contributes to next-generation advanced mobility management (MM). However, present MM architectures are largely single-layer specific and thus can hardly meet the simultaneous lowand high-level mobility support requirements. A co-operation of multiple layers would lead to a promising solution. Notably, there is an increasing interest to adopt cross-layer design for future wireless systems. Through this approach, the refined systems can obtain extended functionality and/or improved performance, which are hard to gain via a single-layer signalling. In this paper, we identify and abstract each layer's contributions to various mobility support tasks. By introducing cross-layer interactions to the TCP/IP protocol stack, we present an IP-based multi-layer MM architecture taking advantage of contributions from individual and combined layers.
VIDEO GAMES AND A CULTURE OF CONFLICT

The article discusses the culture of violence in video games and its psychological effects on players. Psychologists C. A. Anderson and B. J. Bushman report that frequent engagement to violent videogames induces aggressive beliefs, attitudes and acts, including juvenile delinquency and bullying. Their study reveals that playing violent video games is negatively associated with prosocial behavior.
Trend in admissions, clinical features and outcome of preeclampsia and eclampsia as seen from the intensive care unit of the Douala General Hospital, Cameroon

Introduction Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy (HDP) are a major cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. We aimed at determining the trends in admission, profiles and outcomes of women admitted for preeclampsia and eclampsia to an intensive care unit (ICU) in Cameroon. Methods A retrospective study involving 74 women admitted to the ICU of the Douala General Hospital for severe preeclampsia and eclampsia from January 2007 to December 2014. Clinical profiles and outcome data were obtained from patient records. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Results Of the 74 women admitted to ICU (72.5% for eclampsia), mean age was 30.2years and the majority (90.5%) were aged 20-39 years. While overall trend in admission for HDP increased over the years, mortality remained stable. Mean gestational age (GA) on admission was 34.0 weeks (33.5 for preeclampsia vs 35.4 for eclampsia). Most patients presented with complications of which acute kidney injury was most frequent (66.7%). Visual problems were more common in patients with eclampsia compared to preeclampsia (p = 0.01). HELLP syndrome and acute pulmonary oedema (APO) were predominant in patients with preeclampsia, while cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) occurred more in patients with eclampsia. Overall mortality was 24.3%. Presence of APO was associated with mortality in multivariable analysis (O.R.= 0.03, p = 0,01). Conclusion Trends in admission for HDP were increasing with high but stable mortality rate. Patients presented late most of whom with complications. Interventions improving antenatal care services and multidisciplinary management approach may improve maternal outcome in patients with HDP.
Comparison of clinical, morphological, and prognostic features in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy between japanese and western patients

Apical hypertrophic cardiomyopathy appears to be more common in Japan than in the West. Explanations for this difference include variable methods and criteria for the diagnosis. To assess morphological, clinical, and prognostic differences, 45 consecutive Japanese and 45 age‐ and gender‐matched Western patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy were evaluated in two referral institutions by the same individuals. The diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was based on the echocardiographic demonstration of unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy. Patients were aged 8 to 64 years (mean 50); there were 66 males and 24 females. The pattern of left ventricular hypertrophy was similar in Japanese and Western patients: asymmetric septal 64 vs. 76%, concentric 22 vs. 13%, and apical 13 vs. 11% (p = NS). The incidence of an echocardiographic or Doppler calculated left ventricular gradient of >30mmHg was similar (11 vs. 18%; p = NS). The maximal left ventricular wall thickness was greater in Western patients (23 ± 7 vs. 20 ± 4 mm; p = 0.03), but was not different when adjusted for body surface area. Clinical features including incidence of family history and ventricular tachycardia during 24‐h ambulatory electrocardiography were similar. During follow‐up (4.9 ± 4.0 years for Western vs. 4.4 ± 2.0 years for Japanese), disease‐related mortality was worse in Western patients (p < 0.05; 10 versus 2 patients). This evaluation, using the same diagnostic methods and criteria, reveals a worse prognosis in Western patients despite a similar clinical and morphological spectrum of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Synthetic Isoliquiritigenin Inhibits Human Tongue Squamous Carcinoma Cells through Its Antioxidant Mechanism

Isoliquiritigenin (ISL), a natural antioxidant, has antitumor activity in different types of cancer cells. However the antitumor effect of ISL on human tongue squamous carcinoma cells (TSCC) is not clear. Here we aimed to investigate the effects of synthetic isoliquiritigenin (S-ISL) on TSCC and elucidate the underlying mechanisms. S-ISL was synthesized and elucidated from its nuclear magnetic resonance spectrum and examined using high performance liquid chromatography. The effects of S-ISL on TSCC cells (Tca8113) were evaluated in relation to cell proliferation, apoptosis and adhesion, migration, and invasion using sulforhodamine B assay, fluorescence microscopy technique, flow cytometry (FCM) analysis, and Boyden chamber assay. The associated regulatory mechanisms were examined using FCM and fluorescence microscopy for intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Gelatin zymography assay for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activities, and Western blot for apoptosis regulatory proteins (Bcl-2 and Bax). Our data indicated that S-ISL inhibited Tca8113 cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, and invasion while promoting the cell apoptosis. Such effects were accompanied by downregulation of Bcl-2 and upregulation of Bax, reduction of MMP-2 and MMP-9 activities, and decreased ROS production. We conclude that S-ISL is a promising agent targeting TSCC through multiple anticancer effects, regulated by its antioxidant mechanism.
Educational leaders in a globalising world: a new set of priorities?

This paper argues that a globalising world is now the context within which educational leaders need to frame their work, and that there are a number of forces occurring at the global level which profoundly affect nation state education policies, and which then result in significant tensions in the work of educational leaders. It is therefore argued that an understanding of the global nature of policy issues, and of their impact upon educational work, needs to be incorporated into a reconception of roles and responsibilities. This paper suggests a number of meanings of ‘globalisation’, and looks at the tensions and paradoxes these create, as well as the changes to professional values they induce. It concludes by suggesting a number of requirements for educational leaders to take forward if educational professionals are to continue to have relevance in the twenty-first century.
CD44H localization in primary open-angle glaucoma.

PURPOSE Primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) is associated with a decreased content of hyaluronan in the trabecular meshwork and in the juxtacanalicular connective tissue. In this study, the authors examined selected regions of the anterior segment to localize and determine the content of CD44H, a transmembrane multifunctional glycoprotein and the principal receptor of hyaluronan. METHODS Sections of ethanol-fixed anterior segments of six POAG and six normal postmortem eyes were analyzed by immunostaining with and without the nonionic detergent Triton X-100, using the CD44H monoclonal antibody, and the avidin/biotin complex. They were visualized by Vector VIP substrate and were quantitated by computer-aided color image analysis. RESULTS CD44H was expressed in all regions. Statistically significant decreased content of CD44H was observed in the POAG regions compared with normal regions--ciliary muscle (P < 0.001), ciliary stroma (P < 0.001), anterior iris (P < 0.05), iris root (P < 0.05), and trabecular meshwork (P < 0.05)--and in a subgroup of nonlaser POAG juxtacanalicular connective tissue (P < 0.05) and trabecular meshwork (P < 0.01). In sections treated with Triton X-100 a further increase in immunostaining was observed in normal eyes. As evidenced by scattergram plots of the ciliary body stroma region of the change in the optical density of CD44H between pretreatment with Triton X-100 and without Triton X-100 (y axis) versus the optical density of CD44H without Triton X-100 (x axis), individual cases of POAG were separated from normals. CONCLUSIONS These results indicate that CD44H may represent a marker of POAG and an etiologic factor in the POAG disease process.
Power and representation: A postcolonial reading of global partnerships and teacher development through North—South study visits

This paper critically analyses the neo-liberal discourse informing global education policy and practice. We use postcolonial theory to deconstruct the contexts for global educational partnerships, highlighting how issues of power and representation are central to their development and the learning that takes place within them. Teacher development through North–South study visits is one way of challenging teachers’ worldviews, but these are not always effective. We argue that study visit courses, where learning is facilitated by differently knowledgeable others, have the potential to be more effective, but only if the courses are underpinned by postcolonial theory and informed by socio-cultural pedagogy.
Balance Theory, Unit Relations, and Attribution: The Underlying Integrity of Heiderian Theory

Fritz Heider's theory of social perception is reviewed, and the close connection between attribution, balance, and unit relationship are examined, primarily through Heider's own writings. Attribution and balance have historically been considered separate theories, but the authors show how these two ideas, in conjunction with the idea of unit formation, create a broad-ranging and integrated theory of social perception. Attributions were seen by Heider as a particular kind of unit relationship, and people make attributions that preserve an affectively consistent view of others. The authors then show how this integrated understanding of Heider's ideas generates new predictions and informs a wide range of clinical, personality, and social psychological phenomena, as a reminder of the modern power of Heider's theory.
Structural and functional characterization of interactions involving the Tfb1 subunit of TFIIH and the NER factor Rad2

The general transcription factor IIH (TFIIH) plays crucial roles in transcription as part of the pre-initiation complex (PIC) and in DNA repair as part of the nucleotide excision repair (NER) machinery. During NER, TFIIH recruits the 3′-endonuclease Rad2 to damaged DNA. In this manuscript, we functionally and structurally characterized the interaction between the Tfb1 subunit of TFIIH and Rad2. We show that deletion of either the PH domain of Tfb1 (Tfb1PH) or several segments of the Rad2 spacer region yield yeast with enhanced sensitivity to UV irradiation. Isothermal titration calorimetry studies demonstrate that two acidic segments of the Rad2 spacer bind to Tfb1PH with nanomolar affinity. Structure determination of a Rad2–Tfb1PH complex indicates that Rad2 binds to TFIIH using a similar motif as TFIIEα uses to bind TFIIH in the PIC. Together, these results provide a mechanistic bridge between the role of TFIIH in transcription and DNA repair.