Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Educational Interactive Functions of the Multimedia E-learning System E-Math and its Database-Centered Construction Methods

Today, an increasing number of universities are introducing e-learning systems. These systems enable students to study on their own, anywhere, anytime. However, they also present some problems: (1) Elearning systems may be dull and unhelpful when students study on their own, because the teaching materials are the same for every student, and (2) Custom multimedia e-learning systems are costly to develop, even those developed privately by teachers. The main goal of the work described in this paper is to support and encourage students when they are stuck and require teacher assistance, because they do not comprehend the teaching materials offered by the system. Another goal is to reduce the time and cost required for system development. The paper proposes database-centered construction methods for efficiently developing a multimedia e-learning system within a limited budget and without spending undo time and effort. It introduces our multimedia e-learning system, e-Math, as the implementation example. To help students interactively, the e-Math system offers unobtrusive and natural educational support. The paper also describes the specifications of e-Math's educational support functions: the SOS issuing function, the step-by-step explanation function, and the communication buttons.
Are Lacunar Strokes Really Different?: A Systematic Review of Differences in Risk Factor Profiles Between Lacunar and Nonlacunar Infarcts

Background and Purpose— Differences in risk factors between lacunar and nonlacunar infarcts might support a distinct arterial pathological process underlying lacunar infarction. Methods— We did a systematic review of studies comparing risk factors in patients with lacunar versus nonlacunar infarction. For each risk factor, we calculated study-specific and pooled relative risks (RRs) for lacunar versus nonlacunar infarction. Results— A total of 16 of 28 studies included risk factors in their ischemic stroke subtype definitions. Hypertension and diabetes appeared commoner among patients with lacunar versus nonlacunar infarction. However, analyses confined to studies using risk factor–free ischemic subtype definitions found only a marginal excess of hypertension with lacunar versus nonlacunar infarction (RR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.19) and no difference for diabetes (RR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.09). Atrial fibrillation and carotid stenosis were associated more with nonlacunar than lacunar infarction but less so when only studies using risk factor–free classifications were considered. Otherwise, there was no evidence of differences in risk factor profiles. Conclusions— Risk factor–free ischemic stroke subtype classification methods should be used for comparing risk factor profiles between lacunar and nonlacunar subtypes.
Behavioural relevance of variation in white matter microstructure.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW There has been a rapid increase in studies using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DWI) to interrogate white matter structure in the human brain. This review considers the evidence that interindividual variation in white matter structure is behaviourally relevant. RECENT FINDINGS Maturation or deterioration of white matter throughout the lifespan relates to development or decline in specific cognitive skills. In addition, age-independent relationships between white matter anatomy and ability are found in healthy adult populations. Such relationships may in part be determined by genetics but can also be driven by experience. SUMMARY Individual differences in white matter anatomy, visible using DWI, have consequences for behaviour. The discovery of such relationships highlights the potential for identification of imaging biomarkers that could predict how well patients will respond to specific interventions.
Internet Architecture and Innovation

The Internet's remarkable growth has been fueled by innovation. New applications continually enable new ways of using the Internet, and new physical networking technologies increase the range of networks over which the Internet can run. Questions about the relationship between innovation and the Internet's architecture have shaped the debates over open access to broadband networks, network neutrality, nondiscriminatory network management, and future Internet architecture. In Internet Architecture and Innovation, Barbara van Schewick explores the economic consequences of Internet architecture, offering a detailed analysis of how it affects the economic environment for innovation. Van Schewick describes the design principles on which the Internet's original architecture was basedmodularity, layering, and the end-to-end argumentsand shows how they shaped the original architecture. She analyzes in detail how the original architecture affected innovationin particular, the development of new applicationsand how changing the architecture would affect this kind of innovation. Van Schewick concludes that the original architecture of the Internet fostered application innovation. Current changes that deviate from the Internet's original design principles reduce the amount and quality of application innovation, limit users' ability to use the Internet as they see fit, and threaten the Internet's ability to realize its economic, social, cultural, and political potential. If left to themselves, network providers will continue to change the internal structure of the Internet in ways that are good for them but not necessarily for the rest of us. Government intervention may be needed to save the social benefits associated with the Internet's original design principles.
New findings of oxidative stress biomarkers in nutritional research

Purpose of review The aim of this article is to present a brief overview of recently published articles assessing oxidative stress markers in nutritional studies. Recent findings Intervention and observational studies were carried out in both, healthy subjects and patients and describe the association of foodstuffs as well as isolated nutrients with biomarkers of oxidative stress. The results from human intervention studies on healthy participants and patients are controversial. Long-term interventions (>8 weeks) seem to be more effective than short-term or single-dose interventions. Results are difficult to compare because not only the methods used, also the assessed biomarkers and outcomes were very diverse. In addition, studies vary in the compounds and doses used, duration, participants and so on. Different biomarkers (damaged molecules together with antioxidants from different compartments) should be assessed to evaluate the true ‘redox-status’ of an individual and the impact of a nutritional intervention. Summary Both observational and interventional studies performed in healthy participants and patients show possible beneficial effects of nutrients and foodstuffs by improving oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzyme activities. Biomarkers should be standardized to allow better comparison of results of antioxidant intervention studies.
A third polymorph of 1,4-bis(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)benzene

The title compound, C20H14N4, is a new polymorph of the previously reported structures, which were orthorhombic, space group Pbca [Bei et al. (2000). Acta Cryst. C56, 718–719] and monoclinic, space group P21/c [Dudd et al. (2003). Green Chem. 5, 187–192]. The asymmetric unit consists of two independent molecules in which the dihedral angels between the central benzene ring and the outer benzimidazole ring systems are 16.81 (10) and 14.23 (10)° in one molecule and 26.09 (10) and 37.29 (10)° in the other. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H⋯N and C—H⋯N hydrogen bonds into a tape running along the c-axis direction.
Two Novel Human Cytomegalovirus NK Cell Evasion Functions Target MICA for Lysosomal Degradation

NKG2D plays a major role in controlling immune responses through the regulation of natural killer (NK) cells, αβ and γδ T-cell function. This activating receptor recognizes eight distinct ligands (the MHC Class I polypeptide-related sequences (MIC) A andB, and UL16-binding proteins (ULBP)1–6) induced by cellular stress to promote recognition cells perturbed by malignant transformation or microbial infection. Studies into human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) have aided both the identification and characterization of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs). HCMV immediate early (IE) gene up regulates NKGDLs, and we now describe the differential activation of ULBP2 and MICA/B by IE1 and IE2 respectively. Despite activation by IE functions, HCMV effectively suppressed cell surface expression of NKGDLs through both the early and late phases of infection. The immune evasion functions UL16, UL142, and microRNA(miR)-UL112 are known to target NKG2DLs. While infection with a UL16 deletion mutant caused the expected increase in MICB and ULBP2 cell surface expression, deletion of UL142 did not have a similar impact on its target, MICA. We therefore performed a systematic screen of the viral genome to search of addition functions that targeted MICA. US18 and US20 were identified as novel NK cell evasion functions capable of acting independently to promote MICA degradation by lysosomal degradation. The most dramatic effect on MICA expression was achieved when US18 and US20 acted in concert. US18 and US20 are the first members of the US12 gene family to have been assigned a function. The US12 family has 10 members encoded sequentially through US12–US21; a genetic arrangement, which is suggestive of an ‘accordion’ expansion of an ancestral gene in response to a selective pressure. This expansion must have be an ancient event as the whole family is conserved across simian cytomegaloviruses from old world monkeys. The evolutionary benefit bestowed by the combinatorial effect of US18 and US20 on MICA may have contributed to sustaining the US12 gene family.
A Partially Uniform Target Birth Model for Gaussian Mixture PHD/CPHD Filtering

The conventional GMPHD/CPHD filters require the PHD for target births to be a Gaussian mixture (GM), which is potentially inefficient because careful selection of the mixture parameters may be required to ensure good performance. Here we present approximations which allow part of the birth PHD to be uniformly distributed, obviating the need to use a large GM to model target births. The benefits of this approach are demonstrated by simulations on a bearings-only filtering scenario.
Functional responses of coccinellid predators: An illustration of a logistic approach

Abstract The functional response parameters and patterns of three coccinellid predators, Cheilomenes sexmaculata, Propylea dissecta, and Coccinella transversalis (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were evaluated to find out how these predators respond at two different prey species across various prey densities levels. All three predators exhibited a decelerating curve Type II response determined by a logistic regression model. The linear reciprocal transformation of Holling's disc equation was used to further evaluate the parametric values. C. sexmaculata responded maximally, followed by C. transversalis and P. dissecta, in terms of consumption of the aphids, Aphis craccivora and Myzus persicae, with suitable values of coefficient of attack rates and handling times on these prey species. Differences in handling times were found to be significant within and between the predatory species on both prey species indicating that predators respond differentially to prey species. Differences in coefficients of attack rates, however, did not vary significantly in most of the treatments. The potential role of these predators in biocontrol of A. craccivora and M. persicae suggests that C. sexmaculata is the best predator for the management of both prey species, particularly A. craccivora. However, further field based studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Cross-gender Comparison of Metacognitive Strategies Utilized by Omani Students in Reading Comprehension Classes

Given the fact that English is the language of the latest technological and scientific developments, comprehending English texts has priority for students to gain the knowledge and skills they will need in the future. However, most Omani students are not efficient L2 readers and do not have sufficient competence in reading authentic English texts. There is a variety of factors that might affect Omani students’ ability to read and comprehend English texts effectively. To find out what factors are involved in Omani students’ reading comprehension, in the first place, it is necessary to know what strategies they employ in reading. To this end, the current study attempts to explore Omani students reported use of reading strategies using ‘Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory’ (MARSI) developed by Mokhtari and Reichard (2002). The self-reported survey completed by 200 students (90 female and110 male) who enrolled for Advanced Foundation program (level 4) at Salalah College of Technology (SCT). The results show that SCT students’ awareness of metacognitive strategies is at medium level (3.46). Furthermore, the comparison between two gender groups (Males Vs. Females) shows that male students use metacognitive reading strategies moderately (3.28) while female students use them more frequently (3.64). The outcomes of the study contribute to the improvement of SCT students reading ability and can be used by teachers to teach students different strategies to build meaning of the reading material which is among the goals of any educational system.
Parallel recursive prediction error algorithm for training layered neural networks

A new recursive prediction error algorithm is derived for the training of feedforward layered neural networks. The algorithm enables the weights in each neuron of the network to be updated in an efficient parallel manner and has better convergence properties than the classical back propagation algorithm. The relationship between this new parallel algorithm and other existing learning algorithms is discussed. Examples taken from the fields of communication channel equalization and nonlinear systems modelling are used to demonstrate the superior performance of the new algorithm compared with the back propagation routine.
Are Subitizing and Counting Implemented as Separate or Functionally Overlapping Processes?

Enumeration of small groups of four or fewer objects is very fast and accurate (often called "subitizing"), but gets slower and more error prone for more than four items ("counting"). Many theories have been proposed to account for this dichotomy, most suggesting that "subitizing" and "counting" are two qualitatively different and separable processes. Others, in contrast, have proposed that the two operations reflect two different levels along a continuum of complexity. In this paper we present a PET study that attempts to characterize subitizing and counting at a neural level in order to investigate whether they are implemented as separate or functionally overlapping processes. Subjects performed an enumeration task on visual arrays of dots that varied in numerosity (1-4 and 6-9 dots) and spatial arrangement (canonical and random). The results demonstrated a common network for subitizing and counting that comprises extrastriate middle occipital and intraparietal areas. The intensity and spatial extent of this network were modulated by the number of dots and their spatial arrangement: activation increased as the number of items in the visual array increased, reaching maximum peak and extent for counting 6-9 randomly arranged items. Direct comparison between subitizing and counting showed that counting, relative to subitizing, was correlated with increased activity in this occipitoparietal network, while subitizing did not show areas of increased activation with respect to counting. Results speak against the idea of the two processes being implemented in separable neural systems.
SQL databases v. NoSQL databases

The <i>Communications</i> Web site, http://cacm.acm. org, features more than a dozen bloggers in the BLOG@CACM community. In each issue of <i>Communications</i>, we'll publish excerpts from selected posts. <br /><br /><b>twitter</b><br />Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/blogCACM<br /><br />Michael Stonebraker considers several performance arguments in favor of NoSQL databases---and finds them insufficient.
HIV Integration Targeting: A Pathway Involving Transportin-3 and the Nuclear Pore Protein RanBP2

Genome-wide siRNA screens have identified host cell factors important for efficient HIV infection, among which are nuclear pore proteins such as RanBP2/Nup358 and the karyopherin Transportin-3/TNPO3. Analysis of the roles of these proteins in the HIV replication cycle suggested that correct trafficking through the pore may facilitate the subsequent integration step. Here we present data for coupling between these steps by demonstrating that depletion of Transportin-3 or RanBP2 altered the terminal step in early HIV replication, the selection of chromosomal sites for integration. We found that depletion of Transportin-3 and RanBP2 altered integration targeting for HIV. These knockdowns reduced HIV integration frequency in gene-dense regions and near gene-associated features, a pattern that differed from that reported for depletion of the HIV integrase binding cofactor Psip1/Ledgf/p75. MLV integration was not affected by the Transportin-3 knockdown. Using siRNA knockdowns and integration targeting analysis, we also implicated several additional nuclear proteins in proper target site selection. To map viral determinants of integration targeting, we analyzed a chimeric HIV derivative containing MLV gag, and found that the gag replacement phenocopied the Transportin-3 and RanBP2 knockdowns. Thus, our data support a model in which Gag-dependent engagement of the proper transport and nuclear pore machinery mediate trafficking of HIV complexes to sites of integration.
Ownership Structure, Institutional Development, and Political Extraction: Evidence from China

This paper examines how ownership structure and institutional development influence the liquidity management and investment policies of firms, in response to the threat of political extraction in China. First, we document evidence that firms controlled by private entrepreneurs hold less cash reserves than their state-owned counterparts. In addition, cash holdings (investments) is positively (negatively) related to the strength of economic institutions. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that managers of private firms and firms located in provinces with weaker institutions have incentives to protect their assets from being expropriated by politicians, through holding less cash (which are easier to extract) and pursuing more investments in fixed assets (which are harder to extract). Finally, we find that firms with close connections to politicians hoard cash reserves and display lower investments than their non- connected counterparts. This suggests that political connections mitigate the threat of political extraction for those connected firms. JEL classification: D23; H7; K0; P2
CDKL5 regulates flagellar length and localizes to the base of the flagella in Chlamydomonas

Two mutations in LF5, which encodes a protein kinase orthologous to human CDKL5, cause abnormally long flagella in Chlamydomonas. The localization of LF5p to the very proximal region of flagella in WT cells is regulated by three other LF gene products, which make up the cytoplasmic length regulatory complex.
Effect of lupine as cheese base substitution on technological and nutritional properties of processed cheese analogue.

BACKGROUND Healthy foods have been met with marked success in the last two decades. Lupine flours, protein concentrates, and isolates can be applied as a substance for enriching different kinds of food systems such as bakery products, lupine pasta, ice cream, milk substitutes. Imitation processed cheese is made from mixtures of dairy and/or non dairy proteins and fat/oils and is variously labeled analogue, artificial, extruded, synthetic and/or filled. Processed cheese can be formulated using different types of cheese with different degree of maturation, flavorings, emulsifying, salts, and/or several ingredients of non-dairy components. Non-dairy ingredients have been used in processed cheese for many dietary and economic reasons. In this study, lupine paste was used to substitute 25, 50, 75 and 100% of cheese in base formula of processed cheese analogue (PCA). MATERIAL AND METHODS Matured Ras cheese (3 months old) was manufactured using fresh cow milk. Soft cheese curd was manufactured using fresh buffalo skim milk. Emulsifying salts S9s and Unsalted butter were used. Lupine termis paste was prepared by soaking the seeds in tap water for week with changing the water daily, and then boiled in water for 2 hrs, cooled and peeled. The peeled seeds were minced, blended to get very fine paste and kept frozen until used. RESULTS Lupine paste was used to substitute 25, 50, 75 and 100% of cheese in base formula of processed cheese analogue (PCA). The obtained PCA were analysed when fresh and during storage up to 3 months at 5±2°C for chemical composition, physical and sensory properties. The histopathological effect of lupines on alloxan diabetic albino rats and nutritional parameters were also investigated. Incorporation of lupine paste in PCA increased the ash and protein contents while meltability and penetration values of resultant products were decreased. Adding lupine in PSA formula had relatively increased the oil index and firmness of products. Feeding rats a balanced diet containing processed cheese enriched with lupine showed marked improvements in islets structure and lowered blood glucose compared to rats fed on basil diet (negative group). Springiness was greatly reduced with increasing the added ratio of lupine in the formula of cheese. All processed cheese produced were sensory acceptable but an overall acceptability was lowered by incorporating lupine in PCA formula. Body and texture score of PCA was the mostly affected by increasing lupine ratio in formula without significant difference up to 50% substitution of cheese base.
The glutamate uptake inhibitor L-trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate depresses excitatory synaptic transmission via a presynaptic mechanism in cultured hippocampal neurons

Sodium-dependent high-affinity uptake of glutamate is thought to play a major role in the maintenance of very low extracellular concentrations of excitatory amino acids (EAA), and may modulate the actions of released transmitter at G-protein-coupled receptors and extrasynaptic receptors that are activated over a longer distance and time course. We have examined the effects of the recently developed uptake inhibitor L- trans-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (L-trans-PDC) on monosynaptically evoked excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in very-low-density cultures of hippocampal neurons. L-Trans-PDC produced a decreased amplitude of both the non-NMDA and NMDA receptor-mediated components of monosynaptically evoked EPSCs. Examination of miniature EPSCs (mEPSCs) indicated that changes in the sensitivity of postsynaptic non-NMDA receptors did not underline the decrease in evoked EPSC amplitudes. The metabotropic receptor agonist (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3- dicarboxylic acid (1S,3R-ACPD) also depressed both components of the EPSC. The competitive metabotropic receptor antagonist (RS)-alpha- methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (MCPG) blocked the depression of EPSC amplitude induced by 1S,3R-ACPD and also blocked the effects of L-trans- PDC. Finally, low concentrations of L-glutamate (2 microM) mimicked the effects of L-trans-PDC on EPSC amplitude. From these results we conclude that the application of L-trans-PDC to cultured hippocampal neurons results in the activation of presynaptic metabotropic receptors, leading to a decrease in synaptic transmission. We propose that this effect is due to an increase in ambient glutamate concentrations following inhibition of glutamate uptake, resulting in presynaptic inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission.