Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crawling chytrid fungi implicate actin regulators WASP and SCAR in an ancient mode of cell motility

Diverse eukaryotic cells crawl through complex environments using distinct modes of migration. To understand the underlying mechanisms and their evolutionary relationships, we must define each mode, and identify its phenotypic and molecular markers. Here, we focus on a widely dispersed migration mode characterized by dynamic, actin-filled pseudopods that we call "α-motility. " Mining genomic data revealed a clear trend: only organisms with both WASP and SCAR/WAVE---activators of branched actin assembly---make pseudopods. While SCAR has been shown to drive pseudopod formation, WASP9s role in this process is murky. We hypothesize that these genes together represent a genetic signature of α-motility, and are used for pseudopod formation. WASP depletion from human neutrophils confirms that both proteins are involved in explosive actin polymerization, pseudopod formation, and cell migration, and colocalize to dynamic signaling structures. Moreover, retention of WASP together with SCAR correctly predicts α-motility in disease-causing chytrid fungi, which we show crawl at >30 μm/min with actin-filled pseudopods. By focusing on one migration mode in many eukaryotes, we identified a genetic marker of α-motility and evidence for a widely distributed mode of cell crawling with a single evolutionary origin.
Investigating the acceptance of technology in distance learning program

Distance learning program defined as the structured education program in which the instructors and students are physically apart and distanced by time or place and rely heavily on assortment of infrastructures and technologies (ordinary mail, broadcasting media, Internet technologies and Learning Management System(LMS) etc.) in order to communicate and interact between instructors and students, students with students and instructors with instructors. There are several tools required to apply distance learning in universities in KSA, the available tools in University of Dammam such as course lesson, electronic mail, chat room, quiz, examinations and online collaboration features provide a positive ground for successful implementation of LMS. 216 university students in KSA are participated to this quantitative study by answering 5 points-Likert scales questionnaires. Result shows that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have a significant effect on usage behaviour, using technology acceptance model (TAM). Despite the cultural differences and different country context, LMS in distance learning program is widely accepted by the students provided that the LMS's perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use is high.
Recombinant Human Nerve Growth Factor Treatment Promotes Photoreceptor Survival in the Retinas of Rats with Retinitis Pigmentosa

ABSTRACT Purpose: Increasing evidence suggests that nerve growth factor (NGF) exerts protective effects against retinal degeneration in animal models of retinitis pigmentosa (RP). This study aims at investigating the effects of intravitreal injection of recombinant human NGF (rhNGF) on retinal photoreceptors apoptosis in an animal model of RP, the Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats. Methods: Thirty-six RCS rats were treated with intravitreal injection of rhNGF or murine NGF (mNGF) or vehicle at 20 postnatal days (pd) and sacrificed at 40 pd. The eyes were enucleated and evaluated by histology, flow cytometric analysis for rhodopsin expression, Western blot for TrkA and activated (phosphorylated) TrkA (pTrkA) levels, and TUNEL assay for apoptosis’ detection. Results: RCS rats showed a significant retinal degeneration associated with cell apoptosis at 40 pd when compared to wild-type animals. Histology showed that rhNGF intravitreal treatment significantly increased retinal thickness when compared to untreated eyes. Photoreceptors’ number evaluated by flow cytometry was significantly increased in both intravitreal rhNGF- and mNGF-treated groups when compared to untreated eyes. This protective effect was associated with an increase in TrkA and activated pTrkA levels and an inhibition of apoptosis. Intravitreal NGF injection was well tolerated and did not show clinical and histological signs of adverse effects. Conclusions: Intravitreal rhNGF injection proved safe and effective in favoring retinal cell survival in RCS rats. This is the first report showing that the novel rhNGF already proved safe in a phase I study exerts a biologic effect similar to the well-characterized mNGF-induced retinal protection. These results may trigger further studies to investigate rhNGF administration for the treatment of progressive degenerative retinal disorders such as retinitis pigmentosa.
Impossible : Teaching Firewall Configuration in a Game Environment

Topics in Computer Security, such as firewalls, can seem inaccessible or very difficult to beginners. That perceived inaccessibility is a serious problem at a time when countries like the United Kingdom are facing a shortage of skilled computer security professionals and consequently need more students to consider careers in the area. This project aims to bridge this gap by providing an engaging and friendly game-like environment for both young computer scientists and the general public to learn about firewalls in a fun and educational way. In this work, we present the design of Permission Impossible, an online game designed to teach people both with and without a computer science background about firewalls. We discuss an iterative design process where we consulted with firewall administrators, evaluated an existing networking board game, and created our own online game. Early evaluations suggest that the game is accessible, and that people from multiple backgrounds can use it to learn about how firewall rules are constructed and how a firewall operates. Keywords—component, formatting, style, styling, insert
Sparse Classifier Fusion for Speaker Verification

State-of-the-art speaker verification systems take advantage of a number of complementary base classifiers by fusing them to arrive at reliable verification decisions. In speaker verification, fusion is typically implemented as a weighted linear combination of the base classifier scores, where the combination weights are estimated using a logistic regression model. An alternative way for fusion is to use classifier ensemble selection, which can be seen as sparse regularization applied to logistic regression. Even though score fusion has been extensively studied in speaker verification, classifier ensemble selection is much less studied. In this study, we extensively study a sparse classifier fusion on a collection of twelve I4U spectral subsystems on the NIST 2008 and 2010 speaker recognition evaluation (SRE) corpora.
A Flexible, Low-Overhead Ubiquitous System for Medication Monitoring

For ubiquitous computing systems to gain acceptance, they must be functional, flexible, robust, easy to use, and meet demonstrated user needs within actual user physical contexts and usage patterns. This paper focuses on a particular domain for such systems, that of home medication taking. We conducted a study to derive user needs and settings for that domain, and present the results. A prototype system is presented for home medication taking, designed to meet those requirements and goals: be more functional, more flexible, easier to configure, and a better fit with exist contexts of use.
Computation identifies structural features that govern neuronal firing properties in slowly adapting touch receptors

Touch is encoded by cutaneous sensory neurons with diverse morphologies and physiological outputs. How neuronal architecture influences response properties is unknown. To elucidate the origin of firing patterns in branched mechanoreceptors, we combined neuroanatomy, electrophysiology and computation to analyze mouse slowly adapting type I (SAI) afferents. These vertebrate touch receptors, which innervate Merkel cells, encode shape and texture. SAI afferents displayed a high degree of variability in touch-evoked firing and peripheral anatomy. The functional consequence of differences in anatomical architecture was tested by constructing network models representing sequential steps of mechanosensory encoding: skin displacement at touch receptors, mechanotransduction and action-potential initiation. A systematic survey of arbor configurations predicted that the arrangement of mechanotransduction sites at heminodes is a key structural feature that accounts in part for an afferent’s firing properties. These findings identify an anatomical correlate and plausible mechanism to explain the driver effect first described by Adrian and Zotterman. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.7554/eLife.01488. 001
The resurgence of neurotransmitter modulation in Parkinson’s disease with safinamide

The main feature of Parkinson's disease is slowly ongoing neuronal death. Changes of neurotransmission of biogenic amines, such as dopamine, cause the heterogeneity of motor and non-motor symptoms. Therefore, compounds with a broad spectrum of mechanisms of action are ideal candidates for the treatment of the disease. Safinamide reduces dopamine turnover by reversible monoamine oxidase B inhibition, blockage of voltage-dependent sodium channels, and modulation of calcium channels and of glutamate release. Safinamide requires one-time daily intake within a dose range of 50 and 100 mg. Clinical trials demonstrated that safinamide is well tolerated and safe and ameliorates motor behavior when combined with dopamine agonist only or dopamine agonist and levodopa. Safinamide is a putative, important drug for the therapy of Parkinson's disease with an efficacy superior to available irreversible monoamine oxidase B inhibitors or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists.
Markers of Bone Health, Bone-Specific Physical Activities, Nutritional Intake, and Quality of Life of Professional Jockeys in Hong Kong.

Weight-making practices, regularly engaged in by horse racing jockeys, have been suggested to impair both physiological and mental health. This study aimed to assess bone health markers, nutritional intake, bone-specific physical activity (PA) habits, and quality of life of professional jockeys in Hong Kong (n = 14), with gender-, age-, and body mass index-matched controls (n = 14). Anthropometric measurements, serum hormonal biomarkers, bone mineral density, bone-specific PA habits, nutritional intake, and quality of life were assessed in all participants. The jockey group displayed significantly lower bone mineral density at both calcanei than the control group (left: 0.50 ± 0.06 vs. 0.63 ± 0.07 g/cm2; right: 0.51 ± 0.07 vs. 0.64 ± 0.10 g/cm2, both ps < .01). Thirteen of the 14 jockeys (93%) showed either osteopenia or osteoporosis in at least one of their calcanei. No significant difference in bone mineral density was detected for either forearm between the groups. The current bone-specific PA questionnaire score was lower in the jockey group than the control group (5.61 ± 1.82 vs. 8.27 ± 2.91, p < .05). Daily energy intake was lower in the jockeys than the controls (1,360 ± 515 vs. 1,985 ± 1,046 kcal/day, p < .01). No significant group difference was found for micronutrient intake assessed by the bone-specific food frequency questionnaire, blood hormonal markers, and quality of life scores. Our results revealed suboptimal bone conditions at calcanei and insufficient energy intake and bone-loading PAs among professional jockeys in Hong Kong compared with healthy age-, gender-, and body mass index-matched controls. Further research is warranted to examine the effect of improved bone-loading PAs and nutritional habits on the musculoskeletal health of professional jockeys.
Evidence on Structural Instability in Macroeconomic Time Series Relations

An experiment is performed to assess the prevalence of instability in univariate and bivariate macroeconomic time series relations and to ascertain whether various adaptive forecasting techniques successfully handle any such instability. Formal tests for instability and out-of-sample forecasts from sixteen different models are computed using a sample of 76 representative U.S. monthly postwar macroeconomic time series, constituting 5700 bivariate forecasting relations. The tests indicate widespread instability in univariate and bivariate autoregressive models. However, adaptive forecasting models, in particular time varying parameter models, have limited success in exploiting this instability to improve upon fixed-parameter or recursive autoregressive forecasts.
Grid Load Balancing using an Echo System of Intelligent Ants

A computational grid is a widespread computing environment that provides huge computational power for large-scale distributed applications. One of the most important issues in such an environment is resource management for which agent-based approaches are appropriate. Load balancing as a part of resource management, has a considerable effect on performance. Ant colony is a metaheuristic that can be instrumental for grid load balancing. This paper presents an echo system of intelligent, autonomous and cooperative ants. The ants in this environment can procreate and also may commit suicide depending on existing conditions. A new concept called Ant level load balancing is presented for improving the performance of the mechanism. A performance evaluation model is derived. Theoretical analyses and simulation results indicate that this new mechanism surpasses its predecessor.
Protective Effect of Intravitreal Administration of Exosomes Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Retinal Ischemia

ABSTRACT Purpose: Exosomes derived from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultured under hypoxic conditions contain proteins and growth factors that promote angiogenesis. This study investigated the effect of intravitreal administration of these exosomes on retinal ischemia using a murine model. Methods: Oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) was induced by exposing one-week-old male C57BL/6J mice to 5 days of 75% hyperoxic conditioning, and returning to room air. After hyperoxic conditioning, the right eye of each mouse was injected intravitreally with 1 µl saline or exosomes derived from hMSCs and compared to control mice of the same age raised in room air without OIR injected intravitreally with saline. Two weeks post-injection, fluorescein angiography (FA) and phase-variance optical coherence tomography angiography (pvOCTA) were used to assess retinal perfusion. Retinal thickness was determined by OCT. The extent of retinal neovascularization was quantitated histologically by counting vascular nuclei on the retinal surface. Results: Among eyes with OIR, intravitreal exosome treatment partially preserved retinal vascular flow in vivo and reduced associated retinal thinning; retinal thickness on OCT was 111.1 ± 7. 4µm with saline versus 132.1 ± 11. 6µm with exosome, p < 0.001. Retinal neovascularization among OIR eyes was reduced with exosome treatment when compared to saline-treated eyes (7.75 ± 3.68 versus 2.68 ± 1.35 neovascular nuclei per section, p < 0.0001). No immunogenicity or ocular/systemic adverse effect was associated with intravitreal exosome treatment. Conclusions: Intravitreal administration of exosomes derived from hMSCs was well tolerated without immunosuppression and decreased the severity of retinal ischemia in this murine model. This appealing novel non-cellular therapeutic approach warrants further exploration.
Oseltamivir and inhaled zanamivir as influenza prophylaxis in Thai health workers: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled safety trial over 16 weeks

Abstract Objectives Long-term chemoprophylaxis using neuraminidase inhibitors may be needed during influenza epidemics but safety data are limited to several weeks. We sought to assess the tolerability of oseltamivir and zanamivir as primary prophylaxis over 16 weeks. Methods We conducted a parallel group, double blind, 2 (active drug) :1 (placebo) randomized trial of oral oseltamivir/placebo or inhaled zanamivir/placebo over 16 weeks in healthy, Thai hospital professionals at two Bangkok hospitals. The primary endpoint was study withdrawal due to drug-related (possibly, probably, definitely) serious or adverse events (AEs) graded ≥2. Results Recruited subjects numbered 129 oseltamivir/65 placebo and 131 zanamivir/65 placebo. A total of 102 grade ≥2 AEs were reported or detected in 69 subjects: 23/129 (17.8%) versus 15/65 (23.1%) (P = 0.26), and 23/131 (17.6%) versus 8/65 (12.3%) (P = 0.28). Intercurrent infections/fevers [26/102 (25.5%)], abnormal biochemistry [25/102 (24.5%)] and gastrointestinal symptoms [18/102 (17.6%)] were the most frequently reported AEs. There were no drug-related study withdrawals. Eight serious AEs were all due to intercurrent illnesses. Laboratory, lung function and ECG parameters were similar between drugs and placebos. Conclusions Oseltamivir and zanamivir were well tolerated in healthy hospital professionals. Both drugs can be recommended for primary influenza prophylaxis for up to 16 weeks.
STIM1 Is a Novel Component of ER-Chlamydia trachomatis Inclusion Membrane Contact Sites

Productive developmental cycle of the obligate intracellular bacterial pathogen Chlamydia trachomatis depends on the interaction of the replicative vacuole, named the inclusion, with cellular organelles. We have recently reported the formation of ER-Inclusion membrane contact sites (MCSs), where the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is in apposition to the inclusion membrane. These platforms contain the C. trachomatis inclusion membrane protein IncD, the mammalian ceramide transfer protein CERT and the ER resident proteins VAPA/B and were proposed to play a role in the non-vesicular trafficking of lipids to the inclusion. Here, we identify STIM1 as a novel component of ER-Inclusion MCSs. STIM1, an ER calcium (Ca2+) sensor that relocate to ER-Plasma Membrane (PM) MCSs upon Ca2+ store depletion, associated with C. trachomatis inclusion. STIM1, but not the general ER markers Rtn3C and Sec61ß, was enriched at the inclusion membrane. Ultra-structural studies demonstrated that STIM1 localized to ER-Inclusion MCSs. Time-course experiments showed that STIM1, CERT and VAPB co-localized throughout the developmental cycle. By contrast, Orai1, the PM Ca2+ channel that interacts with STIM1 at ER-PM MCSs, did not associate with C. trachomatis inclusion. Upon ER Ca2+ store depletion, a pool of STIM1 relocated to ER-PM MCSs, while the existing ER-Inclusion MCSs remained enriched in STIM1. Finally, we have identified the CAD domain, which mediates STIM1-Orai1 interaction, as the minimal domain required for STIM1 enrichment at ER-Inclusion MCSs. Altogether this study identifies STIM1 as a novel component of ER-C. trachomatis inclusion MCSs. We discuss the potential role(s) of STIM1 during the infection process.
Executive Functioning Deficits: A Remedial Intervention for Middle School Students with Organizing and Planning Difficulties

Deficits in executive functioning (EF) skills, a typical characteristic of students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), negatively impacts adolescents' academic functioning and performance (Barkley, 2012). The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand the student outcomes of the Homework, Organization and Planning Skills (HOPS) program (Langberg, 2011), a 16-sessions intervention designed to improve these skills in middle-school students with ADHD, and identify the different elements that may impact the degree of success, feasibility and dissemination of the program as perceived by three middle-school students, their parents and one of their teachers. In addition, the replacement of the HOPS paper calendar by a digital equivalent for tablets was also explored. Both qualitative (interviews) and quantitative (behaviour rating scales) data were collected from each of the three participants, their parents and one teacher prior to and following the completion of the HOPS intervention. Findings suggest that the HOPS program yielded progress in the area of homework completion and planning of academic schoolwork and organization of material. Also, although both parents and teachers noted academic improvements, teachers observed more moderate progress. In addition, the length and timing of the sessions were perceived as the program's strengths, whereas the level of parent involvement and the student's level of independence at the end of the intervention were deemed a difficulty.
Effects of nicotine on bone during orthodontic tooth movement in male rats

Objectives: To investigate the effects of nicotine on orthodontic tooth movement and accompanying histological and immunohistochemical changes in rats. Methods: An experimental study conducted at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between 2013 and 2014. Thirty-two rats randomly divided into 4 groups. Three were experimental, received daily nicotine injections: group A: 0.37 mg/kg, group B: 0.57 mg/kg, and group C: 0.93 mg/kg. The control group (group D) received a daily injection of 0.5 mL saline. All rats were subjected to 30 g of orthodontic force on the maxillary left first molars and incisors using a nickel-titanium closed-coil spring. The distance between the 2 teeth was assessed before and after 14 days of force application. Histological, immunohistochemical, and histomorphometric assessments were performed on sections from groups C and D. Results: Groups C (p<0.001) and D (p<0.001) showed the significantly greatest and least amounts of tooth movement . The results were statistically dose-dependent. Unbalanced resorption-apposition bone remodeling patterns and increased osteoclast cell distribution were observed in the nicotine group with significantly smaller percentages of bone surface areas mesially and distally (p<0.05). Immunohistochemical stains showed low alkaline phosphatase activity and intense tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity in the nicotine group. Conclusions: Nicotine accelerated orthodontic tooth movement with unbalanced bone resorption and apposition patterns around the moving teeth.
Inovação Tecnológica e Desenvolvimento Local: Spin-offs Acadêmicas diante de um Quadro que Conjuga Dinamismo Científico e Estagnação Econômica

Nesta pesquisa buscou-se problematizar a universidade em meio a seu papel no sistema de inovacao, questionando as possibilidades dessa relacao alterar a realidade local e promover seu desenvolvimento. Foram estudadas Instituicoes Federais de Ensino Superior (IFES) de tres municipios mineiros com ate 100 mil habitantes – Itajuba, Sao Joao Del Rei e Vicosa – que possuem em suas universidades incubadoras de empresas de base tecnologica em atividade. Por meio de abordagem qualitativa com fins descritivos. O desenvolvimento local dos municipios ainda e um processo iniciante enquanto resultante da geracao de spin-offs , tanto por estas empresas serem recentes quanto pelo fato da relacao entre as elas e o municipio ainda nao serem solidas. Foi possivel identificar que ainda se mostra incipiente a consideracao da inovacao como norte estrategico ao desenvolvimento local, e que a viabilidade dessa interacao exige bases mais diretamente voltadas a consideracao da realidade que diferencia empresas de base tecnologica das tradicionais. Os atores estao presentes e o apoio governamental que o sustenta tambem, resta uma orientacao alinhada com a tecnologia gerada nas IFES para que o caminho para a inovacao seja viavel, o que exige acoes que ampliem a interacao dos atores locais e entre estes e os extras locais.