Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regional Differences of Choroidal Structure Determined by Wide-Field Optical Coherence Tomography.

Purpose To compare the submacular to the perimacular choroidal structure in images obtained by wide-field optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods Thirty eyes of 30 healthy volunteers (15 men) were studied. Twelve wide-field radial circumferential scans were recorded with enhanced depth imaging OCT from the macular and perimacular zones. The sizes of the luminal and stromal areas of the choroid were determined. The two zones were subdivided into the superior, inferior, nasal, and temporal sectors. The total choroidal area, the luminal and stromal areas, and the luminal ratio of each sector were compared. Results All of the choroidal structural parameters analyzed in the present study were largest in the superior sector followed by the temporal, inferior, and nasal sectors. The coefficients of variation were larger in the perimacular zone than in the macular zone: The luminal ratio in the macular zone varied by 1.2%, and that in perimacular zone varied by 4.2%. Conclusions The variations in the ratios of the luminal areas of the choroid in the wide-field OCT images are slight in the macular zone but considerable in the perimacular zone.
Mycotoxin Detection in Maize, Commercial Feed, and Raw Dairy Milk Samples from Assiut City, Egypt

This survey was conducted to investigate the contamination by multiple mycotoxins, aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), and zearalenone (ZEA) in 61 samples of maize and 17 commercial animal feed samples, and of aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) in raw dairy milk samples (n = 20) collected from Assiut City in Upper Egypt. Multi-mycotoxin immunoaffinity columns were used for samples cleanup and mycotoxin purification. An HPLC–FLD system with an on-line post-column photochemical derivatization was used for the detection of the target toxins. AFB1 was detected in both maize (n = 15) and feed (n = 8), with only one maize sample presenting a concentration above the maximum permissible level set by the Egyptian authorities. AFB2 was observed in six maize samples and in one feed sample, with a maximum value of 0.5 μg/kg. ZEA was detected only in feed samples (n = 4), with a maximum value of 3.5 μg/kg, while OTA, AFG1, and AFG2 were under the limits of detection. For milk, all the analyzed samples (100%) were contaminated with AFM1, and 14 samples (70%) presented concentrations above the maximum permissible level in the European Union (EU) (0.05 μg/kg). The concentrations ranged from 0.02 μg/kg to 0.19 μg/kg, except that of one sample, which was under the limit of quantification. The contamination rates in maize and animal feeds are not alarming. In contrast, the consumption of dairy milk samples in Assiut City may pose public health hazards, as AFM1 levels were found to exceed the international permissible limits. Further surveys are highly recommended in order to establish a database for mycotoxin occurrence in Egypt to minimize the possible health risks in animals and humans.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated editing of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase1 enhances Petunia flower longevity

Summary The genes that encode the ethylene biosynthesis enzyme 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate oxidase (ACO) are thought to be involved in flower senescence. Hence, we investigated whether the transcript levels of PhACO genes (PhACO1, PhACO3 and PhACO4) in Petunia cv. Mirage Rose are associated with ethylene production at different flowering stages. High transcript levels were detected in the late flowering stage and linked to high ethylene levels. PhACO1 was subsequently edited using the CRISPR/Cas9 system, and its role in ethylene production was investigated. PhACO1‐edited T0 mutant lines, regardless of mutant type (homozygous or monoallelic), exhibited significantly reduced ethylene production and enhanced flower longevity compared with wild‐type. Flower longevity and the reduction in ethylene production were observed to be stronger in homozygous plants than in their monoallelic counterparts. Additionally, the transmission of the edited gene to the T1 (lines 6 and 36) generation was also confirmed, with the results for flower longevity and ethylene production proving to be identical to those of the T0 mutant lines. Overall, this study increases the understanding of the role of PhACO1 in petunia flower longevity and also points to the CRISPR/Cas9 system being a powerful tool in the improvement of floricultural quality.
A hybrid bird mating optimizer algorithm with teaching-learning-based optimization for global numerical optimization

Bird Mating Optimizer (BMO) is a novel meta-heuristic optimization algorithm inspired by intelligent mating behavior of birds. However, it is still insufficient in convergence of speed and quality of solution. To overcome these drawbacks, this paper proposes a hybrid algorithm (TLBMO), which is established by combining the advantages of Teaching-learning-based optimization (TLBO) and Bird Mating Optimizer (BMO). The performance of TLBMO is evaluated on 23 benchmark functions, and compared with seven state-of-the-art approaches, namely BMO, TLBO, Artificial Bee Bolony (ABC), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Fast Evolution Programming (FEP), Differential Evolution (DE), Group Search Optimization (GSO). Experimental results indicate that the proposed method performs better than other existing algorithms for global numerical optimization.
Digital Smarts: Enhancing learning and teaching

27! Introduction! 27! Early childhood education in Aotearoa/New Zealand __________________ 28! Habitus! and! digital! habitus! as! a! lens! 30! The! research! context! 31! Case study setting _______________________________________________ 31! Research objectives _____________________________________________ 31! Methodology ____________________________________________________ 32! Findings! 32! Children’s uses of ICT: A diversity of digital smartness ________________ 32! Transference of digital smartness between home and centre ___________ 34! Family/whānau and teacher responsiveness to children’s digital smartness _______________________________________________________________ 35! Discussion! and! conclusion! 36! References! 38! Chapter! 3:! Digital! Learning! Objects! and! the! development! of! students’! thinking! skills! 41! Garry Falloon _____________________________________________________________________ 41 Abstract! 41! Introduction! 41! 41! Introduction! 41! Digital learning objects ___________________________________________ 43! Research! goal! and! questions! 45! Research context ________________________________________________ 45! Research method and data collection _______________________________ 46! Data coding ____________________________________________________ 48! Results! 51! Discussion! 59! Summary! and! conclusion! 62! References! 63! Appendix A _____________________________________________________ 65! Chapter! 4:! Assessment! digital! smarts:! Using! short! text! assignment! formats! for! enhancing! student! learning! 66! Kerry Earl ________________________________________________________________________ 66 Abstract! 66! Introduction! 66! Assessment! 68! Study! context:! Student! assignment! work! in! my! online! courses! 70! The assignments ________________________________________________ 71! evaluation+assignment+(reflection+and+evaluation)+_________________________________+71! 66! Introduction! 66! Assessment! 68! Study! context:! Student! assignment! work! in! my! online! courses! 70! The assignments ________________________________________________ 71! evaluation+assignment+(reflection+and+evaluation)+_________________________________+71! The+Best+Websites+for+. +assignment+(magazine+article)+______________________________+72! The+Report+on+Trends+assignment+(report)+ ________________________________________+72+
Phytophthora infestans RXLR Effectors Target Parallel Steps in an Immune Signal Transduction Pathway1[OPEN]

Two P. infestans effectors, PexRD2 and Pi22926, target two parallel MAP3K proteins in the same signal transduction pathway to promote P. infestans colonization. The potato (Solanum tuberosum) blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans delivers Arg-X-Leu-Arg (RXLR) effector proteins into host cells to subvert plant immune responses and promote colonization. We show that transient expression and stable transgenic expression of the RXLR effector Pi22926 in Nicotiana benthamiana promotes leaf colonization by P. infestans. Pi22926 suppresses cell death triggered by coexpression of the Cladosporium fulvum avirulence protein Avr4 and the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) resistance protein Cf4. Pi22926 interacts with a potato mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase, StMAP3Kβ2, in the nucleoplasm. Virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of the ortholog NbMAP3Kβ2 in N. benthamiana enhances P. infestans colonization and attenuates Cf4/Avr4-induced cell death, indicating that this host protein is a positive regulator of immunity. Cell death induced by Cf4/Avr4 is dependent on NbMAP3Kε and NbMAP3Kβ2, indicating that these MAP3Ks function in the same signaling pathway. VIGS of NbMAP3Kβ2 does not compromise cell death triggered by overexpression of MAP3Kε. Similarly, VIGS of NbMAP3Kε does not attenuate cell death triggered by MAP3Kβ2, demonstrating that these MAP3K proteins function in parallel. In agreement, Pi22926 or another RXLR effector, PexRD2, only suppresses cell death triggered by expression of StMAP3Kβ2 or StMAP3Kε, respectively. Our data reveal that two P. infestans effectors, PexRD2 and Pi22926, promote P. infestans colonization by targeting MAP3K proteins that act in parallel in the same signal transduction pathway.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the MADS-Box Transcription Factor Family in Solanum lycopersicum

MADS-box family genes encode transcription factors that are involved in multiple developmental processes in plants, especially in floral organ specification, fruit development, and ripening. However, a comprehensive analysis of tomato MADS-box family genes, which is an important model plant to study flower fruit development and ripening, remains obscure. To gain insight into the MADS-box genes in tomato, 131 tomato MADS-box genes were identified. These genes could be divided into five groups (Mα, Mβ, Mγ, Mδ, and MIKC) and were found to be located on all 12 chromosomes. We further analyzed the phylogenetic relationships among Arabidopsis and tomato, as well as the protein motif structure and exon–intron organization, to better understand the tomato MADS-box gene family. Additionally, owing to the role of MADS-box genes in floral organ identification and fruit development, the constitutive expression patterns of MADS-box genes at different stages in tomato development were identified. We analyzed 15 tomato MADS-box genes involved in floral organ identification and five tomato MADS-box genes related to fruit development by qRT-PCR. Collectively, our study provides a comprehensive and systematic analysis of the tomato MADS-box genes and would be valuable for the further functional characterization of some important members of the MADS-box gene family.
Ectodysplasin-A signaling is a key integrator in the lacrimal gland–cornea feedback loop

ABSTRACT A lack of ectodysplasin-A (Eda) signaling leads to dry eye symptoms, which have so far only been associated with altered Meibomian glands. Here, we used loss-of-function (Eda−/−) mutant mice to unravel the impact of Eda signaling on lacrimal gland formation, maturation and subsequent physiological function. Our study demonstrates that Eda activity is dispensable during lacrimal gland embryonic development. However, using a transcriptomic approach, we show that the Eda pathway is necessary for proper cell terminal differentiation in lacrimal gland epithelium and correlated with modified expression of secreted factors commonly found in the tear film. Finally, we discovered that lacrimal glands present a bilateral reduction of Eda signaling activity in response to unilateral corneal injury. This observation hints towards a role for the Eda pathway in controlling the switch from basal to reflex tears, to support corneal wound healing. Collectively, our data suggest a crucial implication of Eda signaling in the cornea–lacrimal gland feedback loop, both in physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Our findings demonstrate that Eda downstream targets could help alleviate dry eye symptoms. Summary: Physiological and molecular defects in the lacrimal glands of Eda−/− mice reveal that Eda signaling contributes to the cornea/lacrimal gland feedback loop in both basal and reflex tear production.
Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies Loci for Liver Enzyme Concentrations in Mexican-Americans: The GUARDIAN Consortium.

Populations of Mexican American ancestry are at an increased risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The objective of this study was to determine whether loci in known and novel genes were associated with variation in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (n = 3,644), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (n = 3,595), and gamma‐glutamyl transferase (GGT) (n = 1,577) levels by conducting the first genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of liver enzymes, which commonly measure liver function, in individuals of Mexican American ancestry.
Ventilatory sensitivity to ammonia in the Pacific hagfish (Eptatretus stoutii), a representative of the oldest extant connection to the ancestral vertebrates

ABSTRACT Ventilatory sensitivity to ammonia occurs in teleosts, elasmobranchs and mammals. Here, we investigated whether the response is also present in hagfish. Ventilatory parameters (nostril flow, pressure amplitude, velar frequency and ventilatory index, the last representing the product of pressure amplitude and frequency), together with blood and water chemistry, were measured in hagfish exposed to either high environmental ammonia (HEA) in the external sea water or internal ammonia loading by intra-vascular injection. HEA exposure (10 mmol l−1 NH4HCO3 or 10 mmol l−1 NH4Cl) caused a persistent hyperventilation by 3 h, but further detailed analysis of the NH4HCO3 response showed that initially (within 5 min) there was a marked decrease in ventilation (80% reduction in ventilatory index and nostril flow), followed by a later 3-fold increase, by which time plasma total ammonia concentration had increased 11-fold. Thus, hyperventilation in HEA appeared to be an indirect response to internal ammonia elevation, rather than a direct response to external ammonia. HEA-mediated increases in oxygen consumption also occurred. Responses to NH4HCO3 were greater than those to NH4Cl, reflecting greater increases over time in water pH and PNH3 in the former. Hagfish also exhibited hyperventilation in response to direct injection of isotonic NH4HCO3 or NH4Cl solutions into the caudal sinus. In all cases where hyperventilation occurred, plasma total ammonia and PNH3 levels increased significantly, while blood acid–base status remained unchanged, indicating specific responses to internal ammonia elevation. The sensitivity of breathing to ammonia arose very early in vertebrate evolution. Summary: Hagfish exhibit increases in ventilation as a specific response to ammonia, showing that the response arose very early in vertebrate evolution.
Propranolol inhibits neonatal Nav1.5 activity and invasiveness of MDA‐MB‐231 breast cancer cells: Effects of combination with ranolazine

The MDA‐MB‐231 cell line was used as a model of triple negative breast cancer to investigate the interaction of β‐adrenergic receptor (β‐AR) and voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC). There was significant (86%) overlap in their expression. Short‐term (acute) application of the β‐AR antagonist propranolol (25 μM) led to reduction of peak current and quickening of current inactivation (the latter occurred only in 5% fetal bovine serum). Long‐term (48 hr) incubation with propranolol (25 μM) resulted in several changes in VGSC characteristics: shifts in (a) current‐voltage relationship and (b) steady‐state inactivation, both to more negative potentials and (c) the slowing of recovery from inactivation. We then investigated the effects of propranolol and ranolazine, a blocker of VGSC activity, alone and in combination, on lateral motility and Matrigel invasion. These assays were carried out under hypoxic conditions more representative of tumor progression. Propranolol (2.5 and 25 μM) and ranolazine (5 μM), and their combination inhibited lateral motility. Also, propranolol (25 μM) and ranolazine (5 μM), and their combination inhibited invasion. However, no synergy was observed in the pharmacological combinations for both assays. Propranolol also significantly decreased total neonatal Nav1.5 protein expression, the predominant VGSC subtype expressed in these cells. We conclude (a) that β‐AR and VGSC are functionally coupled in MDA‐MB‐231 cells; (b) that propranolol has direct blocking action on the VGSC; (c) that the action of propranolol is modulated by serum; and (d) that the antimetastatic cellular effects of propranolol and ranolazine are not additive.
Patient-specific ICP Epidemiologic Thresholds in Adult Traumatic Brain Injury: A CENTER-TBI Validation Study

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Patient-specific epidemiologic intracranial pressure (ICP) thresholds in adult traumatic brain injury (TBI) have emerged, using the relationship between pressure reactivity index (PRx) and ICP, displaying stronger association with outcome over existing guideline thresholds. The goal of this study was to explore this relationship in a multi-center cohort in order to confirm the previous finding. Methods: Using the Collaborative European Neuro Trauma Effectiveness Research in TBI (CENTER-TBI) high-resolution intensive care unit cohort, we derived individualized epidemiologic ICP thresholds for each patient using the relationship between PRx and ICP. Mean hourly dose of ICP was calculated for every patient for the following thresholds: 20, 22 mm Hg and the patient’s individual ICP threshold. Univariate logistic regression models were created comparing mean hourly dose of ICP above thresholds to dichotomized outcome at 6 to 12 months, based on Glasgow Outcome Score—Extended (GOSE) (alive/dead—GOSE≥2/GOSE=1; favorable/unfavorable—GOSE 5 to 8/GOSE 1 to 4, respectively). Results: Individual thresholds were identified in 65.3% of patients (n=128), in keeping with previous results (23.0±11.8 mm Hg [interquartile range: 14.9 to 29.8 mm Hg]). Mean hourly dose of ICP above individual threshold provides superior discrimination (area under the receiver operating curve [AUC]=0.678, P=0.029) over mean hourly dose above 20 mm Hg (AUC=0.509, P=0.03) or above 22 mm Hg (AUC=0.492, P=0.035) on univariate analysis for alive/dead outcome at 6 to 12 months. The AUC for mean hourly dose above individual threshold trends to higher values for favorable/unfavorable outcome, but fails to reach statistical significance (AUC=0.610, P=0.060). This was maintained when controlling for baseline admission characteristics. Conclusions: Mean hourly dose of ICP above individual epidemiologic ICP threshold has stronger associations with mortality compared with the dose above Brain Trauma Foundation defined thresholds of 20 or 22 mm Hg, confirming prior findings. Further studies on patient-specific epidemiologic ICP thresholds are required.
Myocardial Fibrosis as a Potential Maladaptive Feature of Right Ventricle Remodeling in Pulmonary Hypertension

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Breaking Winner-Takes-All: Iterative-Winners-Out Networks for Weakly Supervised Temporal Action Localization

We address the challenging problem of weakly supervised temporal action localization from unconstrained web videos, where only the video-level action labels are available during training. Inspired by the adversarial erasing strategy in weakly supervised semantic segmentation, we propose a novel iterative-winners-out network. Specifically, we make two technical contributions: we propose an iterative training strategy, namely, winners-out, to select the most discriminative action instances in each training iteration and remove them in the next training iteration. This iterative process alleviates the “winner-takes-all” phenomenon that existing approaches tend to choose the video segments that strongly correspond to the video label but neglects other less discriminative video segments. With this strategy, our network is able to localize not only the most discriminative instances but also the less discriminative ones. To better select the target action instances in winners-out, we devise a class-discriminative localization technique. By employing the attention mechanism and the information learned from data, our technique is able to identify the most discriminative action instances effectively. The two key components are integrated into an end-to-end network to localize actions without using the frame-level annotations. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that our method outperforms the state-of-the-art weakly supervised approaches on ActivityNet1.3 and improves mAP from 16.9% to 20.5% on THUMOS14. Notably, even with weak video-level supervision, our method attains comparable accuracy to those employing frame-level supervisions.