Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sentryn and SAD Kinase Link the Guided Transport and Capture of Dense Core Vesicles in Caenorhabditis elegans

Dense core vesicles (DCVs) can transmit signals by releasing neuropeptides from specialized synaptic regions called active zones. DCVs reach the active zone by motorized transport through a long axon. A reverse motor frequently interrupts progress by taking DCVs in the opposite direction. “Guided transport” refers to the mechanism by which outward movements ultimately dominate to bring DCVs to the synaptic region. After guided transport, DCVs alter their interactions with motors and enter a “captured” state. The mechanisms of guided transport and capture of DCVs are unknown. Here, we discovered two proteins that contribute to both processes in Caenorhabditis elegans. SAD kinase and a novel conserved protein we named Sentryn are the first proteins found to promote DCV capture. By imaging DCVs moving in various regions of single identified neurons in living animals, we found that DCV guided transport and capture are linked through SAD kinase, Sentryn, and Liprin-α. These proteins act together to regulate DCV motorized transport in a region-specific manner. Between the cell body and the synaptic region, they promote forward transport. In the synaptic region, where all three proteins are highly enriched at active zones, they promote DCV pausing by inhibiting transport in both directions. These three proteins appear to be part of a special subset of active zone-enriched proteins because other active zone proteins do not share their unique functions.
AIS Electronic Library (AISeL)

The intention of adoption and non-adoption of Information Systems could be conflict but may coexist. So far, there is lack of study on adoption vs. non-adoption and theoretical investigation on such paradox. In this paper, we discuss two paradoxes: adoption vs. non-adoption and trust vs. distrust in the context of online dating. Our results confirm that perceived benefits play more important roles in adoption and non-adoption intention, while perceived risks have more effects on non-adoption intention. Trusts towards online service and selected daters predict a major portion of the variation in users’ benefit perceptions, while distrusts towards online service and selected daters have significantly influenced the risk ones. Their effects on adoption and non-adoption can be mediated by benefit and risk perceptions. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed
BIM technology implementation in Vietnam: an institutional perspective on a bridge project

Many of today’s building designs are created based on three-dimensional modelling technology. Architects and engineers use so-called Building Information Modelling (BIM) systems for creating digital representation all physical assets of a building. Using these systems has proven effective for improving designs and the process of construction. Inspired by the improvements in building construction projects, a Vietnamese construction project team decided to use the system to model a large-scale bridge crossing the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This paper provides an understanding of what motivated the team to deploy BIM in this new industrial context which is very different from building construction. To explain this, the influence of institutional pressures was analyzed. The findings revealed how institutional pressures influence the project team to overcome BIM hurdles for successful implementation. Furthermore, this qualitative case study presents an example for other infrastructure projects which also target BIM as an objective.
Uncertainty of Effective Roughness Parameters Calibrated on Bare Agricultural Land Using Sentinel-L Sar

Uncertainty of roughness parameters has effect on soil moisture retrievals with backscatter models from Synthetic Aperture Radar observations. The uncertainty of soil moisture retrievals is important information for the usability of these estimates. In this paper we introduce a methodology to estimate the uncertainty of effective roughness parameters in the Integral Equation Method surface backscatter model, using a Bayesian Markov Chain Monte Carlo approach. Using Sentinel-1 imagery we demonstrate the methodology for a selected field, showing the posterior uncertainty distributions of the roughness parameters, and the effect on the backscatter model simulations and soil moisture inversions. The estimated total uncertainty of the soil moisture retrievals with the optimum parameter set is 0.043 m3/m3, which is slightly higher than the root mean square error of 0.040 m3/m3 of the retrievals compared to in situ soil moisture measurements.
The Association between Respiratory Infection and Air Pollution in the Setting of Air Quality Policy and Economic Change

Rationale: Fine particulate matter air pollution of 2.5 &mgr;m or less in diameter (PM2.5) has been associated with an increased risk of respiratory disease, but assessments of specific respiratory infections in adults are lacking. Objectives: To estimate the rate of respiratory infection healthcare encounters in adults associated with acute increases in PM2.5 concentrations. Methods: Using case‐crossover methods, we studied 498,118 adult New York State residents with a primary diagnosis of influenza, bacterial pneumonia, or culture‐negative pneumonia upon hospitalization or emergency department (ED) visit (2005‐2016). We estimated the relative rate of healthcare encounters associated with increases in PM2.5 in the previous 1‐7 days and explored differences before (2005‐2007), during (2008‐2013), and after (2014‐2016) implementation of air quality policies and economic changes. Results: Interquartile range increases in PM2.5 over the previous 7 days were associated with increased excess rates (ERs) of culture‐negative pneumonia hospitalizations (2.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7‐3.2%) and ED visits (2.5%; 95% CI, 1.4‐3.6%), and increased ERs of influenza ED visits (3.9%; 95% CI, 2.1‐5.6%). Bacterial pneumonia hospitalizations, but not ED visits, were associated with increases in PM2.5 and, though imprecise, were of a similar magnitude to culture‐negative pneumonia (Lag Day 6 ER, 2.3%; 95% CI, 0.3‐4.3). Increased relative rates of influenza ED visits and culture‐negative pneumonia hospitalizations were generally larger in the “after” period (P < 0.025 for both outcomes), compared with the “during” period, despite reductions in overall PM2.5 concentrations. Conclusions: Increased rates of culture‐negative pneumonia and influenza were associated with increased PM2.5 concentrations during the previous week, which persisted despite reductions in PM2.5 from air quality policies and economic changes. Though unexplained, this temporal variation may reflect altered toxicity of different PM2.5 mixtures or increased pathogen virulence.
Tracing Player Knowledge in a Parallel Programming Educational Game

This paper focuses on tracing player knowledge in educational games. Specifically, given a set of concepts or skills required to master a game, the goal is to estimate the likelihood with which the current player has mastery of each of those concepts or skills. The main contribution of the paper is an approach that integrates machine learning and domain knowledge rules to find when the player applied a certain skill and either succeeded or failed. This is then given as input to a standard knowledge tracing module (such as those from Intelligent Tutoring Systems) to perform knowledge tracing. We evaluate our approach in the context of an educational game called Parallel to teach parallel and concurrent programming with data collected from real users, showing our approach can predict students skills with a low mean-squared error.
Three-Dimensional Hierarchical Reticular Nanostructure of Fulfora candelaria Wing Decorated by Ag Nanoislands as Practical SERS-Active Substrates

Although surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology has been widely explored nowadays in various fields, the fabrication of practical SERS-active substrates with prominent recognition ability for various analyte molecules is still defective. Natural Fulfora candelaria wing (FCW) with three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical reticular nanostructure was selected as a new bioscaffold for rough silver (Ag) nanoislands to be assembled on to prepare a practical SERS substrate (Ag/FCW substrate). By adjusting the sputtering time of metal Ag, the morphology of the substrates could be easily tuned to control the formation and distribution of “hot spots”. Three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D-FDTD) simulation indicated that the excellent SERS performance under optimal morphology was ascribed to the local enhanced electric field in rough Ag surface and effective “hot spot” areas. The SERS measurement results show that the optimal Ag/FCW substrates had high SERS performance in terms of Raman signal sensitivity, reproducibility, uniformity and recognition ability for various analyte molecules. Coupled with flexibility of the biological substrates and the cost effectiveness, the sensitive SERS detection of varied analytes based on Ag/FCW substrates offered great potential for practical applications.
Differentiation of Langerhans Cells from Monocytes and Their Specific Function in Inducing IL-22–Specific Th Cells

Human mucosal tissues and skin contain two distinct types of dendritic cell (DC) subsets, epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and dermal DCs, which can be distinguished by the expression of C-type lectin receptors, Langerin and DC-SIGN, respectively. Although peripheral blood monocytes differentiate into these distinct subsets, monocyte-derived LCs (moLCs) induced by coculture with GM-CSF, IL-4, and TGF-β1 coexpress both Langerin and DC-SIGN, suggesting that the environmental cues remain unclear. In this study, we show that LC differentiation is TGF-β1 dependent and that cofactors such as IL-4 and TNF-α promote TGF-β1–dependent LC differentiation into Langerin+DC-SIGN− moLCs but continuous exposure to IL-4 blocks differentiation. Steroids such as dexamethasone greatly enhanced TNF-α–induced moLC differentiation and blocked DC-SIGN expression. Consistent with primary LCs, dexamethasone-treated moLCs express CD1a, whereas monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) express CD1b, CD1c, and CD1d. moDCs but not moLCs produced inflammatory cytokines after stimulation with CD1b and CD1d ligands mycolic acid and α-galactosylceramide, respectively. Strikingly, CD1a triggering with squalene on moLCs but not moDCs induced strong IL-22-producing CD4+ helper T cell responses. As IL-22 is an important cytokine in the maintenance of skin homeostasis, these data suggest that CD1a on LCs is involved in maintaining the immune barrier in the skin.
Population Based Testing for Primary Prevention: A Systematic Review

The current clinical model for genetic testing is based on clinical-criteria/family-history (FH) and a pre-defined mutation probability threshold. It requires people to develop cancer before identifying unaffected individuals in the family to target prevention. This process is inefficient, resource intensive and misses >50% of individuals or mutation carriers at risk. Population genetic-testing can overcome these limitations. It is technically feasible to test populations on a large scale; genetic-testing costs are falling and acceptability and awareness are rising. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pubmed, CINAHL and PsychINFO databases were searched using free-text and MeSH terms; retrieved reference lists of publications were screened; additionally, web-based platforms, Google, and clinical-trial registries were searched. Quality of studies was evaluated using appropriate check-lists. A number of studies have evaluated population-based BRCA-testing in the Jewish population. This has been found to be acceptable, feasible, clinically-effective, safe, associated with high satisfaction rates and extremely cost-effective. Data support change in guidelines for population-based BRCA-testing in the Jewish population. Population panel testing for BRCA1/BRCA2/RAD51C/RAD51D/BRIP1/PALB2 gene mutations is the most cost-effective genetic-testing strategy in general-population women and can prevent thousands more breast and ovarian cancers than current clinical-criteria based approaches. A few ongoing studies are evaluating population-based genetic-testing for multiple cancer susceptibility genes in the general population but more implementation studies are needed. A future population-testing programme could also target other chronic diseases.
Diurnal variation of steroid hormones and their reference intervals using mass spectrometric analysis

Objective Accurate measurement of steroid hormones remains challenging. Mass spectrometry affords a reliable means for quantitating steroid profiles accurately. Our objective was to establish and define (1) the extent of diurnal fluctuations in steroid concentrations that potentially necessitate strict adherence to time of sample acquisition and (2) time-dependent steroid reference intervals. Design Nine steroid markers were examined in couplets in males and females. Methods Using isotope dilution high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric (LC–MS/MS) analysis, we developed a multi-steroid profile requiring only a minimal volume of serum (0.1 mL). Couplet (AM and PM) measurements of steroid hormones for 120 healthy females (F) and 62 healthy males (M) were obtained. Patients were recruited from several participating centers. Results The following diurnal values were noted to be significantly different in both females and males: cortisone, cortisol, corticosterone, 11 deoxycortisol (11 DOC), androstenedione, 17a-hydroxyprogesterone (17 OHP) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Testosterone was only found to have significant diurnal variance in males. Progesterone showed no significant difference in AM and PM values for either groups and thus may provide an internal control. Conclusions When diagnosing endocrine disorders, it is imperative to acknowledge the 24-h diurnal variation of the biochemical steroid markers. We highlight the importance of standardization of collection times and appropriate implementation of reference intervals. Precis We identify diurnal fluctuations in steroid concentrations with time of day and emphasize the importance of adhering to firm time of sample acquisition.
An impact of thermal electron energy on the field-electron emission from nanosized silicon tips

Thermal effects associated with the thermal energy of electrons play an important role in the process of field emission from a nanoscale silicon tip. To estimate the contribution of these effects, a self-consistent numerical calculation of the temperature of the semiconductor emitter, heated by the field-emission current, was carried out. It was experimentally obtained that the melting of the silicon field emitter occurs at currents less than 1 μA, for which the calculated temperature of the silicon tip varies only up to 420 K and does not exceed the melting point of Si. For this reason, we suppose that this effect can be caused by the sputtering of the anode material by hot field-emitted electrons that collect a high power density (~300 W/cm2 at 1 μA) on the anode surface. It also can lead to the possible generation of self-sustained plasma in the space gap between anode and cathode. The considered thermal phenomena should be taken into account during the development and predictive modelling of vacuum nanoelectronic devices.
CNN-based Multichannel End-to-End Speech Recognition for Everyday Home Environments*

Casual conversations involving multiple speakers and noises from surrounding devices are common in everyday environments, which degrades the performances of automatic speech recognition systems. These challenging characteristics of environments are the target of the CHiME-5 challenge. By employing a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based multichannel end-to-end speech recognition system, this study attempts to overcome the presents difficulties in everyday environments. The system comprises of an attention-based encoder–decoder neural network that directly generates a text as an output from a sound input. The multichannel CNN encoder, which uses residual connections and batch renormalization, is trained with augmented data, including white noise injection. The experimental results show that the word error rate is reduced by 8.5% and 0.6% absolute from a single channel end-to-end and the best baseline (LF-MMI TDNN) on the CHiME-5 corpus, respectively.
Association between Cardiac Remodeling and Metabolic Alteration in an Experimental Model of Obesity Induced by Western Diet

The high consumption of fat and sugar contributes to the development of obesity and co-morbidities, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between dyslipidemia and cardiac dysfunction induced by western diet consumption. Wistar rats were randomly divided into two experimental groups and fed ad libitum for 20 weeks with a control diet (Control, n = 12) or a high-sugar and high-fat diet (HSF, n = 12). The HSF group also received water + sucrose (25%). Evaluations included feed and caloric intake; body weight; plasma glucose; insulin; uric acid; HOMA-IR; lipid profile: [total cholesterol (T-chol), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), non-HDL Chol, triglycerides (TG)]; systolic blood pressure, and Doppler echocardiographic. Compared to the control group, animals that consumed the HSF diet presented higher weight gain, caloric intake, feed efficiency, insulin, HOMA-IR, and glucose levels, and lipid profile impairment (higher TG, T-chol, non-HDL chol and lower HDL). HSF diet was also associated with atrial-ventricular structural impairment and systolic-diastolic dysfunction. Positive correlation was also found among the following parameters: insulin versus estimated LV mass (r = 0.90, p = 0.001); non-HDL versus deceleration time (r = 0.46, p = 0.02); TG versus deceleration time (r = 0.50, p = 0.01). In summary, our results suggest cardiac remodeling lead by western diet is associated with metabolic parameters.
“Do You See What I Hear?”: Designing for Collocated Patient–Practitioner Collaboration in Audiological Consultations

Patient-centered care encourages active involvement of patients in their own treatment and a collaborative perspective on the relationship between patient and practitioner. However, to achieve constructive patient–practitioner collaboration in medical consultations the partakers need to successfully interact across conceptual boundaries that can impede intersubjectivity, i.e., the construction of shared meanings and understandings in communicative activities. We present a synthesis of a user-centered approach to designing interactive technology supporting collaboration in face-to-face consultations related to audiological (hearing) rehabilitation. Specifically, we focus on the case of hearing aid tuning, and on the design and utility assessment of a prototype sound environment simulator intended to support the process by helping the patient and the practitioner build a joint understanding of the individual patient’s hearing problem and perceived effects of treatment actions. We describe an empirical and qualitative investigation that calls specific attention to the multi-dimensional boundaries involved in collocated patient–practitioner interactions, and to the explorative and situated nature of the consultation as a collaborative problem-solving process. Here, various micro-practices play a key role in gradually forming a better understanding of the problem at hand and in identifying appropriate treatment steps. Our findings suggest that patient–practitioner collaboration can benefit from interactive technology, which is sufficiently flexible or open-ended in terms of use to accommodate, or be appropriated, to the immediate needs of the situation. We argue that designing technology with the aim of enhancing existing practices of intersubjectivity, rather than doing away with them, improves the chances of enriching collocated patient–practitioner interaction and reduces risk of obstructing it. The main research contribution is an increased understanding of the medical consultation as an instance of collocated collaborative work and learning, and the challenges and opportunities that lie in co-designing interactive solutions that can help the patient take an active and contributing part in the situation.
Damage Assessment of Bridges Using Post-Event High-Resolution Sar Images

In the March 11, 2011 Tohoku-Oki, Japan, earthquake, many bridges in Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures were washed away by associated tsunamis. In this study, nine bridges in the inundated areas of Iwate Prefecture, Japan were selected as targets to estimate their damage status from post-event TerraSAR-X (TSX) satellite images and Pi-SAR-X2 airborne SAR images. By visual interpretation, washed-away bridges could be identified from both the satellite and airborne very high-resolution SAR images. The statistical analysis was carried out to classify non-damaged bridges, debris blocked bridges and washed-away bridges. Pre- and post-event optical images and filed survey reports were introduced as the truth data of bridges' situation.
Efficient Simulation of Extended-Scene SAR Raw Signals with Any Acquisition Mode

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems are active sensors able to generate microwave images by using different acquisition modes. The classical one is the stripmap mode, the other ones are chosen based on the trade-off between spatial resolution and coverage. In this paper, we will present a unified formulation able to express raw signals for all acquisition modes and we will employ it into an approach to show that both sliding spotlight and TOPSAR raw signals of extended scenes can be simulated. This approach consists of a 1D range Fourier-domain (1D-FD) processing, followed by a 1D azimuth time-domain (TD) integration, and it can also take into account for sensor trajectory deviations. Numerical examples are then shown in order to verify the effectiveness of the simulation scheme.
Changes in Sport Nutrition Knowledge, Attitudes/Beliefs and Behaviors Following a Two-Year Sport Nutrition Education and Life-Skills Intervention among High School Soccer Players

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a sport nutrition education and life-skills intervention on sport nutrition knowledge (SNK), attitudes/beliefs and dietary behaviors relevant to sport nutrition among high school (HS) soccer players. Three assessments were done over the 2-year intervention (baseline = time 1, end year 1 = time 2, end year 2 = time 3). Participants (n = 217; females = 64%; Latino = 47.5%; 14.9 ± 0.9-year; 46.5% National School Breakfast/Lunch Program) were assigned to an intervention group (IG, n = 153; 9 schools) or comparison group (CG, n = 64; 4 schools) based on geographical location. Differences over time were examined based on group, sex, socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity. The IG increased SNK scores by ~10% (time 1 = 51.6%; time 3 = 60.9%; p ≤ 0.001), with the greatest change in the female IG vs. CG and no differences in male IG vs. CG. Daily breakfast consumption was 53.7% in both groups. IG players were 3 times more likely (95%CI = 2.59, 7.77) to report trying to eat for performance (IG = 48.7% vs. CG = 30.2%). By time 3, IG players were less likely to report that ‘diet met nutritional requirements’ (31.6%) compared to CG (47.6%). For IG, the consumption of lunch (≥5-days/week) did not change (92.2–93.4%), but declined in the CG (90.6%) (p = 0.04). No other differences by sub-population (race/ethnicity, SES) were observed. Our findings indicate that HS athletes are motivated to learn and improve diet behaviors, and benefit from team-based nutrition interventions. Future interventions should consider delivery of curriculum/experiential learning during a defined training period, with messages reinforced with supports at home, school and athletic settings.