Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Importance of Spatial Perception for the Design of Adaptive User Interfaces

Automatically changing interfaces, such as Adaptive User Interfaces, are employed in state of the art software products, applications for mobile devices and web sites. While previous work has reported that some adaptive approaches to user interfaces achieve a low user satisfaction score, it has also been shown that they obtain a higher user performance score when compared with their static equivalent. This phenomenon has not been further investigated by previous research. The motivation of this paper is to further investigate this issue and consequently propose design principles for automatically changing interfaces. This is achieved by a fourfold contribution: a literature review of the current state of the art research of interface adaptation methods, the identification of the importance of spatial properties of interface elements (such as position, orientation and size) based on the review, a second literature review of human capabilities and limits that affect the perception and interpretation of spatial changes and lastly design principles for Adaptive User Interfaces are proposed that are derived based on the two literature reviews.
Quantifying and Mitigating Turnover-Induced Knowledge Loss: Case Studies of Chrome and a Project at Avaya

The utility of source code, as of other knowledge artifacts, is predicated on the existence of individuals skilled enough to derive value by using or improving it. Developers leaving a software project deprive the project of the knowledge of the decisions they have made. Previous research shows that the survivors and newcomers maintaining abandoned code have reduced productivity and are more likely to make mistakes. We focus on quantifying the extent of abandoned source files and adapt methods from financial risk analysis to assess the susceptibility of the project to developer turnover. In particular, we measure the historical loss distribution and find (1) that projects are susceptible to losses that are more than three times larger than the expected loss. Using historical simulations we find (2) that projects are susceptible to large losses that are over five times larger than the expected loss. We use Monte Carlo simulations of disaster loss scenarios and find (3) that simplistic estimates of the `truck factor' exaggerate the potential for loss. To mitigate loss from developer turnover, we modify Cataldo et al's coordination requirements matrices. We find (4) that we can recommend the correct successor 34% to 48% of the time. We also find that having successors reduces the expected loss by as much as 15%. Our approach helps large projects assess the risk of turnover thereby making risk more transparent and manageable.
A new method for 2D-vector blood flow imaging based on unconventional beamforming techniques

Conventional Ultrasound (US) Doppler methods for blood flow imaging are limited to velocity estimations only in the axial direction, i.e. along the beam direction. Transverse oscillations (TO) methods extend blood investigations towards multidimensional estimates, and detailed descriptions of complex and fast blood flows are achievable by high frame-rate (HFR) imaging methods. In this work, TO are coupled with plane-waves (PWs) to reconstruct radio-frequency (RF) images with bi-directional oscillations in the pulse-echo field. The achieved RF images are exploited by a 2D phase-based displacement estimator to produce 2D-vector flow maps. A preliminary simulation study confirmed the capability of the method to produce the designed oscillations in the RF pulse-echo fields as well as the possibility to obtain 2D-vector maps with errors lower than 10% in many different conditions.
Mechanical Stretch-Induced Apoptosis in Smooth Muscle Cells Is Mediated by &bgr;1-Integrin Signaling Pathways

Abstract—Recently we demonstrated that mechanical stress induces apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro and in vein grafts (Mayr et al. FASEB J. 2000;15:261–270). The current study was designed to investigate molecular mechanisms of mechanical stretch–induced apoptosis. Smooth muscle cells cultivated on silicone elastomer plates precoated with collagen I, elastin, laminin, or Pronectin were subjected to cyclic mechanical stretch. Interestingly, in response to mechanical stress, the number of apoptotic cells increased significantly in cells growing on collagen I–coated plates but not on other matrixes. We therefore thought that receptors mediating binding to collagen I, such as integrin &bgr;1 containing receptors, might be involved in signaling pathways leading to stretch-induced apoptosis. On collagen plates, mechanical stress rapidly activated p38 MAPK that phosphorylated p53 in smooth muscle cells. Lack of functional Rac completely abrogated p38 MAPK-p53 activation as well as apoptosis. Furthermore, mechanical stress resulted in increases of both integrin &bgr;1 protein expression and activity as identified by Western blotting and Shc immunoprecipitation assays. Treatment with a &bgr;1-integrin–blocking antibody or integrin signaling inhibitor cytochalasin B but not growth factor receptor inhibitor suramin abrogated both stretch-induced phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and p53 expression. Akin to the inhibition of p38 MAPK-p53 signaling, pretreatment with a &bgr;1-integrin–blocking antibody or cytochalasin B but not suramin inhibited stretch-induced apoptosis on collagen plates. These results suggest that mechanical stress–induced apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells is mediated by &bgr;1-integrin–rac–p38-p53 signaling pathways.
What are the physiological and immunological responses of coral to climate warming and disease?

SUMMARY Coral mortality due to climate-associated stress is likely to increase as the oceans get warmer and more acidic. Coral bleaching and an increase in infectious disease are linked to above average sea surface temperatures. Despite the uncertain future for corals, recent studies have revealed physiological mechanisms that improve coral resilience to the effects of climate change. Some taxa of bleached corals can increase heterotrophic food intake and exchange symbionts for more thermally tolerant clades; this plasticity can increase the probability of surviving lethal thermal stress. Corals can fight invading pathogens with a suite of innate immune responses that slow and even arrest pathogen growth and reduce further tissue damage. Several of these responses, such as the melanin cascade, circulating amoebocytes and antioxidants, are induced in coral hosts during pathogen invasion or disease. Some components of immunity show thermal resilience and are enhanced during temperature stress and even in bleached corals. These examples suggest some plasticity and resilience to cope with environmental change and even the potential for evolution of resistance to disease. However, there is huge variability in responses among coral species, and the rate of climate change is projected to be so rapid that only extremely hardy taxa are likely to survive the projected changes in climate stressors.
DCWPL: a programming language for describing collaborative work

A difficult issue in the development of groupware applications is the specification of control and coordination mechanisms to handle the execution of common tasks on shared resources. The definition of these mechanisms depend on several factors, such as the current group of participants, their shared resources, tasks, and goals. These factors can change dynamically requiring coordination mechanisms to be updated at rtmtime. We propose that a collaborative program be divided into two main components, a computational program that models the shareable artifacts (e.g. pen, blackboard), and a coordination program that specifies the way these artifacts need to be shared. The main advantage of this approach is that coordination programs can be easily modified, often without any change to the computational program. We are developing a coordination language and its runtime interpreter that allows the specification of coordination mechanisms separately from computational programs.
Genetic Influence on Tester-Rated Infant Temperament as Assessed by Bayley's Infant Behavior Record: Nonadoptive and Adoptive Siblings and Twins.

Results are reported for the 1st sibling adoption study of temperament in infancy, using tester ratings on the Infant Behavior Record (IBR) at 1 and 2 years for a sample of 95 pairs of nonadoptive siblings and 80 pairs of adoptive siblings. Twin data reported by Matheny (1980) for 85 identical (MZ) and 50 fraternal (DZ) twin pairs on the same measure at the same ages were combined with the sibling adoption data in maximum-likehood model-fitting analyses for 3 IBR factors (affect-extraversion, activity, and task orientation). Both the sibling adoption and twin data yielded evidence for significant genetic influence for the 3 IBR factors at 12 and 24 months : heritability estimates ranged from 35% to 75%. Shared environment contributed little to the total variance for any of the 3 traits
Comparison of high and low pillow heights for tracheal tube intubation with the Pentax-AWS Airwayscope®: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

attributed to cerebral vasospasm. In the present study, after SGB a significant increase in the calibre of middle cerebral artery (MCA), vertebral artery (VA), and arteriae basilaris (BA) in adult patients and elderly patients was observed (Fig. 1). The increase in calibre of the MCA, VA, and BA in adult patients was higher than that in elderly patients. We also found that the calibre of the MCA, VA, and BAwas increased in patients with or without SAH after treatment with SGB (Fig. 1). Interestingly, the increase in blood vessel calibre was larger in patients with SAH comparedwith patients without SAH. Importantly, SGB did not induce bleeding but reduced cerebral vasospasm. Taken together, these studies suggest the possibility that SGB might have potential use in the treatment or control of cerebral vascular accidents in both elderly patients and patients with SAH and might promisingly be applied clinically after further research. Further studies areneeded to determine cerebral vascular changes through prolonged observation or by repeating the block in elderly patients and patients with SAH.
Adaptive blind source separation by second order statistics and natural gradient

Separation of sources that are mixed by an unknown (hence, "blind") mixing matrix is an important task for a wide range of applications. This paper presents an adaptive blind source separation method using second order statistics (SOS) and natural gradient. The SOS of observed data is shown to be sufficient for separating mutually uncorrelated sources provided that the temporal coherences of all sources are linearly independent of each other. By applying the natural gradient, new adaptive algorithms are derived that have a number of attractive properties such as invariance of asymptotical performance (with respect to the mixing matrix) and guaranteed local stability. Simulations suggest that the new algorithms are highly efficient and outperform some of the best existing ones.
Sub-wavelength metallic waveguides loaded by uniaxial resonant scatterers

The dispersion properties of rectangular metallic waveguides periodically loaded by uniaxial resonant scatterers are studied with help of an analytical theory based on the local field approach, the dipole approximation and the method of images. The cases of both magnetic and electric uniaxial scatterers with both longitudinal and transverse orientations with respect to the waveguide axis are considered. It is shown that in all considered cases waveguides support propagating modes below cutoff of the hollow waveguide within some frequency bands near the resonant frequency of the individual scatterers. The modes are forward ones except the case of transversely oriented magnetic scatterers when the mode turns out to be backward. The described effects can be applied for the miniaturization of the guiding structures
CHRNB3 is more strongly associated with Fagerström test for cigarette dependence-based nicotine dependence than cigarettes per day: phenotype definition changes genome-wide association studies results.

AIMS Nicotine dependence is a highly heritable disorder associated with severe medical morbidity and mortality. Recent meta-analyses have found novel genetic loci associated with cigarettes per day (CPD), a proxy for nicotine dependence. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the importance of phenotype definition (i.e., CPD versus Fagerström test for cigarette dependence (FTCD) score as a measure of nicotine dependence) on genome-wide association studies of nicotine dependence. DESIGN Genome-wide association study. SETTING Community sample. PARTICIPANTS A total of 3365 subjects who had smoked at least one cigarette were selected from the Study of Addiction: Genetics and Environment (SAGE). Of the participants, 2267 were European Americans, 999 were African Americans. MEASUREMENTS Nicotine dependence defined by FTCD score ≥4, CPD. FINDINGS The genetic locus most strongly associated with nicotine dependence was rs1451240 on chromosome 8 in the region of CHRNB3 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.65, P = 2.4 × 10(-8) ]. This association was further strengthened in a meta-analysis with a previously published data set (combined P = 6.7 × 10(-16) , total n = 4200). When CPD was used as an alternate phenotype, the association no longer reached genome-wide significance (β = -0.08, P = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS Daily cigarette consumption and the Fagerstrom Test for Cigarette Dependence show different associations with polymorphisms in genetic loci.
Identification of Novel p53 Pathway Activating Small-Molecule Compounds Reveals Unexpected Similarities with Known Therapeutic Agents

Manipulation of the activity of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway has demonstrated potential benefit in preclinical mouse tumor models and has entered human clinical trials. We describe here an improved, extensive small-molecule chemical compound library screen for p53 pathway activation in a human cancer cell line devised to identify hits with potent antitumor activity. We uncover six novel small-molecule lead compounds, which activate p53 and repress the growth of human cancer cells. Two tested compounds suppress in vivo tumor growth in an orthotopic mouse model of human B-cell lymphoma. All compounds interact with DNA, and two activate p53 pathway in a DNA damage signaling-dependent manner. A further screen of a drug library of approved drugs for medicinal uses and analysis of gene-expression signatures of the novel compounds revealed similarities to known DNA intercalating and topoisomerase interfering agents and unexpected connectivities to known drugs without previously demonstrated anticancer activities. These included several neuroleptics, glycosides, antihistamines and adrenoreceptor antagonists. This unbiased screen pinpoints interference with the DNA topology as the predominant mean of pharmacological activation of the p53 pathway and identifies potential novel antitumor agents.
Sequential Use of Fibroblastic Growth Factor 2 and Transforming Growth Factor β1 in Cartilage Tissue Engineering Using Canine Chondrocytes

This study investigated the effect of fibroblast growth factor 2 in monolayer followed by transforming growth factor 1 in 3-dimensional culture on chondrocytic matrix production. Under the culture conditions presented, FGF2 is mitogenic but not chondrogenic. In addition, TGF 1 stimulation produced predominantly type I collagen.
Genetic Diversity and Geographic Distribution of Genetically Distinct Rabies Viruses in the Philippines

Background Rabies continues to be a major public health problem in the Philippines, where 200–300 human cases were reported annually between 2001 and 2011. Understanding the phylogeography of rabies viruses is important for establishing a more effective and feasible control strategy. Methods We performed a molecular analysis of rabies viruses in the Philippines using rabied animal brain samples. The samples were collected from 11 of 17 regions, which covered three island groups (Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao). Partial nucleoprotein (N) gene sequencing was performed on 57 samples and complete glycoprotein (G) gene sequencing was performed on 235 samples collected between 2004 and 2010. Results The Philippine strains of rabies viruses were included in a distinct phylogenetic cluster, previously named Asian 2b, which appeared to have diverged from the Chinese strain named Asian 2a. The Philippine strains were further divided into three major clades, which were found exclusively in different island groups: clades L, V, and M in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, respectively. Clade L was subdivided into nine subclades (L1–L9) and clade V was subdivided into two subclades (V1 and V2). With a few exceptions, most strains in each subclade were distributed in specific geographic areas. There were also four strains that were divided into two genogroups but were not classified into any of the three major clades, and all four strains were found in the island group of Luzon. Conclusion We detected three major clades and two distinct genogroups of rabies viruses in the Philippines. Our data suggest that viruses of each clade and subclade evolved independently in each area without frequent introduction into other areas. An important implication of these data is that geographically targeted dog vaccination using the island group approach may effectively control rabies in the Philippines.
Transgenic zebrafish reporter lines reveal conserved Toll‐like receptor signaling potential in embryonic myeloid leukocytes and adult immune cell lineages

The immune response of a host to an invading pathogen is dependent on the capacity of its immune cell compartment to recognize highly conserved pathogen components using an ancient class of pattern recognition receptors known as Toll‐like receptors (TLRs). Initiation of TLR‐mediated signaling results in the induction of proinflammatory cytokines that help govern the scale and duration of any ensuing response. Specificity for TLR signaling is, in part, a result of the differential recruitment of intracellular adaptor molecules. Of these, MyD88 is required for the majority of TLR signaling. Zebrafish have been shown to possess TLRs and adaptor molecules throughout early development, including MyD88, strongly suggesting conservation of this ancient defense mechanism. However, information about which embryonic cells/tissues possess this conserved signaling potential is lacking. To help define which embryonic cells, in particular, those of the innate immune system, have the potential for MyD88‐dependent, TLR‐mediated signaling, we generated transgenic reporter lines using regulatory elements of the myd88 gene to drive the fluorescent reporters enhanced GFP and Discosoma red fluorescent protein 2 within live zebrafish. These lines possess fluorescently marked cells/tissues consistent with endogenous myd88 expression, including a subset of myeloid leukocytes. These innate immune cells were confirmed to express other TLR adaptors including Mal, trif, and Sarm. Live wound‐healing and infection assays validated the potential of these myd88‐expressing leukocytes to participate in immune responses. These lines will provide a valuable resource for further resolving the contribution of MyD88 to early vertebrate immunity.
Short-Chain Fatty Acid Metabolism , Apoptosis , and Apc-initiated Tumorigenesis in the Mouse Gastrointestinal Mucosa 1

Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are physiological regulators of growth and differentiation in the gastrointestinal tract, and we have previously shown that apoptosis induced in colonic cell lines by these compounds is dependent on their metabolism byB-oxidation in the mitochondria (B. G. Heerdt et al., J. Biol. Chem.,266: 19120–19126, 1991; Cancer Res., 54: 3288–3293, 1994). Because tumors initiated by an inherited Apc mutation have been reported to be linked to decreases in apoptosis in the flat mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, the aims were to determine whether elimination of efficient metabolism of SCFAs affected apoptosis in the gastrointestinal mucosa of the mouse, and whether this altered tumorigenesis initiated by an inheritedApc mutation. We, therefore, generated mice that have a chain-terminating mutation in the Apc gene and that were either wild-type for SCFA metabolism, or deficient, due to homozygous deletion of the gene ( Scad) that encodes the enzyme short-chain acyl dehydrogenase, which catalyzes the first step in SCFAB-oxidation. Scad mice maintained on a wheat bran-fiber-supplemented diet gained significantly more weight than mice maintained on AIN76A, but this was eliminated by the Scadmutation, demonstrating that uptake and metabolism of SCFAs in the gastrointestinal tract can be a significant energy source. As predicted, on either AIN76A or wheat bran diet, theScad mutation almost completely eliminated apoptosis in the flat mucosa of the proximal colon and reduced apoptosis by 50% in the distal colon compared with littermates that were wild-type for Scad.The mutation also reduced apoptosis by approximately 50% in the duodenum in AIN76A-fed mice. These reductions in apoptosis had no effect on incidence, frequency, or site specificity of tumors initiated by the Apc mutation. Therefore, the metabolism of SCFAs by the gastrointestinal mucosa plays a role in modulating apoptosis, but a general decrease in apoptosis in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract is not linked to gastrointestinal tumorigenesis initiated by an inherited Apc mutation.
Neurite extension of chicken peripheral nervous system neurons on fibronectin: relative importance of specific adhesion sites in the central cell-binding domain and the alternatively spliced type III connecting segment

Fibronectin contains at least two domains that support cell adhesion. One is the central cell-binding domain that is recognized by a variety of cell types, including fibroblasts. The second, originally identified by its ability to support melanoma cell adhesion, is located in the alternatively spliced type III connecting segment (IIICS). Using specific adhesive ligands and inhibitory probes, we have examined the role of each of these domains in fibronectin-mediated neurite extension of neurons from chick embryo dorsal root and sympathetic ganglia. In studies using explanted ganglia, both fl3, a 75-kD tryptic fragment of human plasma fibronectin containing the central cell-binding domain, and CS1-IgG, a synthetic peptide-IgG conjugate containing the principal cell adhesion site from the IIICS, supported neurite outgrowth after adsorption onto the substrate. The maximal activities of fl3 and CSl- IgG were 45-55% and 25-30% that of intact fibronectin, respectively. Co- coating of the substrate with f13 and CS1-IgG produced an additive stimulation of neurite outgrowth, the extent of which approached that obtained with fibronectin. Similar results were obtained with purified neuronal cell preparations isolated by tryptic dissociation of dorsal root ganglia. In complementary studies, blockage of the adhesive function of either the central cell-binding domain (with mAb 333, an antiadhesive monoclonal antibody) or the IIICS (with CS1 peptide), resulted in approximately 60 or 30% reduction in fibronectin-mediated neurite outgrowth, respectively. When tested in combination, the inhibitory activities of mAb 333 and CSl were additive. From these results, we conclude that neurons from the peripheral nervous system can extend neurites on both the central cell-binding domain and the IIICS region of fibronectin, and that these cells are therefore the first normal, embryonic cell type shown to adhere to the IIICS. These results suggest that spatiotemporal fluctuations in the alternative mRNA splicing of the IIICS region of fibronectin may be important in regulation of cell adhesive events during development of the peripheral nervous system.