Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Operational Models of Agonism and Allosterism at Receptors with Multiple Orthosteric Binding Sites

Current operational models of agonism and allosterism quantify ligand actions at receptors where agonist concentration-response relationships are nonhyperbolic by introduction of a transducer slope that relates receptor occupancy to response. However, for some receptors nonhyperbolic concentration-response relationships arise from multiple endogenous agonist molecules binding to a receptor in a cooperative manner. Thus, we developed operational models of agonism in systems with cooperative agonist binding and evaluated the models by simulating data describing agonist effects. The models were validated by analyzing experimental data demonstrating the effects of agonists and allosteric modulators at receptors where agonist binding follows hyperbolic (M4 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors) or nonhyperbolic relationships (metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 and calcium-sensing receptor). For hyperbolic agonist concentration-response relationships, no differences in estimates of ligand affinity, efficacy, or cooperativity were observed when the slope was assigned to either a transducer slope or agonist binding slope. In contrast, for receptors with nonhyperbolic agonist concentration-response relationships, estimates of ligand affinity, efficacy, or cooperativity varied depending on the assignment of the slope. The extent of this variation depended on the magnitude of the slope value and agonist efficacy, and for allosteric modulators on the magnitude of cooperativity. The modified operational models described herein are well suited to analyzing agonist and modulator interactions at receptors that bind multiple orthosteric agonists in a cooperative manner. Accounting for cooperative agonist binding is essential to accurately quantify agonist and drug actions. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Some orthosteric agonists bind to multiple sites on a receptor, but current analytical methods to characterize such interactions are limited. Herein, we develop and validate operational models of agonism and allosterism for receptors with multiple orthosteric binding sites, and demonstrate that such models are essential to accurately quantify agonist and drug actions. These findings have important implications for the discovery and development of drugs targeting receptors such as the calcium-sensing receptor, which binds at least five calcium ions.
A Crowdsourcing-based Approach for Speech Corpus Transcription Case of Arabic Algerian Dialects

In this paper we describe a corpus annotation project based on crowdsourcing technique that performs orthographic transcription of K ALAM ’DZ corpus (Bougrine et al., 2017c). This latter is a speech corpus dedicated to Arabic Algerian dialectal varieties. The recourse to crowdsourcing solution is deployed to avoid time and cost consuming solutions that involves experts. Since Arabic di-alects have no standard orthographic, we have ﬁxed some guidelines that helps crowd to get more normalized transcriptions. We have performed experiments on a sample of 10 % of K ALAM ’DZ corpus, totaling 8 . 75 hours. The quality control of the output transcription is ensured within three stages: Pre-qualiﬁcation of crowd, online ﬁltering and in lab validation and revision. A baseline resource is used to evaluate both ﬁrst stages. It consists on 5 % of the targeted dataset transcribed by well trained transcribers. Our results conﬁrm that the crowdsourcing solution is an effective approach for speech dialect transcription when we deal with under-resourced dialects. Before the validation of the well trained transcribers the accuracy of transcriptions reached 74 . 38 . In addition, we present a set of best practices for crowdsourcing speech corpus transcription.
Identification of Novel 1,3,5-Triphenylbenzene Derivative Compounds as Inhibitors of Hen Lysozyme Amyloid Fibril Formation

Deposition of soluble proteins as insoluble amyloid fibrils is associated with a number of pathological states. There is a growing interest in the identification of small molecules that can prevent proteins from undergoing amyloid fibril formation. In the present study, a series of small aromatic compounds with different substitutions of 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene have been synthesized and their possible effects on amyloid fibril formation by hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL), a model protein for amyloid formation, and of their resulting toxicity were examined. The inhibitory effect of the compounds against HEWL amyloid formation was analyzed using thioflavin T and Congo red binding assays, atomic force microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and cytotoxicity assays, such as the 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol)-2,5-Diphenyltetrazolium Bromide (MTT) reduction assay and caspase-3 activity measurements. We found that all compounds in our screen were efficient inhibitors of HEWL fibril formation and their associated toxicity. We showed that electron-withdrawing substituents such as –F and –NO2 potentiated the inhibitory potential of 1,3,5-triphenylbenzene, whereas electron-donating groups such as –OH, –OCH3, and –CH3 lowered it. These results may ultimately find applications in the development of potential inhibitors against amyloid fibril formation and its biologically adverse effects.
Remarks on some fundamental results about higher-rank graphs and their C*-algebras

Abstract Results of Fowler and Sims show that every k-graph is completely determined by its k-coloured skeleton and collection of commuting squares. Here we give an explicit description of the k-graph associated with a given skeleton and collection of squares and show that two k-graphs are isomorphic if and only if there is an isomorphism of their skeletons which preserves commuting squares. We use this to prove directly that each k-graph Λ is isomorphic to the quotient of the path category of its skeleton by the equivalence relation determined by the commuting squares, and show that this extends to a homeomorphism of infinite-path spaces when the k-graph is row finite with no sources. We conclude with a short direct proof of the characterization, originally due to Robertson and Sims, of simplicity of the C*-algebra of a row-finite k-graph with no sources.
Measurement of Odorants in Livestock Buildings: SIFT-MS and TD-GC-MS

Air samples from animal farming are analysed in parallel using traditional TD-GC-MS (thermal desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry) and SIFT-MS (selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry). In samples from 4 different livestock buildings, 23 odorous compounds are detected and quantified based on TD-GC-MS, including organic acids, sulphur compounds and phenols. Significant concentration differences are found between pig stables and poultry houses. SIFT-MS spectra show similar differences in product ion intensities, suggesting SIFT-MS as a promising fast technique for evaluation of odorous emissions from livestock buildings.
Malva species: Insights on its chemical composition towards pharmacological applications

Malvaceae family is typical from the Mediterranean region, contains 240 genera and more than 4,200 species. They are most commonly used as ornamental plants, although they can also be conceived as a food resource and remedy for various diseases, such as digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, throat infections, and skeletal and skin disorders, as also injuries where they are profoundly applied for skin care and as antiseptic and demulcent. They also possess diuretic, lenitive, spasmolytic, and laxative effects, besides to be used as antidiarrheal. Thus, the present review provides in‐depth data on Malva spp. potential applications and phytochemical composition for food and pharmaceutical industries. Habitat and cultivation conditions and the clinical reports related to its biological effects are also emphasized. Malva spp. possess a wide variety of chemical constituents (such as polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, terpenes, and tannins) found in different plant organs, especially in leaves and flowers, connected to their biological activity. In general, Malva spp. have rather moderate antimicrobial activity, high antiinflammatory and wound healing activities, strong antioxidant activity, and anticancer properties. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments encourage more in‐depth studies, namely clinical trials, towards to improve knowledge on the use of Malva spp. for the treatment of various health conditions in humans.
Brain Tumor Stem Cells and Anti-Angiogenic Therapy

The hypothesis that tumor growth may be sustained by a rare subpopulation of cells, termed cancer stem cells, is currently demonstrated in different types of cancer (Al-Hajj et al., 2004; Jordan et al., 2006; Reya et al., 2001). Brain tumor stem cells were isolated from primary brain tumors, such as malignant glioma (Galli et al., 2004; Hide et al., 2008). Glioma stem cells share some characteristics with normal neural stem cells, including the expression of neural stem cell markers, such as CD133 and Nestin (Hadjipanayis and Van Meir, 2009; Singh et al., 2004). Brain tumor stem cells possess the capacity for self-renewal and multipotency (ability to differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes) and the proliferative ability for generation of many progeny. Furthermore, they are able to initiate new tumors in vivo when transplanted into immunocompromised mice even at low cell numbers (Galli et al., 2004). Glioma stem cells play an important role in tumor invasion and therapy resistance (Bao et al., 2006a; Calabrese et al., 2007; Dean et al., 2005; Hirschmann-Jax et al., 2004). Complete surgical resection is almost impossible because of the deep invasion to the normal brain parenchyma. Glioma stem cells have the ability to divide slowly and infinitely, which leads to the resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These stem cell-like properties allow glioma stem cells to survive selectively and initiate recurrence (Hide et al., 2008). Therapeutic strategy that target glioma stem cells may improve the prognosis of malignant glioma. Recent evidence has revealed that glioma stem cells are located in the highly vascular region, and glioma stem cells’ properties are tightly regulated by the microenvironment, so called vascular niche, similar to normal neural stem cells (Gilbertson and Rich, 2007; Yang and Wechsler-Reya, 2007). The development of new therapeutic strategies that target the glioma stem cells and vascular niche may result in more effective treatment of malignant glioma. In this article, we review the recent evidence on the biology of glioma stem cells associated with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signalling pathways for anti-angiogenic therapy.
Studying radical organizational innovation through grounded theory 1

The main aim of this article is to study the social processes occurring during the implementation of radical organizational innovation. Our aim is to understand the nature of the development of radical innovation by identifying the social processes, that are taking place. The perspective for the analysis stems from “grounded theory” as a generative and inductive analytical strategy (Glaser & Strauss, 1967). An in-depth case study was thoroughly analysed. A total of 14 indepth interviews were conducted with key informants selected according to “theoretical sampling” criteria. The systematic use of the “constant comparative method” allowed us to differentiate grounded theories leading to a “conceptual saturation” of the categories generated from the empirical data. Results show the emergence of two basic processes, “learning” and “adaptation”, during the development of radical innovation. A “grounded” theory concerning the development of radical innovation is proposed, emphasizing the organization’s selfregulating capacity for learning and adapting. Our results describe innovation as an adaptable response that causes disorder in terms of “a creative tension in the system”. Finally, the methodological implications of grounded theory are discussed with regard to the study of radical innovation. The requisites and limitations observed in using grounded theory are outlined.
Binding and dynamics of melatonin at the interface of phosphatidylcholine-cholesterol membranes

The characterization of interactions between melatonin, one main ingredient of medicines regulating sleeping rhythms, and basic components of cellular plasma membranes (phospholipids, cholesterol, metal ions and water) is very important to elucidate the main mechanisms for the introduction of melatonin into cells and also to identify its local structure and microscopic dynamics. Molecular dynamics simulations of melatonin inside mixtures of dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine and cholesterol in NaCl solution at physiological concentration have been performed at 303.15 K to systematically explore melatonin-cholesterol, melatonin-lipid and melatonin-water interactions. Properties such as the area per lipid and thickness of the membrane as well as selected radial distribution functions, binding free energies, angular distributions, atomic spectral densities and translational diffusion of melatonin are reported. The presence of cholesterol significantly affects the behavior of melatonin, which is mainly buried into the interfaces of membranes. Introducing cholesterol into the system helps melatonin change from folded to extended configurations more easily. Our results suggest that there exists a competition between the binding of melatonin to phospholipids and to cholesterol by means of hydrogen-bonds. Spectral densities of melatonin reported in this work, in overall good agreement with experimental data, revealed the participation of each atom of melatonin to its complete spectrum. Melatonin self-diffusion coefficients are of the order of 10−7 cm2/s and they significantly increase when cholesterol is addeed to the membrane.
Utilization of fly ash byproduct in synthetic zeolites

The amount of fly ash generated has been increasing at an alarming rate throughout the world. It is the finely divided mineral residue resulting from the combustion of coal in thermal power plants. It consists of inorganic, incombustible matter that has been fused during combustion into a glassy, amorphous structure. The typical thermal power plant will burn pulverized coal in a furnace with a boiler. The combustion products include fly ash, bottom ash and a boiler slag and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) materials, which creates serious danger if released into environment. This has attracted more attention within a context of progressively more stringent regulation of hazardous air pollutants (viz. fly ash) discharge from thermal power station. The disposal of such a huge quantity has become a pressing issue. Several approaches have been made for proper utilization of fly ash, either to reduce the cost of disposal or to minimize the environmental impact. This study presents the wide variety of utilization of this industrial byproduct fly ash and its application in the field of an environment. One of the major ways out is the conversion of fly ash to zeolites, which has wide applications in the field of an environment.
The Implications of Teachers' Professional Attributes on Assimilating a Computerized Learning and Management System in an Israeli School: A Case Study

Assimilating processes of change in teaching methods and their application in school entail considerable difficulty. The teachers' ability and skills as a professional-pedagogic entity in the process of change is the first factor for the occurrence of radical change. This study examines the extent to which teachers' professional attributes predict resistance to change when assimilating a computerized learning management and teaching system (LMS) in school. Teachers from an experimental high school in Israel, which is participating in a comprehensive reform to integrate a computerized LMS system into schools in Israel, participated in this study. A questionnaire regarding resistance to change was distributed to 60 teachers and analyzed using path analysis in structural equation modeling with the statistical AMOS 7.0 (Analysis of Moment Structures) software (Arbuckle, 2006). The findings indicate that a high level of computer literacy amongst teachers predicts low resistance to change; school seniority predicts high resistance to change, as does a key role in school. The contribution of the study lies in understanding that, till now, these attributes were considered to be background attributes. The study identifies their unique impact on the teachers' readiness to assimilate change in school.
First report of Tragopogon dubius witches' broom disease associated with a subgroup 16SrI-B phytoplasma in Iran

Tragopogon dubius (yellow salsify, Asteraceae) is a perennial herb in Iran. In a survey conducted for phytoplasma diseases in 2014, T. dubius witches' broom disease was observed in vineyards and green areas of Bajgah and Zarghan localities…
Sensory Preference and Professional Profile Affinity Definition of Endangered Native Breed Eggs Compared to Commercial Laying Lineages’ Eggs

Simple Summary A local breed’s particularities may provide eggs with sensory properties which may overcome laying lineage, regardless of their production system characteristics. Hence, methods clarifying what the appreciation of a certain product is like can outline the actions required to improve the market value of that product. Affine and non-affine profiles were defined based on the information provided by sixty-four professionally-instructed panelists on sensory attributes, diet habits, production context awareness, product consciousness, cuisine applicability and panelist attributes. Egg consumption was lower in non-affine profile professionals, as were the scores provided to sensory attributes. The higher the knowledge about Utrerana breed, the greater the importance provided to the ecological and autochthonous nature of the products. The level of study, gender and age are crucial factors to consider when approaching the commercialization of Utrerana hen eggs. Conclusively, defining consumer profiles among professionals of the cuisine sector may improve the profitability of Utrerana eggs and may help educating non-affine profiles, something key to the success in product appreciation. Abstract This study aimed to compare Utrerana native hen eggs’ sensory properties to Leghorn Lohmann LSL-Classic lineage’s commercial and ecological eggs through free-choice profiling. Second, affine and non-affine profiles were defined using the information provided by professionally-instructed panelists on six sets (sensory attributes, diet habits, production context awareness, product consciousness, cuisine applicability and panelist attributes) using nonlinear canonical correlation analysis. Sixty-four instructed professional panelists rated 96 eggs on 39 variables comprising the above-mentioned sets. Observers reported a significantly higher appreciation (p > 0.05) towards yolk color, odor, flavor, texture, overall score, and whole and on plate broken egg visual value when Utrerana eggs were compared to the rest of categories. Professional Profile A (PPA), or egg non-affine profile, consumed less eggs and provided lower scores to sensory attributes than Professional Profile B (PPB), or affine profile. Additionally, PPB accounted for higher knowledge about the Utrerana breed and provided greater importance to a product’s ecological and autochthonous nature. PPA was generally characterized by women under 20 years old with no higher studies, while PPB comprised 21–40 years old men with secondary studies. In conclusion, defining professional profiles enables correctly approaching market needs to improve the profitability of Utrerana eggs, meeting professional demands and educating non-affine profiles.
Iris Recognition for Personal Identification

A biometric system provides special and automatic identification of an individual based on characteristics and unique features showed by individuals. This paper examines the developing automated iris recognition for personal identification in order to verify both uniqueness of the human iris and also its performance as a biometric based on Hu invariant moment. The iris recognition system consists of the iris acquisition system and iris authentication algorithm. The algorithm of the processing for the iris recognition is also able to localize the pupil region and circular iris, occluding eyelashes and eyelids, and reflections. The system performed with a test on 108 images resulted on false accept rates (FAR) and false rejected rates (FRR). The performance measured which was stored in the database scored 0% each for FRR and FAR since the Hu invariance moments had matched perfectly. Therefore, iris recognition is shown to be an accurate and reliable biometric technology.
Security Analysis of Radar Systems

Radar systems are used to detect the existence, location, and trajectory of objects in space using electromagnetic waves.They are mainly used for tracking aircraft, missiles, satellites, and watercraft. In recent years, as technology has evolved, the use of radar systems has increased, along with reliance on their correct and reliable operation. Given this, the reliability and availability of information provided by radar systems is growing in importance. Although the field of cyber security has been continuously evolving, most studies conducted on protecting radar systems have focused on electronic warfare. Radar systems also include a wide variety of components, such as a communications system or SCADA system, which are also vulnerable to cyber attacks. In this study, we present a risk analysis for radar systems. First, we present an in depth review of the existing literature on related topics. Then, we describe the threats we identified and their possible outcome. Finally, we demonstrate the realization of an attack on a radar system created for this task. We conclude by identifying future research directions aiming at protecting advanced radar systems from cyber attacks.