Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Understanding mobile information supply: studying the amount of textual information smartphones provide

Smartphones became powerful tools for interacting with information anytime and anyplace. This paper investigates mobile information supply by assessing smartphones as information channels. We apply concepts of information theory for estimating the amount of information that smartphones supply. We contribute a measure of mobile information supply and describe a large-scale study analyzing data from more than 790 participants. Our main findings are that our participants' smartphones supply about 13 bytes of information per second and 1143 bytes per session. Further, within device sessions mobile information supply peaks at the beginning and the end. Our data also shows differences between sessions regarding the ratio of supplying old content vs. new content.
A novel sucrose-based expression system for heterologous proteins expression in thermotolerant methylotrophic yeast Ogataea thermomethanolica

The thermotolerant methylotrophic yeast Ogataea thermomethanolica TBRC656 is a potential host for heterologous protein expression. In this study, a novel expression system was developed for O. thermomethanolica based on the maltase (mal) gene promoter from this organism. The OtMal promoter function was tested for expression of fungal enzymes as reporter genes. Measurement of xylanase reporter enzyme activity showed that the OtMal promoter was repressed during growth on glucose and was activated by sucrose. When sucrose was used as a carbon source, the OtMal promoter was approximately twice as strong as the constitutive OtGAP promoter. Comparison of the OtMal promoter with the methanol-inducible OtAOX promoter showed that OtMal promoter drove 1.2 and 1.7-fold higher expression of xylanase and phytase reporter, respectively, than OtAOX promoter under inducing conditions at 24 h. Our results indicated that this novel expression system could be useful for the production of heterologous proteins from sucrose in yeast O. thermomethanolica.
Modelling Multicore Contention on the AURIX™ TC27x

Multicores are becoming ubiquitous in automotive. Yet, the expected benefits on integration are challenged by multicore contention concerns on timing V&V. Worst-case execution time (WCET) estimates are required as early as possible in the software development, to enable prompt detection of timing misbehavior. Factoring in multicore contention necessarily builds on conservative assumptions on interference, independent of co-runners load on shared hardware. We propose a contention model for automotive multi-cores that balances time-composability with tightness by exploiting available information on contenders. We tailor the model to the AURIX TC27x and provide tight WCET estimates using information from performance monitors and software configurations.
Associations Between Alcohol Involvement and Drive for Thinness and Body Dissatisfaction in Adolescent Twins: A Bivariate Twin Study

BACKGROUND Alcohol involvement has familial associations with bulimic symptoms (i.e., binge eating, inappropriate compensatory behaviors), with several studies indicating a genetic overlap between the two. It is unclear whether overlapping familial risk with alcohol involvement extends to other eating disorder symptoms. Understanding the genetic overlap between alcohol involvement and other eating disorder symptoms may aid in more targeted interventions for comorbid alcohol use-eating disorder symptoms. Thus, we investigated associations between alcohol involvement and 2 core eating disorder symptoms: drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction in adolescent female and male twins. METHODS We assessed 3 levels of alcohol involvement: alcohol use in the last month, having ever been intoxicated, and alcohol intoxication frequency via self-report. The Eating Disorder Inventory-II assessed drive for thinness and body dissatisfaction. Sex-specific biometrical twin modeling examined the genetic overlap between alcohol involvement and eating disorder symptoms. RESULTS Phenotypic associations between alcohol involvement, drive for thinness, and body dissatisfaction were significantly greater in girls compared with boys. A majority of the associations between alcohol involvement, drive for thinness, and body dissatisfaction in girls, but not boys, met our threshold for twin modeling (phenotypic r > 0.20). Moderate genetic correlations were observed between the 3 aspects of alcohol involvement and drive for thinness. Moderate genetic correlations were observed between alcohol use and intoxication frequency and body dissatisfaction. CONCLUSIONS Together with the literature on alcohol involvement and bulimic symptoms, these findings suggest a generalized association between alcohol involvement and eating disorder symptoms in girls, whereas this association may be symptom specific in boys. Genetic correlations indicate that the amount and direction of this genetic overlap differs across specific symptoms. When intervening on comorbid alcohol involvement and eating disorder symptoms, it may be important to target-specific eating disorder symptoms.
Bladder changes after catheterizable channel creation in adults with cerebral palsy who are in chronic urinary retention

Cerebral palsy (CP) is characterized by motor impairments as a result of brain injury during development. Patients can have neurogenic bladder dysfunction and are often unable to catheterize through their native urethra. Catheterizable channel (CC) creation can facilitate clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). We have observed that patients with large capacity, low‐pressure bladders can develop de novo neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) postoperatively. We sought to better characterize this finding.
How to communicate new input techniques

Touchscreens are among the most ubiquitous input technologies. Commercial devices typically limit the input to 2D touch points. While a body of work enhances the interaction through finger recognition and diverse gestures, advanced input techniques have had a limited commercial impact. A major challenge is explaining new input techniques to users. In this paper, we investigate how to communicate novel input techniques for smartphones. Through interviews with 12 Ux experts, we identified three potential approaches: Depiction uses an icon to visualize the input technique, Pop-up shows a modal dialog when the input technique is available, and Tutorial explains all available input techniques in a centralized way. To understand which approach is most preferred by users we conducted a study with 36 participants that introduced novel techniques using one of the communication methods. While Depiction was preferred, we found that the approach should be selected based on the complexity of the interaction, novelty to the user, and the device size.
Costs of unintentional injuries among children in an urban slum community in Kampala city, Uganda

Abstract Unintentional injuries cause deaths, disabilities, productivity and financial losses and disproportionately affect children in low-income settings yet their cost remains under studied. This study determined the household out-of-pocket expenditure and missed school attendance due to unintentional childhood injuries in a Ugandan slum. We used a cross-sectional household survey design. Data were collected on occurrence and associated costs of unintentional injuries during a one-year period from July 2014 to June 2015. A total of 706 (44.7%) children who had suffered from injuries were reported in the one year period. More male children (N = 415, 58.7%) suffered injuries than females (N = 291, 41.2%). The average out-of-pocket expenditure on treating an injury was US $24.1 [standard deviation (SD) = ±$62.8] and mean school days lost were 25 days (SD = ±51.8). Road traffic injuries (RTIs) resulted in higher costs [mean difference was US $51.1 (95% CI: $11.4–$90.8)] compared to injuries that, for example, occurred at school. In a Ugandan slum community, unintentional childhood injuries resulted in high out-of-pocket expenditures and missed school attendance. The costs varied widely depending on external causes of the injury. These findings highlight the need to invest in population level injury prevention interventions to reduce injury costs by households.
Granulocyte-Colony-Stimulating Factor Alters the Proteomic Landscape of the Ventral Tegmental Area

Cocaine addiction is characterized by aberrant plasticity of the mesolimbic dopamine circuit, leading to dysregulation of motivation to seek and take drug. Despite the significant toll that cocaine use disorder exacts on society, there are currently no available pharmacotherapies. We have recently identified granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) as a soluble cytokine that alters the behavioral response to cocaine and which increases dopamine release from the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Despite these known effects on behavior and neurophysiology, the molecular mechanisms by which G-CSF affects brain function are unclear. In this study mice were treated with repeated injections of G-CSF, cocaine or a combination and changes in protein expression in the VTA were examined using an unbiased proteomics approach. Repeated G-CSF treatment resulted in alterations in multiple signaling pathways related to synaptic plasticity and neuronal morphology. While the treatment groups had marked overlap in their effect, injections of cocaine and the combination of cocaine and G-CSF lead to distinct patterns of significantly regulated proteins. These experiments provide valuable information as to the molecular pathways that G-CSF activates in an important limbic brain region and will help to guide further characterization of G-CSF function and evaluation as a possible translational target.
EFFECTOR OF TRANSCRIPTION factors are novel plant‐specific regulators associated with genomic DNA methylation in Arabidopsis

Summary Plant‐specific EFFECTORS OF TRANSCRIPTION (ET) are characterised by a variable number of highly conserved ET repeats, which are involved in zinc and DNA binding. In addition, ETs share a GIY‐YIG domain, involved in DNA nicking activity. It was hypothesised that ETs might act as epigenetic regulators. Here, methylome, transcriptome and phenotypic analyses were performed to investigate the role of ET factors and their involvement in DNA methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana. Comparative DNA methylation and transcriptome analyses in flowers and seedlings of et mutants revealed ET‐specific differentially expressed genes and mostly independently characteristic, ET‐specific differentially methylated regions. Loss of ET function results in pleiotropic developmental defects. The accumulation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers after ultraviolet stress in et mutants suggests an ET function in DNA repair.
A Single Pheromone Receptor Gene Conserved across 400 My of Vertebrate Evolution

Pheromones are crucial for eliciting social and sexual behaviors in diverse animal species. The vomeronasal receptor type-1 (V1R) genes, encoding members of a pheromone receptor family, are highly variable in number and repertoire among mammals due to extensive gene gain and loss. Here, we report a novel pheromone receptor gene belonging to the V1R family, named ancient V1R (ancV1R), which is shared among most Osteichthyes (bony vertebrates) from the basal lineage of ray-finned fishes to mammals. Phylogenetic and syntenic analyses of ancV1R using 115 vertebrate genomes revealed that it represents an orthologous gene conserved for >400 My of vertebrate evolution. Interestingly, the loss of ancV1R in some tetrapods is coincident with the degeneration of the vomeronasal organ in higher primates, cetaceans, and some reptiles including birds and crocodilians. In addition, ancV1R is expressed in most mature vomeronasal sensory neurons in contrast with canonical V1Rs, which are sparsely expressed in a manner that is consistent with the "one neuron-one receptor" rule. Our results imply that a previously undescribed V1R gene inherited from an ancient Silurian ancestor may have played an important functional role in the evolution of vertebrate vomeronasal organ.
Large displays and tablets: data exploration and its effects on data collection

Data is pivotal to open government initiatives, where citizens are often expected to be informed and actively participate. Yet, it can be difficult for people to understand the meaning of data. Presenting data to the public in an appropriate way may also increase citizen's willingness to participate in data collection. Here we present a study which explores how large screens can support socially relevant data exploration. In a between subject laboratory experiment, we analysed how pairs of participants explored data visualisations on a high-resolution display (LHRD) and a tablet. Our results indicate that LHRDs are less cognitively demanding, while tablets offer more shared control of the interface. Data exploration had limited effect on increasing comfort with sharing personal data but helped increase perceptions of trustworthiness within the data collection process. We observed that appropriately visualised data on either platform has significant potential to increase the public's understanding of large data sets.
A Functionally Defined In Vivo Astrocyte Population Identified by c-Fos Activation in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis Modulated by S1P Signaling: Immediate-Early Astrocytes (ieAstrocytes)

Visual Abstract Astrocytes have prominent roles in central nervous system (CNS) function and disease, with subpopulations defined primarily by morphologies and molecular markers often determined in cell culture. Here, we identify an in vivo astrocyte subpopulation termed immediate-early astrocytes (ieAstrocytes) that is defined by functional c-Fos activation during CNS disease development. An unbiased screen for CNS cells showing c-Fos activation during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model for multiple sclerosis (MS), was developed by using inducible, TetTag c-Fos reporter mice that label activated cells with a temporally stable, nuclear green fluorescent protein (GFP). Four-dimensional (3D over time) c-Fos activation maps in the spinal cord were produced by combining tissue clearing (iDISCO) and confocal microscopy that identified onset and expansion of GFP+ cell populations during EAE. More than 95% of the GFP+ cells showed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) immunoreactivity—in contrast to absent or rare labeling of neurons, microglia, and infiltrating immune cells—which constituted ieAstrocytes that linearly increased in number with progression of EAE. ieAstrocyte formation was reduced by either astrocyte-specific genetic removal of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) or pharmacological inhibition by fingolimod (FTY720), an FDA-approved MS medicine that can functionally antagonize S1P1. ieAstrocytes thus represent a functionally defined subset of disease-linked astrocytes that are the first and predominant CNS cell population activated during EAE, and that track with disease severity in vivo. Their reduction by a disease-modifying agent supports their therapeutic relevance to MS and potentially other neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
Modification of the surface of titanium with multifunctional chimeric peptides to prevent biofilm formation via inhibition of initial colonizers

Background Prevention of bacterial colonization remains a major challenge in the field of oral implant devices. Chimeric peptides with binding, antimicrobial, and osteogenesis motifs may provide a promising alternative for the inhibition of biofilm formation on titanium (Ti) surfaces. Methods In this study, chimeric peptides were designed by connecting an antimicrobial sequence from human β-defensin-3 with a Ti-binding sequence and arginine-glycine-aspartic acid using a glycine-glycine-glycine linker. Binding to the Ti substrate and antimicrobial properties against streptococci were evaluated. Significant improvement in reduction of bacterial colonization onto the Ti surface was observed, with or without the presence of saliva or serum. The MC3T3-E1 cells grew well on the modified Ti surfaces compared with the control group. Results The data showed that the three peptide functional motifs maintained their respective functions, and that the antibiofilm mechanism of the chimeric peptide was via suppression of sspA and sspB gene expression. Conclusion These results indicated that the endogenous peptide fragments engineered on the Ti surface could provide an environmentally friendly approach for improving the biocompatibility of oral implants.
Design for health behavior change supportive technology: healthcare professionals' perspective

Health behavior change is a long and difficult process that persuasive technology supports through persuasion and social influence. Designers, oftentimes, do not distinguish the different social influence factors, one of which is social comparison (the comparison of an individual's data to that of others). Social comparison is tested by psychologists on health, coping, and wellbeing. However, design guidelines for social comparison features are almost inexistent. This paper explores - through semi-structured interviews - healthcare professionals' perspectives on technology supporting behavior change, and social comparison. The results present five categories the designers can look into and get inspired. Finally, design implications are presented: three design components for a holistic persuasive design, and three questions related to the social comparison features' design in order to help with brainstorming and reflection.
Linking Capacity Development to GOOS Monitoring Networks to Achieve Sustained Ocean Observation

Developing enduring capacity to monitor ocean life requires investing in people and their institutions to build infrastructure, ownership, and long-term support networks. International initiatives can enhance access to scientific data, tools and methodologies, and develop local expertise to use them, but without ongoing engagement may fail to have lasting benefit. Linking capacity development and technology transfer to sustained ocean monitoring is a win-win proposition. Trained local experts will benefit from joining global communities of experts who are building the comprehensive Global Ocean Observing System (GOOS). This two-way exchange will benefit scientists and policy makers in developing and developed countries. The first step toward the GOOS is complete: identification of an initial set of biological Essential Ocean Variables (EOVs) that incorporate the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) Essential Biological Variables (EBVs), and link to the physical and biogeochemical EOVs. EOVs provide a globally consistent approach to monitoring where the costs of monitoring oceans can be shared and where capacity and expertise can be transferred globally. Integrating monitoring with existing international reporting and policy development connects ocean observations with agreements underlying many countries' commitments and obligations, including under SDG 14, thus catalyzing progress toward sustained use of the ocean. Combining scientific expertise with international capacity development initiatives can help meet the need of developing countries to engage in the agreed United Nations (UN) initiatives including new negotiations for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction, and the needs of the global community to understand how the ocean is changing.
Complement as a Biological Tool to Control Tumor Growth

Deposits of complement components have been documented in several human tumors suggesting a potential involvement of the complement system in tumor immune surveillance. In vitro and in vivo studies have revealed a double role played by this system in tumor progression. Complement activation in the cancer microenvironment has been shown to promote cancer growth through the release of the chemotactic peptide C5a recruiting myeloid suppressor cells. There is also evidence that tumor progression can be controlled by complement activated on the surface of cancer cells through one of the three pathways of complement activation. The aim of this review is to discuss the protective role of complement in cancer with special focus on the beneficial effect of complement-fixing antibodies that are efficient activators of the classical pathway and contribute to inhibit tumor expansion as a result of MAC-mediated cancer cell killing and complement-mediated inflammatory process. Cancer cells are heterogeneous in their susceptibility to complement-induced killing that generally depends on stable and relatively high expression of the antigen and the ability of therapeutic antibodies to activate complement. A new generation of monoclonal antibodies are being developed with structural modification leading to hexamer formation and enhanced complement activation. An important progress in cancer immunotherapy has been made with the generation of bispecific antibodies targeting tumor antigens and able to neutralize complement regulators overexpressed on cancer cells. A great effort is being devoted to implementing combined therapy of traditional approaches based on surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy and complement-fixing therapeutic antibodies. An effective control of tumor growth by complement is likely to be obtained on residual cancer cells following conventional therapy to reduce the tumor mass, prevent recurrences and avoid disabilities.
Gluconeogenic growth of Vibrio cholerae is important for competing with host gut microbiota

Purpose. The gastrointestinal tract is home to thousands of commensal bacterial species. Therefore, competition for nutrients is paramount for successful bacterial pathogen invasion of intestinal ecosystems. The human pathogen Vibrio cholerae, the causative agent of the severe diarrhoeal disease, cholera, is able to colonize the small intestine, which is protected by mucus. However, it is unclear which metabolic pathways or nutrients V. cholerae utilizes during intestinal colonization and growth. Methodology. In this study, we investigated the effect of various metabolic key genes, including those involved in the gluconeogenesis pathway, on V. cholerae physiology and in vivo colonization. Results. We found that gluconeogenesis is important for infant mouse colonization. Growth assays showed that mutations in the key components of gluconeogenesis pathway, PpsA and PckA, lead to a growth defect in a minimal medium supplemented with mucin as a carbon source. Furthermore, the ppsA/pckA mutants colonized poorly in the adult mouse intestine, particularly when more gut commensal flora are present. Conclusion. Gluconeogenesis biosynthesis is important for the successful colonization of V. cholerae in a niche that is full of competing microbiota.