Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Furin‐mediated protein processing in infectious diseases and cancer

Proteolytic cleavage regulates numerous processes in health and disease. One key player is the ubiquitously expressed serine protease furin, which cleaves a plethora of proteins at polybasic recognition motifs. Mammalian substrates of furin include cytokines, hormones, growth factors and receptors. Thus, it is not surprising that aberrant furin activity is associated with a variety of disorders including cancer. Furthermore, the enzymatic activity of furin is exploited by numerous viral and bacterial pathogens, thereby enhancing their virulence and spread. In this review, we describe the physiological and pathophysiological substrates of furin and discuss how dysregulation of a simple proteolytic cleavage event may promote infectious diseases and cancer. One major focus is the role of furin in viral glycoprotein maturation and pathogenicity. We also outline cellular mechanisms regulating the expression and activation of furin and summarise current approaches that target this protease for therapeutic intervention.
The Impact of Goal-Congruent Feature Additions on Core IS Feature Use: When More Is Less and Less Is More

This research investigates the impact of feature additions on the use of an information system’s (IS) existing core features. Based on prior work in marketing and IS, we hypothesize conflicting effects on the usage of the system as a whole and the IS core due to the goal congruence of the two feature sets. In three consecutive empirical studies, we consider the example of a utilitarian consumer IS in the form of a mobile insurance app with additional weather-related functionality. The statistical results indicate that the goal-congruent feature addition exerts a positive influence on system use, whereas the impact on core IS use is negative. More specifically, we show that the latter effect can be explained by changes in the users’ perceptions of the usefulness and ease of use of the core features. From a theoretical perspective, our work goes beyond the predominant system view of technology acceptance and use by employing a more fine-grained, feature-oriented level of investigation, which opens several avenues for further research regarding the relationships between information systems and the features they comprise. From a managerial perspective, the results help to characterize the detrimental effects that feature additions may have on IS usage. These consequences become particularly relevant when revenue, cost savings, or other benefits on the part of IS operators are linked only to a subset of the entire IS functionality, as in the case of certain web portals or mobile apps.
HCI Education in Brazil in the Light of Curricula Guidelines

Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) has been researched, practiced and taught around the world in diverse contexts. In this paper, we focus on Brazil and its particular context. We interviewed thirteen professors to investigate their approach in introductory HCI courses within computing undergraduate courses. This paper reports a portion of this analysis, focusing on the content being taught, and comparing it to national and international guidelines. Our results show that most professors use a project-centered approach in the course, balancing theory and practice. Semiotics and accessibility are strong influences in our context. No international guidelines mention any semiotic approach to HCI, although they are usually more detailed than national guidelines. International guidelines provide a list of topics together with a list of learning outcomes, while national guidelines are more focused on topics. We contribute to the HCI community by providing an analysis of the Brazilian context.
Transilvania până la Primul Război Mondial : (oportunităţi şi/sau vulnerabilităţi demografice)

Transilvania până la Primul Război Mondial : (oportunităţi si/sau vulnerabilităţi demografice). - In: Sasii si concetăţenii lor ardeleni : studia in honorem dr. Thomas Nagler, p. 413-429.
Query Expansion Using DBpedia and WordNet

This paper presents a semantic approach based on DBpedia and WordNet to extract the candidate terms for query expansion. We divided DBpedia features into: general features and specific features that are available depending on the domain of the resource. We evaluated our approach using 44 queries from TREC AP88-90, and discovered that the results are improved when using the hybrid approach that combines WordNet and DBpedia, versus using only WordNet for short and long queries. The comparison of our approach with literature technique that used DBpedia for query expansion showed an improvement in P@20 for both short and long queries.
Data visualization as a proving ground for graduate studies

W e present a course that introduces undergraduate students to the concepts of graduate school, using data visualization as the topic of study. Students read seminal papers in the field of data visualization and implement many of its core algorithms. By the end of the course, students who may not have otherwise considered graduate studies as an option can make an informed decision about whether to attend graduate school or join the workforce upon graduation.
Deep Learning-Based Electrocardiogram Signal Noise Detection and Screening Model

Objectives Biosignal data captured by patient monitoring systems could provide key evidence for detecting or predicting critical clinical events; however, noise in these data hinders their use. Because deep learning algorithms can extract features without human annotation, this study hypothesized that they could be used to screen unacceptable electrocardiograms (ECGs) that include noise. To test that, a deep learning-based model for unacceptable ECG screening was developed, and its screening results were compared with the interpretations of a medical expert. Methods To develop and apply the screening model, we used a biosignal database comprising 165,142,920 ECG II (10-second lead II electrocardiogram) data gathered between August 31, 2016 and September 30, 2018 from a trauma intensive-care unit. Then, 2,700 and 300 ECGs (ratio of 9:1) were reviewed by a medical expert and used for 9-fold cross-validation (training and validation) and test datasets. A convolutional neural network-based model for unacceptable ECG screening was developed based on the training and validation datasets. The model exhibiting the lowest cross-validation loss was subsequently selected as the final model. Its performance was evaluated through comparison with a test dataset. Results When the screening results of the proposed model were compared to the test dataset, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and the F1-score of the model were 0.93 and 0.80 (sensitivity = 0.88, specificity = 0.89, positive predictive value = 0.74, and negative predictive value = 0.96). Conclusions The deep learning-based model developed in this study is capable of detecting and screening unacceptable ECGs efficiently.
A new local algorithm for overlapping community detection based on clustering coefficient and common neighbor similarity

Identification of communities represents one of the most important fields in social network analysis. In this paper, we propose a new local algorithm mainly focused on finding the initial communities then expanding them by using a new weighted belonging degree. The communities are selected according to the local clustering coefficient and the common neighbors similarity of their members, which develop the level of uncovering overlapping communities. The overlapping modularity and the F-score are exploited to evaluate the quality of the results. The experiments show significant improvement while using the new weighted belonging degree.
Fixed-time sliding mode control based plant/controller co-design of dual-motor driving system

ABSTRACT A fixed-time sliding mode controller based plant/controller co-design scheme is developed for dual-motor driving systems. The proposed controller is fixed-time stable subject to unknown disturbances which guarantees the robustness of the proposed control scheme and a less conservative solution can be ensured by comparing with the conventional fixed-time convergence technique. Due to the existence of couplings between the plant and the controller, traditional design procedures in which the plant and the controller are designed sequentially and separately cannot guarantee the overall optimum of control systems. A co-design scheme based on the nested optimisation strategy is developed in this paper. With the nested optimisation strategy, the co-design solution can be achieved efficiently and reliably. A combined cost function considering both the plant and the controller is developed so that the largest load can be achieved without degrading the control performance. The fixed-time convergent controller is employed and considered into the co-design scheme. The gravitational search algorithm is adopted to optimise controller parameters in the co-design scheme. With the presented co-design method, the largest load of the studied system can be achieved with the satisfactory control performance. Contrastive Simulation and experimental results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed controller and co-design scheme.
A novel homozygous point mutation and deletion in exon 3 of growth hormone receptor causes laron syndrome: A case study

Laron syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder that is caused by the inability to utilize the growth hormone (GH) which is an important hormone that regulates theoverall growth of the body throughout the life‐time of an individual. GH exerts its effect upon binding to the GH receptors(GHR), which thereby initiate a signaling cascade resulting in the production of insulin‐like growth factors (IGF). Clinically, individuals with Laron syndrome harbor mutations in the gene encoding GHR, which results in normal to high serum GH levels, negligible or no IGF1 production, low levels of GH binding proteins (GHBP), hypoglycemia, and high insulin sensitivity. Physically, these individuals have short physical stature, obesity, hypogonadism (in males), protruding forehead and saddle nose, blue sclera, and high‐pitched voice (in females). Laron syndrome is mainly an autosomal recessive disorder that is caused by the body’s inability to utilize the growth hormone (GH) secreted by the pituitary gland. As the name suggests, GH is an important hormone that regulates the overall growth of the body throughout the lifetime of an individual. GH exerts its effect on binding to the GH receptors (GHRs), which thereby initiate a signaling cascade resulting in the production of insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). Clinically, individuals with Laron syndrome harbor mutations in the gene encoding GHR, which results in normal to high serum GH levels, negligible or no IGF1 production, low levels of GH binding proteins, hypoglycemia, and high insulin sensitivity. Physically, these individuals have short physical stature (dwarfism), obesity, hypogonadism (in males), protruding forehead and saddle nose, blue sclera, and high-pitched voice (in females). GHR mutations that cause the various anomalies associated with Laron syndrome generally occur within introns, exons, or splice sites. Here, we report for the first time, a combination of a homozygous point mutation (Cys119Phe) and a deletion within exon 3 in a 3-year-old boy from Saudi Arabia who was evaluated as having Laron syndrome. The boy is currently being treated with IGF1 therapy.
To study the effect of Cocos nucifera oil when incorporated into tissue conditioner on its tensile strength and antifungal activity: An in vitro study

Aim: This study aims to test the tensile strength and growth of Candida albicans on Viscogel tissue conditioner when incorporated with coconut oil (CCO) and to compare its efficacy with other antifungal agents. Settings and Design: Evaluative - In-vitro study design. Materials and Methods: Fifty dumbbell-shaped samples (n = 10) of Viscogel tissue conditioner were fabricated according to ASTM standard and were classified into 5 groups (10% CCO, 30% w/w tea tree oil, 5% w/w fluconazole, 0.03% w/w silver nanoparticles, and plain tissue conditioner). These samples were compared and evaluated for their tensile strength. Further to test the antifungal activity, a total of 60 samples (n = 15) were fabricated, each group (n = 15) was further divided into three subgroups (n = 5), namely 24-h, 3-day, and 5-day period, which were inoculated in sabouraud dextrose agar plate to test for the growth of C. albicans. Statistical Analysis Used: Oneway ANOVA and post hoc Tukey honestly significant difference test. Results: 10% w/w CCO yielded a mean tensile strength of 20.06 as compared to the plain tissue conditioner which showed a mean tensile strength of 17.81. Similarly, 10% w/w CCO incorporated into Viscogel tissue conditioner showed a significant reduction in the colonization of C. albicans on the 5th day. Conclusions: 10% w/w of CCO when mixed with Viscogel tissue conditioner showed a significant reduction in the growth of C. albicans, and addition of the same increased the tensile strength of the tissue conditioner.
MIMO Systems with Degraded Actuators and Sensors

This paper presents a reliable control design technique for linear, time-invariant, multi-input multi-output (MIMO) systems with degraded actuators and sensors. The degradation defined in this paper ranges from normal operational conditions to complete failure of actuators and sensors. We derive linear matrix inequality (LMI) conditions ensuring robust stability of the system using static state feedback. The potential of the proposed technique has been demonstrated by an example of three coupled inverted pendulums. Keywords—linear matrix inequality; static state feedback; MIMO; degradation.
Skin manifestations of peripheral artery disease: Prevalence and diagnostic utility

Introduction: Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common but underdiagnosed arm of the cardiovascular triad. Reliance on the presence of skin manifestations of chronic lower limb ischemia may result in clinical inertia in the diagnosis of PAD. Objective: Literature on the skin manifestations of PAD is limited. This paper aims to determine the prevalence and diagnostic value of skin manifestations of PAD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of consecutive adults with hypertension and diabetes attending the consultant medical outpatient department, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin-city, Nigeria. Physical examination of the skin of the lower limbs for features suggestive of PAD and ankle-brachial index (ABI) were performed. A diagnosis of PAD was made if ABI < 0.9. Results: Of the 541 participants, 115 (21.3%) had skin changes suggestive of PAD, and 182 (33.6%) had low ABI < 0.9. Among participants with PAD, 65 (35.7%) had skin manifestations suggestive of PAD. The association between PAD and skin manifestations suggestive of PAD was significant (χ2 = 34.248,P < 0.001). The sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values of the presence of skin manifestations as a diagnostic tool for PAD compared with low ABI was 35.7%, 86.1%, 56.5%, and 72.5%, respectively. Conclusion: Among participants with PAD, the prevalence of skin manifestations of suggestive of PAD was 35.7%. Reliance on the presence of skin changes for diagnosis of PAD may result in missed or delayed diagnosis because of its low sensitivity and positive predictive value.
Microcomputed tomography a noninvasive method to evaluate the fit of a restoration as compared to conventional replica technique

Aim: The aim of the study was to compare the assessment methods used to evaluate the fit of Ni-Cr metal copings. Settings and Design: Comparative- Invitro study design. Materials and Methods: A stainless steel die simulating a prepared first maxillary premolar was used as a master die. Wax pattern copings were fabricated by the conventional dipping wax technique (n = 20) on the master die and were cast in Ni-Cr alloy. The finished copings were fitted on the master die and scanned by the micro-computed tomography (CT) scanner. Multiple projections of the sample were reconstructed to evaluate the marginal and internal fit at 5 predetermined locations. The same copings were used for the replica technique and were evaluated under a stereomicroscope in the same locations. Statistical Analysis Used: Shapiro–Wilk's test and Unpaired t-test Results: The marginal fit values observed were 127.71 and 95.06 μm, chamfer area fit values were 151.97 and 132.7 μm, axial area fit values were 62.36 and 46.14 μm, axio-occlusal area fit values were 139.52 and 123.6 μm, occlusal area fit values were slightly higher with 217.91 and 193.1 μm, respectively, in replica and micro-CT technique. There was no statistically significant difference observed in the fit between the two assessment methods (α > 0.05). Conclusions: There was no difference observed in the marginal and internal fit of Ni-Cr metal copings with the two methods of assessment. However, the micro-CT technique proved to be simpler, noninvasive, and time-saving assessment method.
Automatic detection of feeding and drinking related agonistic behavior and dominance in dairy cows.

Accurate assessments of social behavior and dominance relationships in cattle can be time consuming. We investigated whether replacements at the feed bunk and water trough-one type of agonistic interaction-can be used to automatically assess dominance relationships. Our study set out to (1) validate a replacement detection algorithm using combined data from electronic feed and water bins, and (2) investigate the applicability of this algorithm to identify individual dominance scores and group-level social hierarchy in freestall-housed dairy cows. We used 4 groups of lactating cows kept in different group sizes (11 to 20 cows) located at 2 research facilities. In both facilities, feed and water were provided via automated feeding systems. A trained observer recorded all agonistic interactions in the pen over multiple days using video. Data from the electronic feed and water bins for the same days were analyzed using an algorithm to detect replacements (i.e., visits where a receiver cow was competitively replaced by an actor cow). Most agonistic interactions at the feed bunk were replacements. These replacements were associated with a brief interval between the time the receiver cow left the bin and the actor cow took her place; the optimal threshold to detect these replacements varied from 22 to 27 s between groups, independent of stocking density. The recall and precision of an algorithm based upon this threshold was high (on average >0.8), comparable to that of trained human observers. We improved data preparation by controlling for detection errors and included filtering to reduce false positives. This resulted in a >20% decrease in false positives and an increase in precision of 0.043. The dominance hierarchy based upon algorithm-detected replacements was similar to that based upon total agonistic interactions observed in the pen; the Spearman rank correlation coefficient between these hierarchies varied among the groups from 0.81 to 0.96. We conclude that data from electronic feed and water bins can accurately estimate agonistic behavior and dominance relationships among dairy cows.
Group differences in social inclusion between young adults aged 18 to 25 with serious mental illness and same-aged peers from the general community

Aims: Young adults with serious mental illness (SMI) are thought to be socially excluded. However, psychometric measures of social inclusion have not been employed to examine group differences relative to peers from the general community. The aim of this study was to employ such a measure to determine differences in social inclusion between young adults with SMI and peers from the general community. Methods: A cross-sectional hierarchical logistic regression was conducted to identify which dimensions and individual indicators from the Filia Social Inclusion Measure (F-SIM) discriminated between n = 152 young adults aged 18–25 from the general community (M = 21.36, SD = 2.16) and n = 159 young adults aged 18–25 with SMI (M = 21.13, SD = 2.21). Results: Group membership was accounted for by Interpersonal Connections (Nagelkerke R2 = .32), Vocational & Financial Security (Nagelkerke R2 = .32) and Healthy Independent Lifestyle (Nagelkerke R2 = .08) dimensions of the F-SIM. Relative to young adults from the general community, those with SMI were five times less likely to feel they had friends who would call on them in a crisis, odds ratio (OR) = . 19 (95%CI = .04, .53), p = . 04, almost five times more likely to live with their parents, OR = 4.79 (95%CI = 1.98,11.15), p = . 004, almost four times less likely to have worked/studied any time over the past 12 months, OR = . 27 (95%CI = .11,.64), p < . 001, and three-and-a-half times more likely to report unstable accommodation, OR = 3.58 (95%CI = 1.14, 11.15), p = . 03. Conclusion: Young adults with SMI are socially excluded relative to peers from the general community in terms of interpersonal connections, vocational engagement, autonomy/independence and housing stability. In addition to the well-established focus on vocational engagement, interventions to improve social inclusion in this population must promote reciprocity within social relationships and healthy autonomy/independence (including stable housing).
Signaling pathways involved in the T‐cell‐mediated immunity against Epstein‐Barr virus: Lessons from genetic diseases

Primary immunodeficiencies (PIDs) provide researchers with unique models to understand in vivo immune responses in general and immunity to infections in particular. In humans, impaired immune control of Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with the occurrence of several different immunopathologic conditions; these include non‐malignant and malignant B‐cell lymphoproliferative disorders, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a severe inflammatory condition, and a chronic acute EBV infection of T cells. Studies of PIDs associated with a predisposition to develop severe, chronic EBV infections have led to the identification of key components of immunity to EBV – notably the central role of T‐cell expansion and its regulation in the pathophysiology of EBV‐associated diseases. On one hand, the defective expansion of EBV‐specific CD8 T cells results from mutations in genes involved in T‐cell activation (such as RASGRP1, MAGT1, and ITK), DNA metabolism (CTPS1) or co‐stimulatory pathways (CD70, CD27, and TNFSFR9 (also known as CD137/4‐1BB)) leads to impaired elimination of proliferating EBV‐infected B cells and the occurrence of lymphoma. On the other hand, protracted T‐cell expansion and activation after the defective killing of EBV‐infected B cells is caused by genetic defects in the components of the lytic granule exocytosis pathway or in the small adapter protein SH2D1A (also known as SAP), a key activator of T‐ and NK cell‐cytotoxicity. In this setting, the persistence of EBV‐infected cells results in HLH, a condition characterized by unleashed T‐cell and macrophage activation. Moreover, genetic defects causing selective vulnerability to EBV infection have highlighted the role of co‐receptor molecules (CD27, CD137, and SLAM‐R) selectively involved in immune responses against infected B cells via specific T‐B cell interactions.