Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overnutrition Determines LPS Regulation of Mycotoxin Induced Neurotoxicity in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Chronic neurodegenerative diseases are now associated with obesity and diabetes and linked to the developing and developed world. Interests in healthy diets have escalated that may prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease. The global metabolic syndrome involves lipoprotein abnormalities and insulin resistance and is the major disorder for induction of neurological disease. The effects of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) on dyslipidemia and NAFLD indicate that the clearance and metabolism of fungal mycotoxins are linked to hypercholesterolemia and amyloid beta oligomers. LPS and mycotoxins are associated with membrane lipid disturbances with effects on cholesterol interacting proteins, lipoprotein metabolism, and membrane apo E/amyloid beta interactions relevant to hypercholesterolemia with close connections to neurological diseases. The influence of diet on mycotoxin metabolism has accelerated with the close association between mycotoxin contamination from agricultural products such as apple juice, grains, alcohol, and coffee. Cholesterol efflux in lipoproteins and membrane cholesterol are determined by LPS with involvement of mycotoxin on amyloid beta metabolism. Nutritional interventions such as diets low in fat/carbohydrate/cholesterol have become of interest with relevance to low absorption of lipophilic LPS and mycotoxin into lipoproteins with rapid metabolism of mycotoxin to the liver with the prevention of neurodegeneration.
Neural Dynamics as Sampling: A Model for Stochastic Computation in Recurrent Networks of Spiking Neurons

The organization of computations in networks of spiking neurons in the brain is still largely unknown, in particular in view of the inherently stochastic features of their firing activity and the experimentally observed trial-to-trial variability of neural systems in the brain. In principle there exists a powerful computational framework for stochastic computations, probabilistic inference by sampling, which can explain a large number of macroscopic experimental data in neuroscience and cognitive science. But it has turned out to be surprisingly difficult to create a link between these abstract models for stochastic computations and more detailed models of the dynamics of networks of spiking neurons. Here we create such a link and show that under some conditions the stochastic firing activity of networks of spiking neurons can be interpreted as probabilistic inference via Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. Since common methods for MCMC sampling in distributed systems, such as Gibbs sampling, are inconsistent with the dynamics of spiking neurons, we introduce a different approach based on non-reversible Markov chains that is able to reflect inherent temporal processes of spiking neuronal activity through a suitable choice of random variables. We propose a neural network model and show by a rigorous theoretical analysis that its neural activity implements MCMC sampling of a given distribution, both for the case of discrete and continuous time. This provides a step towards closing the gap between abstract functional models of cortical computation and more detailed models of networks of spiking neurons.
Voice-Centric LTE Femtocells and Improper Graph Colorings

This paper addresses carrier-based inter-cell interference coordination (CB-ICIC) among LTE femtocells operating on a single carrier. CB-ICIC is in many ways linked to the widely investigated dynamic channel assignment problem, which is often studied in the context of graph coloring. The investigation revolves around the sensible definition of the underlying graph, i.e. the network model, rather than focusing on the coloring algorithms and their properties. Ultimately, we posit that improper online graph-coloring suffices and is actually preferable. In short, settling for less-than-optimal configurations avoids uncontrolled service interruptions. Such disruptions tend to raise understandable concerns when it comes to fully autonomous selection of operational CCs. Our results dispel such concerns by showing that conservative methods can achieve most of the benefits of unrestricted off-line coloring algorithms with a very modest number (2-3) of CCs to choose from.
Unicorns in the world of chemical bonding models

The appearance and the significance of heuristically developed bonding models are compared with the phenomenon of unicorns in mythical saga. It is argued that classical bonding models played an essential role for the development of the chemical science providing the language which is spoken in the territory of chemistry. The advent and the further development of quantum chemistry demands some restrictions and boundary conditions for classical chemical bonding models, which will continue to be integral parts of chemistry. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 2007
Generation and Characterization of Monoclonal Antibodies against a Cyclic Variant of Hepatitis C Virus E2 Epitope 412-422

ABSTRACT The hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 envelope glycoprotein is crucial for virus entry into hepatocytes. A conserved region of E2 encompassing amino acids 412 to 423 (epitope I) and containing Trp420, a residue critical for virus entry, is recognized by several broadly neutralizing antibodies. Peptides embodying this epitope I sequence adopt a β-hairpin conformation when bound to neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) AP33 and HCV1. We therefore generated new mouse MAbs that were able to bind to a cyclic peptide containing E2 residues 412 to 422 (C-epitope I) but not to the linear counterpart. These MAbs bound to purified E2 with affinities of about 50 nM, but they were unable to neutralize virus infection. Structural analysis of the complex between C-epitope I and one of our MAbs (C2) showed that the Trp420 side chain is largely buried in the combining site and that the Asn417 side chain, which is glycosylated in E2 and solvent exposed in other complexes, is slightly buried upon C2 binding. Also, the orientation of the cyclic peptide in the antibody-combining site is rotated by 180° compared to the orientations of the other complexes. All these structural features, however, do not explain the lack of neutralization activity. This is instead ascribed to the high degree of selectivity of the new MAbs for the cyclic epitope and to their inability to interact with the epitope in more flexible and extended conformations, which recent data suggest play a role in the mechanisms of neutralization escape. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major health care burden, affecting almost 3% of the global population. The conserved epitope comprising residues 412 to 423 of the viral E2 glycoprotein is a valid vaccine candidate because antibodies recognizing this region exhibit potent neutralizing activity. This epitope adopts a β-hairpin conformation when bound to neutralizing MAbs. We explored the potential of cyclic peptides mimicking this structure to elicit anti-HCV antibodies. MAbs that specifically recognize a cyclic variant of the epitope bind to soluble E2 with a lower affinity than other blocking antibodies and do not neutralize virus. The structure of the complex between one such MAb and the cyclic epitope, together with new structural data showing the linear peptide bound to neutralizing MAbs in extended conformations, suggests that the epitope displays a conformational flexibility that contributes to neutralization escape. Such features can be of major importance for the design of epitope-based anti-HCV vaccines.
Son of Zorn's lemma: Targeted style transfer using instance-aware semantic segmentation

Style transfer is an important task in which the style of a source image is mapped onto that of a target image. The method is useful for synthesizing derivative works of a particular artist or specific painting. This work considers targeted style transfer, in which the style of a template image is used to alter only part of a target image. For example, an artist may wish to alter the style of only one particular object in a target image without altering the object's general morphology or surroundings. This is useful, for example, in augmented reality applications (such as the recently released Pokémon go), where one wants to alter the appearance of a single real-world object in an image frame to make it appear as a cartoon. Most notably, the rendering of real-world objects into cartoon characters has been used in a number of films and television show, such as the upcoming series Son of Zorn. We present a method for targeted style transfer that simultaneously segments and stylizes single objects selected by the user. The method uses a Markov random field model to smooth and anti-alias outlier pixels near object boundaries, so that stylized objects naturally blend into their surroundings.
Second order sliding output control of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines

In this paper, a robust MIMO output control law for Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines (PMSM) is considered. The nonlinear model of the motor is presented, and a control strategy is proposed, based on high order sliding manifold dynamic output control concepts. A rigorous proof of the stability is presented, based on nonlinear Lyapunov theory and fuzzy mathematics tools (although the controller is not fuzzy), and a constructive numerical approach based on a step by step design of the controller, involving the solution of a set of LMI (Linear Matrix Inequalities) and the selection of parameters defining the bandwidth of the controller is proposed. The controller structure has intrinsically a set of poles at the origin, thus embedding an integral action in the design always required in the case of motor control. Different extensions and generalizations are also proposed. Numerical simulations show the effectiveness of the proposed approach in terms of disturbance rejection.
Clean Evidence on Peer Effects

We study subjects who were asked to fill letters into envelopes with a remuneration independent of output. In the “pair” treatment, two subjects worked at the same time in the same room, and peer effects were possible. In the “single” treatment, subjects worked alone, and peer effects were ruled out. We find evidence of peer effects in the pair treatment because the standard deviations of output are smaller within pairs than between pairs. Moreover, average output is higher in the pair treatment: thus, peer effects raise productivity. Finally, low‐productivity workers are the most sensitive to the behavior of peers.
BTDF Measurements for Characterization of Displays and Components

In the present paper we show how to obtain rapidly the spectral BRDF and BTDF of different display components or transparent displays using Fourier optics system under different illumination configurations. Results can be used to simulate the entire structure of a LCD display or to predict transparent display performances under various illuminations. key words: BRDF, BTDF, multispectral, diffusor, BEF, transparent display
Teacher views about constructivist instruction and personal epistemology: a national study in Taiwan

This study investigated the views about constructivist instruction and personal epistemology of the secondary earth science teachers in Taiwan. Participants were assessed through a paper‐and‐pencil survey and a Learning environment preference questionnaire (LEP) designed to explore personal epistemology. On a five‐point Likert scale, teachers, on average, showed a neutral agreement on constructivist instruction. The content analysis suggested that teachers held alternative views about the nature of the constructivist instruction. LEP scores were found to be statistically associated with gender, education, current teaching level and years of teaching; the score distribution indicated that most teachers had not developed a constructivist‐compatible epistemology. By one‐way ANOVA, it was suggested that views about the constructivist instruction were aligned with personal epistemology.
Influence of active battery switching on the drivetrain efficiency of electric vehicles

This paper presents the results of the influence of an active battery switching system on the drivetrain efficiency of electric vehicles. The purpose of this system is to increase the drivetrain's electrical efficiency, especially in the partial-load range. It consists of a switching unit that allows the vehicle's tractionbattery circuitry to be changed during operation, thereby adjusting the intermediate circuit voltage. Efficiency is increased by adapting the voltage to the actual required level. This publication presents results regarding loss mechanisms of the electric drivetrain, as well as those derived from roller dynamometer test series and simulation with the active battery switching system. In this way, focus is placed on the influence of active battery switching on the efficiency of different drivetrain components.
Effect of visco‐elastic silk–chitosan microcomposite scaffolds on matrix deposition and biomechanical functionality for cartilage tissue engineering

Commonly used polymer‐based scaffolds often lack visco‐elastic properties to serve as a replacement for cartilage tissue. This study explores the effect of reinforcement of silk matrix with chitosan microparticles to create a visco‐elastic matrix that could support the redifferentiation of expanded chondrocytes. Goat chondrocytes produced collagen type II and glycosaminoglycan (GAG)‐enriched matrix on all the scaffolds (silk:chitosan 1:1, 1:2 and 2:1). The control group of silk‐only constructs suffered from leaching out of GAG molecules into the medium. Chitosan‐reinforced scaffolds retained a statistically significant (p < 0.02) higher amount of GAG, which in turn significantly increased (p < 0.005) the aggregate modulus (as compared to silk‐only controls) of the construct akin to that of native tissue. Furthermore, the microcomposite constructs demonstrated highly pronounced hysteresis at 4% strain up to 400 cycles, mimicking the visco‐elastic properties of native cartilage tissue. These results demonstrated a step towards optimizing the design of biomaterial scaffolds used for cartilage tissue engineering. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Measurement of Water Cluster Concentrations by Infrared Cavity Ringdown Laser Absorption Spectroscopy

The recently developed technique of infrared cavity ringdown laser absorption spectroscopy (IR-CRLAS) has been employed in the 3.0 μm region to determine the absolute concentrations of water dimers, trimers, tetramers, and pentamers in a pulsed supersonic expansion for the first time. Additional spectral features are reported, one of which we assign to the bound O−H stretching bands of the hexamer. Additionally, by simple variation of the jet stagnation pressure, the collective O−H stretching absorption from all clusters produced in the expansion was observed to change from that of discrete features of small clusters to band profiles of liquid water and finally to amorphous ice.
Stock Pyramids, Cross-Ownership, and Dual Class Equity: The Creation and Agency Costs of Separating Control from Cash Flow Rights

This paper examines common arrangements for separating control from cash flow rights: stock pyramids, cross-ownership structures, and dual class equity structures. We describe the ways in which such arrangements enable a controlling shareholder or group to maintain a complete lock on the control of a company while holding less than a majority of the cash flow rights associated with its equity. Next, we analyze the consequences and agency costs of these arrangements. In particular, we show that they have the potential to create very large agency costs -- costs that are an order of magnitude larger than those associated with controlling shareholders who hold a majority of the cash flow rights in their companies. The agency costs of these structures, we suggest, are also likely to exceed the agency costs of attending highly leveraged capital structures. Finally, we put forward an agenda for research concerning structures separating control from cash flow rights.
Méthodes de carte auto-organisatrice par mélange de lois contraintes. Application à l'exploration dans les tableaux de contingence textuels

Cette these s'interesse a l'analyse exploratoire des donnees multidimensionnelles souvent qualitatives voir textuelles par des modeles particuliers de carte auto-organisatrice de Kohonen. Il s'agit d'effectuer une classification et une projection simultanees des lignes ou colonnes d'une matrice de donnees. Le resultat de ces methodes est une reduction sous la forme d'une surface de regression discrete. Nous etudions plus particulierement les modeles de melange de lois de probabilites : les parametres correspondant aux esperances des vecteurs classes sont contraints en les placant aux noeuds d'une grille rectangulaire. Apres une presentation de ces methodes, et des algorithmes d'estimation bases sur l'EM (Expectation-Maximization), nous introduisons essentiellement deux nouvelles approches. La premiere vise a ''generaliser la methode d'Analyse Factorielle des Correspondances'' aux grandes matrices : l'algorithme CASOM est une classifieur Naif de Bayes contraint en un TPEM (Topology Preserving EM) pour tableau de contingence. La seconde consiste en un schema general d'adaptation des methodes de segmentation d'image en carte auto-organisatrice. Pour l'illustrer, nous modifions un algorithme de segmentation par champs moyens, et obtenons un algorithme appelle TNEM. Nous utilisons ces methodes pour aider a la navigation dans un corpus textuel. En effet, nous aboutissons a des criteres et des moyens de representation objectifs.
PLAYING AN N-PERSON GAME, AN EXPERIMENT.

Abstract : The author attempted in this paper to provide explanations for the various outcomes of an experiment designed to study how coalitions are formed in human relations. Although the bargaining set alone did not suffice to explain the outcomes for many types of games, by incorporating other ideas with the bargaining set theory, it is felt a more or less satisfactory solution can reached. Thus, the present analysis contains several conjectures which can be tested by statistical methods. In addition, the outcomes exhibit interesting features which deserve further theoretical and experimental study. It seems that standards of fairness which may exist among various groups must needs be taken into account when a game is to be described by a characteristic function. Also, it becomes fairly clear that a normative analysis of playing a game should take into consideration changes in the characteristic function (and in the set of active players) which result from intermediate agreements. Thus one can see, on the one hand, that game theoretical tools may be used to describe human behavior and, on the other, that more topics will have to be evolved in game theory before a satisfactory approximation to real situations can be achieved.
Spectral RTL Test Generation for Gate-Level Stuck-at Faults

We model RTL faults as stuck-at faults on primary inputs, primary outputs, and flip-flops. Tests for these faults are analyzed using Hadamard matrices for Walsh functions and random noise level at each primary input. This information then helps generate vector sequences. At the gate-level, a fault simulator and an integer linear program (ILP) compact the test sequences. We give results for four ITC'99 and four ISC AS'89 benchmark circuits, and an experimental processor. The RTL spectral vectors performed equally well on multiple gate-level implementations. Compared to a gate-level ATPG, RTL vectors produced similar or higher coverage in shorter CPU times
Family Values: The Ethics of Parent-Child Relationships

Preface ix Acknowledgments xvii Part One Liberty, Equality, Family 1 Introduction 2 Chapter 1 Liberalism and the Family 5 Chapter 2 Equality and the Family 23 Part Two Justifying the Family 47 Introduction 48 Chapter 3 Children 57 Chapter 4 Adults 86 Part Three Parents' Rights 113 Introduction 114 Chapter 5 Conferring Advantage 123 Chapter 6 Shaping Values 149 Conclusion 175 Notes 183 Bibliography 201 Index 213
The effect of intensive fattening of bulls with a high-concentrate diet on ruminal mucosa - a morphometric study

The aim of the study was to identify the effect of fattening of experimental Simmental bulls (a total of 10 animals) with a high-concentrate diet on ruminal mucosa and dimensions of ruminal papillae, and to assess the intensity of keratinization of papillary epithelium. The experimental period lasted from weaning to slaughter (359 days). Histopathological and morphometric examinations of ruminal mucosa indicated that the ruminal papillae of bulls from the experimental group were better developed (long with a lower degree of keratinization) compared to the control group. Significant differences between the experimental and control groups were found in the length of ruminal papillae (p = 0.005), width of stratum corneum (p = 0.034) and degree of mucosal keratinization on the surface of ruminal papillae (p = 0.014). Conclusive results of morphometric analysis prove the facility of the use of morphometrics as a method useful for veterinary pathology, mainly for the accuracy of the histological diagnosis. Cattle, rumen, grain, morphometry, ruminal epithelium The rumen in young suckling ruminants is small, about half the size of the abomasum. It undergoes significant morphological and physiological changes during the growth of the animal. In cattle, the ratio between the rumen and abomasum of 4 week-old-calves is 1:2, at 8 weeks of age 1:1, at 3 months 2:1 and in the adult cattle 9:1 (Rosenberger 1964). The ruminal mucosa consists of a multilayer squamous epithelium with significant keratinisation. The lining has papillae of tongue-like shape on the surface with the length of 1-13 mm and width of 0.5-3 mm, and these significantly increase the surface of the ruminal epithelium (Hofmann and Schnorr 1982; Langer 1988; Frappier 2006). The longest papillae are located in the blunt sacs, at the bottom of the ventral sac and the bottom of the ruminal antrum. The length decreases towards the columns and on the edge there are only low papillae or they disappear completely (Jelinek 1995; Konig et al. 2004). The morphological properties of the gut lining including the size of papillae and their quantity are variable. The pathogenesis of morphological adaptation of the ruminal mucosa depends on several factors, such as age of the animal, composition and quality of feed, fibre content, and type, concentration and ratio of volatile fatty acids (VFA), ruminal content pH, intensity of fermentation processes in the rumen, etc. (Zitnan et al. 2003; Radostits et al. 2007). The ruminal papillae are rudimentary in newborn and young animals, therefore the mucosa is relatively smooth and pale (Jelinek 1995; Amaral et al. 2005). Under physiological conditions, mature papillae are covered with a thin layer of keratinising squamous cells (Frappier 2006). Morphology of the ruminal mucosa relates to concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFA), mainly those of butyric and propionic acids. It is characterised by a process of continual changes, from regression to proliferation. The