Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeted threats: An examination of thematic content and approach behavior displayed by mentally ill and non-mentally ill contactors

Threat assessmentinvolves a set of investigative and operational techniques used to identify, assess, and manage the risks of targeted violence and other problematic approach behavior. The threat assessment approach continues to be refined through empirical research conducted in an effort to identify and better understand the risk factors for engaging in such behaviors, which accounts for the transition to a more dynamic evaluative process. Pertinent is the examination of thematic content utilized by subjects who engage in threatening behavior toward identifiable victims. In targeted threat assessment, thematic content examination involves the analyses of what the threatening individual is saying to the target. For example, if the threatening individual includes language in his threat that has a decidedly religious or political theme, it is considered one relevant theme inherent to that communication between the contactor and target. This study sought to examine the thematic differences and similarities across three groups of a total of 419 subjects who engaged in threatening communication against specified targets: (a) non-mentally individuals, (b) mentally ill individuals who do not display threat/control override symptoms, and (c) mentally ill individuals who do display threat/control override symptoms. Results suggested that non-mentally ill subjects were more likely than their mentally ill counterparts to directly threaten targets and to focus the content of their grievances on policy driven issues as opposed personally relevant issues. Consistent with prior literature, mentally ill subjects who did not display threat/control-override symptoms were far more likely to engage in problematic approach of targets than either of the other two groups. Interestingly, mentally ill subjects without threat/control-override symptoms were more likely than either of the other two groups to communicate their beliefs in a manner suggestive of intense resolve. iv Acknowledgements The creation, development, and completion of a dissertation could not happen without the efforts of a great many people. I must first acknowledge my advisor, Mario J. Scalora, Ph.D. Dr. Scalora has occupied several roles in my professional development, but none more important than that of someone who trusted in my ability to represent his seminal work in the area of Threat Assessment. I have been honored to work with him in the Threat Assessment Research lab over these past five years and I look forward to our future endeavors. Along my journey through graduate school, I have had the good fortune of working with some of the finest clinicians the forensic field has to offer. …
Observations of the treatment of women in the United States with myocardial infarction: a report from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction-I.

BACKGROUND To determine whether there are sex differences in the demographics, treatment, and outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction in the United States, data from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction-I from September 1990 to September 1994 were examined. METHODS The National Registry of Myocardial Infarction-I is a national observational database consisting of 1234 US hospitals in which each hospital submits data from each patient with acute myocardial infarction to a central data collection center. For these analyses, the following variables were examined in 354 435 patients with acute myocardial infarction: demographics; use of medical therapy including thrombolytic agents; use of procedures including cardiac catheterization, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and coronary artery bypass surgery; length of hospital stay; adverse events (stroke, major bleeding, or recurrent myocardial infarction); and causes of death. RESULTS In comparison with men, women experiencing acute myocardial infarction in the United States are older, with 55.7% older than 70 years. Women have a higher mortality rate than men even when controlled for age and die less often from arrhythmia but more often from cardiac rupture whether or not thrombolytic therapy is used. Treatment with aspirin, heparin, or beta-blockers is less frequent in women. When thrombolytic therapy is used, women are treated an average of almost 14 minutes later than men and experience a greater incidence of major bleeding. Cardiac catheterization, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty, and coronary artery bypass surgery are used less often in women. CONCLUSIONS Observations from the National Registry of Myocardial Infarction-I document important sex differences in demographics, treatment, and outcome of patients with acute myocardial infarction in the United States.
Gender differences in brain functional connectivity density

The neural bases of gender differences in emotional, cognitive, and socials behaviors are largely unknown. Here, magnetic resonance imaging data from 336 women and 225 men revealed a gender dimorphism in the functional organization of the brain. Consistently across five research sites, women had 14% higher local functional connectivity density (lFCD) and up to 5% higher gray matter density than men in cortical and subcortical regions. The negative power scaling of the lFCD was steeper for men than for women, suggesting that the balance between strongly and weakly connected nodes in the brain is different across genders. The more distributed organization of the male brain than that of the female brain could help explain the gender differences in cognitive style and behaviors and in the prevalence of neuropsychiatric diseases (i.e., autism spectrum disorder). Hum Brain Mapp, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Web Performance Automation for the People

Web performance is important for the user experience and can heavily influence web page revenues. While there are many established Web Performance Optimization (WPO) methods, our work so far has clearly shown that new network protocols, optimized browsers and cutting-edge web standards can have a significant impact on known best practices. Additionally, there is still low-hanging fruit to be exploited, in the form of personalizing performance based on user context (i.e., current device, network, browser) and user preferences (e.g., text reading vs multimedia experience). In our PhD project, we strive to integrate this user-specific metadata into dynamic configurations for both existing and new automated WPO techniques. An intermediate server can (pre)generate optimized versions of a web page, which are then selected based on user context and preferences. Additional metadata is also passed along to the browser, enabling improvements on that side, and used to steer new network protocols to speed up the incremental delivery of page resources. We use the Speeder platform to perform and evaluate full-factorial objective measurements and use subjective user studies across a range of groups to assess the applicability of our methods to end users. Our aim is to provide insights in how WPO can be tweaked for specific users, in the hopes of leading to new web standards that enable this behavior.
Influence processes to e-WOM adoption on social media Trang

Nowadays, with the emergence of social commerce, shoppers are more likely to share their thoughts about the quality of goods or services, and shopping experience concerned as electronic word of mouth (e-WOM). Drawing on elaboration likelihood model, this research verifies how central and peripheral cues as well as tie strength between a sender and a recipient influence to e-WOM adoption in social media context. The results from analysis of 295 respondents reveals that argument quality, source credibility corresponding with the degree of involvement, cognitive level and tie strength have positive impact on attitude toward e-WOM which turns into adoption behavior.
Assessment of neuroprotective effects of glutamate modulation on glaucoma-related retinal ganglion cell apoptosis in vivo.

PURPOSE To assess the neuroprotective effects of different glutamate modulation strategies, with a nonselective (MK801) and a selective (ifenprodil) NMDA receptor antagonist and a metabotropic glutamate receptor agonist (mGluR Group II, LY354740), in glaucoma-related in vivo rat models of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) apoptosis. METHODS RGC apoptosis was induced in Dark Agouti (DA) rats by staurosporine (SSP) treatment. Single agents MK801, ifenprodil, or LY354740, or MK801 and LY354740 combined, were administrated intravitreally at different doses. Eyes were imaged in vivo using a recently established technique and the results confirmed histologically. The most effective combined therapy regimen of MK801 and LY354740 was then assessed in a chronic ocular hypertension (OHT) rat model with application at 0, 1, and 2 weeks after OHT surgery and the effects assessed as described before. RESULTS All strategies of glutamate modulation reduced SSP-induced-RGC apoptosis compared with the control, in a dose-dependent manner: MK801 (R2= 0.8863), ifenprodil (R2= 0.4587), and LY354740 (R2= 0.9094), with EC50s of 0.074, 0.0138, and 19 nanomoles, respectively. The most effective combination dose of MK801 and LY354740 was 0.06 and 20 nanomoles (P < 0.05), respectively, and the optimal timing of the therapy was 0 weeks after OHT surgery (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This novel SSP model was validated as a useful tool for screening neuroprotective strategies in vivo. Group II mGluR modulation may be a useful treatment for RGC death. Combination therapy optimized to limit neurotoxic effects of MK801 may be an effective neuroprotective approach in retinal degenerative disease. Furthermore, treatments that minimize secondary RGC degeneration may be most useful in glaucoma.
Hepatocyte growth factor/c‐met signaling is required for stem‐cell–mediated liver regeneration in mice

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c‐Met supports a pleiotrophic signal transduction pathway that controls stem cell homeostasis. Here, we directly addressed the role of c‐Met in stem‐cell–mediated liver regeneration by utilizing mice harboring c‐met floxed alleles and Alb‐Cre or Mx1‐Cre transgenes. To activate oval cells, the hepatic stem cell (HSC) progeny, we used a model of liver injury induced by diet containing the porphyrinogenic agent, 3,5‐diethocarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine (DDC). Deletion of c‐met in oval cells was confirmed in both models by polymerase chain reaction analysis of fluorescence‐activated cell‐sorted epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCam)‐positive cells. Loss of c‐Met receptor decreased the sphere‐forming capacity of oval cells in vitro as well as reduced oval cell pool, impaired migration, and decreased hepatocytic differentiation in vivo, as demonstrated by double immunofluorescence using oval‐ (A6 and EpCam) and hepatocyte‐specific (i.e. hepatocyte nuclear factor 4‐alpha) antibodies. Furthermore, lack of c‐Met had a profound effect on tissue remodeling and overall composition of HSC niche, which was associated with greatly reduced matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)9 activity and decreased expression of stromal‐cell–derived factor 1. Using a combination of double immunofluorescence of cell‐type–specific markers with MMP9 and gelatin zymography on the isolated cell populations, we identified macrophages as a major source of MMP9 in DDC‐treated livers. The Mx1‐Cre‐driven c‐met deletion caused the greatest phenotypic impact on HSCs response, as compared to the selective inactivation in the epithelial cell lineages achieved in c‐Metfl/fl; Alb‐Cre+/− mice. However, in both models, genetic loss of c‐met triggered a similar cascade of events, leading to the failure of HSC mobilization and death of the mice. Conclusion: These results establish a direct contribution of c‐Met in the regulation of HSC response and support a unique role for HGF/c‐Met as an essential growth‐factor–signaling pathway for regeneration of diseased liver. (HEPATOLOGY 2012)
Cytochrome P450 2J2: Potential Role in Drug Metabolism and Cardiotoxicity

Drug-induced cardiotoxicity may be modulated by endogenous arachidonic acid (AA)–derived metabolites known as epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) synthesized by cytochrome P450 2J2 (CYP2J2). The biologic effects of EETs, including their protective effects on inflammation and vasodilation, are diverse because, in part, of their ability to act on a variety of cell types. In addition, CYP2J2 metabolizes both exogenous and endogenous substrates and is involved in phase 1 metabolism of a variety of structurally diverse compounds, including some antihistamines, anticancer agents, and immunosuppressants. This review addresses current understanding of the role of CYP2J2 in the metabolism of xenobiotics and endogenous AA, focusing on the effects on the cardiovascular system. In particular, we have promoted here the hypothesis that CYP2J2 influences drug-induced cardiotoxicity through potentially conflicting effects on the production of protective EETs and the metabolism of drugs.
Cancer and Neurodegeneration: Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

Cancer and neurodegeneration are often thought of as disease mechanisms at opposite ends of a spectrum; one due to enhanced resistance to cell death and the other due to premature cell death. There is now accumulating evidence to link these two disparate processes. An increasing number of genetic studies add weight to epidemiological evidence suggesting that sufferers of a neurodegenerative disorder have a reduced incidence for most cancers, but an increased risk for other cancers. Many of the genes associated with either cancer and/or neurodegeneration play a central role in cell cycle control, DNA repair, and kinase signalling. However, the links between these two families of diseases remain to be proven. In this review, we discuss recent and sometimes as yet incomplete genetic discoveries that highlight the overlap of molecular pathways implicated in cancer and neurodegeneration.
Determinants of Successful CD8+ T-Cell Adoptive Immunotherapy for Large Established Tumors in Mice

Purpose: Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) of tumor infiltrating or genetically engineered T cells can cause durable responses in patients with metastatic cancer. Multiple clinically modifiable parameters can comprise this therapy, including cell dose and phenotype, in vivo antigen restimulation, and common gamma-chain (γc) cytokine support. However, the relative contributions of each these individual components to the magnitude of the antitumor response have yet to be quantified. Experimental Design: To systematically and quantitatively appraise each of these variables, we employed the Pmel-1 mouse model treating large, established B16 melanoma tumors. In addition to cell dose and magnitude of in vivo antigen restimulation, we also evaluated the relative efficacy of central memory (TCM), effector memory (TEM), and stem cell memory (TSCM) subsets on the strength of tumor regression as well as the dose and type of clinically available γc cytokines, including IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21. Results: We found that cell dose, T-cell differentiation status, and viral vaccine titer each were correlated strongly and significantly with the magnitude of tumor regression. Surprisingly, although the total number of IL-2 doses was correlated with tumor regression, no significant benefit to prolonged (≥6 doses) administration was observed. Moreover, the specific type and dose of γc cytokine only moderately correlated with response. Conclusion: Collectively, these findings elucidate some of the key determinants of successful ACT immunotherapy for the treatment of cancer in mice and further show that γc cytokines offer a similar ability to effectively drive antitumor T-cell function in vivo. Clin Cancer Res; 17(16); 5343–52. ©2011 AACR.
Prevalence and Characteristics of Unresolved Paternal Identity in Families of a South African Community

This study investigated the unresolved and unknown paternal identity among families in Alexandra Township in South Africa. Fifty-four guardians who had children registered at the Centre completed face-to-face, one-on-one structured interviews. We conducted descriptive and bivariate analyses. About 31.5% of the participants reported that they lived with a child who had unresolved paternal identity. A higher proportion of respondents who reported unresolved paternity received financial support outside the home (97% vs. 66%) also reported needing the Centre to provide them with psychosocial support. Social work and jurisprudence interventions maybe needed at local community level to help families establish paternity and to claim support from the putative father. Counselling services should be extended to help families and children adjust.
Increased MKK4 Abundance with Replicative Senescence Is Linked to the Joint Reduction of Multiple MicroRNAs

Replicative senescence is associated with the decreased abundance of four microRNAs that target the mRNA encoding the kinase MKK4. Four on One Mitotic cells enter a state known as replicative senescence when they cease to divide. Understanding the signaling pathways involved in triggering senescence could identify possible therapeutic targets to counteract declines characteristic of age-related diseases or to induce cells to cease dividing in proliferative disorders, such as cancer. Marasa et al. found that the kinase MKK4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4) was increased in abundance in senescent cells. The concerted actions of four microRNAs were required to suppress translation of MKK4 in proliferating cells. In contrast, the abundance of these microRNAs decreased in senescent cells, thereby relieving the repression of MKK4 translation and allowing MKK4 protein to accumulate. Furthermore, interventions that lowered the abundance of all four microRNAs induced a senescent phenotype in proliferating cells. These results provide insight into how several microRNAs work in concert to contribute to cellular senescence. MKK4 (mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4) is a pivotal upstream activator of c-Jun N-terminal kinase and p38. Here, we report that the abundance of MKK4 increases in senescent human diploid fibroblasts through enhanced translation. We identified four microRNAs (miR-15b, miR-24, miR-25, and miR-141) that target the MKK4 messenger RNA (mRNA); the abundance of these microRNAs decreased during replicative senescence. Individually modulating the amount of each microRNA did not modify MKK4 abundance, but their concomitant overexpression decreased and their joint reduction increased MKK4 abundance. Reporter analyses indicated that these microRNAs acted through the MKK4 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions. Elevated MKK4 abundance inhibited cell proliferation and increased the phosphorylation and activity of p38 and PRAK (p38-regulated/activated protein kinase). Thus, multiple microRNAs acting on a single target, the MKK4 mRNA, collectively influence MKK4 abundance during replicative senescence.
Runoff, Erosion, and Size Distribution of Sediment from Beef Cattle Feedlots

The size distribution of sediment in runoff from feedlot surfaces influences erosion rates and settling velocity. The objectives of this study were to: (1) measure runoff, erosion, and size distribution of sediment in runoff from feedlot surfaces containing varying amounts of unconsolidated surface material (USM), and (2) determine the effects of varying runoff rate on erosion and sediment size distribution. Simulated rainfall was applied to 0.75 m wide by 2 m long plots located within feedlot pens. Sieve and pipette analyses were used to measure the diameters of the eroded materials. No significant differences in runoff and erosion were found among the treatments with varying amounts of USM. Values for D50, the size for which 50% of the sediment is smaller, were 36 m or less for each of the treatments containing varying amounts of USM. The surfaces containing 0 or 6.7 kg m -2 of USM had D50 values that were significantly greater than those with 13.5 or 26.9 kg m -2 of USM. An increase in runoff rate resulted in significantly greater erosion. The proportion of sediment fractions 31 m and larger consistently increased as runoff rate became greater. No significant differences in D50 values were found for runoff rates varying from 0.5 to 9.7 kg min -1 . The D50 value of 310 m obtained at a flow rate of 15.3 kg min -1 was significantly greater than measurements determined at the other runoff rates. Both erosion and size distribution of sediment in runoff from feedlot surfaces are significantly influenced by runoff rate.
CLUST: Simulating Realistic Crowd Behaviour by Mining Pattern from Crowd Videos

In this paper, we present a data‐driven approach to simulate realistic locomotion of virtual pedestrians. We focus on simulating low‐level pedestrians' motion, where a pedestrian's motion is mainly affected by other pedestrians and static obstacles nearby, and the preferred velocities of agents (direction and speed) are obtained from higher level path planning models. Before the simulation, collision avoidance processes (i.e. examples) are extracted from videos to describe how pedestrians avoid collisions, which are then clustered using hierarchical clustering algorithm with a novel distance function to find similar patterns of pedestrians' collision avoidance behaviours. During the simulation, at each time step, the perceived state of each agent is classified into one cluster using a neural network trained before the simulation. A sequence of velocity vectors, representing the agent's future motion, is selected among the examples corresponding to the chosen cluster. The proposed CLUST model is trained and applied to different real‐world datasets to evaluate its generality and effectiveness both qualitatively and quantitatively. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed model can generate realistic crowd behaviours with comparable computational cost.
Verbal and Nonverbal Clues for Real-life Deception Detection

Deception detection has been receiving an increasing amount of attention from the computational linguistics, speech, and multimodal processing communities. One of the major challenges encountered in this task is the availability of data, and most of the research work to date has been conducted on acted or artificially collected data. The generated deception models are thus lacking real-world evidence. In this paper, we explore the use of multimodal real-life data for the task of deception detection. We develop a new deception dataset consisting of videos from reallife scenarios, and build deception tools relying on verbal and nonverbal features. We achieve classification accuracies in the range of 77-82% when using a model that extracts and fuses features from the linguistic and visual modalities. We show that these results outperform the human capability of identifying deceit.