Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macrophage cholesterol efflux and the active domains of serum amyloid A 2.1 Published, JLR Papers in Press, September 1, 2003. DOI 10.1194/jlr.M300133-JLR200

Serum amyloid A 2.1 (SAA2.1) suppresses ACAT and stimulates cholesteryl ester hydrolase (CEH) activities in cholesterol-laden macrophages, and in the presence of a cholesterol transporter and an extracellular acceptor, there is a marked increase in the rate of cholesterol export in culture and in vivo. The stimulation of CEH activity by SAA2.1 is not affected by chloroquine, suggesting that it operates on neutral CEH rather than the lysosomal form. With liposomes containing individual peptides of SAA2.1, residues 1–20 inhibit ACAT activity, residues 74–103 stimulate CEH activity, and each of residues 1–20 and 74–103 promotes macrophage cholesterol efflux to HDL in culture media. In combination, these peptides exhibit a profound effect, so that 55–70% of cholesterol is exported to media HDL in 24 h. The effect is also demonstrable in vivo. [3H]cholesterol-laden macrophages injected intravenously into mice were allowed to establish themselves for 24 h. Thereafter, the mice received a single intravenous injection of liposomes containing intact SAA1.1, SAA2.1, peptides composed of SAA2.1 residues 1–20, 21–50, 51–80, 74–103, or SAA1.1 residues 1–20. Only liposomes containing intact SAA2.1 or its residues 1–20 or 74–103 promoted the efflux of cholesterol in vivo. A single injection of each of the active peptides is effective in promoting cholesterol efflux in vivo for at least 4 days.
Strong systematicity through sensorimotor conceptual grounding: an unsupervised, developmental approach to connectionist sentence processing

Connectionist language modelling typically has difficulty with syntactic systematicity, or the ability to generalise language learning to untrained sentences. This work develops an unsupervised connectionist model of infant grammar learning. Following the semantic boostrapping hypothesis, the network distils word category using a developmentally plausible infant-scale database of grounded sensorimotor conceptual representations, as well as a biologically plausible semantic co-occurrence activation function. The network then uses this knowledge to acquire an early benchmark clausal grammar using correlational learning, and further acquires separate conceptual and grammatical category representations. The network displays strongly systematic behaviour indicative of the general acquisition of the combinatorial systematicity present in the grounded infant-scale language stream, outperforms previous contemporary models that contain primarily noun and verb word categories, and successfully generalises broadly to novel untrained sensorimotor grounded sentences composed of unfamiliar nouns and verbs. Limitations as well as implications to later grammar learning are discussed.
Computing the nearest diagonally dominant matrix

We solve the problem of minimizing the distance from a given matrix to the set of symmetric and diagonally dominant matrices. First, we characterize the projection onto the cone of diagonally dominant matrices with positive diagonal, and then we apply Dykstra’s alternating projection algorithm on this cone and on the subspace of symmetric matrices to obtain the solution. We discuss implementation details and present encouraging preliminary numerical results. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Information Technology and the Rise of the Power Law Economy Completed Research Paper

We show that the dramatically increasing share of income going to top earners is consistent with the rise of the "power law economy" and argue this may reflect networks and increased digitization. Specifically, tax data (1960-2008) show an increasing dispersion of incomes in the portion of the distribution drawn from a power law, as opposed to the long-established log-normal distribution. We present a simple model arguing that the increased role of power laws is consistent with the growth of information technology, because digitization and networks facilitate winner-take-most markets. We generate four testable hypotheses which are supported by the data. (1) Our model fits the data better than a purely lognormal distribution, (2) the increase in the variance of the log-normal portion of the distribution has slowed, consistent with slowing skill-biased technical change, (3) more individuals now select into the power law economy, (4) skewness has increased within that economy.
13-Ethoxycarbonyl-16-(1-methylethyl)-17,19-dinoratis-15-ene-4,14-dicarboxylic acid monohydrate: a new derivative of maleopimaric acid

The title compound, C26H38O6·H2O, is a mono-ester of a derivative of maleopimaric acid, an abietic-type acid. The two fused and unbridged cyclohexane rings adopt approximate chair conformations while the three other three six-membered rings have boat conformations.
Towards an Internet Operating System : Middleware for Adaptive Distributed Computing

Large-scale, dynamic, and heterogeneous networks of computational resources (a.k.a. grids) promise to provide high performance and scalability to computationally intensive applications. These environments also introduce the need for complex resource management strategies. We propose decentralized middleware-triggered dynamic reconfiguration strategies to enable application adaptation to the constantly changing behavior of large scale shared computational grids. As a proof of concept, we present a framework for dynamically reconfigurable distributed applications. The Internet Operating System (IOS) is a middleware infrastructure which aims at relieving application developers from dealing with non-functional concerns while seeking to optimize application performance and global resource utilization. IOS consists of distributed middleware agents that are capable of interconnecting themselves in various virtual peer-topeer topologies. IOS middleware agents: 1) profile application communication patterns, 2) evaluate the dynamics of the underlying physical resources, and 3) reconfigure application components by changing their mappings to physical resources through migration and by changing their granularity through a split and merge mechanism. A key characteristic of IOS is that it adopts a decentralized strategy that avoids the use of any global knowledge to enable scalable reconfiguration. The IOS middleware is programming model-independent: we have implemented an actor programming model interface for SALSA programs and also a process programming model interface for MPI programs. Experimental results show that adaptive middleware can be an effective approach for reconfiguring distributed applications with various ratios of communication to computation in order to improve their performance, and more effectively utilize grid environment resources.
Importance of free actin filament barbed ends for Arp2/3 complex function in platelets and fibroblasts

We investigated the effect of actin filament barbed end uncapping on Arp2/3 complex function both in vivo and in vitro. Arp2/3 complex redistributes rapidly and uniformly to the lamellar edge of activated wild-type platelets and fibroblasts but clusters in marginal actin filament clumps in gelsolin-null cells. Treatment of gelsolin-null platelets with the negative dominant N-WASp C-terminal CA domain has no effect on their residual actin nucleation activity, placing gelsolin actin filament severing, capping, and uncapping function upstream of Arp2/3 complex nucleation. Actin filaments capped by gelsolin or the gelsolin homolog CapG fail to enhance Arp2/3 complex nucleation in vitro, but uncapping of the barbed ends of these actin filaments restores their ability to potentiate Arp2/3 complex nucleation. We conclude that Arp2/3 complex contribution to actin filament nucleation in platelets and fibroblasts importantly requires free barbed ends generated by severing and uncapping.
A Study on the Innovator s Dilemma based on Multi Agent Simulation

—According to the dilemma theory of Christensen about innovation, large companies are not attracted to innovation on a small scale when compared to a smaller business that wants to use innovation. Large companies recognize that getting involved in innovation might eliminate their existing business. Therefore, entry into activities that involve innovation is often delayed. Accordingly, large companies lag behind emerging companies when it comes to innovation. In this study, we attempted to conduct multi-agent simulation in order to consider the conditions under which the dilemma of innovation occurs.
Effect of aperture size on plane wave ultrasound strain estimation

Assessment of axial strain and lateral strain is of major importance for studying the mechanical properties of tissue. In this study the effect of beamforming on the accuracy of axial and lateral strain estimation was investigated. Radio frequency (RF) data were generated for non steered plane wave insonation using an eccentric plaque vessel simulated with Field II and experiments with a homogeneous vessel phantom using a Verasonics, Inc. (Redmond, WA). Beamforming was executed by employing two techniques, delay-and-sum (DAS) and Fourier based reconstruction (FBR). In the course of DAS beamforming, RF-data were processed with different f-number settings and its impact on 2D cross-correlation based strain estimation was investigated. Subsequently, beamforming was performed with FBR. Strain estimation obtained from FBR and non apodized (NAPOD) DAS beamformed RF data were compared. In the simulation study, strain estimation was analyzed by calculating the root-mean-square error (RMSE) with respect to the theoretical strain. Simulation results showed that lateral strain estimation can be improved by decreasing the f-number, but that there was almost no influence on axial strain. The strain estimation in phantom experiments was evaluated in terms of the elastographic signal-to-noise ratio (SNRe). The experimental results also showed that lateral strain tends to improve for decreasing f-number, but hardly affects axial strain. Comparing the strain results between NAPOD DAS and FBR, FBR provides a reduction of 0.13% RMSE for axial strain and NAPOD DAS showed a reduction of 0.27% in lateral strain. In conclusion, the f-number influences lateral strain estimation, but seems to have a negligible effect on axial strain estimation. FBR is more accurate for axial strain estimation, whereas NAPOD DAS is more accurate for lateral strain estimation.
Effects of downstream entry in a supply chain with a spot market

Abstract This article contributes to research at the interface of marketing, operations, and risk management by investigating the effects of downstream entry in a two-echelon supply chain with risk-averse supply chain members and a liquid spot market for trading intermediate goods. We find that at downstream entry, the upstream supplier may decrease the contract price of the intermediate goods to balance its risk-free utility from the contract channel and its risky utility from the spot market; correspondingly, downstream manufacturers may increase their contract quantities. As a result, downstream entry may hurt the supplier and benefit the incumbent manufacturers. We also identify situations where downstream entry can lead to a “win-win-win” situation, where the supplier, incumbent manufacturers, and final product consumers all benefit from downstream entry. Furthermore, when spot price volatility is high, the supplier may engage in speculative trading, but downstream entry discourages this speculative behavior. We conclude that these results are driven by the combined effects of spot trading and the risk attitudes of supply chain members. Specifically, the effects of downstream entry are dramatically affected by the risk attitude of manufacturers, but only slightly affected by that of the supplier. Finally, we find that the main results hold when the supplier’s capacity level is endogenous.
Effect of change management capability in real-time environment: an information orientation perspective in supply chain management

Supply chain management (SCM) is an important strategic tool that requires careful planning and management. While the availability of real-time information is a critical aspect of an SCM system, it possesses a potential to disrupt supply chain participants. Thus, the success of an SCM system hinges on how well participants deal with changes taking place in a real-time environment. This study adopts the concept of the real-time enterprise to understand the role of change management on SCM performance based on the concept of the information orientation. The study empirically validated the role of change management on SCM performance.
AN EMPIRICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN COUPONS AND MARKET SHARES OF NATIONAL BRAND AND PRIVATE LABEL FOOD PRODUCTS

No other form of promotional tools can substitute coupons in promotional campaigns. Due to their unique dual impact (price discount and informational stimulant) on consumption, coupons are widely used by different manufacturers and stores. However, to the best of our knowledge, no prior research has been done regarding the analysis of the impact of coupons on market shares of national brand and private label food products. To fill this void, the goal of this study was to examine the relationship between coupons and market shares in the context of national brand and private label food products by estimating the Almost Ideal Demand System model and using the Nielsen Homescan panel data on household purchases of ready-to-eat cereal, yogurt, and spaghetti sauce from January of 2012 through December of 2014. Estimation results revealed a significant relationship between coupon values and market shares of the food product brands considered. However, the effects of coupon values on the market shares were varied for national brands and private labels. In particular, with the exception of other brands of yogurt, for national brands, market share elasticities with respect to coupon values were positive, suggesting that market share of national brands increased with an increase in coupon values. For private label of cereal and spaghetti sauce, market share elasticities with respect to coupon values were negative, indicating that an increase in coupon values led to a decline in their market shares.
Non-Minimax Search Strategies for Use Against Fallible Opponents

Most previous research on the use of search for minimax game playing has focused on improving search efficiency rather than on better utilizing available information. In a previous paper we developed models of imperfect opponent play based on a notion we call playing strength. In this paper, we use the insights acquired in our study of imperfect play and ideas expressed in papers by Slagle and Dixon, Ballard, Nau, and Pearl to develop alternatives to the conventional minimax strategy. We demonstrate that, in particular situations, against both perfect and imperfect opponents, our strategy yields an improvement comparable to or exceeding that provided by an additional ply of search.
Drivers of client loyalty in the context of market and technological transformation

This study investigates the drivers of loyalty in the context of market and technological transformation. The focus is the client–marketing agency relationship. In an era of greater competitive intensity, greater pressure to demonstrate a return on investment, and a fragmented communications environment, it is to be expected that client needs, and relationship dynamics, will change. In order to win and maintain client loyalty, it is important that agencies understand client expectations. We propose a mixed method approach to investigate the client perspective. A qualitative first stage will reveal themes and inform scale development, and a quantitative second stage will be used to determine the relative importance of variables in influencing loyalty.
Group founding and breeding structure in the subsocial spider Stegodyphus lineatus (Eresidae)

Co-operative behaviour may evolve by enhancing the genetic similarity of group members. Increased group similarity is thought to be the basis for the ‘subsocial route’ of social evolution in the spider family Eresidae. Two processes may promote the similarity of individuals within populations or breeding groups, namely philopatry in stable environments and founder events in a stochastic environment. We show that both processes led to genetic differentiation within and among populations of the subsocial spider Stegodyphus lineatus. Within populations we distinguished between the genetic structure caused by random mating and philopatry in old breeding groups and that caused by newly founded groups consisting of sibs. Such sib-groups suggest that new breeding groups are established primarily by single females. The different gene coancestries among breeding groups resulted in high variances among single-locus data. The results imply that sex-specific dispersal behaviour (random male mating-dispersal or female group founding) had different impacts on the population structure. This type of population structure, where within-population philopatry and founder events may lead to differential proliferation of breeding groups, is very similar to that presumed for social spiders, and is also one that could provide the conditions for interdemic selection.
Towards procedural level generation for rehabilitation

This paper introduces the concept of procedural content generation for physical rehabilitation. In this initial study a ski-slalom game is developed on the Wii platform that procedurally places the gates of the game according to player performance. A preliminary game evaluation study is conducted on patients with injured legs and showcases the efficiency of the procedural gate generation mechanism tailoring the game difficulty to match rehabilitation goals. The study also validates certain usability aspects of the patients.
Suboptimal breastfeeding in the United States: Maternal and pediatric health outcomes and costs

The aim of this study was to quantify the excess cases of pediatric and maternal disease, death, and costs attributable to suboptimal breastfeeding rates in the United States. Using the current literature on the associations between breastfeeding and health outcomes for nine pediatric and five maternal diseases, we created Monte Carlo simulations modeling a hypothetical cohort of U.S. women followed from age 15 to age 70 years and their children from birth to age 20 years. We examined disease outcomes using (a) 2012 breastfeeding rates and (b) assuming that 90% of infants were breastfed according to medical recommendations. We measured annual excess cases, deaths, and associated costs, in 2014 dollars, using a 2% discount rate. Annual excess deaths attributable to suboptimal breastfeeding total 3,340 (95% confidence interval [1,886 to 4,785]), 78% of which are maternal due to myocardial infarction (n = 986), breast cancer (n = 838), and diabetes (n = 473). Excess pediatric deaths total 721, mostly due to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (n = 492) and necrotizing enterocolitis (n = 190). Medical costs total $3.0 billion, 79% of which are maternal. Costs of premature death total $14.2 billion. The number of women needed to breastfeed as medically recommended to prevent an infant gastrointestinal infection is 0.8; acute otitis media, 3; hospitalization for lower respiratory tract infection, 95; maternal hypertension, 55; diabetes, 162; and myocardial infarction, 235. For every 597 women who optimally breastfeed, one maternal or child death is prevented. Policies to increase optimal breastfeeding could result in substantial public health gains. Breastfeeding has a larger impact on women's health than previously appreciated.
Differential transcriptional effects of PTH and estrogen during anabolic bone formation

The aim of this study was to compare transcriptional regulation in vivo during anabolic bone formation induced by either estradiol (E2) treatment or intermittent parathyroid hormone[1‐34] (PTH) therapy. We utilized an ovariectomized (OVX) mouse model of osteoporosis and transcriptional profiling to identify genes upregulated by either high‐dose E2 or PTH. Five weeks post‐OVX, the mice were administered either E2 and/or PTH, or vehicle for 4 weeks. Femoral bones were analyzed by microCT and histomorphometry to confirm the anabolic effect of each treatment. OVX vehicle‐treated control mice lost metaphyseal trabecular bone, with significant decrease in trabecular number, thickness, and connectivity. Both E2 and PTH treatments increased trabecular and cortical bone indices above the level of the sham operated controls, fully restoring both bone volume and bone mineral density (BMD). Moreover, PTH/E2 combination treatment led to significantly greater increase in cancellous bone and BMD than would be expected from the additive effects of the separate treatments. To determine whether PTH and E2 treatments were stimulating similar bone anabolic mechanisms, or were activating distinct signaling pathways, we compared patterns of gene expression using transcriptional profiling after either E2 or PTH treatment. After 4, 11, and 24 days of treatment, total RNA was collected from both the distal femoral metaphysis and diaphysis. Transcriptional profiling was performed using Affymetrix GeneChip probe arrays, comprised of approximately 36,000 full‐length mouse genes and EST clusters from the UniGene database. Several markers of osteoblast activity, including c‐fos, RANKL, PHEX, and PTHR1, were consistently upregulated by PTH in both skeletal sites. PTH treatment also increased expression of Cathespin K, consistent with the predicted increase in osteoclast activity. E2 treatment upregulated a largely distinct set of genes, including TGFβ3, and BMP1, as well as several genes critical for cell cycle control, including Cyclin D1 and CDK inhibitor 1A. Overall, comparison of transcriptional profiles suggest that anabolic responses in bone to PTH and high‐dose E2 treatment after OVX‐induced osteoporosis involve largely distinct patterns of gene regulation, each resulting in restoration of bone mass. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Observational Constraints on the Abundance and Evolution of “XCN” in Interstellar Grain Mantles

The 4.62 μm "XCN" absorption feature, attributed to CN-bearing molecules in solids, is potentially an important diagnostic of the evolution of organic matter in the interstellar medium and the envelopes of newly formed stars. We report quantitative limits on the strength of this feature in the diffuse interstellar medium toward the reddened B-type star Cyg OB2 No. 12 and in the dark cloud toward the young stellar object R CrA IRS 2. On the basis of an assumed band strength for the carrier species, we estimate that less than 0.3% and less than 0.1% of the elemental nitrogen is in CN bonds along these lines of sight, respectively; if they are typical of diffuse and dense environments, it follows that the carrier of XCN is no more than a trace constituent of either organic-refractory or icy interstellar grain mantles. Appreciable XCN abundances seem to occur only in the envelopes of certain young stellar objects (YSOs), most notably the high-mass objects W33A and AFGL 7009S. We confirm the presence of XCN in the spectrum of the low-mass YSO R CrA IRS 7. The strengths of the XCN absorptions in R CrA IRS 7 and other low-mass YSOs indicate mean XCN concentrations relative to H2O in the ices of ~1%, comparable with the abundance of CN-bearing species in comets.