Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphatidic Acid Sequesters Sec18p from cis‐SNARE Complexes to Inhibit Priming

Yeast vacuole fusion requires the activation of cis‐SNARE complexes through priming carried out by Sec18p/N‐ethylmaleimide sensitive factor and Sec17p/α‐SNAP. The association of Sec18p with vacuolar cis‐SNAREs is regulated in part by phosphatidic acid (PA) phosphatase production of diacylglycerol (DAG). Inhibition of PA phosphatase activity blocks the transfer of membrane‐associated Sec18p to SNAREs. Thus, we hypothesized that Sec18p associates with PA‐rich membrane microdomains before transferring to cis‐SNARE complexes upon PA phosphatase activity. Here, we examined the direct binding of Sec18p to liposomes containing PA or DAG. We found that Sec18p preferentially bound to liposomes containing PA compared with those containing DAG by approximately fivefold. Additionally, using a specific PA‐binding domain blocked Sec18p binding to PA‐liposomes and displaced endogenous Sec18p from isolated vacuoles. Moreover, the direct addition of excess PA blocked the priming activity of isolated vacuoles in a manner similar to chemically inhibiting PA phosphatase activity. These data suggest that the conversion of PA to DAG facilitates the recruitment of Sec18p to cis‐SNAREs. Purified vacuoles from yeast lacking the PA phosphatase Pah1p showed reduced Sec18p association with cis‐SNAREs and complementation with plasmid‐encoded PAH1 or recombinant Pah1p restored the interaction. Taken together, this demonstrates that regulating PA concentrations by Pah1p activity controls SNARE priming by Sec18p.
IGF-1 receptor targeted nanoparticles for image-guided therapy of stroma-rich and drug resistant human cancer

Low drug delivery efficiency and drug resistance from highly heterogeneous cancer cells and tumor microenvironment represent major challenges in clinical oncology. Growth factor receptor, IGF-1R, is overexpressed in both human tumor cells and tumor associated stromal cells. The level of IGF-1R expression is further up-regulated in drug resistant tumor cells. We have developed IGF-1R targeted magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) carrying multiple anticancer drugs into human tumors. This IGF-1R targeted theranostic nanoparticle delivery system has an iron core for non-invasive MR imaging, amphiphilic polymer coating to ensure the biocompatibility as well as for drug loading and conjugation of recombinant human IGF-1 as targeting molecules. Chemotherapy drugs, Doxorubicin (Dox), was encapsulated into the polymer coating and/or conjugated to the IONP surface by coupling with the carboxyl groups. The ability of IGF1R targeted theranostic nanoparticles to penetrate tumor stromal barrier and enhance tumor cell killing has been demonstrated in human pancreatic cancer patient tissue derived xenograft (PDX) models. Repeated systemic administrations of those IGF-1R targeted theranostic IONP carrying Dox led to breaking the tumor stromal barrier and improved therapeutic effect. Near infrared (NIR) optical and MR imaging enabled noninvasive monitoring of nanoparticle-drug delivery and therapeutic responses. Our results demonstrated that IGF-1R targeted nanoparticles carrying multiple drugs are promising combination therapy approaches for image-guided therapy of stroma-rich and drug resistant human cancer, such as pancreatic cancer.
Implementation of Optimization of Latency in Wireless Mesh Network

--Research interest towards wireless mesh network has improved drastically. WMN is emerging as promising technology for many useful applications. Many efforts have been conducted to maximize network throughput in multi-channel multi-radio wireless mesh network. Most current approaches are based on either purely static or purely dynamic. Channel allocation plays major role to maximize the network throughput. In hybrid channel allocation, every mesh node is equipped with static and dynamic interfaces. In turn, Interference and Congestion Aware Routing Protocol (ICAR) in hybrid network with both static and dynamic links, which are capable of balancing the channel usage in network, is proposed. ICAR balances the channel usage of network. Simulation results show the reduced packet delay without degrading the network throughput. Hybrid architecture performs better to changing traffic than pure static architecture, which achieves lower delay than existing approaches for hybrid networks.
Online MultiTask Learning based on K-SVD

This paper develops an efficient online algorithm based on K-SVD for learning multiple consecutive tasks. We first derive a batch multi-task learning method that builds upon the K-SVD algorithm, and then extend the batch algorithm to train models online in a lifelong learning setting. The resulting method has lower computational complexity than other current lifelong learning algorithms while maintaining nearly identical performance. Additionally, the proposed method offers an alternate formulation for lifelong learning that supports both task and feature similarity matrices.
Mobile Code Security Techniques

This paper presents a survey of existing techniques for achieving mobile code security, as well as a representative sampling of systems which use them. In particular, the problem domain is divided into two portions: protecting hosts from malicious code; and protecting mobile code from malicious hosts. The discussion of the malicious code problem includes a more in-depth study of the Java security model, as well as touching upon several other systems. The malicious host problem, however, is much more difficult to solve, so our discussion is mostly restricted to ongoing research in that area. Comments University of Pennsylvania Department of Computer and Information Science Technical Report No. MSCIS-98-28. This technical report is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/cis_reports/168 Mobile Code Security Techniques
A Goals/Questions/Metrics Plan for Monitoring User Involvement and Participation in ERP Implementation Projects

ERP implementation success is influenced by a large number of factors, which most of the times are difficult to measure objectively. User involvement and participation is one of the most cited critical success factors in ERP implementation projects, and one of the most critical ones for their satisfactory outcome. This study attempts to define a set of metrics for monitoring user involvement and participation within ERP implementation projects by using the Goals/Questions/Metrics method. The results of this work are threefold. First, a literature review is presented on the user involvement and participation topic as related with ERP implementation projects. Second, a framework for monitoring user involvement and participation in ERP implementation projects is proposed. And third, a Goals/Questions/Metrics preliminary plan is proposed to monitor and control user involvement and participation within ERP implementation projects.
Statistical Analysis in the DEA Context

This paper deals with Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), where we have several organizational units or Decision Making Units -- DMUs. Each DMU has multiple inputs and multiple outputs. DEA calculates the relative efficiencies of DMUs via linear programming. Various versions of DEA were developed. Although DEA is a deterministic model, during the last two decades statistical methods are used in three main dimensions: 1. In preparing the input and output data and DMUs, 2. As a stochastic alternative to derive DMUs efficiencies, 3. As a second stage after the efficiencies are derived to test the relationship between the efficiency and various environmental parameters. Our paper explores the use of the various statistical methods in the DEA context covering these three main dimensions. The major statistical methods we present are: comparisons including parametric and non-parametric tests, correlation and regression, analyses of variance, multivariate analyses, and bootstrapping. Examples from the literature, using various statistical methods in the DEA context, will be presented along the above three dimensions.
Iterative detection based on reduced-rank equalization [mobile radio]

In this paper, we consider an iterative or turbo receiver with linear detection using the Wiener filter (WF), i.e. the optimal linear filter based on the mean square error (MSE) criterion. Multiple antennas at the receiver increase the dimension of the observation vector which results in computationally intense detectors. We extend an optimal but computationally efficient algorithm, originally derived for a single receive antenna, to single-input multiple-output (SIMO) channels. To further reduce computational complexity, we apply the suboptimal low-rank multi-stage Wiener filter (MSWF) and approximate additionally second order statistics of non-stationary random processes by their time-invariant averages. Complexity investigations reveal the enormous capability of the proposed algorithms to decrease computational effort. Moreover, simulation results show that the reduced-rank MSWF behaves near optimum although the rank is drastically reduced to two or even one.
Urge to cough with voluntary suppression following mechanical pharyngeal stimulation.

OBJECTIVE The goal of this project was to determine if mechanical stimulation to the posterolateral oropharynx would elicit the urge-to-cough and/or cough. BACKGROUND Inhaled agents, such as capsaicin and citric acid, readily produce coughing and the sensation of urge-to-cough. Areas below the glottis are thought to be the primary sensory mediators of these responses, however it is unknown if there are specific areas in the oropharynx or laryngopharynx that are important for the sensation and production of coughing. METHODS Paired-pulse air puffs were delivered to the posterolateral oropharyngeal walls of 11 healthy adults (5 men, 6 women) between the ages of 18 and 30 years. Air puffs were delivered via custom mouthpiece in 4 trials, 50 sets per trial. Instances of cough were recorded, and a modified Borg scale was used to gauge urge-to-cough throughout each trial. RESULTS Instances of cough were recorded in 12/37 trials, and the sensation of an urge-to-cough was present in 25/37 trials. No motor cough response was elicited with an urge-to-cough rating less than 2.4 on the modified Borg scale. A trend towards higher urge-to-cough was noted for later (3rd and 4th) trials. CONCLUSIONS Oropharyngeal mechanical stimulation elicits urge-to-cough and cough in healthy young adults. Like other methods to elicit coughing, the motor and sensory thresholds are different using the oropharyngeal air-puff stimuli. Further, it appears there is a sensitization to the air puff stimuli with later trials associated with stronger urge-to-cough and higher likelihood of coughing versus the first and second trial (Tab. 1, Fig. 5, Ref. 21).
A Forensically Sound Adversary Model for Mobile Devices

In this paper, we propose an adversary model to facilitate forensic investigations of mobile devices (e.g. Android, iOS and Windows smartphones) that can be readily adapted to the latest mobile device technologies. This is essential given the ongoing and rapidly changing nature of mobile device technologies. An integral principle and significant constraint upon forensic practitioners is that of forensic soundness. Our adversary model specifically considers and integrates the constraints of forensic soundness on the adversary, in our case, a forensic practitioner. One construction of the adversary model is an evidence collection and analysis methodology for Android devices. Using the methodology with six popular cloud apps, we were successful in extracting various information of forensic interest in both the external and internal storage of the mobile device.
Journal of Experimental Psychology : General Reducing Implicit Racial Preferences : I . A Comparative Investigation of 17 Interventions

Reducing Implicit Racial Preferences: I. A Comparative Investigation of 17 Interventions Calvin K. Lai, Maddalena Marini, Steven A. Lehr, Carlo Cerruti, Jiyun-Elizabeth L. Shin, Jennifer A. Joy-Gaba, Arnold K. Ho, Bethany A. Teachman, Sean P. Wojcik, Spassena P. Koleva, Rebecca S. Frazier, Larisa Heiphetz, Eva E. Chen, Rhiannon N. Turner, Jonathan Haidt, Selin Kesebir, Carlee Beth Hawkins, Hillary S. Schaefer, Sandro Rubichi, Giuseppe Sartori, Christopher M. Dial, N. Sriram, Mahzarin R. Banaji, and Brian A. Nosek Online First Publication, March 24, 2014. http://dx.doi. org/10.1037/a0036260
A fuzzy logic based super-twisting sliding mode control scheme for electronic throttle control

In this paper, a super-twisting sliding mode controller with a time-varying sliding surface is proposed for electronic throttle control. The idea behind this control algorithm is to utilize a fuzzy logic controller to vary the sliding surface based on error variables, error and its first time derivative. The simulation results have confirmed the improved dynamic performance of the proposed control algorithm in terms of faster response compared with super-twisting sliding mode controller with a constant sliding surface. The improvement in the dynamic performance is achieved without compromising the stability, robustness and tracking accuracy.
A cognitive simulation model for novice text entry on cell phone keypads

Motivation -- To create a cognitive simulation model that predicts text entry performance and learning on cell phone keypads by novice users. Research approach -- A programmable cognitive architecture, ACT-R, is used to execute the simulation model. Part of the simulation result is compared with the result of a previous user study. Findings/Design -- The proposed model is an a priori model (not tuned to any real user data) that predicts the amount of time spent in finding a key on the keypad and pressing it repeatedly. The predicted amount of time in finding a key differs by 6% and the time between two repeated key-presses of the same key by 27% compared to the results of a previous user study. The model also captures the learning of keypad layout by novice users. Memorization of keypad layout is simulated using task repetition. Research limitations/Implications -- This research has several limitations described towards the end of this paper. An important one among them is that the work does not model the impact of visual distracters in the field of view (frontal surface of the handset) on user performance. Originality/Value -- This is the first cognitive simulation model of novice user's text entry performance and learning on cell phone keypads. Take away message -- This work introduces an a priori congnitive model of text entry by novice users. This forms a basis for systematic exploration of keypad designs for cell phones in shorter time and lower cost.
Eight theories of religion

1. Animism and Magic E.B. Tylor and J.G. Frazer 2. Religion and Personality Sigmund Freud 3. Society as Sacred Emile Durkheim 4. Religion as Alienation Karl Marx 5. A Source of Social Action Max Weber 6. The Reality of the Sacred Mircea Eliade 7. Society's "Construct of the Heart" E.E. Evans-Pritchard 8. Religion as Cultural System Clifford Geertz 9. Conclusion Index
Alcohol and Cigarette Use and Misuse Among Hurricane Katrina Survivors: Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors

The present study examined survivors' use and misuse of cigarettes and alcohol following Hurricane Katrina. We also examined several psychosocial factors that we expected would be associated with higher or lower rates of substance use following the hurricane. Participants were 209 adult survivors of Hurricane Katrina interviewed in Columbia, SC or New Orleans, LA between October 31, 2005 and May 13, 2006. Results revealed that survivors were smoking cigarettes, consuming alcohol, and experiencing alcohol consumption-related problems at a substantially higher rate than expected based on pre-hurricane prevalence data. Results also suggested that certain psychosocial factors were associated with participants' substance use and misuse following the hurricane.
Contribution of Vpu, Env, and Nef to CD4 Down-Modulation and Resistance of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1-Infected T Cells to Superinfection

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) utilizes Vpu, Env, and Nef to down-modulate its primary CD4 receptor from the cell surface, and this function seems to be critical for the pathogenesis of AIDS. The physiological relevance of CD4 down-modulation, however, is currently not well understood. In the present study, we analyzed the kinetics of CD4 down-modulation and the susceptibility of HIV-1-infected T cells to superinfection using proviral HIV-1 constructs containing individual and combined defects in vpu, env, and nef and expressing red or green fluorescent proteins. T cells infected with HIV-1 mutants containing functional nef genes expressed low surface levels of CD4 from the first moment that viral gene expression became detectable. In comparison, Vpu and Env had only minor to moderate effects on CD4 during later stages of infection. Consistent with these quantitative differences, Nef inhibited superinfection more efficiently than Vpu and Env. Notably, nef alleles from AIDS patients were more effective in preventing superinfection than those derived from a nonprogressor of HIV-1 infection. Our data suggest that protection against X4-tropic HIV-1 superinfection involves both CD4-independent and CD4-dependent mechanisms of HIV-1 Nef. X4 was effectively down-regulated by simian immunodeficiency virus and HIV-2 but not by HIV-1 Nef proteins. Thus, maximal protection seems to involve an as-yet-unknown mechanism that is independent of CD4 or coreceptor down-modulation. Finally, we demonstrate that superinfected primary T cells show enhanced levels of apoptosis. Accordingly, one reason that HIV-1 inhibits CD4 surface expression and superinfection is to prevent premature cell death in order to expand the period of effective virus production.
The Role of inab in Axon Morphology of an Identified Zebrafish Motoneuron

The ability of an animal to move and to interact with its environment requires that motoneurons correctly innervate specific muscles. Although many genes that regulate motoneuron development have been identified, our understanding of motor axon branching remains incomplete. We used transcriptional expression profiling to identify potential candidate genes involved in development of zebrafish identified motoneurons. Here we focus on inab, an intermediate filament encoding gene dynamically expressed in a subset of motoneurons as well as in an identified interneuron. We show that inab is necessary for proper axon morphology of a specific motoneuron subtype.
Parameterization of a reactive force field using a Monte Carlo algorithm

Parameterization of a molecular dynamics force field is essential in realistically modeling the physicochemical processes involved in a molecular system. This step is often challenging when the equations involved in describing the force field are complicated as well as when the parameters are mostly empirical. ReaxFF is one such reactive force field which uses hundreds of parameters to describe the interactions between atoms. The optimization of the parameters in ReaxFF is done such that the properties predicted by ReaxFF matches with a set of quantum chemical or experimental data. Usually, the optimization of the parameters is done by an inefficient single‐parameter parabolic‐search algorithm. In this study, we use a robust metropolis Monte‐Carlo algorithm with simulated annealing to search for the optimum parameters for the ReaxFF force field in a high‐dimensional parameter space. The optimization is done against a set of quantum chemical data for MgSO4 hydrates. The optimized force field reproduced the chemical structures, the equations of state, and the water binding curves of MgSO4 hydrates. The transferability test of the ReaxFF force field shows the extend of transferability for a particular molecular system. This study points out that the ReaxFF force field is not indefinitely transferable. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparatively Knowing: Making a Case for the Vertical Case Study.

This article enters into contemporary debates regarding methodology and training in comparative and international education by addressing epistemological questions about what can be known of the world and how it can be known through comparative research. We contend that debates over qualitative versus quantitative methods or area studies versus cross-national studies miss the mark as they address only superficial differences in the field when much deeper divisions exist over the nature of comparative knowledge. Based on our view of comparative knowledge, we propose the vertical case study as a means of comparing knowledge claims among actors with different social locations in an attempt to situate local action and interpretation within a broader cultural, historical, and political investigation. We also put forth a program of study that would enable students of comparative and international education to conduct research promoting full and thorough knowledge of multiple levels of comparison within a single vertically-bounded case. Comparative and international education: Fifty years of debate The 50th anniversary of the Comparative and International Education Society (CIES) provides an ideal opportunity for students and scholars of comparative and international education to reflect on the debates that have shaped the field and continue to define its contours. These debates come to life in the recently-completed oral history of the field, Comparatively Speaking, a documentary in which past presidents of CIES discuss the origins of the Society, the tensions among its members, and their visions of the future for comparative and international education. Some of the most memorable footage comes in response to questions about the principal divisions in the field for many decades: the distinction between comparative education and international education; the theory/practice divide; and the meaning of “comparative methods. ” From our vantage point at Teachers College, the latter issue constitutes the most contentious contemporary debate. Cast as deliberations over qualitative versus quantitative methods or as case studies versus cross-national studies, we believe these debates over methods miss the mark as they address only superficial differences in the field when much deeper divisions exist over the nature of comparative knowledge. In this article, we seek to move several issues of current debate from the more common terrain of methodology and methodological training to the less familiar landscape of epistemology. We contend that students and scholars of comparative and international education need to pay greater attention to epistemological issues related to what can be known about the world and how it can be known through comparative research before attending to the rules and procedures—the methods—used to gain such knowledge. As Masemann argued in her 1990 presidential address, “… our conceptions of ways of