Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phospholipid Transfer Protein Deficiency Impairs Apolipoprotein-B Secretion from Hepatocytes by Stimulating a Proteolytic Pathway through a Relative Deficiency of Vitamin E and an Increase in Intracellular Oxidants*

Genetic deficiency of the plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) in mice unexpectedly causes a substantial impairment in liver secretion of apolipoprotein-B (apoB), the major protein of atherogenic lipoproteins. To explore the mechanism, we examined the three known pathways for hepatic apoB secretory control, namely endoplasmic reticulum (ER)/proteasome-associated degradation (ERAD), post-ER pre-secretory proteolysis (PERPP), and receptor-mediated degradation, also known as re-uptake. First, we found that ERAD and cell surface re-uptake were not active in PLTP-null hepatocytes. Moreover, ER-to-Golgi blockade by brefeldin A, which enhances ERAD, equalized total apoB recovery from PLTP-null and wild-type cells, indicating that the relevant process occurs post-ER. Second, because PERPP can be stimulated by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), we examined hepatic redox status. Although we found previously that PLTP-null mice exhibit elevated plasma concentrations of vitamin E, a lipid anti-oxidant, we now discovered that their livers contain significantly less vitamin E and significantly more lipid peroxides than do livers of wild-type mice. Third, to establish a causal connection, the addition of vitamin E or treatment with an inhibitor of intracellular iron-dependent peroxidation, desferrioxamine, abolished the elevation in cellular ROS as well as the defect in apoB secretion from PLTP-null hepatocytes. Overall, we conclude that PLTP deficiency decreases liver vitamin E content, increases hepatic oxidant tone, and substantially enhances ROS-dependent destruction of newly synthesized apoB via a post-ER process. These findings are likely to be broadly relevant to hepatic apoB secretory control in vivo.
Late integration of features for acoustic emotion recognition

It is widely accepted that the ability to understand emotion or affect from speech is central to the design of more natural human-computer interfaces. This paper explores the classification of natural emotional speech along four affective dimensions, using hidden Markov models (HMMs). A number of features are tested, some of which have never before been applied to emotion recognition. Finally, these different features are combined discriminatively to achieve a competitive performance on the AVEC 2011 affect classification task [1].
CD14 Is Expressed and Released as Soluble CD14 by Human Intestinal Epithelial Cells In Vitro: Lipopolysaccharide Activation of Epithelial Cells Revisited

ABSTRACT Human endothelial as well as epithelial cells were shown to respond to lipopolysaccharides (LPSs). However, the expression and release of CD14 by these so-called CD14-negative cells have not been studied in detail. We investigated three human intestinal epithelial cell lines (ECLs), SW-480, HT-29, and Caco-2, for their expression of CD14 and CD11c/CD18 as well as their responsiveness to endotoxins. Fluorescence-activated cell sorter analysis revealed no expression of CD11c/CD18, but there was low expression of membrane-bound CD14 on HT-29, Caco-2, and SW-480 ECLs. Both Western blotting and reverse transcription-PCR confirmed the CD14 positivity of all three intestinal ECLs. No substantial modulation of CD14 expression was achieved after 6, 8, 18, 24, and 48 h of cultivation with 10-fold serial dilutions of LPS ranging from 0.01 ng/ml to 100 μg/ml. Interestingly, soluble CD14 was found in the tissue culture supernatants of all three ECLs. Finally, only HT-29 and SW-480, and not Caco-2, cells responded to LPS exposure (range, 0.01 ng/ml to 100 μg/ml) by interleukin 8 release. Thus, we show that HT-29, SW-480, and Caco-2 human intestinal ECLs express membrane-bound CD14. As Caco-2 cells did not respond to LPS, these cell lines might be an interesting model for studying the receptor complex for LPS. The fact that human intestinal epithelial cells are capable not only of expression but also of release of soluble CD14 may have important implications in vivo, e.g., in shaping the interaction between the mucosal immune system and bacteria in the gut and/or in the pathogenesis of endotoxin shock.
Examining the climate of academic integrity at a small middle Atlantic liberal arts college

iv List of Figures vii List of Tables viii Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Chapter 2: Literature 9 Chapter 3: My Leadership 30 Chapter 4: Methodology 42 Chapter 5: Assessing the Climate of Academic Integrity 52 Chapter 6: Campaign of Awareness 74 Chapter 7: Observations of the Campaign 104 Chapter 8: Reflections on Leadership 125 List of References 147 Appendix Student Survey 154 Freshman Seminar Survey: College Student Perceptions to Academic Integrity on Campus 155
Excavations at the Lake George site, Yazoo County, Mississippi, 1958-1960

This milestone volume describes and interprets excavations at one of the greatest late prehistoric sites in the southeastern United States. Lake George reached its zenith between the thirteenth and fifteenth centuries A.D., during the florescence of the Mississippian culture. This is a detailed analysis of the site and its relationship to the corpus of Southeastern archaeology.
Perinatal death and fathers

Following our review on the effects of perinatal death on fathers [1], a paper not identified by our keyword search strategy was brought to our attention. Peter Barr [2] investigated 158 parents identified from hospital records at one month and 13 months following stillbirth or neonatal death (overall response rate 44%). In addition to the Perinatal Grief Scale (PGS, Potvin et al. 2003) [3] used in similar studies, three measures of proneness to guilt and shame were used: the Test of Self-Conscious Affect2 (TOSCA-2, Tangey et al. 1996) [4], the Personal Feelings Questionnaire-2 (PFQ-2, Harder & Zalma 1990) [5], and relevant items from the Interpersonal Guilt Questionnaire-67 (IGQ-67, O’Connor et al. 1998) [6]. Men (N1⁄4 72) experienced less intense symptoms than women following perinatal bereavement. Early guilt and shame symptoms contributed significantly to the variance in grief intensity at 13 months, although the study design did not allow for causal direction to be established, and did not control for depression or other psychiatric disorder. This study meets seven of the 11 criteria used in our review for evaluating methodological strength (i.e. it clearly stated its a priori aims, had a clearly defined, non-biased study population, valid outcome measures, appropriate timing of assessments, appropriate statistical analysis and conclusions justified from the available data). In addition to confirming previous findings about grief in fathers, it also adds a valuable perspective on the role of shame following perinatal bereavement. Further investigation on this aspect of bereavement would be very welcome.
Stochastic Simulations With Graphics Hardware: Characterization of Accuracy and Performance

Methods to implement stochastic simulations on the graphics processing unit (GPU) have been developed. These algorithms are used in a simulation of microassembly and nanoassembly with optical tweezers, but are also directly compatible with simulations of a wide variety of assembly techniques using either electrophoretic, magnetic, or other trapping techniques. Significant speedup is possible for stochastic particle simulations when using the GPU, included in most personal computers (PCs), rather than the central processing unit (CPU) that handles most calculations. However, a careful analysis of the accuracy and precision when using the GPU in stochastic simulations is lacking and is addressed here. A stochastic simulation for spherical particles has been developed and mapped onto stages of the GPU hardware that provide the best performance. The results from the CPU and GPU implementation are then compared with each other and with well-established theory. The error in the mean ensemble energy and the diffusion constant is measured for both the CPU and the GPU implementations. The time taken to complete several simulation experiments on each platform has also been measured and the speedup attained by the GPU is then calculated.
THE RATIONAL JUDGE : ECONOMIC VERSUS LEGAL PARADIGM

The personage of the judge is at the heart of much of law-and-economics, and yet few scholars are willing to relate their models to the complex professional reality of the man or woman in a black robe. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the methodological implications for the economic analysis of law (EAL) of this deliberately limited account of the judicial function. What is precisely the status of the “judge” in this conceptual framework? The answer to that apparently simple question is surprisingly unclear. Theoretical construct, economic agent, psychologically and politically biased ordinary man or woman, de facto legislator – can the judge be all this at once or, simply, like a chameleon, change status according to the requirements of the model? The problematic heterogeneity of the modeled judge may stem from the fact that law-andeconomics is the off-spring of a not always assumed hybridization between fundamentally different (irreconcilable? ) economic and legal theories, whereby the legal heritage (itself the result of a variety of sometimes contradictory, sometimes complementary, traditions) is almost entirely occulted by a literature that, obviously, prefers to present itself as a form of applied economics rather than as a genuine legal theory. Unless economic analysts of law do not confront these epistemological
Comparing the Autoantibody Levels and Clinical Efficacy of Double Filtration Plasmapheresis, Immunoadsorption, and Intravenous Immunoglobulin for the Treatment of Late‐onset Myasthenia Gravis

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of double‐filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP), immunoadsorption (IA) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in the treatment of late‐onset myasthenia gravis (MG). A total of 40 late‐onset MG patients were randomly divided into three groups: 15 patients were treated with DFPP; 10 patients were treated with IA; and 15 patients received IVIg. The titers of titin antibodies (Titin‐ab), acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR‐ab), presynaptic membrane antibody (Prsm‐ab) were detected before and after the treatment, and the quantitative MG score (QMG score) was assessed by blinded examiners before and immediately after the entire course of treatment. The clinical efficacy, duration of respiratory support, hospital stay, and the correlation between the three antibodies and the QMG score were also analyzed. Compared to pre‐treatment, the values of Titin‐ab, AChR‐ab, and PrsmR‐ab were all dramatically decreased (P < 0.05); meanwhile the value of Titin‐ab in the DFPP and IA groups decreased much more than in the IVIg group (P < 0.01); however, no statistical difference was found between the DFPP and IA groups (P > 0.05). Although the QMG score significantly improved in all three groups, it decreased much more in both the DFPP and IA groups than that in the IVIg group (P < 0.01). Symptoms were also effectively ameliorated by all treatments, but the clinical efficacy of the DFPP and IA groups was higher than the IVIg group (P < 0.05), as was the remission time (P < 0.01), the duration of hospital stay (P < 0.05), and the number of respiratory supports required (P < 0.05). Using Pearson's correlation, the decrease of Titin‐ab showed a longitudinal correlation with the decrease of QMG score (r = 0.6107, P < 0.01). Both DFPP and IA showed better short‐term clinical effectiveness than immunoglobulin transfusion, rapidly and effectively clearing the pathogenic antibodies in late‐onset MG patients, especially for Titin‐ab.
Cognitive Function in an Elderly Population: Interaction Between Vitamin B12 Status, Depression, and Apolipoprotein E [Latin Small Letter Open E]4: The Hordaland Homocysteine Study

Objective To investigate the cross-sectional relation between metabolic markers of vitamin B12 status and cognitive performance, and possible effect modification by the presence of depression and apolipoprotein E (ApoE) [Latin Small Letter Open E]4. Methods This is a population-based study of 1935 participants, aged 71 to 74 years, from Norway. Participants were administered a cognitive test battery, and vitamin B12 status was assessed by measurements of plasma vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA), and total homocysteine. Results The geometric mean (95% confidence interval) for vitamin B12 was 348 pM (341–354), whereas 5.9% of participants had vitamin B12 levels lower than 200 pM. In linear regression analyses, holoTC (p = .039) and the holoTC/vitamin B12 ratio (p = .013) were positively related, whereas MMA (p = .010) was inversely related, to global cognition, after adjustment for sex, education, ApoE status, plasma creatinine, and history of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and depression. Among those positive for ApoE [Latin Small Letter Open E]4, but not among those without the [Latin Small Letter Open E]4 allele, plasma vitamin B12 was positively associated with global cognition (p = .015), whereas MMA was inversely related to global cognition (p = .036) and executive function (p = .014). In participants with depression, MMA was inversely associated with global cognition (p < .001) and episodic memory (p = .001). Conclusions Among the well-nourished elderly, low vitamin B12 status is associated with cognitive deficit, particularly in those with the ApoE [Latin Small Letter Open E]4 allele or with depression.
The Influence of an Increase of the Mediterranean Sea Surface Temperature on Two Nocturnal Offshore Rainbands: A Numerical Experiment

Using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) – Advanced Research WRF (ARW) mesoscale model (WRF–ARW), we investigate how two nocturnal offshore rainbands occurring in the Mediterranean basin are modified in a warmer sea surface temperature (SST). After sunset, the thermal difference between land and sea air increases. Driven by drainage winds or land breeze, the inland cold air interacts with the relatively warmer and moister air over the sea. Vertical movement of sea air over the boundary between the two air masses may induce cloud and rain bands offshore. When an increase of SST is prescribed in the WRF simulations, a change in the precipitation pattern is simulated. The numerical experiments show an increase both in the extension and location of the rainbands and in the precipitation rate. These changes, induced by the modified SST, are analyzed by estimating and comparing several parameters such as the location of level of free convection (LFC), Convective Available Potential Energy (CAPE), or the triggering, deceleration and blockage terms of simplified conceptual models.
Design for Intuitive Use - Testing Image Schema Theory for User Interface Design

Demand for interactive products that are intuitive to use is high. Intuitive use in this paper is understood as the subconscious application of prior knowledge by the user. This definition is explicated by a continuum model of prior knowledge. Theories from several disciplines of application are surveyed whether they can contribute to the field of ‘Design for Intuitive Use’. Two sets of requirements are posed against which candidate theories have to be validated: (1) the claims the theory makes about intuitive use must be shown to be valid within the context of user interface design, and (2) the application of the theory has to support the user interface design process. Image schema theory which draws on knowledge on the sensorimotor stage of the knowledge continuum was put to the test by using rigorous psychological experimentation and by analysing user interfaces in different domains of application. These analyses showed that the application of image schema theory as a design language may be a powerful tool for the evaluation and improvement phases of a human-centred design process. By collecting the results of these analyses in an online catalogue, designers are provided with a tool that helps them with producing design solutions. Ongoing studies are investigating whether image schemas are also useful for the early phases of the design process such as requirements gathering. Although the studies are not finished yet it is concluded that the image schema approach offers value to and insight in designing user interfaces that are intuitive to use.
Technology-gap and cumulative growth : models , results and performances

Addressing the question ‘why productivity growth rates differ between countries’ from a dis-equilibrium standpoint, in the present paper it is explored the possibility to compound in a single formalization two different but complementary theories of technical change and macroeconomic growth, that is the Kaldorian idea of cumulative causation and the technology-gap approach to economic growth. In order to investigate the complementarities between these two approaches, a two-country macroeconomic model of technology-gap and cumulative growth is presented, built on previous contributions by Verspagen (1993), Amable (1993) Targetti and Foti (1997) and Ledesma (1999a). The analytical solutions of the model for the growth rates of productivity and demand, and the dynamics of the technology-gap show the existence of a large set of possible outcomes: the follower country can fall behind, partly or totally catch up, or overtake the leader. Moreover, even if the follower is able to close the technology-gap, not necessarily it will also be able to close the growth rate differential. The empirical evidence on the experience of 26 OECD countries in the period 19911999 points out the relevance of the model for explaining the recent performances of technological activities and productivity growth.
- 1-Filtering Shrew DDoS Attacks Using A New Frequency-Domain Approach

The stealthy shrew Distributed Denial of Services (DDoS) attacks, also known as Reduction of Quality (RoQ) attacks, could be even more detrimental than the more widely known flooding DDoS assaults. The reason is that such shrew attacks damage the victim servers for a long time without being noticed, thereby denying new visitors to the victim servers, which are mostly e-commerce sites. Thus, in order to minimize the monetary losses, there is a pressing need to effectively detect such attacks in real-time. Unfortunately, effective detection of shrew attacks remains an open problem. In this paper, we meet this challenge by proposing a new signal-processing approach to identifying and detecting the attacks by examining the frequency domain characteristics of incoming traffic flows to a server. Our proposed technique is effective in that its detection time is less than a few seconds. Furthermore, the technique entails simple implementation, making it deployable in real-life network environments.
Outdoor pedestrian navigation assistance with a shape-changing haptic interface and comparison with a vibrotactile device

By targeting haptic sensory channels when walking, pedestrian navigation systems (as found in smartphone apps) have the potential to allow both visually impaired and sighted users to pay greater attention to their surroundings, compared to typical audio or visual based feedback. In line with this idea, we have proposed mechanotactile shape-changing interfaces as an alternative to the more commonly used haptic modality of vibrotactile feedback. In this paper, we evaluate the potential for haptic guidance in a realistic outdoor navigation task. Participants were guided along pre-determined footpath routes in a ~3,500m2 outdoor public environment, via `equivalent' handheld shape-changing and vibrotactile feedback devices, capable of providing heading and proximity information. Localization was based on real-time GPS data provided by a smartphone. Many other pedestrians (not part of the study) shared the space and had to be avoided, as in typical urban settings. All participants located all waypoints with both devices, walking between 270m-600m per trial. Walking efficiency was similar for both devices, though participants took over twice as long (on average) to complete the routes with the vibrotactile device. In a questionnaire, participants preferred the shape-changing interface, considering it more intuitive and pleasant to use than the vibrotactile system. Though haptics can certainly be used for practical navigation, the relatively low resolution of unprocessed GPS positioning can lead to erroneous instructions that are harder for a (sighted) user to notice and correct than in screen based systems utilizing visual maps.
CCR2+Ly6Chi Inflammatory Monocyte Recruitment Exacerbates Acute Disability Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating type of stroke that lacks a specific treatment. An intense immune response develops after ICH, which contributes to neuronal injury, disability, and death. However, the specific mediators of inflammation-induced injury remain unclear. The objective of the present study was to determine whether blood-derived CCR2+Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes contribute to disability. ICH was induced in mice and the resulting inflammatory response was quantified using flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, and neurobehavioral testing. Importantly, blood-derived monocytes were distinguished from resident microglia by differential CD45 staining and by using bone marrow chimeras with fluorescent leukocytes. After ICH, blood-derived CCR2+Ly6Chi inflammatory monocytes trafficked into the brain, outnumbered other leukocytes, and produced tumor necrosis factor. Ccr2−/− mice, which have few circulating inflammatory monocytes, exhibited better motor function following ICH than control mice. Chimeric mice with wild-type CNS cells and Ccr2−/− hematopoietic cells also exhibited early improvement in motor function, as did wild-type mice after inflammatory monocyte depletion. These findings suggest that blood-derived inflammatory monocytes contribute to acute neurological disability. To determine the translational relevance of our experimental findings, we examined CCL2, the principle ligand for the CCR2 receptor, in ICH patients. Serum samples from 85 patients were collected prospectively at two hospitals. In patients, higher CCL2 levels at 24 h were independently associated with poor functional outcome at day 7 after adjusting for potential confounding variables. Together, these findings suggest that inflammatory monocytes worsen early disability after murine ICH and may represent a therapeutic target for patients.