Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid Blocks Protein Transport in the Secretory Pathway Causing Redistribution of Golgi Proteins into the Endoplasmic Reticulum*

We have investigated the effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), an inhibitor of lipoxygenase, on the intracellular protein transport and the structure of the Golgi complex. Pulse-chase experiments and immunoelectron microscopy showed that NDGA strongly inhibits the transport of newly synthesized secretory proteins to the Golgi complex resulting in their accumulation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Despite their retention in the ER, oligosaccharides of secretory and ER-resident proteins were processed to endoglycosidase H-resistant forms, raising the possibility that oligosaccharide-processing enzymes are redistributed from the Golgi to the ER. Morphological observations further revealed that α-mannosidase II (a cis/medial-Golgi marker), but not TGN38 (a trans-Golgi network marker), rapidly redistributes to the ER in the presence of NDGA, resulting in the disappearance of the characteristic Golgi structure. Upon removal of the drug, the Golgi complex was reassembled into the normal structure as judged by perinuclear staining of α-mannosidase II and by restoration of the secretion. These effects of NDGA are quite similar to those of brefeldin A. However, unlike brefeldin A, NDGA did not cause a dissociation of β-coatomer protein, a subunit of coatomer, from the Golgi membrane. On the contrary, NDGA exerted the stabilizing effect on β-coatomer protein/membrane interaction against the dissociation caused by brefeldin A and ATP depletion. Taken together, these results indicate that NDGA is a potent agent disrupting the structure and function of the Golgi complex with a mechanism different from those known for other drugs reported so far.
Geometric Rescaling Algorithms for Submodular Function Minimization

We present a new class of polynomial-time algorithms for submodular function minimization (SFM) as well as a unified framework to obtain strongly polynomial SFM algorithms. Our algorithms are based on simple iterative methods for the minimum-norm problem, such as the conditional gradient and Fujishige–Wolfe algorithms. We exhibit two techniques to turn simple iterative methods into polynomial-time algorithms. First, we adapt the geometric rescaling technique, which has recently gained attention in linear programming, to SFM and obtain a weakly polynomial bound [Formula: see text]. Second, we exhibit a general combinatorial black box approach to turn [Formula: see text]-approximate SFM oracles into strongly polynomial exact SFM algorithms. This framework can be applied to a wide range of combinatorial and continuous algorithms, including pseudo-polynomial ones. In particular, we can obtain strongly polynomial algorithms by a repeated application of the conditional gradient or of the Fujishige–Wolfe algorithm. Combined with the geometric rescaling technique, the black box approach provides an [Formula: see text] algorithm. Finally, we show that one of the techniques we develop in the paper can also be combined with the cutting-plane method of Lee et al., yielding a simplified variant of their [Formula: see text] algorithm.
Performance analysis of pilot pattern design for channel estimation in LTE downlink

An efficient pilot pattern design can improve both the spectral efficiency and the reliability of an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) system. Usually, the pilot structure in LTE system is predetermined regardless of the channel variation. In this paper the problem of pilot pattern design is tackled. The pilot symbols spacing that gives the best performance in terms of BER is established as the optimum pilot pattern. The performance of the proposed design is confirmed through simulation and compared to the LTE standard pilot spacing where it is shown that pilot spacing adjustment is not efficient in slow fading channel.
Knockdown resistance mutations predict DDT resistance and pyrethroid tolerance in the visceral leishmaniasis vector Phlebotomus argentipes

Background Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with DDT has been the primary strategy for control of the visceral leishmaniasis (VL) vector Phlebotomus argentipes in India but efficacy may be compromised by resistance. Synthetic pyrethroids are now being introduced for IRS, but with a shared target site, the para voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC), mutations affecting both insecticide classes could provide cross-resistance and represent a threat to sustainable IRS-based disease control. Methodology/Principal findings A region of the Vgsc gene was sequenced in P. argentipes from the VL hotspot of Bihar, India. Two knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations were detected at codon 1014 (L1014F and L1014S), each common in mosquitoes, but previously unknown in phlebotomines. Both kdr mutations appear largely recessive, but as homozygotes (especially 1014F/F) or as 1014F/S heterozygotes exert a strong effect on DDT resistance, and significantly predict survivorship to class II pyrethroids in short-duration bioassays. The mutations are present at high frequency in wild P. argentipes populations from Bihar, with 1014F significantly more common in higher VL areas. Conclusions/Significance The Vgsc mutations detected appear to be a primary mechanism underlying DDT resistance in P. argentipes and a contributory factor in reduced pyrethroid susceptibility, suggesting a potential impact if P. argentipes are subjected to suboptimal levels of pyrethroid exposure, or additional resistance mechanisms evolve. The assays to detect kdr frequency changes provide a sensitive, high-throughput monitoring tool to detecting spatial and temporal variation in resistance in P. argentipes.
Understanding the gap between cognitive abilities and daily living skills in adolescents with autism spectrum disorders with average intelligence

Daily living skills standard scores on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales–2nd edition were examined in 417 adolescents from the Simons Simplex Collection. All participants had at least average intelligence and a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Descriptive statistics and binary logistic regressions were used to examine the prevalence and predictors of a “daily living skills deficit,” defined as below average daily living skills in the context of average intelligence quotient. Approximately half of the adolescents were identified as having a daily living skills deficit. Autism symptomatology, intelligence quotient, maternal education, age, and sex accounted for only 10% of the variance in predicting a daily living skills deficit. Identifying factors associated with better or worse daily living skills may help shed light on the variability in adult outcome in individuals with autism spectrum disorder with average intelligence.
And Still We Rise: How a Black College Survives the Economic Recession

Abstract:This study examines how a Black college, referred to as Southern College, used a number of resources and strategies to remain a credible institution of choice in the community while also reversing a severe financial deficit. Qualitative research methods are used to understand strategies embraced by Southern College to stay afloat of the many negative criticisms HBCUs are receiving in the 21st century as a result of declining enrollments, low endowments, and high revocation of accreditation. The success tactics deemed significant in Southern College’s successful operation throughout the economic downturn surfaced as four major themes: (a) pruning operationally and enforcing strict fiscal policies, (b) implementing effective marketing strategies, (c) involving faculty in strategic planning, and (d) revising and implementing tenure and promotion policies.
Optophysiological analysis of associational circuits in the olfactory cortex

Primary olfactory cortical areas receive direct input from the olfactory bulb, but also have extensive associational connections that have been mainly studied with classical anatomical methods. Here, we shed light on the functional properties of associational connections in the anterior and posterior piriform cortices (aPC and pPC) using optophysiological methods. We found that the aPC receives dense functional connections from the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), a major hub in olfactory cortical circuits. The local recurrent connectivity within the aPC, long invoked in cortical autoassociative models, is sparse and weak. By contrast, the pPC receives negligible input from the AON, but has dense connections from the aPC as well as more local recurrent connections than the aPC. Finally, there are negligible functional connections from the pPC to aPC. Our study provides a circuit basis for a more sensory role for the aPC in odor processing and an associative role for the pPC.
Case study of process and design performance debugging with Digital Speed Sensor

Using speed sensor to find out the unexpected process variation and design performance degradation is getting more and more attention. In this paper, we demonstrate the industrial case of identifying process variation, with the power of in-house developed DSS (Digital Speed Sensor). The identification result is validated by TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy). In addition, by using DSS, we can observe how the test environment results in design performance degradation, not only during the CP (Circuit Probe) test but also the board-level test.
Biophysical and pharmacological properties of the voltage‐gated potassium current of human pancreatic β‐cells

Voltage‐gated potassium (Kv) currents of human pancreatic islet cells were studied by whole‐cell patch clamp recording. On average, 75% of the cells tested were identified as β‐cells by single cell, post‐recording RT‐PCR for insulin mRNA. In most cells, the dominant Kv current was a delayed rectifier. The delayed rectifier activated at potentials above −20 mV and had a V½ for activation of −5.3 mV. Onset of inactivation was slow for a major component (τ= 3.2 s at +20 mV) observed in all cells; a smaller component (τ= 0.30 s) with an amplitude of ∼25% was seen in some cells. Recovery from inactivation had a τ of 2.5 s at −80 mV and steady‐state inactivation had a V½ of −39 mV. In 12% of cells (21/182) a low‐threshold, transient Kv current (A‐current) was present. The A‐current activated at membrane potentials above −40 mV, inactivated with a time constant of 18.5 ms at −20 mV, and had a V½ for steady‐state inactivation of −52 mV. TEA inhibited total Kv current with an IC50= 0.54 mm and PAC, a disubstituted cyclohexyl Kv channel inhibitor, inhibited with an IC50= 0.57 μm. The total Kv current was insensitive to margatoxin (100 nm), agitoxin‐2 (50 nm), kaliotoxin (50 nm) and ShK (50 nm). Hanatoxin (100 nm) inhibited total Kv current by 65% at +20 mV. Taken together, these data provide evidence of at least two distinct types of Kv channels in human pancreatic β‐cells and suggest that more than one type of Kv channel may be involved in the regulation of glucose‐dependent insulin secretion.
Regulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression by albumin-derived advanced glycosylation end products.

We examined whether albumin-derived advanced glycosylation end products (AGEs) downregulate the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Significant reductions in NOS activity and cGMP levels in bovine aortic endothelial cells were observed when exposed to different concentrations of albumin-derived AGEs. Western and Northern blot analyses showed significant decreases at the protein and transcript levels. Both reductions became evident after 24 hours of exposure. Nuclear run-on assays showed that AGE-BSA did not modify the transcription rate of the NOS III gene; however, AGE-BSA treatment markedly reduced the half-life of NOS III mRNA. In addition, AGE-treated endothelial cells displayed significant reduction on their antiplatelet properties. These results indicate that NOS expression is reduced by AGEs by increasing the rate of mRNA degradation and may be relevant to the impairment of some endothelial functions observed in diabetes and aging. The full text of this article is available at http://www.circresaha. org.
GTM-URL contribution to the INTERSPEECH 2009 emotion challenge

This paper describes our participation in the INTERSPEECH 2009 Emotion Challenge [1]. Starting from our previous experience in the use of automatic classification for the validation of an expressive corpus, we have tackled the difficult task of emotion recognition from speech with real-life data. Our main contribution to this work is related to the classifier sub-challenge, for which we tested several classification strategies. On the whole, the results were slightly worse than or similar to the baseline, but we found some configurations that could be considered in future implementations. Index Terms: emotion, recognition, speech parameters, challenge, classification
Comparison of pharmacodynamic intrasubject variability of insulin lispro protamine suspension and insulin glargine in subjects with type 1 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate pharmacodynamic (PD) intrasubject variability of a single, s.c. dose of insulin lispro protamine suspension (ILPS) compared with insulin glargine in subjects with type 1 diabetes mellitus and additionally, to compare the intrasubject variability of pharmacokinetic parameters of both insulins. DESIGN This was a single-center, investigator-blinded and subject-blinded, two-arm, parallel, randomized, four-period study. During the replicate visits, subjects received a single s.c. 0.6 U/kg dose of either ILPS or glargine, and underwent 24-h euglycemic glucose clamps. RESULTS The intrasubject variabilities of the primary PD parameters, total amount of glucose infused (G(tot)) and maximum glucose infusion rate (GIR; R(max)), were statistically significantly lower for ILPS when compared with glargine (P<0.0001). Least-square (LS) mean estimates for G(tot) and R(max) were 2512.7 mg/kg and 3.740 mg/min per kg respectively for ILPS, and 1291.9 mg/kg and 1.793 mg/min per kg respectively for glargine. The LS mean estimates for G(tot) and R(max) were statistically greater (P=0.0010 and P<0.0001 respectively) for ILPS compared with glargine, suggesting that ILPS had greater 24-h glucose-lowering activity. Glargine demonstrated a flatter GIR-time curve, and ILPS demonstrated a significantly shorter time of maximum GIR (tR(max)) and earlier time to half-maximal GIR before tR(max) and time to half-maximal GIR after tR(max). ILPS administration resulted in significantly greater exposure compared with glargine (area under the baseline-corrected serum concentration versus time curve from time 0 to 24 h (AUC(0-24)): 77 150 vs 53 111 pmol min/l; maximum serum insulin concentration (C(max)): 119 vs 68 pmol/l; ILPS versus glargine respectively), but the intrasubject variabilities for AUC and C(max) were comparable. CONCLUSION Although glargine demonstrated a flatter GIR-time profile, the lower PD intrasubject variability of ILPS may provide a more predictable response.
Wideband spectral estimation from compressed measurements exploiting spectral a priori information in Cognitive Radio systems

In Cognitive Radio scenarios channelization information from primary network may be available to the spectral monitor. Under this assumption we propose a spectral estimation algorithm from compressed measurements of a multichannel wideband signal. The analysis of the Cramer-Rao Lower Bound (CRLB) for this estimation problem shows the importance of detecting the underlaying sparsity pattern of the signal. To this end we describe a Bayesian based iterative algorithm that discovers the set of active signals conforming the band and simultaneously reconstructs the spectrum. This iterative spectral estimator is shown to perform close to a Genie-Aided CRLB that includes full knowledge about the sparsity pattern of the channels.
Liveness detection using frequency entropy of image sequences

Spoofing attack (or copy attack) is a fatal threat for biometric authentication systems. In this paper, we present a novel liveness detection method based on frequency entropy of image sequences against the photograph spoofing. By splitting the color video of face region into RGB channels, we can obtain the time sequences of each color channel. Then, three RGB sequences are analyzed through Independent Component Analysis (ICA) algorithm to eliminate the cross-channel image noises. Moreover, the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) is further applied to these signals to get the power spectra of each RGB channels. Finally, the power spectra are verified through the entropy calculation to validate the liveness or photo attack. The experimental results demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method, which has an accuracy of more than 95%.
Estimation of the Bit Side Force by Using Artificial Neural Network

Horizontal wells are proven to be better producers because they can be extended for a long distance in the pay zone. Engineers have the technical means to forecast the well productivity for a given horizontal length. However, experiences have shown that the actual production rate is often significantly less than that of forecasted. It is a difficult task, if not impossible to identify the real reason why a horizontal well is not producing what was forecasted. Often the source of problem lies in the drilling of horizontal section such as permeability reduction in the pay zone due to mud invasion or snaky well patterns created during drilling. Although drillers aim to drill a constant inclination hole in the pay zone, the more frequent outcome is a sinusoidal wellbore trajectory. The two factors, which play an important role in wellbore tortuosity, are the inclination and side force at bit. A constant inclination horizontal well can only be drilled if the bit face is maintained perpendicular to longitudinal axis of bottom hole assembly (BHA) while keeping the side force nil at the bit. This approach assumes that there exists no formation force at bit. Hence, an appropriate BHA can be designed if bit side force and bit tilt are determined accurately. The Artificial Neural Network (ANN) is superior to existing analytical techniques. In this study, the neural networks have been employed as a general approximation tool for estimation of the bit side forces. A number of samples are analyzed with ANN for parameters of bit side force and the results are compared with exact analysis. Back Propagation Neural network (BPN) is used to approximation of bit side forces. Resultant low relative error value of the test indicates the usability of the BPN in this area. Keywords— Artificial Neural Network, BHA, Horizontal Well, Stabilizer.
Towards efficient traffic-analysis resistant anonymity networks

Existing IP anonymity systems tend to sacrifice one of low latency, high bandwidth, or resistance to traffic-analysis. High-latency mix-nets like Mixminion batch messages to resist traffic-analysis at the expense of low latency. Onion routing schemes like Tor deliver low latency and high bandwidth, but are not designed to withstand traffic analysis. Designs based on DC-nets or broadcast channels resist traffic analysis and provide low latency, but are limited to low bandwidth communication. In this paper, we present the design, implementation, and evaluation of Aqua, a high-bandwidth anonymity system that resists traffic analysis. We focus on providing strong anonymity for BitTorrent, and evaluate the performance of Aqua using traces from hundreds of thousands of actual BitTorrent users. We show that Aqua achieves latency low enough for efficient bulk TCP flows, bandwidth sufficient to carry BitTorrent traffic with reasonable efficiency, and resistance to traffic analysis within anonymity sets of hundreds of clients. We conclude that Aqua represents an interesting new point in the space of anonymity network designs.
Multiband Handset Antenna With a Parallel Excitation of PIFA and Slot Radiators

A handset antenna technique combining a parallel excitation of a PIFA and a slot is presented. The number of frequency bands is given by the sum of bands given per each radiator which can be controlled independently. Component interaction (battery, display, and speaker) is analyzed to determine the best place to mitigate performance degradation. Finally, a concept featuring a small footprint (39 × 11 mm2) and low profile (2 mm) is proposed for multiband operation.
Integrating nanophotonics in GPU microarchitecture

As high-performance computing device, the GPU has exposed bandwidth and latency bottlenecks in on-chip interconnect and off-chip memory access. To eliminate such bottlenecks, we employ silicon nanophotonics and 3D stacking technologies in GPU microarchitecture. This provides higher communication bandwidth and lower latency signaling mechanisms at reduced power. Furthermore, to insulate the performance of the GPU compute cores from the interconnect bottlenecks we propose a novel interconnect aware thread scheduling scheme to alleviate the traffic congestion. We evaluate a 3D stacked GPU with 2048 SIMD cores having photonic interconnect. The photonic multiple-write-single-read crossbar network with 32B channel bandwidth on average, achieves 96% power reduction. We anticipate that for emerging workloads and microarchitectures the implications of the proposed ideas are far reaching in terms of power and performance.
Seeing the World Through Deaf Eyes: Chile Study-Abroad Experiences of Deaf Students

Research has indicated that a global education, including study-abroad programs, is increasingly crucial in today’s world and offers intercultural, personal, academic, and career-related benefits to participants. However, there has been a paucity of academic research on best-class and study-abroad program designs for the deaf and hard-of-hearing students. The research to date has not included the experiences and perceptions of deaf students who participated in study-abroad programs. The purpose of this study was to examine the perceived supports and barriers to study-abroad experiences of deaf students. Information gathered from the unique perspective of deaf study participants was used to assist in designing optimal classes and study-abroad programs that consider the cultural, visual, and linguistic needs of these students. This study incorporates Yosso’s community cultural wealth theory and investigates how deaf study participants develop social, familial, aspirational, linguistic, navigational, intercultural, and/or resistant capital, which are components of community cultural wealth (Listman, Rogers, & Hauser, 2011; Yosso, 2005, 2006). The researcher employed a qualitative methodology, specifically, phenomenology. Interviews were conducted with participants who are deaf students and have experienced study-abroad programs using the direct signing model. The phenomenon of interest is the sign-accessible Chile abroad experience of deaf students. Interview questions exploring the development of various capital were also asked (Listman et al., 2011; Yosso, 2005, 2006). At the conclusion of the study, the researcher viii recommends best practices in classand study-abroad program designs from the deaf students’ perspectives. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Education (EdD) Department Executive Leadership First Supervisor Michael Wischnowski Second Supervisor Timothy Madigan Third Supervisor Mindy J. Hopper Subject Categories Education This dissertation is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_etd/213 This dissertation is available at Fisher Digital Publications: http://fisherpub.sjfc. edu/education_etd/213 Seeing the World Through Deaf Eyes: Chile Study-Abroad Experiences of Deaf Students