Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistence of Profits and the Systematic Search for Knowledge

Economic theory tells us that abnormal firm and industry profits will not persist for any significant length of time. Any firm or industry making profits in excess of the normal rate of return will attract entrants and this competitive process will erode profits. However, a substantial amount of research has found evidence of persistent profits above the norm. Barriers to entry and exit, is an often put forward explanation to this anomaly. In the absence of, or with low barriers to entry and exit, this reasoning provides little help in explaining why these above-norm profits arise and persist. In this paper we explore the links between the systematic search for knowledge and the persistence of profits. By investing in research and development firms may succeed in creating products or services that are preferred by the market and/or find a more cost efficient method of production. Corporations that systematically invest in research and development may, by doing this, offset the erosion of profits and thereby have persistently high profits which diverge from the competitive return.We argue that even in the absence of significant barriers to entry and exit profits may persist. This can be accredited to a systematic search for knowledge through research and development.
Validity of Holland's Model: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Confirmatory factor analysis was used to investigate the validity of Holland's model for a sample of 155 Canadian high school students. The analysis revealed that Holland's model was quite appropriate in explaining the relationships among six personality types: Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional across the areas of Activities, Competencies, Occupations and Self-Estimates in the Self-Directed Search.
New Insight on FGFR3-Related Chondrodysplasias Molecular Physiopathology Revealed by Human Chondrocyte Gene Expression Profiling

Endochondral ossification is the process by which the appendicular skeleton, facial bones, vertebrae and medial clavicles are formed and relies on the tight control of chondrocyte maturation. Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)3 plays a role in bone development and maintenance and belongs to a family of proteins which differ in their ligand affinities and tissue distribution. Activating mutations of the FGFR3 gene lead to craniosynostosis and multiple types of skeletal dysplasia with varying degrees of severity: thanatophoric dysplasia (TD), achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia. Despite progress in the characterization of FGFR3-mediated regulation of cartilage development, many aspects remain unclear. The aim and the novelty of our study was to examine whole gene expression differences occurring in primary human chondrocytes isolated from normal cartilage or pathological cartilage from TD-affected fetuses, using Affymetrix technology. The phenotype of the primary cells was confirmed by the high expression of chondrocytic markers. Altered expression of genes associated with many cellular processes was observed, including cell growth and proliferation, cell cycle, cell adhesion, cell motility, metabolic pathways, signal transduction, cell cycle process and cell signaling. Most of the cell cycle process genes were down-regulated and consisted of genes involved in cell cycle progression, DNA biosynthesis, spindle dynamics and cytokinesis. About eight percent of all modulated genes were found to impact extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and turnover, especially glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and proteoglycan biosynthesis and sulfation. Altogether, the gene expression analyses provide new insight into the consequences of FGFR3 mutations in cell cycle regulation, onset of pre-hypertrophic differentiation and concomitant metabolism changes. Moreover, impaired motility and ECM properties may also provide clues about growth plate disorganization. These results also suggest that many signaling pathways may be directly or indirectly altered by FGFR3 and confirm the crucial role of FGFR3 in the control of growth plate development.
TrkB and Epileptogenesis

TrkB and Epileptogenesis by Robert Joseph Kotloski Department of Neurobiology Duke University Date:_August 27, 2007____ Approved: ___________________________ James O. McNamara, Advisor ___________________________ Michael D. Ehlers, Committee Chair ___________________________ Gouping Feng ___________________________ Wolfgang Liedtke ___________________________ Fan Wang An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Neurobiology in the Graduate School of Duke University
Trabecular Meshwork in Normal and Pathological Eyes

Purpose: The impact of glycosaminoglycans on intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients and in healthy young or aging subjects is explored. Materials and Methods: Thirty small autoptic samples were harvested from the tissue localized around the iridocorneal angle of the eye, taking care not to cause aesthetic damage. The samples came from three groups (young, old, and subjects with glaucoma). All samples were divided in two fragments and both were used for morphological and biochemical analyses. Quantitative data were obtained from image analysis to correlate with biochemical values. All results were statistically analyzed. Results: The findings show the following changes of iridocorneal angle are caused by glycosaminoglycans both in aging and in glacoumatous patients: (1) deposition of fibrous granular material and increased electron density of the structures close to the iridocorneal angle; and (2) strong decrease of hyaluronic acid content and increase of sulfated glycosaminoglycans. Conclusions: Similar to what happens in other tissues in the body, glycosaminoglycans of the human iridocorneal angle undergo physiological and pathological changes. The trabecular meshwork is the structure responsible for the regulation of the aqueous humor outflow that is often altered in primary open-angle glaucoma patients.
Worlds of Sense: Exploring the Senses in History and Across Cultures

"Worlds of Sense" is an historical and cross-cultural study of the senses and the ways in which different cultures "make sense" of the world. In the West we think in terms of visual models such as "world view". The Ongee of the Andaman Islands live in a world ordered by smell and the Tzotzil of Mexico hold that temperature is the basic force of the cosmos. What different modes of consciousness are created by treating smell or touch as a fundamental way of knowing? How does the sensory order of a culture relate to its social order? Is there a natural order of the senses? By asking such searching questions of different cultures, Constance Classen aims to illustrate that the differences in sensory perception can be striking. "Worlds of Sense" argues that perception cannot be treated as a purely physical act but that the list, hierarchy and ordering of the senses are deeply related to time and culture.
VIP Gene Deletion in Mice Causes Cardiomyopathy Associated with Upregulation of Heart Failure Genes

Rationale Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP), a pulmonary vasodilator and inhibitor of vascular smooth muscle proliferation, is absent in pulmonary arteries of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We previously determined that targeted deletion of the VIP gene in mice leads to PAH with pulmonary vascular remodeling and right ventricular (RV) dilatation. Whether the left ventricle is also affected by VIP gene deletion is unknown. In the current study, we examined if VIP knockout mice (VIP−/−) develop both right (RV) and left ventricular (LV) cardiomyopathy, manifested by LV dilatation and systolic dysfunction, as well as overexpression of genes conducive to heart failure. Methods We examined VIP−/−and wild type (WT) mice using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for evidence of cardiomyopathy associated with biventricular dilation and wall thickness changes. Lung tissue from VIP−/− and WT mice was subjected to whole-genome gene microarray analysis. Results Lungs from VIP−/− mice showed overexpression of cardiomyopathy genes: Myh1 was upregulated 224 times over WT, and Mylpf was increased 72 fold. Tnnt3 was increased 105 times and tnnc2 181 fold. Hearts were dilated in VIP−/− mice, with thinning of LV wall and increase in RV and LV chamber size, though RV enlargement varied. Weights of VIP−/− mice were consistently lower. Conclusions Critically-important heart failure-related genes are upregulated in VIP−/− mice associated with the spontaneous cardiomyopathy phenotype, involving both left and right ventricles, suggesting that loss of the VIP gene orchestrates a panoply of pathogenic genes which are detrimental to both left and right cardiac homeostasis.
Eigenvalue Steganography based on eigen characteristics of quantized DCT matrices

In this paper we propose a new JPEG-based steganography technique, using eigenvalues' properties of matrices of quantized DCT coefficients. We call this new approach, Eigenvalue Steganography. Usual steganography techniques based on JPEG images, hide data by changing the least significant bit (LSB) of DCT coefficients. Eigenvalue Steganography technique hides confidential data employing the eigenvalues of quantized DCT matrices and manipulating them. This technique suggests the subdivision of quantized DCT coefficients blocks into smaller submatrices in DCT domain. Afterwards, this technique efficiently hides confidential information among DCT submatrices, by employing the proposed algorithms and manipulating the eigenvalues of these submatrices. Experiments done in this paper, depicts that the two proposed methods to implement Eigenvalue Steganography show appropriate resistance against Subtractive Pixel Adjacency Matrix (SPAM) steganalyzer. This steganalysis model doesn't have the capability of proper detection for the suggested methods.
The type of shared activity shapes caregiver and infant communication [Reprint]

For the beginning language learner, communicative input is not based on linguistic codes alone. This study investigated two extralinguistic factors which are important for infants’ language development: the type of ongoing shared activity and non-verbal, deictic gestures. The natural interactions of 39 caregivers and their 12-month-old infants were recorded in two semi-natural contexts: a free play situation based on action and manipulation of objects, and a situation based on regard of objects, broadly analogous to an exhibit. Results show that the type of shared activity structures both caregivers’ language usage and caregivers’ and infants’ gesture usage. Further, there is a specific pattern with regard to how caregivers integrate speech with particular deictic gesture types. The findings demonstrate a pervasive influence of shared activities on human communication, even before language has emerged. The type of shared activity and caregivers’ systematic integration of specific forms of deictic gestures with language provide infants with a multimodal scaffold for a usage-based acquisition of language.
Management of primary care patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis: use of a therapeutic dose of low‐molecular‐weight heparin to avoid urgent ultrasonographic evaluation

Summary. Background: Out of hospital management of patients with suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can be problematic. The accuracy of clinical prediction rules in the primary care setting may be inadequate, D‐dimer testing may not be available, and the cost‐effectiveness of urgent ultrasonographic evaluation is uncertain. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of an empiric single therapeutic dose of low‐molecular weight heparin (LMWH) in the time interval preceding ultrasound investigation in patients presenting to primary care physicians (PCPs) for suspicion of DVT. Methods: Consecutive patients with suspected DVT who presented to the office of a PCP outside regular thrombosis center working hours were enrolled. All eligible patients received a single therapeutic dose of LMWH (100 anti‐Xa IU kg−1 weight) and were scheduled to undergo clinical and instrumental evaluation at the thrombosis center the morning after. Clinical events were documented after a 3‐month follow‐up. Results: A total of 534 consecutive patients with suspected DVT were included in this study; of these 102 patients had subsequent diagnosis of DVT. We detected no episodes of pulmonary embolism, major bleeding, or death during the 18‐h window between the administration of LMWH and objective evaluation. Of the 432 patients in whom diagnosis of DVT was subsequently excluded, only three (0.7%; CI: 0.2–2.0%) developed venous thromboembolic events during the 3‐month follow‐up period. Conclusions: Empiric treatment with a single therapeutic dose of LMWH is effective and safe for outpatients with suspected DVT initially managed in a primary care setting. This strategy has the potential to reduce the need for urgent diagnostic imaging.
A quantitative assessment of internal publics perception of their relationship with the organization

This study focuses on relationships. Specifically, it measures the relationship between the administration of a large public university in the southeastern United States, USF, and its primary internal public— the faculty. The purpose of this study is to measure the quality and type of relationship between an organization and it public, as perceived by the public. This study seeks to replicate and extend previous relational research by examining how the variables of trust, commitment, control mutuality, and satisfaction are related to the quality of relationships in organizations. In addition, the type of relationship—communal or exchange—that the faculty has with the university, is examined. This thesis also posits an additional indicator of relationship quality – goal compatibility. Therefore the following hypotheses are proposed: H1: Trust, commitment, satisfaction and control mutuality are indicators of relationship quality between and organization and its publics. H2: Goal compatibility is an indicator of relationship quality between an organization and its publics. Explicitly, this study seeks to explore the following:
Prison for Beginners? The Strengths, Limitations and Potential Applications of Prisoner Handbooks

Within this article we conduct a critical analysis of three prisoner handbooks: HM Prison Service: A Survival Guide (Cattermole 2011); The Little Book of Prison (Owens 2012); and Prisoners Information Book for Male Prisoners and Young Offenders (Prison Reform Trust and HM Prison Service 2008). We conclude that whilst currently falling short of meeting the needs of a diverse prison population, with further development, prisoner handbooks constitute a valuable potential tool in adaptation to prison life which can benefit not only prisoners but all those with a stake in the criminal justice system.
Rab6 and the secretory pathway affect oocyte polarity in Drosophila

The Drosophila oocyte is a highly polarized cell. Secretion occurs towards restricted neighboring cells and asymmetric transport controls the localization of several mRNAs to distinct cortical compartments. Here, we describe a role for the Drosophila ortholog of the Rab6 GTPase, Drab6, in establishing cell polarity during oogenesis. We found that Drab6 localizes to Golgi and Golgi-derived membranes and interacts with BicD. We also provide evidence that Drab6 and BicD function together to ensure the correct delivery of secretory pathway components, such as the TGFα homolog Gurken, to the plasma membrane. Moreover, in the absence of Drab6, osk mRNA localization and the organization of microtubule plus-ends at the posterior of the oocyte were both severely affected. Our results point to a possible connection between Rab protein-mediated secretion, organization of the cytoskeleton and mRNA transport.
Melatonin attenuates lipopolysaccharide‐induced down‐regulation of pregnane X receptor and its target gene CYP3A in mouse liver

Abstract: Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily that regulates target gene transcription in a ligand‐dependent manner. Our earlier study indicated that reactive oxygen species contribute to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced down‐regulation of PXR and its target gene CYP3A in mouse liver. Melatonin is a powerful endogenous antioxidants. In this study, we investigated the effects of melatonin on LPS‐induced down‐regulation of PXR and CYP3A in mouse liver. Mice were intraperitoneally administrated different doses of melatonin before and/or after LPS treatment. PXR and CYP3A11 mRNA levels were measured using RT‐PCR. Erythromycin N‐demethylase (ERND) was used as an indicator of CYP3A catalytic activity. Results indicated that melatonin significantly attenuated LPS‐induced down‐regulation of PXR and CYP3A11 mRNA levels in a dose‐dependent manner. Repeated doses of melatonin (10 mg/kg) treatments also significantly attenuated LPS‐induced down‐regulation of dexamethasone‐inducible CYP3A11 mRNA level and ERND activity in mouse liver. In addition, the present study also shows that melatonin significantly increased hepatic superoxide dismutase, Se‐dependent glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and catalase activities and glutathione levels in LPS‐treated mice. These findings suggest that melatonin may exert its protective effects on LPS‐induced down‐regulation of PXR and CYP3A via counteracting LPS‐induced oxidative stress in mouse liver.
The use of psychophysiological methods in the evaluation of mental commitment robots for elderly care

This study aims to conduct objective user evaluation of mental commitment robots for elderly care using psychophysiological methods, including heart rate, skin temperature, skin conductance, and eye gaze data. In stage 1, four males and five females aged from 57 to 67 years old were recruited to interact with eight robot prototypes. The purpose was to validate whether the measures are capable of differentiating the semi-elderly and elderly users’ feelings about the robots, as well as capturing a rough preference of the robot’s anthropomorphism, size, weight, voice pitch, and covering material. In stage 2, two teleoperated robots and two autonomous robots were adopted in real human–robot interaction (HRI) with six males and 10 females aged from 52 to 80 years old. The results reflect the semi-elderly and elderly users’ preference in real HRIs, which may facilitate the developers to respond to the market more closely and effectively.
Tactile sensing system using electro-tactile feedback

Tactile or touch sensing can enable an object's surface texture and other properties to be perceived which can facilitate grasping and manipulating various objects. Prosthetic hand users and operators of tele-operated robot arms also need to perceive these tactile properties by some means to effectively manipulate objects and performed skilled work. This paper introduces a tactile sensing and feedback system that is based on detecting surface vibrations in an artificial finger, when contact or friction with a surface is made, and appropriately stimulating nerves in the user's skin with electro-tactile feedback. This feedback system has benefits over existing systems because it can deliver a wide variety of sensations to the user and is compact, non-mechanical, wireless and comfortable for the user to wear. Experimental results are provided which show the potential of our system at achieving remote tactile sensing and feedback of textured surfaces.
FAST – An Automatic Generation System for Grammar Tests

This paper introduces a method for the semi-automatic generation of grammar test items by applying Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. Based on manually-designed patterns, sentences gathered from the Web are transformed into tests on grammaticality. The method involves representing test writing knowledge as test patterns, acquiring authentic sentences on the Web, and applying generation strategies to transform sentences into items. At runtime, sentences are converted into two types of TOEFL-style question: multiple-choice and error detection. We also describe a prototype system FAST (Free Assessment of Structural Tests). Evaluation on a set of generated questions indicates that the proposed method performs satisfactory quality. Our methodology provides a promising approach and offers significant potential for computer assisted language learning and assessment.
Designing a Shareable Musical TUI

paper proposes a design concept for a tangible interface for collaborative performances that incorporates two social factors present during performance, the individual creation and adaptation of technology and the sharing of it within a community. These factors are identified using the example of a laptop ensemble and then applied to three existing collaborative performance paradigms. Finally relevant technology, challenges and the current state of our implementation are discussed.
University of Huddersfield Repository Impulsivity in abstinent alcohol and polydrug dependence: a multidimensional approach

Rationale Dependence on drugs and alcohol is associated with impaired impulse control, but deficits are rarely compared across individuals dependent on different substances using several measures within a single study. Objectives We investigated impulsivity in abstinent substance-dependent individuals (AbD) using three complementary techniques: self-report, neuropsychological and neuroimaging. We hypothesised that AbDs would show increased impulsivity across modalities, and that this would depend on length of abstinence. Methods Data were collected from the ICCAM study: 57 control and 86 AbDs, comprising a group with a history of dependence on alcohol only ( n =27) and a group with history of dependence on multiple substances ( B polydrug ^ , n =59). All participants completed self-report measures of impulsivity: Barratt Impulsiveness Scale, UPPS Impulsive Behaviour Scale, Behaviour Inhibition/Activation System and Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory. They also performed three behavioural tasks: Stop Signal, Intra-Extra Dimensional Set-Shift and Kirby Delay Discounting; and completed a Go/ NoGo task during fMRI. Results AbDs scored significantly higher than controls on self-report measures, but alcohol and polydrug dependent groups did not differ significantly from Conclusions The results suggest that the current set of self-report measures of impulsivity is more sensitive in abstinent individuals than the behavioural or fMRI measures of neuronal activity. This highlights the importance of developing behavioural measures to assess different, more relevant, aspects of impulsivity alongside corresponding cognitive challenges for fMRI.
Non-Local Retinex - A Unifying Framework and Beyond

In this paper, we provide a short review of Retinex and then present a unifying framework. The fundamental assumption of all Retinex models is that the observed image is a multiplication between the illumination and the true underlying reflectance of the object. Starting from Morel's 2010 PDE model, where illumination is supposed to vary smoothly and where the reflectance is thus recovered from a hard-thresholded Laplacian of the observed image in a Poisson equation, we define our unifying Retinex model in two similar, but more general, steps. We reinterpret the gradient thresholding model as variational models with sparsity constraints. First, we look for a filtered gradient that is the solution of an optimization problem consisting of two terms: a sparsity prior of the reflectance and a fidelity prior of the reflectance gradient to the observed image gradient. Second, since this filtered gradient almost certainly is not a consistent image gradient, we then fit an actual reflectance gradient to it, subje.