Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Choice-Based Elicitation and Decomposition of Decision Weights for Gains and Losses Under Uncertainty

This paper reports the results of an experimental parameter-free elicitation and decomposition of decision weights under uncertainty. Assuming cumulative prospect theory, utility functions were elicited for gains and losses at an individual level using the tradeoff method. Subsequently, decision weights were elicited through certainty equivalents of uncertain two-outcome prospects. Furthermore, decision weights were decomposed using observable choice instead of invoking other empirical primitives, as in previous experimental studies. The choice-based elicitation of decision weights allows for a quantitative study of their characteristics, and also allows, among other things, for the examination of the sign-dependence hypothesis for observed choice under uncertainty. Our results confirm concavity of the utility function in the gain domain and bounded subadditivity of decision weights and choice-based subjective probabilities. We also find evidence for sign dependence of decision weights.
Detecting genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease in whole genome sequence data via Lasso screening

Genetic factors play a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) whole genome sequence (WGS) data offers new power to investigate mechanisms of AD by combining entire genome sequences with neuroimaging and clinical data. Here we explore the ADNI WGS SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) data in depth and extract approximately six million valid SNP features. We investigate imaging genetics associations using Lasso regression - a widely used sparse learning technique. To solve the large-scale Lasso problem more efficiently, we employ a highly efficient screening rule for Lasso - called dual polytope projections (DPP) - to remove irrelevant features from the optimization problem. Experiments demonstrate that the DPP can effectively identify irrelevant features and leads to a 400× speedup. This allows us for the first time to run the compute-intensive model selection procedure called stability selection to rank SNPs that may affect the brain and AD risk.
Epstein-Barr Virus LMP2A Enhances B-Cell Responses In Vivo and In Vitro

ABSTRACT Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes latent infections in a significant percentage of the population. Latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) is an EBV protein expressed during latency that inhibits B-cell receptor signaling in lymphoblastoid cell lines. In the present study, we have utilized a transgenic mouse system in which LMP2A is expressed in B cells that are specific for hen egg lysozyme (E/HEL-Tg). To determine if LMP2A allows B cells to respond to antigen, E/HEL-Tg mice were immunized with hen egg lysozyme. E/HEL-Tg mice produced antibody in response to antigen, indicating that LMP2A allows B cells to respond to antigen. In addition, E/HEL-Tg mice produced more antibody and an increased percentage of plasma cells after immunization compared to HEL-Tg littermates, suggesting that LMP2A increased the antibody response in vivo. Finally, in vitro studies determined that LMP2A acts directly on the B cell to increase antibody production by augmenting the expansion and survival of the activated B cells, as well as increasing the percentage of plasma cells generated. Taken together, these data suggest that LMP2A enhances, not diminishes, B-cell-specific antibody responses in vivo and in vitro in the E/HEL-Tg system.
Structural Characterization of Outer Membrane Components of the Type IV Pili System in Pathogenic Neisseria

Structures of the type IV pili secretin complexes from Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Neisseria meningitidis, embedded in outer membranes were investigated by transmission electron microscopy. Single particle averaging revealed additional domains not observed previously. Secretin complexes of N. gonorrhoeae showed a double ring structure with a 14–15-fold symmetry in the central ring, and a 14-fold symmetry of the peripheral ring with 7 spikes protruding. In secretin complexes of N. meningitidis, the spikes were absent and the peripheral ring was partly or completely lacking. When present, it had a 19-fold symmetry. The structures of the complexes in several pil mutants were determined. Structures obtained from the pilC1/C2 adhesin and the pilW minor pilin deletion strains were similar to wild-type, whereas deletion of the homologue of N. meningitidis PilW resulted in the absence of secretin structures. Remarkably, the pilE pilin subunit and pilP lipoprotein deletion mutants showed a change in the symmetry of the peripheral ring from 14 to 19 and loss of spikes. The pilF ATPase mutant also lost the spikes, but maintained 14-fold symmetry. These results show that secretin complexes contain previously unidentified large and flexible extra domains with a probable role in stabilization or assembly of type IV pili.
Voice disguise by mimicry: deriving statistical articulometric evidence to evaluate claimed impersonation

Voice disguise by impersonation is often used in voice-based crimes by perpetrators who try to evade identification while sounding genuine. Voice evidence from these crimes is analysed to both detect impersonation, and match the impersonated voice to the natural voice of the speaker to prove its correct ownership. There are interesting situations, however, where a speaker might be confronted with voice evidence that perceptually sounds like their natural voice but may deny ownership of it, claiming instead that it is the production of an expert impersonator. This is a bizarre claim, but plausible since the human voice has a great degree of natural variation. It poses a difficult forensic problem: instead of detecting impersonation one must now prove the absence of it, and instead of matching the evidence with the natural voice of the person one must show that they cannot not have a common originator. The authors address the problem of disproving the denial of voice ownership from an articulatory-phonetic perspective, and propose a hypothesis-testing framework that may be used to solve it. The authors demonstrate their approach on data comprising voices of prominent political figures in USA, and their expert impersonators.
NUDT16 and ITPA play a dual protective role in maintaining chromosome stability and cell growth by eliminating dIDP/IDP and dITP/ITP from nucleotide pools in mammals

Mammalian inosine triphosphatase encoded by ITPA gene hydrolyzes ITP and dITP to monophosphates, avoiding their deleterious effects. Itpa− mice exhibited perinatal lethality, and significantly higher levels of inosine in cellular RNA and deoxyinosine in nuclear DNA were detected in Itpa− embryos than in wild-type embryos. Therefore, we examined the effects of ITPA deficiency on mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs). Itpa− primary MEFs lacking ITP-hydrolyzing activity exhibited a prolonged doubling time, increased chromosome abnormalities and accumulation of single-strand breaks in nuclear DNA, compared with primary MEFs prepared from wild-type embryos. However, immortalized Itpa− MEFs had neither of these phenotypes and had a significantly higher ITP/IDP-hydrolyzing activity than Itpa− embryos or primary MEFs. Mammalian NUDT16 proteins exhibit strong dIDP/IDP-hydrolyzing activity and similarly low levels of Nudt16 mRNA and protein were detected in primary MEFs derived from both wild-type and Itpa− embryos. However, immortalized Itpa− MEFs expressed significantly higher levels of Nudt16 than the wild type. Moreover, introduction of silencing RNAs against Nudt16 into immortalized Itpa− MEFs reproduced ITPA-deficient phenotypes. We thus conclude that NUDT16 and ITPA play a dual protective role for eliminating dIDP/IDP and dITP/ITP from nucleotide pools in mammals.
Localization and neuroimaging in neuropsychology

A. Kertesz, Localization and Function: Old Issues Revisited and New Developments. G.A. Ojemann, Cortical Stimulation and Recording in Language. R. Lesser, S. Arroyo, J. Hart, and B. Gordon, Use of Subdural Electrodes for the Study of Language Functions. D. Swick, M. Kutas, and H.J. Neville, Localizing the Neural Generators of Event-Related Brain Potentials. E.J. Metter and W.R. Hanson, Use of Positron Emission Tomography to Study Aphasia. H. Chertkow and D. Bub, Functional Activation and Cognition: The 15O PET Subtraction Method. J.R. Binder and S.M. Rao, Human Brain Mapping with Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. A. Kertesz and M.A. Naeser, Anatomical Asymmetries and Cerebral Lateralization. M.A. Naeser, Neuroimaging and Recovery of Auditory Comprehension and Spontaneous Speech in Aphasia with Some Implications for Treatment in Severe Asphasia. S.Z. Rapcsak and A.B. Rubens, Localization of Lesions in Transcortical Aphasia. S.E. Black and M. Behrmann, Localization in Alexia. D.P. Roeltgen, Localization of Lesions in Agraphia. L.J. Gonzalez-Rothi, A.S. Raade, and K.M. Heilman, Localization of Lesions in Limb and Buccofacial Apraxia. J. Jankowiak and M.L. Albert, Lesion Localization in Visual Agnosia. J. Sergent, Cognitive and Neural Structures in Face Processing. K.M. Heilman, R.T. Watson, and E. Valenstein, Localization of Lesions in Neglect and Related Disorders. A. Kirk and A. Kertesz, Localization of Lesions in Constructional Impairment. S. Cappa and C. -W. Wallesch, Subcortical Lesions and Cognitive Deficits. A. Kertesz, Frontal Lesions and Function. T.L. Jernigan and L.S. Cermak, Structural Basis of Memory. K.F. Gray and J.L. Cummings, Neuroimaging in Dementia. Index.
MBMAS: A System for Malware Behavior Monitor and Analysis

In this paper, we present MBMAS, a system for malware behavior monitor and analysis. MBMAS executes a malware sample in a controllable environment, monitors the state of system in five aspects including process, file system, registry, port and network, and automatically generates a detailed report. MBMAS provides useful filter mechanism which can only monitor the behaviors of processes created by malware. In this case, we can only capture information we need without losing any important information. MBMAS also provides automatic analysis function to analyze the behaviors of malware from captured information, and output a shortest report only includes behaviors of file creation, file deletion, registry changed and port opened. This report not only can be used by anti-virus software directly, but also can be used by common users who used for eliminating the malware and recovering operating system.
Fathers struggling for relevance in the care of their terminally ill child

Abstract Children with terminal illness receive substantial amounts of care from their parents within their home, a palliative care facility or general hospital. Whilst there is a long history of research exploring child and family experiences and coping styles within these settings, the focus has not been on fathers' participation in care-giving. This phenomenon can be explained by traditional sex-role socialisations whereby men are ostensibly conditioned as breadwinners and mothers remain embedded as the primary carers for children, particularly when illness arises. Nevertheless, nurses report that men do provide direct caregiving or seek to be more involved in caring for their child. This literature review offers opportunities for health professionals to reflect on the significance of gender in parenting the terminally ill child and to develop empathy for men experiencing difficulties in their role as care-givers. As there is little literature available on this topic, this paper portrays men's experiences and importantly the barriers they encounter in meeting their desire to care. The approach provides a suitable basis for developing a research agenda to promote competencies and relevance for fathers in their role as care-giver.
Successful Revascularization of Acute Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion by Intravenous Thrombolysis While on Apixaban

© 2006 2017 Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology | Published by Wolters Kluwer Medknow This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution‐NonCommercial‐ShareAlike 3.0 License, which allows others to remix, tweak, and build upon the work non‐commercially, as long as the author is credited and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms. Dural Sinus Thrombosis (ISCVT). Stroke 2004;35:664-70. 4. Patil VC, Choraria K, Desai N, Agrawal S. Clinical profile and outcome of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis at tertiary care center. J Neurosci Rural Pract 2014;5:218-24. 5. Einhäupl K, Stam J, Bousser MG, De Bruijn SF, Ferro JM, Martinelli I, et al. EFNS guideline on the treatment of cerebral venous and sinus thrombosis in adult patients. Eur J Neurol 2010;17:1229-35.
Reconstructing strip-shredded documents using color as feature matching

This paper discusses the destroyed documents that have been strip-shredded, which is a often problem in forensic science. The proposed method first extracts features based on color of the boundaries and then computes the nearest neighbor algorithm to carry out the local reconstruction. In this way the overall complexity can be dramatically reduced because few features are used to perform the matching. The preliminary results reported in this paper, which take into account a two hundred documents database, demonstrate that color-matching-based method produces interesting results for the problem of document reconstruction and can be of interest to the forensic document examiners and provide some effective solutions for law enforcement practitioners.
Transcatheter closure of large secundum atrial septal defects using the 40 mm Amplatzer septal occluder: Results of an international registry

Little is known about the efficacy and safety of the 40 mm Amplatzer septal occluder (ASO). Thirty‐three patients (22 female, 11 male) with a large secundum atrial septal defect (ASD) underwent attempted device closure using the 40 mm ASO at a median age of 40 years (range, 14–81 years) and median weight of 65 kg (range, 48–98 kg). The median size of the ASD measured on 2D transesophageal echocardiography (27 patients) or intracardiac echocardiography (6 patients) was 30.5 mm (range, 24–39 mm) and the median balloon‐stretched diameter was 37.7 mm (range, 32–43.7 mm). The median Qp:Qs ratio was 3.2:1 (range, 1.4–6.2). The attempt was unsuccessful in five patients; two had device embolization and one had left atrial wall perforation due to the sheath; all three required emergent surgery. The attempt was successful in the 28 remaining patients, resulting in complete immediate closure in 14 and a trivial residual shunt in 14. Fluoroscopy time ranged from 8.6 to 37.8 min (median, 12.2 min). At 24‐hr follow‐up, 2D transthoracic echocardiography with color flow Doppler revealed complete closure in 23 patients, and 5 had a trivial residual shunt. There were no complications encountered in patients who received the device. On follow‐up, all patients are doing well. We conclude that the 40 mm ASO is safe and effective in most patients with a large ASD up to a diameter of 39 mm. However, the use of this device requires careful attention as the procedure may be unsuccessful or the device may embolize. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Pneumatic Manipulator used in Direct Contact with an Operator

Repetitive manual handling of heavy loads is common in assembly and is a frequent cause of lower back disorders. This can have a significant impact on the quality of life and has a serious economic cost. This paper presents the concept of a lightweight manipulator that can interact directly with an operator in order to assist him in handling heavy loads. The advantages of the system, ergonomics, low weight, low cost, ease of operation and operator safety are a consequence of the use of Pleated Pneumatic Artificial Muscles as actuators. The design of a small-scale model of such a manipulator using these actuators is presented in detail. A simple position controller for the system is also presented.
The Genome of the Diatom Thalassiosira Pseudonana: Ecology, Evolution, and Metabolism

Diatoms are unicellular algae with plastids acquired by secondary endosymbiosis. They are responsible for ∼20% of global carbon fixation. We report the 34 million–base pair draft nuclear genome of the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana and its 129 thousand–base pair plastid and 44 thousand–base pair mitochondrial genomes. Sequence and optical restriction mapping revealed 24 diploid nuclear chromosomes. We identified novel genes for silicic acid transport and formation of silica-based cell walls, high-affinity iron uptake, biosynthetic enzymes for several types of polyunsaturated fatty acids, use of a range of nitrogenous compounds, and a complete urea cycle, all attributes that allow diatoms to prosper in aquatic environments.
Dexamethasone Reduces Sensitivity to Cisplatin by Blunting p53-Dependent Cellular Senescence in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction Dexamethasone (DEX) co-treatment has proved beneficial in NSCLC patients, improving clinical symptoms by the reduction of side effects after chemotherapy. However, recent studies have shown that DEX could render cancer cells more insensitive to cytotoxic drug therapy, but it is not known whether DEX co-treatment could influence therapy-induced senescence (TIS), and unknown whether it is in a p53-dependent or p53-independent manner. Methods We examined in different human NSCLC cell lines and detected cellular senescence after cisplatin (DDP) treatment in the presence or absence of DEX. The in vivo effect of the combination of DEX and DDP was assessed by tumor growth experiments using human lung cancer cell lines growing as xenograft tumors in nude mice. Results Co-treatment with DEX during chemotherapy in NSCLC resulted in increased tumor cell viability and inhibition of TIS compared with DDP treated group. DEX co-treatment cells exhibited the decrease of DNA damage signaling pathway proteins, the lower expression of p53 and p21CIP1, the lower cellular secretory program and down-regulation of NF-κB and its signaling cascade. DEX also significantly reduced DDP sensitivity in vivo. Conclusions Our results underscore that DEX reduces chemotherapy sensitivity by blunting therapy induced cellular senescence after chemotherapy in NSCLC, which may, at least in part, in a p53-dependent manner. These data therefore raise concerns about the widespread combined use of gluocorticoids (GCs) with antineoplastic drugs in the clinical management of cancer patients.
Determination of the Problems Experienced by Patients Post-Thyroidectomy

This descriptive, cross-sectional study investigated problems experienced by patients after undergoing a thyroidectomy. The study included 60 first-time, post-thyroidectomy patients diagnosed with benign thyroid disease from a university hospital’s general surgery clinic in Ankara, Turkey. The data were collected in two stages: interviews with patients on the first day following surgery and postoperative follow-up telephone interviews in each of the first 4 weeks following surgery. The follow-ups revealed that patients principally experienced varying degrees of pain and difficulties in connection with work and recreation, communication, body image, and movement, for up to 4 weeks after surgery. These results showed that patients were particularly prone to problems on the first day and during the first week of the postoperative period; therefore, patients should be provided with follow-up telephone interviews to facilitate easier recovery and to help them overcome any problems experienced during the postoperative period.
CONVERGENCE OF THE NELDER

This paper analyzes the behavior of the Nelder–Mead simplex method for a family of examples which cause the method to converge to a nonstationary point. All the examples use continuous functions of two variables. The family of functions contains strictly convex functions with up to three continuous derivatives. In all the examples the method repeatedly applies the inside contraction step with the best vertex remaining fixed. The simplices tend to a straight line which is orthogonal to the steepest descent direction. It is shown that this behavior cannot occur for functions with more than three continuous derivatives. The stability of the examples is analyzed.
One Update for all Moving Objects at a Timestamp

Concurrently with fast development of location aware technologies, many applications have been developing to exploit location data for serving people. However, a main challenge in a highly dynamic environment is that massive size of incoming data can be sent from a vast number of objects changing at current time. Although the indexing technique is a promise of efficiently managing large data, updating indexed data on current changes has not been solved efficiently. Therefore, in this paper, we propose an Updating method applied for indexing methods developed from the R-tree. The idea is that instead of incurring the high cost of updating an indexed data on many new states at a time, an indexing method can easily update the data on all the states just once. In our experiments, in addition to much improving update performance, the approach even increases quality of queries extracted from indexed data. This approach can be used to support methods managing data from traffic surveillance systems.
Bounded integral control for regulating input-to-state stable non-linear systems

In this paper, a bounded integral controller (BIC) is proposed for regulating non-linear systems with guaranteed closed-loop system stability. It is proven that the BIC generates a bounded control output independently from the plant parameters and states and guarantees closed-loop system stability in the sense of boundedness with the only knowledge of the input-to-state (practical) stability (ISpS) of the plant. Furthermore, an analytic selection of the BIC parameters is presented to guarantee a given bound for the control output, suitably extending the BIC application to locally ISpS plant systems as well. Its performance is investigated using non-linear Lyapunov methods and it is proven that it can approximate the behavior of the traditional integral controller (IC) near steady state. Simulation results of a locally ISS system are provided to compare the BIC with the IC operation under a given bound of the control output.