Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Performance Enhancement Training on Hypertension, Human Attention, Stress, and Brain Wave Patterns

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of alpha-increase neurofeedback training (Performance Enhancement Training) on blood pressure, stress reduction, attention, and observe changes in brainwave patterns. A forty-nine-year-old male college student diagnosed with essential hypertension controlled by medication had undergone twenty-six sessions of alpha-increase biofeed-back (8-13 Hz) at PZ electrode site for a period of 15 weeks. Method: Pre- and post-blood pressure measurements were taken for every session. At the beginning of week number eight, the participant discontinued his medication as advised by his physician. Pre- and post-visual TOVA CPT test was administered to assess the changes in accuracy, reaction time (RT), and RT variability. Osterkamp and Press Self-Assessment Stress Inventory was administered before and after training to assess the level of stress. QEEG evaluation was conducted prior, as well as upon completion of the study. Results: Mean Arterial Blo.
The expression and roles of parent-of-origin genes in early embryogenesis of angiosperms

Uniparental transcripts during embryogenesis may arise due to gamete delivery during fertilization or genomic imprinting. Such transcripts have been found in a number of plant species and appear critical for the early development of embryo or endosperm in seeds. Although the regulatory expression mechanism and function of these genes in embryogenesis require further elucidation, recent studies suggest stage-specific and highly dynamic features that might be essential for critical developmental events such as zygotic division and cell fate determination during embryogenesis. Here, we summarize the current work in this field and discuss future research directions.
Brain and cognition

A concise and factual abstract is required. The abstract should state briefly the purpose of the research, the principal results and major conclusions. An abstract is often presented separately from the article, so it must be able to stand alone. For this reason, References should be avoided, but if essential, then cite the author(s) and year(s). Also, non-standard or uncommon abbreviations should be avoided, but if essential they must be defined at their first mention in the abstract itself. Graphical abstract Although a graphical abstract is optional, its use is encouraged as it draws more attention to the online article. The graphical abstract should summarize the contents of the article in a concise, pictorial form designed to capture the attention of a wide readership. Graphical abstracts should be submitted as a separate file in the online submission system. Image size: Please provide an image with a minimum of 531 × 1328 pixels (h × w) or proportionally more. The image should be readable at a size of 5 × 13 cm using a regular screen resolution of 96 dpi. Preferred file types: TIFF, EPS, PDF or MS Office files. You can view Example Graphical Abstracts on our information site. Authors can make use of Elsevier's Illustration Services to ensure the best presentation of their images and in accordance with all technical requirements.
Student-Centered and Teacher-Centered Classroom Management: A Case Study of Three Elementary Teachers.

The major purpose of this case study was to document the classroom management beliefs and practices of three teachers reputed to implement student-centered instruction and to examine the relationship between their instructional and managerial approaches. More specifically, do teachers who use student-centered instruction also implement studentcentered management? Results indicate that, although all three teachers used an eclectic approach, two teachers tended to be more student-centered while one was more teachercentered with respect to classroom management. All three teachers’ approaches also reflected the principles of “good classroom management” derived from studies conducted in the 1960’s and 1970’s in traditional transmission classrooms. Results also indicate that the teachers did think about the relationship between instruction and classroom management, but not in terms of using student-centered management to support their student-centered instruction. Rather, they thought about what management strategies were necessary to successfully implement a particular lesson.
What can we learn from noise? — Mesoscopic nonequilibrium statistical physics —

Mesoscopic systems — small electric circuits working in quantum regime — offer us a unique experimental stage to explorer quantum transport in a tunable and precise way. The purpose of this Review is to show how they can contribute to statistical physics. We introduce the significance of fluctuation, or equivalently noise, as noise measurement enables us to address the fundamental aspects of a physical system. The significance of the fluctuation theorem (FT) in statistical physics is noted. We explain what information can be deduced from the current noise measurement in mesoscopic systems. As an important application of the noise measurement to statistical physics, we describe our experimental work on the current and current noise in an electron interferometer, which is the first experimental test of FT in quantum regime. Our attempt will shed new light in the research field of mesoscopic quantum statistical physics.
Death Receptors and Caspases But Not Mitochondria Are Activated in the GDNF- or BDNF-Deprived Dopaminergic Neurons

Neurotrophic factors, including glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promote survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, but the death pathways activated in the dopaminergic neurons by deprivation of these factors are poorly studied. We show here that deprivation of GDNF or BDNF triggers a novel mitochondria-independent death pathway in the cultured embryonic dopaminergic neurons: cytochrome c was not released from the mitochondria to cytosol, proapoptotic protein Bax was not activated, and overexpressed Bcl-xL did not block the death. Caspases were critically required, because the death was completely blocked by caspase inhibitor BAF [boc-aspartyl(OMe)-fluoromethylketone] and overexpression of dominant-negative mutants of caspase-9, -3, and -7 significantly blocked the death. Also, the death receptor pathway was involved, because blockage of caspase-8 or FADD (Fas-associated protein with death domain), an adapter required for caspase-8 activation, inhibited death induced by GDNF or BDNF deprivation. Ligation of Fas by agonistic anti-Fas antibody induced apoptosis in the GDNF- or BDNF-maintained neurons, and inhibition of Fas by Fas-Fc chimera blocked the death of GDNF- or BDNF-deprived neurons, whereas FAIML (long isoform of Fas apoptosis inhibitory molecule) could control the activity of Fas in the dopaminergic neurons.
Postural variation of pulmonary diffusing capacity as a marker of lung microangiopathy in Indian patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is characterized by the presence of chronic hyperglycemia and formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Interaction between AGE and its receptor leads to endothelial damage and microangiopathy. This study was undertaken to investigate the possibility of using a postural variation of diffusing capacity as an early marker of lung microangiopathy and its correlation with the level of adhesion molecules, HbA1c, duration of diabetes, and insulin resistance in type 2 DM (T2DM) patients with and without microangiopathy. Materials and Methods: Forty patients having T2DM without any microangiopathy (n = 20) as well as with microangiopathy (n = 20), and 22 age and sex matched healthy controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Measurement of lung volumes and capacities were done. DLco was measured in sitting and supine position. Levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), E-selectin, fasting glucose, and insulin were estimated in plasma of the patients and compared with controls. Results: Restrictive type of ventilatory change was observed in DM patients. Diffusing capacity (% predicted) in the supine position (P < 0.0001), postural change in DLco (P < 0.0001), and coefficient of diffusion were significantly less in DM patients as compared to controls. Plasma levels of VCAM-1 were significantly higher in DM patients without microangiopathy and negatively correlated (r = −0.4054, P = 0.0094) with Δ DLco in all diabetic subjects. All patients had significantly higher insulin resistance. Conclusion: Lack of postural increase in diffusing capacity in type 2 diabetic patients along with increased VCAM-1 levels could reflect the presence of an early microangiopathy of the small pulmonary vessels.
THREE ESSAYS ON INFORMATION TRANSMISSION GAMES AND BELIEFS IN PERFECT INFORMATION GAMES

This dissertation consists of three chapters. The first two chapters study strategic information transmission. The third chapter studies beliefs in perfect information games. The first chapter examines strategic information transmission with interacting decision-makers. I analyze a cheap-talk game between an informed agent and two uninformed decision-makers who coordinate their actions. I compare public communication with private communication. I find that the agent responds to the decision-makers' coordination by providing less precise information. Conditions that support a full information revelation equilibrium in private communication also support the same type of equilibrium in public communication; but the reverse is not true. The second chapter investigates the role of persuasion mechanisms in collective decision-making. A persuasion mechanism consists of a family of conditional distributions over the underlying state space. A biased, perfectly informed sender adopts a persuasion mechanism to provide a group of uninformed receivers with signals about the unknown state of the world. I compare public persuasion with private persuasion. I find that the sender can always reach the convex upper bound of the set of expected payoffs under public persuasion, regardless of the number of signals or the signals' correlation structure. The sender is worse off under private persuasion. Moreover, I show that private persuasion is always more informative than its public counterpart. As a result, the receivers make better decisions under private persuasion. The third chapter experimentally explores people's beliefs behind the failure of backward induction in the centipede games. I elicit players' beliefs about opponents' strategies and 1st-order beliefs. I find that subjects maximize their monetary payoffs according to their stated beliefs less frequently in the Baseline Centipede treatment where an efficient non-equilibrium outcome exists; they do so more frequently in the Constant Sum treatment where the efficiency property is removed. Moreover, subjects believe their opponents' maximizing behavior and expect their opponents to hold the same belief less frequently in the Baseline Centipede treatment and more frequently in the Constant Sum treatment.
A novel molecular grading model: combination of Ki67 and VEGF in predicting tumor recurrence and progression in non-invasive urothelial bladder cancer.

PURPOSE To assess efficacy of Ki67 combined with VEGF as a molecular grading model to predict outcomes with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). MATERIALS 72 NMIBC patients who underwent transurethral resection (TUR) followed by routine intravesical instillations were retrospectively analyzed in this study. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to confirm the prognostic values of the Ki67 labeling index (LI) and VEGF scoring for tumor recurrence and progression. RESULTS The novel molecular grading model for NMIBC contained three molecular grades including mG1 (Ki67 LI≤25%, VEGF scoring≤8), mG2 (Ki67 LI>25%, VEGF scoring≤8; or Ki67 LI≤25%, VEGF scoring>8), and mG3 (Ki67 LI>25%, VEGF scoring>8), which can indicate favorable, intermediate and poor prognosis, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The described novel molecular grading model utilizing Ki67 LI and VEGF scoring is helpful to effectively and accurately predict outcomes and optimize personal therapy.
MiR-34a Represses Numbl in Murine Neural Progenitor Cells and Antagonizes Neuronal Differentiation

MicroRNA (miRNA) function is required for normal animal development, in particular in differentiation pathways from stem cell and precursor populations. In neurogenesis, it is becoming increasingly appreciated that miRNAs act at many stages to ensure proper progression. In this study we examined the role of miR-34a in neural progenitor cells (NPC) derived from murine embryonic cortex. We found that over-expression of miR-34a in NPC significantly reduced the neuron yield upon in vitro induction of differentiation. MiR-34a has several predicted targets in the Notch pathway, which operates to balance progenitor self-renewal and differentiation during cortical neurogenesis. We tested several Notch pathway players for regulation by miR-34a in undifferentiated NPC, and found that mRNA and protein levels of Numbl, a negative regulator of Notch signaling, as well as two downstream pro-neural genes usually blocked by Notch signaling, NeuroD1 and Mash1, were diminished, while Notch1 and Cbf1 transcripts were enhanced by miR-34a over-expression. Using a luciferase reporter assay, we verified the Numbl 3′-UTR as a direct miR-34a target. Correspondingly, knock-down of endogenous miR-34a resulted in increased Numbl, NeuroD1 and Mash1, and reduced Notch1 transcript levels. Together these results implicate Numbl as a physiologically relevant target of miR-34a in NPC, allowing for enhanced Notch signaling and inhibition of neuronal differentiation. This work extends our understanding of miR-34a-mediated control of cell differentiation from cancer to mammalian nervous system development.
Partial Procedural Geometric Model Fitting for Point Clouds

Geometric model fitting is a fundamental task in computer graphics and computer vision. However, most geometric model fitting methods are unable to fit an arbitrary geometric model (e.g. a surface with holes) to incomplete data, due to that the similarity metrics used in these methods are unable to measure the rigid partial similarity between arbitrary models. This paper hence proposes a novel rigid geometric similarity metric, which is able to measure both the full similarity and the partial similarity between arbitrary geometric models. The proposed metric enables us to perform partial procedural geometric model fitting (PPGMF). The task of PPGMF is to search a procedural geometric model space for the model rigidly similar to a query of non-complete point set. Models in the procedural model space are generated according to a set of parametric modeling rules. A typical query is a point cloud. PPGMF is very useful as it can be used to fit arbitrary geometric models to non-complete (incomplete, over-complete or hybrid-complete) point cloud data. For example, most laser scanning data is non-complete due to occlusion. Our PPGMF method uses Markov chain Monte Carlo technique to optimize the proposed similarity metric over the model space. To accelerate the optimization process, the method also employs a novel coarse-to-fine model dividing strategy to reject dissimilar models in advance. Our method has been demonstrated on a variety of geometric models and non-complete data. Experimental results show that the PPGMF method based on the proposed metric is able to fit non-complete data, while the method based on other metrics is unable. It is also shown that our method can be accelerated by several times via early rejection.
Mixed method research: Methodological eclecticism or muddled thinking?

As educational leaders it is important to keep abreast of research trends in order to conduct our own research to rigorous standards or judge the credibility of the research that we read. In recent years, mixed method research has been proffered as an approach that bridges the quantitative-qualitative divide and provides more rigour in educational research contexts. This article holds this view up to scrutiny. While the author does not oppose mixed method research per se, she argues that not all those undertaking it have thought through the issues and implications before they embark on a mixed method approach. In a recent article in Educational Researcher (Yanchar and Williams, 2006), the writers offer a useful set of principles to consider. This author takes these principles (contextual sensitivity, creativity, conceptual awareness, coherence, and critical reflection) as a framework for arguing a case for heightened critical awareness when choosing to work in a mixed method mode.
Consensus power agent model and stability analysis for (n,k)-star power grids

This paper investigates the properties and effects of a novel consensus control power agent model and information discovery algorithm for (n,k)-star power distribution system. This system is a combination of power components represented by power agents in a interconnected networked topology called (n,k)-star. The generator agent model is based on the real-time control model for generator turbines. It is reactive to power flow and can change its status in response to received information from neighboring agents. Also, with the change of this generator agent model, we investigated its influence on system stability of the control algorithm. We show that with the new real-time generator agent model, the cooperative control algorithm we present is stable on a simple gain controller and can reach a consensus state for the whole (n,k)-star networked system. This consensus algorithm is then simulated to illustrate the convergence and stability on information discovery of the (n,k)-star power distribution system.
Regulation of AMPA Receptor Trafficking and Function by Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3*

Accumulating evidence suggests that glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is a multifunctional kinase implicated in neuronal development, mood stabilization, and neurodegeneration. However, the synaptic actions of GSK-3 are largely unknown. In this study, we examined the impact of GSK-3 on AMPA receptor (AMPAR) channels, the major mediator of excitatory transmission, in cortical neurons. Application of GSK-3 inhibitors or knockdown of GSK-3 caused a significant reduction of the amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC), a readout of the unitary strength of synaptic AMPARs. Treatment with GSK-3 inhibitors also decreased surface and synaptic GluR1 clusters on dendrites and increased internalized GluR1 in cortical cultures. Rab5, the small GTPase controlling the transport from plasma membrane to early endosomes, was activated by GSK-3 inhibitors. Knockdown of Rab5 prevented GSK-3 inhibitors from regulating mEPSC amplitude. Guanyl nucleotide dissociation inhibitor (GDI), which regulates the cycle of Rab5 between membrane and cytosol, formed an increased complex with Rab5 after treatment with GSK-3 inhibitors. Blocking the function of GDI occluded the effect of GSK-3 inhibitors on mEPSC amplitude. In cells transfected with the non-phosphorylatable GDI mutant, GDI(S45A), GSK-3 inhibitors lost the capability to regulate GDI-Rab5 complex, mEPSC amplitude, and AMPAR surface expression. These results suggest that GSK-3, via altering the GDI-Rab5 complex, regulates Rab5-mediated endocytosis of AMPARs. It provides a potential mechanism underlying the role of GSK-3 in synaptic transmission and plasticity.
D-FRI-WinFirewall: Dynamic fuzzy rule interpolation for Windows Firewall

Dynamic fuzzy rule interpolation (D-FRI) consists of functionalities of fuzzy rule interpolation and dynamically refinement of the fuzzy rule base. It can be integrated with any fuzzy intelligent system to extend the system's capabilities in addition to its normal fuzzy reasoning. Systems security is one of the areas that require dynamic monitoring due to the nature of possible threats; static rule-based systems cannot cover all reoriented security threats accurately in the long run. D-FRI provides a possible solution to such problems, potentially making various security tools (e.g., those for firewall, intrusion detection and traffic analysis) more effective. As a particular application, this paper exploits D-FRI to dynamically support Microsoft Windows Firewall, resulting in a robust system named D-FRI-WinFirewall. Given the general utility of Windows Firewall, the impact of this work is far-reaching. The work reported here focusses on the monitoring and prevention of denial of service (DoS) attacks, which is not possible by utilising the standard Windows Firewall alone. In particular, two sub-systems are designed, implemented and tested within D-FRI-WinFirewall, with an effort to detect and prevent two serious types of DoS attack: ICMP DoS attack and UDP DoS attack, leading the Windows Firewall to outperform popular and expensive firewalls, which are yet unable to handle DoS attacks.
A Five-Week Exercise Program Can Reduce Falls and Improve Obstacle Avoidance in the Elderly

Background: Falls in the elderly are a major health problem. Although exercise programs have been shown to reduce the risk of falls, the optimal exercise components, as well as the working mechanisms that underlie the effectiveness of these programs, have not yet been established. Objective: To test whether the Nijmegen Falls Prevention Program was effective in reducing falls and improving standing balance, balance confidence, and obstacle avoidance performance in community-dwelling elderly people. Methods: A total of 113 elderly with a history of falls participated in this study (exercise group, n = 79; control group, n = 28; dropouts before randomization, n = 6). Exercise sessions were held twice weekly for 5 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention fall monitoring and quantitative motor control assessments were performed. The outcome measures were the number of falls, standing balance and obstacle avoidance performance, and balance confidence scores. Results: The number of falls in the exercise group decreased by 46% (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.36–0.79) compared to the number of falls during the baseline period and by 46% (IRR 0.54, 95% CI 0.34–0.86) compared to the control group. Obstacle avoidance success rates improved significantly more in the exercise group (on average 12%) compared to the control group (on average 6%). Quiet stance and weight-shifting measures did not show significant effects of exercise. The exercise group also had a 6% increase of balance confidence scores. Conclusion: The Nijmegen Falls Prevention Program was effective in reducing the incidence of falls in otherwise healthy elderly. There was no evidence of improved control of posture as a mechanism underlying this result. In contrast, an obstacle avoidance task indicated that subjects improved their performance. Laboratory obstacle avoidance tests may therefore be better instruments to evaluate future fall prevention studies than posturographic balance assessments.