Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An Integrated Account of Explanation and Question Answering

Many high-level cognitive tasks involve understanding – the mechanisms by which an agent attempts to construct accurate mental representations of its world. In this paper, we discuss two such processes: explanation and question answering. We propose four theoretical assumptions about representation and processing that arise in these tasks: both involve inference, this inference requires making default assumptions, it occurs in an incremental manner, and it produces structures that can be expressed as directed graphs of conceptual ground literals. We analyze two models of explanation and question answering in terms of these commonalities and evaluate experimental claims about them using reading comprehension passages. In closing, we discuss our findings in light of related research.
On the complexity of task allocation

A detailed study is presented on the combinatorial optimization problem of allocating parallel tasks to a parallel computer. Depending on two application/machine-specific parameters, both a sequential and a parallel optimal allocation phase are shown to exist. A sudden “phase” transition is observed if one of these parameters is varied. Simulated annealing is used to find the optimal allocations, which is justified by the self-similar structure of the task allocation energy landscape. It is shown that the difficulty of finding optimal allocations behaves anomalously near the transition, analogous to critical slowing down of simulated equilibration at second-order phase transitions. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Self-regulation via neural simulation

Significance As Harper Lee tells us in To Kill a Mockingbird, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view, until you climb in his skin and walk around in it. ” Classic theories in social psychology argue that this purported process of social simulation provides the foundations for self-regulation. In light of this, we investigated the neural processes whereby humans may regulate their affective responses to an event by simulating the way others would respond to it. Our results suggest that during perspective-taking, behavioral and neural signatures of negative affect indeed mimic the presumed affective state of others. Furthermore, the anterior medial prefrontal cortex—a region implicated in mental state inference—may orchestrate this affective simulation process. Can taking the perspective of other people modify our own affective responses to stimuli? To address this question, we examined the neurobiological mechanisms supporting the ability to take another person’s perspective and thereby emotionally experience the world as they would. We measured participants’ neural activity as they attempted to predict the emotional responses of two individuals that differed in terms of their proneness to experience negative affect. Results showed that behavioral and neural signatures of negative affect (amygdala activity and a distributed multivoxel pattern reflecting affective negativity) simulated the presumed affective state of the target person. Furthermore, the anterior medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC)—a region implicated in mental state inference—exhibited a perspective-dependent pattern of connectivity with the amygdala, and the multivoxel pattern of activity within the mPFC differentiated between the two targets. We discuss the implications of these findings for research on perspective-taking and self-regulation.
Effect of task on time spent reading as an implicit measure of interest

Information Filtering systems learn user preferences either through explicit or implicit feedback. However, requiring users to explicitly rate items as part of the interface interaction can place a large burden on the user. Implicit feedback removes the burden of explicit user ratings by transparently monitoring user behavior such as time spent reading, mouse movements and scrolling behavior. Previous research has shown that task may have an impact on the effectiveness of some implicit measures. In this work we report both qualitative and quantitative results of an initial study examining the relationship between user time spent reading and relevance for three web search tasks: relevance judgment, simple question answering and complex question answering. This study indicates that the usefulness of time spent as a measure of user interest is related to task and is more useful for more complex web search tasks. Future directions for this research are presented.
Computational methods for the comparative quantification of proteins in label-free LCn-MS experiments

Liquid chromatography (LC) coupled to electrospray mass spectrometry (MS) is well established in high-throughput proteomics. The technology enables rapid identification of large numbers of proteins in a relatively short time. Comparative quantification of identified proteins from different samples is often regarded as the next step in proteomics experiments enabling the comparison of protein expression in different proteomes. Differential labeling of samples using stable isotope incorporation or conjugation is commonly used to compare protein levels between samples but these procedures are difficult to carry out in the laboratory and for large numbers of samples. Recently, comparative quantification of label-free LC(n)-MS proteomics data has emerged as an alternative approach. In this review, we discuss different computational approaches for extracting comparative quantitative information from label-free LC(n)-MS proteomics data. The procedure for computationally recovering the quantitative information is described. Furthermore, statistical tests used to evaluate the relevance of results will also be discussed.
Inverse Reinforcement Learning using Expectation Maximization in mixture models

Reinforcement Learning (RL) is an attractive tool for learning optimal controllers in the sense of a given reward function. In conventional RL, usually an expert is required to design the reward function as the efficiency of RL strongly depends on the latter. An alternative has been presented by the concept of Inverse Reinforcement Learning (IRL), where the reward function is estimated from observed data. In this work, we propose a novel approach for IRL based on a generative probabilistic model of RL. We derive an Expectation Maximization algorithm that is able to simultaneously estimate the reward and the optimal policy for finite state and action spaces, which can be easily extended for the infinite cases. By means of two toy examples, we show that the proposed algorithm works well even with a low number of observations and converges after only a few iterations.
A variable band universal flux/charge modulator for VSI and CSI modulation

This paper presents an integrated approach to the closed-loop control of output voltage for a voltage source inverter and output current for a current source inverter, using hysteresis with a rectangular bounding box in the synchronous d-q reference frame, and a simple set of switching rules. The modulator is constrained to only select from the two nearest active space vectors to the target reference, and hence achieves a significantly improved harmonic performance compared to sigma-delta and other stationary frame hysteresis modulators. A further refinement then adjusts the dimensions of the bounding box to restrict the switching process to two active space vectors (and null vectors) only within a constant switching period. This achieves a harmonic performance similar to open loop space vector modulation. Also, since the modulator is a closed loop system, it exhibits excellent robustness to parameter variations and other system disturbances. The performance and practicability of the modulator have been verified both in simulation and experimentally.
Upregulated unique long 16 binding protein 1 detected in preeclamptic placenta affects human extravillous trophoblast cell line (HTR-8/SVneo) invasion by modulating the function of uterine natural killer cells

Well-controlled trophoblast invasion at the maternal-fetal interface is crucial for normal placentation and successful pregnancy, otherwise pathological conditions of pregnancy occur, such as preeclampsia. In previous studies, it has been demonstrated that unique long 16 binding protein (ULBP)1, a ligand for the natural-killer group (NKG)2D receptor on uterine natural killer (uNK) cells, is upregulated in the placenta in patients with preeclampsia. As they are present on the majority of the decidua, uNK have an important role in pregnancy. The aim of the present study was to determine the role of ULBP1 in trophoblast cell invasion, which is closely associated with the occurrence of preeclampsia. In the present study, ULBP1 expression levels in placentas collected after cesarean section from women with preeclampsia and normal pregnant women were determined by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The effects of ULBP1 on extravillous trophoblast cell line (HTR-8/SVneo) invasion mediated via uNK cells and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. mRNA and protein expression levels of ULBP1 were significantly upregulated (P<0.05) in preeclamptic placentas compared with normal controls. ULBP1 inhibited HTR-8/SVneo cells via the regulation of biological functions of uNK cells, including the downregulation of NKG2D expression on uNK cells and the stimulation of production of cytokines and chemokines that affect extravillous cytotrophoblast invasion by uNK cells. ULBP1 may have an important role in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia through the modification of biological functions of uNK cells, which may affect trophoblast invasion.
Production of a Shigella sonnei Vaccine Based on Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA), 1790GAHB

Recently, we developed a high yield production process for outer membrane particles from genetically modified bacteria, called Generalized Modules of Membrane Antigens (GMMA), and the corresponding simple two step filtration purification, enabling economic manufacture of these particles for use as vaccines. Using a Shigella sonnei strain that was genetically modified to produce penta-acylated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) with reduced endotoxicity and to maintain the virulence plasmid encoding for the immunodominant O antigen component of the LPS, scale up of the process to GMP pilot scale was straightforward and gave high yields of GMMA with required purity and consistent results. GMMA were formulated with Alhydrogel and were highly immunogenic in mice and rabbits. In mice, a single immunization containing 29 ng protein and 1.75 ng of O antigen elicited substantial anti-LPS antibody levels. As GMMA contain LPS and lipoproteins, assessing potential reactogenicity was a key aspect of vaccine development. In an in vitro monocyte activation test, GMMA from the production strain showed a 600-fold lower stimulatory activity than GMMA with unmodified LPS. Two in vivo tests confirmed the low potential for reactogenicity. We established a modified rabbit pyrogenicity test based on the European Pharmacopoeia pyrogens method but using intramuscular administration of the full human dose (100 μg of protein). The vaccine elicited an average temperature rise of 0.5°C within four hours after administration, which was considered acceptable and showed that the test is able to detect a pyrogenic response. Furthermore, a repeat dose toxicology study in rabbits using intramuscular (100 μg/dose), intranasal (80 μg/dose), and intradermal (10 μg/dose) administration routes showed good tolerability of the vaccine by all routes and supported its suitability for use in humans. The S. sonnei GMMA vaccine is now in Phase 1 dose-escalation clinical trials.
Vitamin D receptor polymorphisms as a determinant of bone mass and PTH secretion: from facts to controversies.

Generally speaking, the BBAAtt genotype has usually During recent years, powerful molecular biology techbeen related to a lower bone mass. However, there is niques such as restriction enzymes and positional clonnot general agreement and several reports have failed ing have been used to identify genetic diseases even to confirm such a relationship. A recent meta-analysis before the responsible genes were characterized. provided evidence for an effect of the VDR polymorphHowever, clinical studies have shown that bone mineral isms on BMD, but it was quantitatively modest [2]. It density (BMD) is under genetic control, probably has also been shown that environmental factors may polygenic in origin, and several candidate genes, influence the effect of genetically determined BMD. namely oestrogen and vitamin D receptors (VDR), as Thus, VDR genetic polymorphisms have been linked well as collagen type I a 1 among others, may mediate to differences in intestinal fractional calcium absorpimportant differences in bone mass and bone metaboltion. As such, individuals with the bbaaTT haplotype ism. Since the first description by Morrison et al. [1], showed a higher rate of radiocalcium absorption [3]. several groups have shown that genetic polymorphisms Conversely, individuals with the BB genotype had a at the 3∞-untranslated region of the VDR gene may lower efficiency of calcium absorption after dietary account for at least some of the genetic variation in calcium restriction and had a lower BMD than those bone mass. These polymorphisms are defined by the with the bb genotype [4]. This finding would be consistpresence or absence of a restriction site for the enzymes ent with the presence of functional differences in the BsmI, ApaI and TaqI. Since that initial report, VDR intestinal VDR among different VDR genotypes. gene polymorphisms have been associated with BMD, However, the mean increase of BMD after treatment peak bone density, bone turnover and the serum levels with vitamin D was significantly higher in individuals of some biochemical bone markers, as well as the rate with the BB and Bb genotypes compared with the bb of bone loss, risk of osteoporotic fracture and the genotype [5]. A more pronounced suppression of PTH relative response to several treatments of osteoporosis concentration by calcitriol has also been described in such as vitamin D or calcium. individuals with the bb genotype. Furthermore, VDR
Does Everyone Benefit Equally From Self-Efficacy Beliefs? The Moderating Role of Perceived Social Support on Motivation

This study investigated whether perceived goal support from family and friends may moderate the relationship between academic self-efficacy and motivational outcomes among early adolescent students recruited from a low-middle socio-economic status(SES) background school in Turkey (N = 319, X ¯ age = 13.13, SD = .80). Self-report questionnaires included measures of academic self-efficacy, perceived family and friend support, and academic and career motivations. Academic self-efficacy and perceived support from family related positively to both types of motivation. Children who perceived lower family support benefited more from the positive effects of self-efficacy on motivations, whereas children with higher family support seemed to gain less (or not gain at all) from self-enhancing functions of self-efficacy. Same findings were found for peer support, but only when family support was excluded from analyses. Findings implied the need to study larger family and peer contexts under which self-efficacy beliefs may be more or less effective on motivation.
Effects of lexical stress and speech rate on the quantity and quality of Slovak vowels

We investigate the relationship between vowel quantity and the utilization of formant space in Slovak, and how prosodic variation in speech rate and lexical stress marking affects this relationship. Slovak presents a common five-vowel system with full phonemic quantity contrast for all vowels in all positions. We found that 1) phonemic quantity contrast in Slovak is salient and minimally affected by lexical stress and speech rate, and 2) shortening due to phonemic contrast and destressing but not due to speech rate, are accompanied by vowel space contraction. We compare the results to the geographically neighboring la nguages Czech and Hungarian that display similar prosodic characteristics to Slovak.
The Effect of Data Hiding at Various Bit Positions on Audio Stegnography in DCT Domain

This work is related to audio Stegnography and presents the statistical analysis of various quality measuring parameters of audio Stegnography, e.g. signal to noise ratio (SNR), peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and mean square error (MSE), for different bit position substitution in an audio cover file in discrete cosine transform (DCT) domain. Interestingly the resulted mean square error (MSE), signal to noise ratio (SNR) and peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) for each bit position shows a very insignificant variations in the values of the quality measuring.
Gemini spectra of 12 000 K white dwarf stars

We report signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) ≃ 100 optical spectra for four DA white dwarf stars acquired with the GMOS spectrograph of the 8-m Gemini north telescope. These stars have 18 < g < 19 and are around T eff ∼ 12 000 K, where the hydrogen lines are close to maximum. Our purpose is to test if the effective temperatures and surface gravities derived from the relatively low-S/N ((S/N) ≈ 21) optical spectra acquired by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey through model atmosphere fitting are trustworthy. Our spectra range from 3800 to 6000 A, therefore including Hβ to H9. The H8 line was only marginally present in the SDSS spectra, but is crucial to determine the gravity. When we compare the values published by Kleinman et al. and Eisenstein et al. with our line-profile technique (LPT) fits, the average differences are: ΔT eff ≃ 320 K, systematically lower in the SDSS, and A log g ≃ 0.24 dex, systematically larger in the SDSS. The correlation between the gravity and the effective temperature can only be broken at wavelengths bluer than 3800 A. The uncertainties in T eff are 60 per cent larger, and in log g larger by a factor of 4, than the internal uncertainties of Kleinman et al. and Eisenstein et al.
Epithelial and Non-Epithelial Patched-1 (Ptch1) Play Opposing Roles to Regulate Proliferation and Morphogenesis of the Mouse Mammary Gland

Patched-1 (Ptch1) has epithelial, stromal, and systemic roles in murine mammary gland organogenesis, yet specific functions remain undefined. Cre -recombinase-mediated Ptch1 ablation in mammary epithelium increased proliferation and branching, but did not phenocopy transgenic expression of activated Smoothened (SmoM2). Epithelium showed no evidence of canonical hedgehog signaling, and hyperproliferation was not blocked by SMO inhibition, suggesting a non-canonical function of PTCH1. Consistent with this possibility, nuclear localization of Cyclin B1 was increased. In non-epithelial cells, heterozygous Fsp-Cre-mediated Ptch1 ablation increased proliferation and branching, with dysplastic terminal end buds (TEB) and ducts. In contrast, homozygous Ptch1 ablation decreased proliferation and branching, producing stunted ducts filled with luminal cells showing altered ovarian hormone receptor expression. Whole gland transplantation into wild-type hosts, or estrogen/progesterone treatment rescued outgrowth and hormone receptor expression, but not histology. Bone marrow transplantation failed to rescue outgrowth. Ducts of Fsp-Cre;Ptch1 fl/fl mice were similar to Fsp-Cre;SmoM2 ducts, but Fsp-Cre;SmoM2 outgrowths were not stunted, suggesting that the histology may be mediated by Smo in the local stroma, with systemic Ptch1 required for ductal outgrowth and proper hormone receptor expression in mammary epithelium.
A Prospective Cohort Study of Antipsychotic Medications in Pregnancy: The First 147 Pregnancies and 100 One Year Old Babies

Background Many women diagnosed with varying psychiatric disorders take antipsychotic medications during pregnancy. The safety of antipsychotic medications in pregnancy is largely unknown. Methods We established the National Register of Antipsychotic Medications in Pregnancy in 2005. Women who are pregnant and taking an antipsychotic medication are interviewed every 6 weeks during pregnancy and then followed until their babies are one year old. The baby's progress is closely followed for the first year of life. Findings As of April 18 2012, 147 pregnancies had been followed through to completion. There were 142 live births and data is available for 100 one year old babies. 18% of babies were born preterm, with a higher dose of antipsychotic medication correlating to an increased likelihood of premature delivery; 43% of babies required special care nursery or intensive care after birth; 37% had any degree of respiratory distress and 15% of babies developed withdrawal symptoms. Congenital anomalies were seen in eight babies. Most pregnancies resulted in the birth of live, healthy babies. The use of mood stabilisers or higher doses of antipsychotics during pregnancy increased the likelihood of babies experiencing respiratory distress or admission to Special Care Nursery or Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Conclusion There is a great need for safety and efficacy information about the use of antipsychotic medications in pregnancy. Live, healthy babies are the most common outcome following the use of antipsychotic medication in pregnancy, but clinicians should be particularly mindful of neonatal problems such as respiratory distress.
Students' cognition and information searching while preparing a research proposal

The paper focuses on analysing students' information needs in terms of conceptual understanding of the topic they propose to study and its consequences for the search process and outcome. The research subjects were 22 undergraduates of psychology attending a seminar for preparing a research proposal for a small empirical study. They were asked to perform a search in the PsychINFO database for their task at the beginning and end of the seminar. A pre- and post search interview was conducted in both sessions. The students were asked to think aloud in the sessions. This was recorded as were the transaction logs. The results show that during the preparation of research proposals different features of the students' conceptual structure were connected to the search success, and that process variables did not commonly intermediate between the search outcome and conceptual structure.
Ubiquitin protein ligase Nedd4 binds to connexin43 by a phosphorylation-modulated process

Connexin43 is degraded by the proteasomal as well as the lysosomal pathway with ubiquitin playing a role in both degradation pathways. So far, no ubiquitin protein ligase has been identified for any of the connexins. By using pull-down assays, here we show binding of a ubiquitin protein ligase, Nedd4, to the C-terminus of connexin43. This observation was confirmed in vivo by coimmunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence, showing colocalization of Nedd4 and connexin43. Binding of Nedd4 to its interaction partners is generally carried out by its WW domains. Our results indicate that the interaction with connexin43 occurs through all three WW domains of Nedd4. Furthermore, whereas WW1 and WW2 domains mainly interact with the unphosphorylated form of connexin43, WW3 binds phosphorylated and unphosphorylated forms equally. In addition, using the surface plasmon resonance approach we show that only the WW2 domain binds to the PY motif located at the C-terminus of connexin43. Suppression of Nedd4 expression with siRNA resulted in an accumulation of gap junction plaques at the plasma membrane, suggesting an involvement of the ubiquitin protein ligase Nedd4 in gap junction internalization.