Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photoreceptor Differentiation during Retinal Development, Growth, and Regeneration in a Metamorphic Vertebrate

To test the hypothesis that growth and regeneration of the adult retina involves a mechanistic recapitulation of retinal development, the patterns of photoreceptor differentiation were investigated in the developing retina, as well as growing and regenerating adult retina, of a metamorphic vertebrate, the winter flounder. Only one opsin, of type RH2 (a “green” cone opsin), was expressed in premetamorphic (developing) retina, and a corresponding middle-wavelength visual pigment was observed. In premetamorphic retinas there was no evidence for any other cone opsins or pigments, rods, rod opsin expression, or rod visual pigment. In contrast, a rod opsin (RH1) and three cone opsins (SWS2, RH2, and LWS) were expressed in postmetamorphic (adult) retina, and these opsins were consistent with the observed repertoire of visual pigments. During postmetamorphic retinal growth and regeneration, cones were always produced before rods, but the different cone types were apparently produced simultaneously, suggesting that cone differentiation mechanisms might change after metamorphosis. The results support the hypothesis that photoreceptor differentiation during growth and regeneration of the adult retina involves a recapitulation of mechanisms that control the sequence of photoreceptor production during retinal development.
Preserved Coupling between the Reader's Voice and the Listener's Cortical Activity in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Purpose Investigating the steadiness of the phase-coupling between the time-course of the reader's voice and brain signals of subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) passively listening to connected speech using magnetoencephalography (MEG). In typically developed subjects, such coupling occurs at the right posterior temporal sulcus (pSTS) for frequencies below 1 Hz, and reflects the neural processing of sentence-level rhythmic prosody at the prelexical level. Methods Cortical neuromagnetic signals were recorded with MEG (Elekta Oy, Finland) while seven right-handed and native French-speaking ASD subjects (six males, one female, range: 13–20 years) listened to live (Live) or recorded (Recorded) voices continuously reading a text in French for five minutes. Coherence was computed between the reader's voice time-course and ASD subjects' MEG signals. Coherent neural sources were subsequently reconstructed using a beamformer. Key findings Significant coupling was found at 0.5 Hz in all ASD subjects in Live and in six subjects in Recorded. Coherent sources were located close to the right pSTS in both conditions. No significant difference was found in coherence levels between Live and Recorded, and between ASD subjects and ten typically developed subjects (right-handed, native French-speaking adults, 5 males, 5 females, age range: 21–38 years) included in a previous study. Significance This study discloses a preserved coupling between the reader's voice and ASD subjects' cortical activity at the right pSTS. These findings support the existence of preserved neural processing of sentence-level rhythmic prosody in ASD. The preservation of early cortical processing of prosodic elements in verbal language might be exploited in therapeutic interventions in ASD.
Anticipated Emotions as Guides to Choice

When making decisions, people often anticipate the emotions they might experience as a result of the outcomes of their choices. In the process, they simulate what life would be like with one outcome or another. We examine the anticipated and actual pleasure of outcomes and their relation to choices people make in laboratory studies and real-world studies. We offer a theory of anticipated pleasure that explains why the same outcome can lead to a wide range of emotional experiences. Finally, we show how anticipated pleasure relates to risky choice within the framework of subjective expected pleasure theory.
Chromatic dispersion compensation using linearly chirped apodized fiber Bragg grating

In this paper, we have proposed an analytical model to compensate the chromatic dispersion in an optical transmission system using apodized fiber Bragg grating (FBG). Here we have presented an optimization process of the apodization strength factor of apodized FBG based dispersion compensation. It is demonstrated that a proper choice of the apodization strength factor results in minimum deviation of the dispersion from the required level and maximum reflection bandwidth. It is found that using a linear chirped hyperbolic tangent apodized FBG with apodization strength in the range of 0.7 – 0.8 can compensate dispersion up to 400ps.
Drosophila poised enhancers are generated during tissue patterning with the help of repression

Histone modifications are frequently used as markers for enhancer states, but how to interpret enhancer states in the context of embryonic development is not clear. The poised enhancer signature, involving H3K4me1 and low levels of H3K27ac, has been reported to mark inactive enhancers that are poised for future activation. However, future activation is not always observed and alternative reasons for the widespread occurrence of this enhancer signature have not been investigated. By analyzing enhancers during dorsal-ventral (DV) axis formation in the Drosophila embryo, we find that the poised enhancer signature is specifically generated during patterning in the tissue where the enhancers are not induced, including at enhancers that are known to be repressed by a transcriptional repressor. These results suggest that, rather than serving simply as an intermediate step before future activation, the poised enhancer state may mark enhancers for spatial activation during tissue patterning. We discuss the possibility that the poised enhancer state is more generally the result of repression by transcriptional repressors.
The relationship between glycemic control and BNP levels in diabetic patients.

BACKGROUND Glycemic control affects cardiovascular risk factors positively. The purpose of this study was to assess B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in patients with poorly controlled diabetes before and after glycemic regulation was achieved. METHODS The study was performed in a prospective design. The study population consisted of 79 consecutive diabetic patients with poor glycemic control. All subjects underwent transthoracic echocardiography. Levels of fasting plasma glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipid parameters, and BNP were measured before the onset of the treatment and after glycemic regulation was achieved. RESULTS A significant decrease in BNP (95.0 [4.0-1807] ng/L vs. 52.0 [2.1-987.0] ng/L, p < 0.001) levels were observed, after improving glycemic control. The decrease in BNP levels was positively correlated with the decrease in HbA1c (r = 0.345, p = 0.003) and fasting plasma glucose (r = 0.366, p = 0.002). There was no correlation between the decrease in BNP levels and lipid parameters (p = NS). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that poor glycemic control may cause high levels of BNP which may lead to overdiagnosis of congestive heart failure. We suggest that HbA1c and fasting plasma glucose should be checked in patients with high levels of BNP.
A Belief Based Correlated Topic Model for Trajectory Clustering in Crowded Video Scenes

Trajectory clustering in crowded video scenes is very challenging. In this paper, we propose to use a belief based correlated topic model (BCTM) to learn discriminative middle level features for trajectory clustering. By constructing a scene prior based joint Gaussian distribution, the BCTM can uncover relations between trajectory clusters and the middle level features using a parameter estimation procedure. The method has distinct advantages over Correlated Topic Model (CTM) and Random Field Topic (RFT) model previously proposed. The inputs to the BCTM are either full trajectories or trajectory fragments obtained with an existing tracking algorithm. The output BCTM features are input to a hierarchical clustering algorithm to obtain trajectory clusters. Experiments on three benchmark datasets show that the proposed BCTM and trajectory clustering approach improves the state of the art.
Inequality, Polarization and Poverty in Nigeria

This study examines the impact of zonal differences on the distribution of per capita expenditure in terms of polarization, inequality and poverty. Data sources include the NCS 1996 and NLSS 2004. Analytical techniques used include Gini index and selected measures of polarization Dimensions around which polarization have taken place were analyzed following the identification-alienation framework. Simulation method was used to measure the impact of alternative policy measures on the level of poverty, inequality and polarization. The study reveals decline in the level of inequality and polarization in Nigeria Increasing level of identification indicates emerging level of bipolarization. The main dimensions of increasing polarization include zone, secondary education, unemployed people, sector and gender. It is inferred that intra zonal inequality-reducing policies will be more effective and efficient at reducing poverty. Egalitarian focused polices are suggested to reduce differences between polarization dimensions in order to forestall conflicts and social tension in Nigeria.
Protein interacting with C kinase 1 suppresses invasion and anchorage-independent growth of astrocytic tumor cells

Astrocytic tumors are highly invasive, but the mechanisms are unclear. PICK1 has reduced expression in astrocytic tumor cell lines and clinical cases. Exogenous PICK1 expression reduces invasion and anchorage-independent growth of a tumor cell line. The data suggest that PICK1 may be a target for therapeutic intervention.
A comparison of clinician-rated neuropsychological and self-rated cognitive assessments in patients with asthma and rheumatologic disorders

Although data are mixed, asthma and rheumatologic conditions may be associated with cognitive impairment. Medications may play a role because corticosteroids are associated with memory impairment. Therefore, an easily administered assessment of cognition would be useful in these patients. We assessed relationships between self-rated and clinician-rated cognitive performance and mood in patients with asthma and rheumatologic diseases. Participants included 31adults treated for asthma or rheumatologic disorders (17 receiving chronic prednisone therapy, and 14 not receiving prednisone). An objective assessment of a variety of cognitive domains was administered through clinician and patient-rated assessments of cognition. Composite scores for the objective (Global Clinical Rating [GCR]) and subjective (Neuropsychological Impairment Scale: Global Measure of Impairment [GMI]) measures of cognition were derived. Depression was assessed with the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17). A linear regression was conducted with GMI scores as dependent variable and GCR, HRSD-17 scores, and prednisone-use status, as independent variables. Significant differences between prednisone-treated patients and other patients were observed on the GCR, GMI, and HRSD-17. In the regression analysis, HRSD-17 scores, but not GCR scores, significantly predicted GMI scores. Prednisone-treated patients had higher levels of depressive symptoms and subjective and objective cognitive deficits than those not taking prednisone. In the combined patient groups, subjective cognitive assessment was more strongly related to depressive symptoms than objective cognition. Findings suggest physicians should be aware of the potential for cognitive deficits in patients taking corticosteroids and, when appropriate, should consider the use of objective neurocognitive tests or neuropsychology consultation to better characterize its presence and severity.
VAIC and Firm Performance: Banking Sector Of Pakistan

Objective of this study is to examine the efficiency of the commercial banks of Pakistan in utilizing intellectual capital and capital employed to run the organization. For this purpose Ante Pulic’s VAIC tool was used to measure the intellectual capital efficiency and capital employed efficiency. The regression results have also proven that there is significant relationship between the intellectual capital and organizational performance. But public owned banks are not utilizing their intellectual capital optimally. Results has shown that for Govt. owned banks VAIC has positive impact over profitability (ROA and ROE) but no relationship between VAIC and productivity (ATO). At the same time for the Private owned banks VAIC has significant relationship and impact on both profitability and productivity. Keywords: Comparison of Public and Private Banks of Pakistan, Value Added intellectual capital, Intellectual capital Efficiency, Capital employed efficiency.
13 0 v 1 1 9 Ja n 20 01 Noncommutative Geometry of Lattices and Staggered Fermions

Differential structure of a d-dimensional lattice, which essentially is a noncommutative exterior algebra, is defined using both reductions in 1-order plus 2-order of universal differential calculus in the context of NCG developed by Dimakis et al , and the formalism adopting a Dirac-Connes operator proposed by us recently within Connes’ NCG. Metric structure on this lattice and on differential forms follows in the conventional literature of NCG. Within specific matrix representations, our Dirac-Connes operator coincides with staggered Dirac operator , in the case that dimension of the lattice equals to 1, 2 and 4.
European report on preventing elder maltreatment

Elder maltreatment is pervasive in all countries in the WHO European Region, and estimates suggest that at least 4 million people in the Region experience elder maltreatment in any one year. Most countries in the Region have an ageing population, and one third of the population is forecast to be 60 years and older in 2050, putting more people at risk of elder maltreatment. Elder maltreatment has far-reaching consequences for the mental and physical well-being of tens of millions of older people, and if left unchecked will result in their premature death. Estimates suggest that about 2500 older people may lose their lives annually from elder maltreatment. The report highlights the numerous biological, social, cultural, economic and environmental factors that interact to influence the risk and protective factors of being a victim or perpetrator of elder maltreatment. There is some evidence of effectiveness, and examples include psychological programmes for perpetrators and programmes designed to change attitudes towards older people, improve the mental health of caregivers and, in earlier life, to promote nurturing relationships and social skills learning. The evidence base needs to be strengthened, but much can be done by implementing interventions using an evaluative framework. Prevention and social justice for older people can only be achieved by mainstreaming this response into health and social policy. Surveys show that the public and policy-makers are increasingly concerned about the problem, and the policy response needs to be strengthened to meet this demand.
Piloting inclusive education in Ghana : parental perceptions, expectations and involvement

Ghana has embarked on piloting inclusive education in 35 schools since 2003. Since then, no study has been done on parental perceptions, expectations and involvement in inclusive education. Parents’ perceptions, expectations and involvement can affect inclusion and the education of children. It was therefore imperative to investigate exactly parents’ perceptions, expectations and involvement in inclusive education in Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey and was guided by three research questions. The sample comprised 560 parents and 35 headteachers, sampled from the 35 pilot inclusive schools. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires and an interview schedule. The questionnaire had four sections which elicited information on demographic data, parental perceptions, expectations and involvement in inclusive education. All participants completed the questionnaire and 20 parents were randomly sampled and interviewed. The interview schedule elicited information on demographic data, parental expectations and involvement in the education of their child. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-tests, one-way ANOVAs, chi-squares and correlation were used to analyse the questionnaire data. The interview data were analysed thematically. The findings showed parents were knowledgeable about inclusive education and perceived it to be beneficial. The majority of the parents reported that inclusive education was meeting their expectations for their children. Yet 53.8% of them felt children with SEN should not be educated in inclusive schools. Parents were found to be involved in inclusive education. They, however, desired to be more involved in volunteering, decision-making, individualised educational plan development and the discipline of their children. The study established a relationship between parents’ current involvement, the knowledge parents have of inclusive education and the benefits parents perceived of inclusive education. Among the recommendations was a need for a policy on parental involvement to guide practice. Results of the study will help inform the Ministry of Education Science and Sports in planning, as they will know how parents perceived inclusive education and how they were involved or expect to be involved.
Identification of a 4-Deoxy-l-erythro-5-hexoseulose Uronic Acid Reductase, FlRed, in an Alginolytic Bacterium Flavobacterium sp. Strain UMI-01

In alginate-assimilating bacteria, alginate is depolymerized to unsaturated monosaccharide by the actions of endolytic and exolytic alginate lyases (EC 4.2.2.3 and EC 4.2.2.11). The monosaccharide is non-enzymatically converted to 4-deoxy-l-erythro-5-hexoseulose uronic acid (DEH), then reduced to 2-keto-3-deoxy-d-gluconate (KDG) by a specific reductase, and metabolized through the Entner–Doudoroff pathway. Recently, the NADPH-dependent reductase A1-R that belongs to short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) superfamily was identified as the DEH-reductase in Sphingomonas sp. A1. We have subsequently noticed that an SDR-like enzyme gene, flred, occurred in the genome of an alginolytic bacterium Flavobacterium sp. strain UMI-01. In the present study, we report on the deduced amino-acid sequence of flred and DEH-reducing activity of recombinant FlRed. The deduced amino-acid sequence of flred comprised 254 residues and showed 34% amino-acid identities to that of A1-R from Sphingomonas sp. A1 and 80%–88% to those of SDR-like enzymes from several alginolytic bacteria. Common sequence motifs of SDR-superfamily enzymes, e.g., the catalytic tetrad Asn-Lys-Tyr-Ser and the cofactor-binding sequence Thr-Gly-x-x-x-Gly-x-Gly in Rossmann fold, were completely conserved in FlRed. On the other hand, an Arg residue that determined the NADPH-specificity of Sphingomonas A1-R was replaced by Glu in FlRed. Thus, we investigated cofactor-preference of FlRed using a recombinant enzyme. As a result, the recombinant FlRed (recFlRed) was found to show high specificity to NADH. recFlRed exhibited practically no activity toward variety of aldehyde, ketone, keto ester, keto acid and aldose substrates except for DEH. On the basis of these results, we conclude that FlRed is the NADH-dependent DEH-specific SDR of Flavobacterium sp. strain UMI-01.
Probabilistic knowledge discovery algorithm in network reliability optimization

This paper presents a new algorithm that can be readily applied to solve general all-terminal network reliability allocation problems. The optimization problem solved considers the minimization of the network design cost subject to a known network reliability requirement. The algorithm is based on two major steps that use a probabilistic discovery approach and Monte Carlo simulation to generate solutions to these problems. Examples for different network behavior are used throughout the paper to illustrate the approach.The results obtained for these test cases are compared with other proposed methods to show how the algorithm can generate very good solutions in a significantly small solution search space.
Pediatric Patients with Vitiligo in Eastern China: Abnormalities in 145 Cases Based on Thyroid Function Tests and Immunological Findings

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate abnormalities in thyroid function according to tests and the humoral immune systems of patients from Eastern China with pediatric vitiligo. Material/Methods A total of 145 pediatric patients with vitiligo were investigated in this study, along with 59 children without autoimmune diseases as controls. Laboratory tests of thyroid function were conducted, and these tests examined free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin antibody (TG-Ab), thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab), antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, and IgG), and complements (C3 and C4). Results A total of 63 patients (43.4%), including 39 boys (44.3%) and 24 girls (42.1%), displayed abnormalities in thyroid function according to the tests. This finding indicated that patients with vitiligo differed significantly from those in the control group (P<0.001), particularly in terms of FT3 and TSH abnormalities (P<0.05). However, these groups did not deviate significantly with respect to FT4, Tg-Ab, and TPO-Ab abnormalities (P>0.05). Thirteen patients (8.9%) and 1 (1.7%) control were positive for ANA. All 12 specific antibodies were detected in 8 patients. Anti-SSA/Ro-60 and anti-SSA/Ro-52 were the most prevalent antibodies, followed by anti-dsDNA and then by anti-SmD1 and CENB-P. The serum levels of IgA and IgG decreased more significantly in the vitiligo group than in the control group (P<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in terms of IgM levels (P>0.05). C4 serum levels also decreased more significantly in the vitiligo group than in the control group (P=0.035). Conclusions Results suggest that the incidence of abnormalities in the thyroid functions of children and adolescents is significantly higher in those with vitiligo than that in those in the control group. In addition, immunological dysfunction is common in the vitiligo group.
Soma size and Cav1.3 channel expression in vulnerable and resistant motoneuron populations of the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS

Although the loss of motoneurons is an undisputed feature of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in man and in its animal models (SOD1 mutant mice), how the disease affects the size and excitability of motoneurons prior to their degeneration is not well understood. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that motoneurons in mutant SOD1G93A mice exhibit an enlargement of soma size (i.e., cross‐sectional area) and an increase in Cav1.3 channel expression at postnatal day 30, well before the manifestation of physiological symptoms that typically occur at p90 (Chiu et al. ). We made measurements of spinal and hypoglossal motoneurons vulnerable to degeneration, as well as motoneurons in the oculomotor nucleus that are resistant to degeneration. Overall, we found that the somata of motoneurons in male SOD1G93A mutants were larger than those in wild‐type transgenic males. When females were included in the two groups, significance was lost. Expression levels of the Cav1.3 channels were not differentiated by genotype, sex, or any interaction of the two. These results raise the intriguing possibility of an interaction between male sex steroid hormones and the SOD1 mutation in the etiopathogenesis of ALS.