Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The proneural gene ascl1a is required for endocrine differentiation and cell survival in the zebrafish adenohypophysis

Mammalian basic helix-loop-helix proteins of the achaete-scute family are proneural factors that, in addition to the central nervous system, are required for the differentiation of peripheral neurons and sensory cells, derivatives of the neural crest and placodal ectoderm. Here, in identifying the molecular nature of the pia mutation, we investigate the role of the zebrafish achaete-scute homologue ascl1a during development of the adenohypophysis, an endocrine derivative of the placodal ectoderm. Similar to mutants deficient in Fgf3 signaling from the adjacent ventral diencepahalon, pia mutants display failure of endocrine differentiation of all adenohypophyseal cell types. Shortly after the failed first phase of cell differentiation, the adenohypophysis of pia mutants displays a transient phase of cell death, which affects most, but not all adenohypophyseal cells. Surviving cells form a smaller pituitary rudiment, lack expression of specific adenohypophyseal marker genes (pit1, neurod), while expressing others (lim3, pitx3), and display an ultrastructure reminiscent of precursor cells. During normal development, ascl1a is expressed in the adenohypophysis and the adjacent diencephalon, the source of Fgf3 signals. However, chimera analyses show that ascl1a is required cell-autonomously in adenohypophyseal cells themselves. In fgf3 mutants, adenohypophyseal expression of ascl1a is absent, while implantation of Fgf3-soaked beads into pia mutants enhances ascl1a, but fails to rescue pit1 expression. Together, this suggests that Ascl1a might act downstream of diencephalic Fgf3 signaling to mediate some of the effects of Fgf3 on the developing adenohypophysis.
Death of an Institutionalized Parent: Predictors of Bereavement

A multidimensional analysis of bereavement experienced by eighty-four adult children whose parents died following a stay in a long term care facility indicated that pre-death indicators of strain (length of stay, parent's cognitive status, child's feelings about parent living in a nursing home, depression) had varying levels of predictive power regarding the extent to which the child reported feeling sad, experiencing persistent thoughts about the parent, feeling a sense of comfort in memories about the parent, feeling that the parent was a buffer to the child's mortality, and having a sense of relief.
Principal Typing for Lambda Calculus in Elementary Affine Logic

Elementary Affine Logic (EAL) is a variant of Linear Logic characterizing the computational power of the elementary bounded Turing machines. The EAL Type Inference problem is the problem of automatically assigning to terms of λ-calculus EAL formulas as types. This problem, restricted to the propositional fragment of EAL, is proved to be decidable, and an algorithm is shown, building, for every λ-term, either a negative answer or a finite set of type schemata, from which all and only its typings can be derived, through suitable operations.
A Radon-Transform-Based Image Noise Filter—With Applications to Multibeam Bathymetry

This paper describes a linear-image-transform-based algorithm for reducing stripe noise, track line artifacts, and motion-induced errors in remote sensing data. Developed for multibeam bathymetry (MB), the method has also been used for removing scalloping in synthetic aperture radar images. The proposed image transform is the composition of an invertible edge detection operator and a fast discrete Radon transform (DRT) due to Götz, Druckmüller, and Brady. The inverse DRT is computed by using an iterative method and exploiting an approximate inverse algorithm due to Press. The edge operator is implemented by circular convolution with a Laplacian point spread function modified to render the operator invertible. In the transformed image, linear discontinuities appear as high-intensity spots, which may be reset to zero. In MB data, a second noise signature is linked to motion-induced errors. A Chebyshev approximation of the original image is subtracted before applying the transform, and added back to the denoised image; this is necessary to avoid boundary effects. It is possible to process data faster and suppress motion-induced noise further by filtering images in nonoverlapping blocks using a matrix representation for the inverse DRT. Processed test images from several MB data sets had less noise and distortion compared with those obtained with standard low-pass filters. Denoising also improved the accuracy in statistical classification of geomorphological type by 10-28% for two sets of invariant terrain features.
LEARNING TO SOLVE PROBLEMS FROM EXERCISES

It is a common observation that learning easier skills makes it possible to learn the more difficult skills. This fact is routinely exploited by parents, teachers, textbook writers, and coaches. From driving, to music, to science, there hardly exists a complex skill that is not learned by gradations. Natarajan's model of “learning from exercises” captures this kind of learning of efficient problem solving skills using practice problems or exercises ( Natarajan 1989 ). The exercises are intermediate subproblems that occur in solving the main problems and span all levels of difficulty. The learner iteratively bootstraps what is learned from simpler exercises to generalize techniques for solving more complex exercises. In this paper, we extend Natarajan's framework to the problem reduction setting where problems are solved by reducing them to simpler problems. We theoretically characterize the conditions under which efficient learning from exercises is possible. We demonstrate the generality of our framework with successful implementations in the Eight Puzzle, symbolic integration, and simulated robot planning domains illustrating three different representations of control knowledge, namely, macro‐operators, control rules, and decision lists. The results show that the learning rates for the exercises framework are competitive with those for learning from problems solved by the teacher.
Optimization of Control Systems Performance via Soft Real-Time Quality-of-Service Management Techniques Technical Report ( UCSC-CRL-04-05 )

Quality-of-Service (QoS) techniques improve system performance by allocating resources to the application s that will provide the most benefit. In this paper we describe how to employ QoS techniques to improve the performance of concurrently executing control applications. We present r esults from a real implementation that show that these techniques can reduce control system error by more than 20% compared to a non-adaptive control system on the same sequence of randomly generated control system perturbations.
New finite-dimensional filters for parameter estimation of discrete-time linear Gaussian models

The authors derive a new class of finite-dimensional recursive filters for linear dynamical systems. The Kalman filter is a special case of their general filter. Apart from being of mathematical interest, these new finite-dimensional filters can be used with the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to yield maximum likelihood estimates of the parameters of a linear dynamical system. Important advantages of their filter-based EM algorithm compared with the standard smoother-based EM algorithm include: 1) substantially reduced memory requirements, and 2) ease of parallel implementation on a multiprocessor system. The algorithm has applications in multisensor signal enhancement of speech signals and also econometric modeling.
Error correction maintains post‐error adjustments after one night of total sleep deprivation

Previous behavioral and electrophysiologic evidence indicates that one night of total sleep deprivation (TSD) impairs error monitoring, including error detection, error correction, and posterror adjustments (PEAs). This study examined the hypothesis that error correction, manifesting as an overtly expressed self‐generated performance feedback to errors, can effectively prevent TSD‐induced impairment in the PEAs. Sixteen healthy right‐handed adults (seven women and nine men) aged 19–23 years were instructed to respond to a target arrow flanked by four distracted arrows and to correct their errors immediately after committing errors. Task performance and electroencephalogram (EEG) data were collected after normal sleep (NS) and after one night of TSD in a counterbalanced repeated‐measures design. With the demand of error correction, the participants maintained the same level of PEAs in reducing the error rate for trial N + 1 after TSD as after NS. Corrective behavior further affected the PEAs for trial N + 1 in the omission rate and response speed, which decreased and speeded up following corrected errors, particularly after TSD. These results show that error correction effectively maintains posterror reduction in both committed and omitted errors after TSD. A cerebral mechanism might be involved in the effect of error correction as EEG beta (17–24 Hz) activity was increased after erroneous responses compared to after correct responses. The practical application of error correction to increasing work safety, which can be jeopardized by repeated errors, is suggested for workers who are involved in monotonous but attention‐demanding monitoring tasks.
Salivary Cytoprotective Proteins in Inflammation and Resolution during Experimental Gingivitis—A Pilot Study

Objective: The protective mechanisms that maintain periodontal homeostasis in gingivitis and prevent periodontal tissue destruction are poorly understood. The aim of this study was to identify changes in the salivary proteome during experimental gingivitis. Study design: We used oral neutrophil quantification and whole saliva (WS) proteomics to assess changes that occur in the inflammatory and resolution phases of gingivitis in healthy individuals. Oral neutrophils and WS samples were collected and clinical parameters measured on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35. Results: Increased oral neutrophil recruitment and salivary cytoprotective proteins increased progressively during inflammation and decreased in resolution. Oral neutrophil numbers in gingival inflammation and resolution correlated moderately with salivary β-globin, thioredoxin, and albumin and strongly with collagen alpha-1 and G-protein coupled receptor 98. Conclusions: Our results indicate that changes in salivary cytoprotective proteins in gingivitis are associated with a similar trend in oral neutrophil recruitment and clinical parameters. Clinical relevance: We found moderate to strong correlations between oral neutrophil numbers and levels of several salivary cytoprotective proteins both in the development of the inflammation and in the resolution of gingivitis. Our proteomics approach identified and relatively quantified specific cytoprotective proteins in this pilot study of experimental gingivitis; however, future and more comprehensive studies are needed to clearly identify and validate those protein biomarkers when gingivitis is active.
Detecting Sequential Patterns and Determining Their Reliability With Fallible Observers

On the basis of recent work by W. Gardner (1995), implications of fallible observers for observational research are discussed. Analysis shows that for identically fallible observers, values for kappa are lower when codes are few and their simple probabilities variable than when codes are many and roughly equiprobable; thus no one value of kappa can be regarded as universally acceptable. Additional analysis shows that fallible measurement degrades indices of sequential pattern more when codes are few and their simple probabilities variable. Finally, a simulation study establishes likely values for intraclass correlation reliabilities for sequential indices generated by various circumstances and suggests principled ways to select both lengths of sequences and acceptable levels of kappa for observational studies.
Toward a Theory of Childhood Learning Disorders, Hyperactivity, and Aggression

Learning disorders are often associated with persistent hyperactivity and aggression and are part of a spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders. A potential clue to understanding these linked phenomena is that physical exercise and passive forms of stimulation are calming, enhance cognitive functions and learning, and are recommended as complementary treatments for these problems. The theory is proposed that hyperactivity and aggression are intense stimulation-seeking behaviors (SSBs) driven by increased brain retinergic activity, and the stimulation thus obtained activates opposing nitrergic systems which inhibit retinergic activity, induce a state of calm, and enhance cognition and learning. In persons with cognitive deficits and associated behavioral disorders, the retinergic system may be chronically overactivated and the nitrergic system chronically underactivated due to environmental exposures occurring pre- and/or postnatally that affect retinoid metabolism or expression. For such individuals, the intensity of stimulation generated by SSB may be insufficient to activate the inhibitory nitrergic system. A multidisciplinary research program is needed to test the model and, in particular, to determine the extent to which applied physical treatments can activate the nitrergic system directly, providing the necessary level of intensity of sensory stimulation to substitute for that obtained in maladaptive and harmful ways by SSB, thereby reducing SSB and enhancing cognitive skills and performance.
A Conceptualization and Test of the Influences of Individual Differences in Goal-Setting Situations1

\ urrh Dukota Slore L'tiri~ertrr\ This research tests a hypothesized model of the relationships among several individual difierences and variables associated with the setting of goals. Participants uere randomly assigned lo a self-set goal condition. or to moderatel? or very-difficult assigned-goal onditions. By aggregating scores of performance. personal goals. ratings of self-efficacy. and goal commitment over multiple goal-setting and task-performance occasions, the oterall relationships among these variables and need for achievement, self-esteem. and low\ ot control uere determined. Results provide strong suppon for Locke and Latham's (IYY0a. 1990b) model of the goal-per(brmance relation. but fail to support the hypothesized role of individual differences. The implications of these findings and individual differencer in goal-setting situations are discussed. Goal setting has become a useful strategy for increasing motivation in a variety of situations. Research on goal setting has usually focused on how the technique can be used most efficiently to maximize performance (see Locke & Latham, 1990a, for a review). This goal-performance relationship is the cornerstone of goal-setting research. However, less is known about how personality variables and other attributes associated with the task performer contribute to the effectiveness of the goal-setting process (Austin & Klein, 1996). To increase our knowledge about these variables in conjunction with the goal-setting process, this study tests a proposed model of the effects of need for achievement, selfesteem, and locus of control in both self-set and assigned goal-setting situations. Initially, this paper will discuss the attributes of the goal, task performer. and situation that influence the goal-performance relation.
Clock and clock-controlled genes are differently expressed in the retina, lamina and in selected cells of the visual system of Drosophila melanogaster

The retina and the first optic neuropil (lamina) of Drosophila show circadian rhythms in various processes. To learn about the regulation of circadian rhythms in the retina and lamina and in two cell types, glial and the lamina L2 interneurons, we examined expression of the following clock genes; per, tim, clk, and cry and clock-controlled genes (ccgs); Atpα, nrv2, brp, Pdfr. We found that the expression of gene studied is specific for the retina and lamina. The rhythms of per and tim expression in the retina and glial cells are similar to that observed in the whole head and in clock neurons, while they differ in the lamina and L2 cells. In both the retina and lamina, CRY seems to be a repressor of clk expression. In L2 interneurons per expression is not cyclic indicating the other function of PER in those cells than in the circadian molecular clock. In contrast to per and tim, the pattern of clk and cry expression is similar in both the retina and lamina. The retina holds the autonomous oscillators but the expression of cry and ccgs, Atpα and nrv2, is also regulated by inputs from the pacemaker transmitted by PDF and ITP neuropeptides.
Validation of Maslach Burnout Inventory

Stress, burnout and its related clinical components remain largely unidentified mental health issues especially among Nigerian healthcare givers. The Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) is designed to measure the intensity and frequency of perceived burnout among persons in the helping profession in general. This study aimed to establish the psychometric properties of MBI. A total of 100 doctors and nurses and 50 students consisting of 101 males and 49 females in the age range 23 to 50 (Mean = 33.85) years completed the MBI and Psychophysiological Symptoms Checklist (PSC). Psychometric properties of the MBI including its reliability and validity were assessed. The normative scores were: emotional exhaustion = 7.52, dehumanization = 2.52 and reduced personal accomplishment =12.12. The reliability coefficients were: Cronbach’s Alpha = . 86, Split-half = . 57 and Odd-Even = . 92. By correlating MBI with PSC concurrent validity coefficients in the range . 01-. 36 were obtained. Because of its reliability, validity, brevity and ease of administration, the MBI is considered a useful instrument for measuring burnout among Nigerians. However, more studies are needed to further ascertain the potentials of this instrument among other categories of Nigerian health workers.
Workplace bullying in NHS community trust: staff questionnaire survey

Abstract Objectives: To determine the prevalence of workplace bullying in an NHS community trust; to examine the association between bullying and occupational health outcomes; and to investigate the relation between support at work and bullying. Design: Questionnaire survey. Setting: NHS community trust in the south east of England. Subjects: Trust employees. Main outcome measures: Measures included a 20item inventory of bullying behaviours designed for the study, the job induced stress scale, the hospital anxiety and depression scale, the overall job satisfaction scale, the support at work scale, and the propensity to leave scale. Results: 1100 employees returned questionnaires—a response rate of 70%. 421(38%) employees reported experiencing one or more types of bullying in the previous year. 460(42%) had witnessed the bullying of others. When bullying occurred it was most likely to be by a manager. Two thirds of the victims of bullying had tried to take action when the bullying occurred, but most were dissatisfied with the outcome. Staff who had been bullied had significantly lower levels of job satisfaction (mean 10.5(SD 2.7) v 12.2(2.3), P<0.001) and higher levels of job induced stress (mean 22.5(SD 6.1) v 16.9(5.8), P<0.001), depression (8% (33) v 1% (7), P<0.001), anxiety (30% (125) v 9% (60), P<0.001), and intention to leave the job (8.5(2.9) v 7.0(2.7), P<0.001). Support at work seemed to protect people from some of the damaging effects of bullying. Conclusions: Bullying is a serious problem. Setting up systems for supporting staff and for dealing with interpersonal conflict may have benefits for both employers and staff.
Establishment and Validation of an Updated Diagnostic FCM Scoring System Based on Pooled Immunophenotyping in CD34+ Blasts and Its Clinical Significance for Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Abnormal immunophenotypes of hematopoietic cells can be detected by flow cytometry (FCM) to assist the diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). We previously established a FCM scoring system for the diagnosis of low-grade MDS. In this study, additional valuable antigens were involved in an updated FCM scoring system (u-FCMSS) for all MDS subtypes. The u-FCMSS showed better sensitivity and specificity (89.4% and 96.5%) in distinguishing MDS from non-clonal cytopenia diseases. Validation analysis of u-FCMSS exhibited comparable sensitivity and specificity (86.7% and 93.3%) and high agreement rate (88.9%) of FCM diagnosis with morphological diagnosis at optimal cut-off (score 3). The distribution of FCM scores in different disease stages was also analyzed. The results suggested that early scoring from abnormal expression of mature myeloid/lymphoid antigens and advanced scoring from abnormal expression of stem/progenitor antigens expression constituted the majority of FCM scores of low-grade and high-grade MDS, respectively. High early scoring was generally accompanied by low IPSS-R score and superior survival, whereas high advanced scoring was accompanied by high IPSS-R score and inferior survival. In addition, the low-risk MDS patients with high early scoring and low advanced scoring were revealed as candidates for immunosuppressive therapy, whereas those with high advanced scoring and low early scoring may be more suitable for decitabine treatment. In conclusion, the u-FCMSS is a useful tool for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment selection in MDS. Differences in classes of antigens expressed and in distribution of FCM scores may reflect distinctive stage characteristics of MDS during disease progression.
Magnesium Limitation Is an Environmental Trigger of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Lifestyle

Biofilm formation is a conserved strategy for long-term bacterial survival in nature and during infections. Biofilms are multicellular aggregates of cells enmeshed in an extracellular matrix. The RetS, GacS and LadS sensors control the switch from a planktonic to a biofilm mode of growth in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Here we detail our approach to identify environmental triggers of biofilm formation by investigating environmental conditions that repress expression of the biofilm repressor RetS. Mg2+ limitation repressed the expression of retS leading to increased aggregation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production and biofilm formation. Repression of retS expression under Mg2+ limitation corresponded with induced expression of the GacA-controlled small regulatory RNAs rsmZ and rsmY and the EPS biosynthesis operons pel and psl. We recently demonstrated that extracellular DNA sequesters Mg2+ cations and activates the cation-sensing PhoPQ two-component system, which leads to increased antimicrobial peptide resistance in biofilms. Here we show that exogenous DNA and EDTA, through their ability to chelate Mg2+, promoted biofilm formation. The repression of retS in low Mg2+ was directly controlled by PhoPQ. PhoP also directly controlled expression of rsmZ but not rsmY suggesting that PhoPQ controls the equilibrium of the small regulatory RNAs and thus fine-tunes the expression of genes in the RetS pathway. In summary, Mg2+ limitation is a biologically relevant environmental condition and the first bonafide environmental signal identified that results in transcriptional repression of retS and promotes P. aeruginosa biofilm formation.