Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two Distinct Mechanisms Ensure Transcriptional Polarity in Double-Stranded RNA Bacteriophages

ABSTRACT In most double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) viruses, RNA transcription occurs inside a polymerase (Pol) complex particle, which contains an RNA-dependent RNA Pol subunit as a minor component. Only plus- but not minus-sense copies of genomic segments are produced during this reaction. In the case of φ6, a dsRNA bacteriophage from the Cystoviridae family, isolated Pol synthesizes predominantly plus strands using virus-specific dsRNAs in vitro, thus suggesting that Pol template preferences determine the transcriptional polarity. Here, we dissect transcription reactions catalyzed by Pol complexes and Pol subunits of two other cystoviruses, φ8 and φ13. While both Pol complexes synthesize exclusively plus strands over a wide range of conditions, isolated Pol subunits can be stimulated by Mn2+ to produce minus-sense copies on φ13 dsRNA templates. Importantly, all three Pol subunits become more prone to the native-like plus-strand synthesis when the dsRNA templates (including φ13 dsRNA) are activated by denaturation before the reaction. Based on these and earlier observations, we propose a model of transcriptional polarity in Cystoviridae controlled on two independent levels: Pol affinity to plus-strand initiation sites and accessibility of these sites to the Pol in a single-stranded form.
PERSONALITY PROCESSES AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES On the Relative Independence of Thinking Biases and Cognitive Ability

In 7 different studies, the authors observed that a large number of thinking biases are uncorrelated with cognitive ability. These thinking biases include some of the most classic and well-studied biases in the heuristics and biases literature, including the conjunction effect, framing effects, anchoring effects, outcome bias, base-rate neglect, “less is more” effects, affect biases, omission bias, myside bias, sunk-cost effect, and certainty effects that violate the axioms of expected utility theory. In a further experiment, the authors nonetheless showed that cognitive ability does correlate with the tendency to avoid some rational thinking biases, specifically the tendency to display denominator neglect, probability matching rather than maximizing, belief bias, and matching bias on the 4-card selection task. The authors present a framework for predicting when cognitive ability will and will not correlate with a rational thinking tendency.
Physiological and chemical architecture of a lobster ganglion with particular reference to gamma-aminobutyrate and glutamate.

THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the inhibitory transmitter compound at the lobster neuromuscular junction (see 20). Special interest, therefore, is attached to the chemistry of this compound. GABA is about 100 times more concentrated in inhibitory than in excitatory axons; the concentration is about 0.1 M in inhibitory fibers if GABA is freely dissolved in the axoplasm (13,15). The origin of the GABA difference appears to lie in an asymmetric distribution of the enzyme that synthesizes GABA from glutamate, glutamic decarboxylase, the pathway for subsequent degradation being about equally active in the two types of axons (14). The mechanisms regulating the levels of the enzymes, on the other hand, are unknown; it is possible that differential enzyme synthesis or destruction accounts for the decarboxylase difference. Since the neuronal cell body is presumably the site of enzyme synthesis, the aim of the present work was to develop methods for finding and isolating the cell bodies of efferent excitatory and inhibitory neurons within the lobster central nervous system. As a first step toward understanding enzyme regulation in the GABA pathway, the contents of the substrates, GABA and glutamate, were measured. During the course of this work observations were made on the physiological organization of a ganglion, and these are also presented. The present study, like earlier ones on peripheral axons, was aided by the favorable anatomy of the lobster. The total number of efferent neurons is small, usually between two and six per muscle, at least one of which is inhibitory (cf. 12, 31); this eases the problem of locating any particular cell body. Like the axons, the cell bodies are large enough to be isolated with hand-held instruments. In contrast to the cell bodies of most vertebrate neurons, they are apparently free of synapses (1); thus interpretation of the chemical analysis is simplified. Finally, the ganglia, like the peripheral nerves, show a striking constancy of organization; many of the efferent cell bodies can be recognized by their size and position alone. A brief abstract of this work has been published (21).
Duality for Exotic Bialgebras

In the classification of Hietarinta, three triangular 4 × 4 R-matrices lead, via the FRT formalism, to matrix bialgebras which are not deformations of the trivial one. In this paper, we find the bialgebras which are in duality with these three exotic matrix bialgebras. We note that the L − T duality of FRT is not sufficient for the construction of the bialgebras in duality. We find also the quantum planes corresponding to these bialgebras both by the Wess-Zumino R-matrix method and by Manin’s method.
To Which We Belong: Understanding Tradition in Inter-Organizational Relations

In this article, we explore tradition in the context of collaboration. We take a view of tradition as rooted in reference groups, which are conceptually distinct from membership groups. Through research in two particular collaborations supporting technology business development in the UK, we find that tradition, as a potential cause of failure or inertia, is inter-organizationally significant. We argue that insight into the nature of tradition —in particular its dynamic interplay with culture in the formation of identity— allows participants to develop some useful language that supports more effective reflective practice in collaboration.
Response to hypoxia of pulmonary arteries in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: an in vitro study

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) show impaired hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction that might contribute to abnormal gas exchange and could be related to endothelial dysfunction in pulmonary arteries. The aim of the study was to investigate the response of PA to hypoxic stimulus in vitro in COPD, and the role of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) in this response. The pulmonary arteries of 25 patients who underwent lung resection were studied. Patients were divided into controls, COPD+normoxaemia (COPDN) and COPD+hypoxaemia (COPDH). Hypoxic vasoconstriction (HV) was evaluated before and after stimulation or inhibition of the endothelial release of NO, and in the presence of exogenous NO. Compared with the other groups, HV was reduced in COPDH. The magnitude of HV correlated with the oxygen tension in arterial blood. The hypoxic stimulus induced greater contraction after stimulating endothelial release of NO, whereas its inhibition practically abolished HV. Exogenous NO completely inhibited HV. Maximal relaxation induced by endothelium-dependent vasodilators correlated with the magnitude of HV. In conclusion, pulmonary arteries of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypoxaemia have an impaired response to hypoxic stimulus, and the endothelial release of nitric oxide modulates hypoxic vasoconstriction. The depressed response of pulmonary arteries to hypoxia may contribute to abnormal gas exchange in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Is It Worth the Price? Women’s Involvement in Leadership and Coaching in Sport Organizations in Norway

The Norwegian Confederation of Sports, the non-profit umbrella organization for all organized sports in Norway, has gradually accepted women’s demands for equal opportunities and full integration at all levels. The situation for women in sports politics and coaching today is characterized by male dominance as well as high drop-out rates and recruiting problems among women. The aim of the investigation, as basis for this article, was to give women’s experiences within elected posts and coaching a public voice and elaborate why women hesitate to involve themselves or drop-out after a short period of time. The following questions are outlined and discussed: - What motivates women to take up elected posts and coaching? - What experiences do women have after holding such posts and roles? - What problems and challenges seem to be difficult to face and handle? The analytical perspective was inspired by the feminist critique of organizations as gender-neutral arenas, and Bourdieu’s analysis of dominance and power.
Alternative ways of using field‐based estimates to calibrate ecosystem models and their implications for carbon cycle studies

Model‐data fusion is a process in which field observations are used to constrain model parameters. How observations are used to constrain parameters has a direct impact on the carbon cycle dynamics simulated by ecosystem models. In this study, we present an evaluation of several options for the use of observations in modeling regional carbon dynamics and explore the implications of those options. We calibrated the Terrestrial Ecosystem Model on a hierarchy of three vegetation classification levels for the Alaskan boreal forest: species level, plant‐functional‐type level (PFT level), and biome level, and we examined the differences in simulated carbon dynamics. Species‐specific field‐based estimates were directly used to parameterize the model for species‐level simulations, while weighted averages based on species percent cover were used to generate estimates for PFT‐ and biome‐level model parameterization. We found that calibrated key ecosystem process parameters differed substantially among species and overlapped for species that are categorized into different PFTs. Our analysis of parameter sets suggests that the PFT‐level parameterizations primarily reflected the dominant species and that functional information of some species were lost from the PFT‐level parameterizations. The biome‐level parameterization was primarily representative of the needleleaf PFT and lost information on broadleaf species or PFT function. Our results indicate that PFT‐level simulations may be potentially representative of the performance of species‐level simulations while biome‐level simulations may result in biased estimates. Improved theoretical and empirical justifications for grouping species into PFTs or biomes are needed to adequately represent the dynamics of ecosystem functioning and structure.
Trusted3Ballot: Improving Security and Usability of Three Ballot Voting System Using Trusted Computing

The main goal in the design of Three Ballot system was to provide an end-to-end auditable voting system in a simple way without use of cryptography to bolster voter confidence in the system. However, later it was shown that this system has significant security and usability problems. To solve these problems, in this work we propose Trusted3Ballot, an electronic Three Ballot based voting system which uses trusted computing technology. One notable feature of the proposed system is the use of TPM remote attestation property to address a number of trust and security problems. The analysis of our proposal reveals that significant improvements to the Three Ballot system are provided in terms of both security and usability.
Counter-measures to photo attacks in face recognition: A public database and a baseline

A common technique to by-pass 2-D face recognition systems is to use photographs of spoofed identities. Unfortunately, research in counter-measures to this type of attack have not kept-up - even if such threats have been known for nearly a decade, there seems to exist no consensus on best practices, techniques or protocols for developing and testing spoofing-detectors for face recognition. We attribute the reason for this delay, partly, to the unavailability of public databases and protocols to study solutions and compare results. To this purpose we introduce the publicly available PRINT-ATTACK database and exemplify how to use its companion protocol with a motion-based algorithm that detects correlations between the person's head movements and the scene context. The results are to be used as basis for comparison to other counter-measure techniques. The PRINT-ATTACK database contains 200 videos of real-accesses and 200 videos of spoof attempts using printed photographs of 50 different identities.
A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, double-dummy comparison of recombinant and urinary HCG for inducing oocyte maturation and follicular luteinization in ovarian stimulation.

A randomized, controlled, double-blind, double-dummy, phase III clinical trial was conducted in 84 women to compare the efficacy of a s.c. injection of 250 microg recombinant human chorionic gonadotrophin (rHCG; Ovidrel) to an i.m. injection of 5000 IU urinary HCG (uHCG; Profasi) in inducing folliculogenesis, resumption of oocyte meiosis and luteinization after ovulation induction with recombinant follicle stimulating hormone (Gonal-F). The study primary endpoint was comparison of the number of oocytes retrieved per patient receiving either compound. Secondary comparisons included the number of oocytes retrieved per follicles aspirated; the number of mature oocytes; normally fertilized oocytes; and cleaved embryos. There were no statistically significant differences between groups for the primary endpoint (mean +/- SD oocytes retrieved 10.8 +/- 4.5 for rHCG versus 10.3 +/- 5.1 for uHCG) or each of the secondary endpoints except for increased concentrations of progesterone 6-7 days after rHCG administration (353.2 +/- 215.1 versus 234.1 +/- 129.4 nmol/l; P < 0. 004) and for HCG during the luteal phase following rHCG (P < 0.02). There were also no significant side-effects for either drug. Since the confidence intervals for the difference of the number of oocytes retrieved between the two treatment groups were within the bounds defined by the multi-trial protocol equivalence between rHCG and uHCG could be declared.
The Dividend Month Premium

We find an asset pricing anomaly whereby companies have positive abnormal returns in months when they are predicted to issue a dividend. Abnormal returns in predicted dividend months are high relative to other companies and relative to dividend-paying companies in months without a predicted dividend, making risk-based explanations unlikely. The anomaly is as large as the value premium, but less volatile. The premium is consistent with price pressure from dividend-seeking investors. Measures of liquidity and demand for dividends are associated with larger price increases in the period before the ex-day (when there is no news about the dividend) and larger reversals afterward.
Detection and Serotype-Specific Differentiation of Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Using a Multiplex, Real-Time, Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Assay

A multiplex, real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay was developed that allowed simultaneous detection and rapid differentiation of vesicular stomatitis virus strains—New Jersey (VSV-NJ) and Indiana 1, 2, and 3 (VSV-IN1–3). This assay involves use of a set of VSV universal primers located in the L gene that amplify VSV-IN1–3 and VSV-NJ using probes that allow differentiation of the major serotypes Indiana and New Jersey. The assay was evaluated using reference VSV, foot-and-mouth disease virus, swine vesicular disease virus, and vesicular exanthema of swine virus. To estimate diagnostic sensitivity, 159 epithelial samples collected between 1996 and 2002 from naturally infected cattle in Colombia were used. The assay cut off was calculated by testing RNA extracted from 150 virus-negative bovine tissues consisting of tongue, soft palate, muzzle, coronary band, and lymph node. All infected cattle were test positive for VS by results of real-time RT-PCR analysis; results for 156 of 159 (98.1%) agreed with the serotype determination from the complement-fixation test. Amplification did not occur in any of the negative bovine epithelial samples, allowing the cut-off values for the assay to be set. The real-time RT-PCR assay was documented to be sensitive and specific for the detection of VSV-NJ and VSV-IN (1–3) strains from field samples in a single reaction, thereby supporting use of this assay in the differential diagnosis of vesicular virus diseases in cattle.
Talking microbes: When gut bacteria interact with diet and host organs

Obesity and diabetes have reached epidemic proportions. Evidence suggests that besides dietary habits and physical activity, other environmental factors, such as gut microbes, are recognized as additional partners implicated in the control of energy homeostasis. Studies on the human gut microbiota have shown that the general population can be stratified on the sole basis of three dominant bacteria (i.e., the concept of enterotypes), while some others have suggested categorizing the population according to their microbiome gene richness. Both aspects have been strengthened by recent studies investigating the impact of nutrients (e.g., dietary fibers, fat feeding) and dietary habits (i.e., vegans versus omnivores) of different populations. Using preclinical models, quite a few novel mechanisms have been proposed in these gut microbiota–host interactions, including the role of novel bacteria, the regulation of antimicrobial peptide production, the maintenance of the gut barrier function and intestinal innate immunity. In this review, we discuss several of the aforementioned aspects. Nonetheless, determining the overall mechanisms by which microbes dialogue with host cells will require further investigations before anticipating the development of next‐generation nutritional interventions using prebiotics, probiotics, synbiotics, or even specific nutrients for promoting health benefits.
A Bayesian Inference Analysis of the X-Ray Cluster Luminosity-Temperature Relation

We present a Bayesian inference analysis of the Markevitch and Allen & Fabian cooling flow-corrected X-ray cluster temperature catalogs that constrains the slope and the evolution of the empirical X-ray cluster luminosity-temperature (L-T) relation. We find that for the luminosity range 1044.5 ergs s-1 ≲ Lbol ≲ 1046.5 ergs s-1 and the redshift range z ≲ 0.5, Lbol∝T(1-z). We also determine the L-T relation that one should use when fitting the Press-Schechter mass function to X-ray cluster luminosity catalogs such as the Einstein Medium Sensitivity Survey (EMSS) and the Southern Serendipitous High-Redshift Archival ROSAT Catalog (Southern SHARC), for which cooling flow-corrected luminosities are not determined and a universal X-ray cluster temperature of T=6 keV is assumed. In this case, Lbol∝T(1+z) for the same luminosity and redshift ranges.
The Mt Logan Holocene—late Wisconsinan isotope record: tropical Pacific—Yukon connections

The ice core recovered from Prospector Russell Col on Mt Logan (5.4 km a.s.l.), in the Yukon spans over 20 000 years. This unique record offers a Pacific view of the stable isotope and chemical record from the Lateglacial to the present. The timescale is based on seasonal counted years, the largest known volcanic acid signatures and the major shift in stable isotopes and chemistry at the end of the Younger Dryas. There are large and sustained changes in the stable isotopic record that are anti-correlated with marine and continental chemistry series. The oxygen-18 in this area is not a proxy for palaeotemperature but rather for source region. The last major isotope shift in AD 1840 in δ(18O) and chemistry is compared with the Quinn's ENSO record. During periods of more frequent La Niña (stronger tropical easterlies) there is more zonal flow of water vapour transport to the Pacific Northwest, δ(18O) values are larger and the deuterium excess d smaller. These periods coincide with periods of lower accumulation/precipitation in southern Yukon. The Holocene δ(18O) record indicates many large shifts between the meridional (strong El Niño) and zonal (La Niña). Comparison of the Logan isotopic record and the moisture/temperature-sensitive time series of peat bog inception dates for the Northwest shows a strong correlation (0.36) that points to high accumulation rates coincident with low δ(18O) and enhanced meridional flow. Major changes in the core at 4200 BP and 7000—8000 BP point to enhanced meridional flow, which coincide with big changes in the Pacific palaeorecords of the balance between El Niño and La Niña. 4200 BP seems to have inaugurated the `modern' ENSO world.
Effects of Blood Collection Conditions on Ovarian Cancer Serum Markers

Background Evaluating diagnostic and early detection biomarkers requires comparing serum protein concentrations among biosamples ascertained from subjects with and without cancer. Efforts are generally made to standardize blood processing and storage conditions for cases and controls, but blood sample collection conditions cannot be completely controlled. For example, blood samples from cases are often obtained from persons aware of their diagnoses, and collected after fasting or in surgery, whereas blood samples from some controls may be obtained in different conditions, such as a clinic visit. By measuring the effects of differences in collection conditions on three different markers, we investigated the potential of these effects to bias validation studies. Methodology and Principle Findings We analyzed serum concentrations of three previously studied putative ovarian cancer serum biomarkers–CA 125, Prolactin and MIF–in healthy women, women with ovarian cancer undergoing gynecologic surgery, women undergoing surgery for benign ovary pathology, and women undergoing surgery with pathologically normal ovaries. For women undergoing surgery, a blood sample was collected either in the clinic 1 to 39 days prior to surgery, or on the day of surgery after anesthesia was administered but prior to the surgical procedure, or both. We found that one marker, prolactin, was dramatically affected by collection conditions, while CA 125 and MIF were unaffected. Prolactin levels were not different between case and control groups after accounting for the conditions of sample collection, suggesting that sample ascertainment could explain some or all of the previously reported results about its potential as a biomarker for ovarian cancer. Conclusions Biomarker validation studies should use standardized collection conditions, use multiple control groups, and/or collect samples from cases prior to influence of diagnosis whenever feasible to detect and correct for potential biases associated with sample collection.
Dynamic myosin activation promotes collective morphology and migration by locally balancing oppositional forces from surrounding tissue

A challenge for migrating collectives is to respond to physical changes in local environments. Border cells migrate collectively in the Drosophila ovary and require dynamic myosin to maintain their morphology. Border cells elevate active myosin in response to tissue compression. Myosin tension counteracts tissue constraints for collective movement.