Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of how road users' perception and attitudes influence intention to commute by bicycle in Mexico City

The thesis aims to explore attitudes and the perceived image of cycling in Mexico City and the extent to which this may be a deterrent for engaging in cycle commuting. It also explores the existence of attitudinal transport segments. Transport segments were investigated using a questionnaire developed by the Segment Project EU. Data about attitudes were collected in the same survey from a theory-based questionnaire developed from the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), extended with constructs from the Social Comparison Theory (SCT) and the Material Possessions Model (MPM). The survey was distributed on-street and online, with a simple random sample of 401 road users. The sample characteristics were: no cyclists or infrequent cyclists, living and working in Mexico City, and aged 18-60. The results indicate that the same attitudinal transport segments identified in Europe also exist in Mexico City. They also show that cycling attributes, attitudes to cycling, social comparison, and social image and prestige were the most important factors influencing intention to cycle, explaining 42% of the variance in intention to cycle. Notably, when the evaluation of cycling was negative, the intention to commute by cycling was weaker; when the attributes of cycling and the social image linked to cycling were positive, the intention to cycle commute was strengthened. The effect of social comparison is not clearly established. Although the results from this study are specific to Mexico City, they indicate areas of interest to transportation planners in other regions, especially in those cities where intention to cycle is linked to its perceived image and there is political ambition to promote a positive image of cycling and stimulate modal shift. Moreover, this study contributes to the current literature developing applications of the TPB. Future research may include further investigating social comparison as a latent construct underlying intention to cycle.
The inverse fallacy and quantum formalism

In the present article we consider the inverse fallacy, a well known cognitive heuristic experimentally tested in cognitive science, which occurs for intuitive judgments in situations of bounded rationality. We show that the quantum formalism can be used to describe in a very simple and general way this fallacy within the quantum formalism. Thus we suggest that in cognitive science the formalism of quantum mechanics can be used to describe a quantum regime, the bounded-rationality regime, where the cognitive heuristics are valid.
The Business Alignment of Social Media Analytics

Many companies have realized the immense potential of Social Media (SM) insights and have started to use concepts of Social Media Analytics (SMA) to reveal them. However, despite the importance of SMA, executives frequently hand off the topic to IT departments, instead of being actively involved in the business alignment of SMA. While existing SMA literature frequently identifies this need, it only addresses individual steps of the business alignment rather than suggesting comprehensive approaches. In order to contribute to the scientific discussion, we adapt a framework from the requirements engineering field to structure the field of action and enable decision-makers to define the SM insights beneficial to their individual goals. To help practitioners with the application of our work, we show a practical example of how to use the framework, and present possible SMA concepts based on current literature that can be used to collect the required SM insights.
In vitro interaction of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat transactivator and the general transcription factor TFIIB with the cellular protein TAP

We have reported the molecular cloning, expression, and characterization of a human cellular protein, TAP, which possesses a strong transcriptional activation domain and binds the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Tat transactivator in vitro and in vivo (L. Yu, Z. Zhang, P.M. Loewenstein, K. Desai, Q. Tang, D. Mao, J.S. Symington, and M. Green, J. Virol. 69:3007-3016, 1995). Here we show that TAP binds the general transcription factor TFIIB. Furthermore, we delineate the binding domains of TAP, Tat, and TFIIB, as well as measure the strengths and specificity of these protein-protein interactions. TAP binds strongly to Tat, with a Kd of (approximately 2 to 5) x 10(-7) M. The Tat activation region contains a 17-amino-acid conserved core domain which is the single contact site for TAP. Single-amino-acid substitutions within the Tat core domain inactivate transactivation in vivo and in vitro and greatly reduce binding of Tat to TAP in vitro. TAP binds strongly to TFIIB, with about the same Kd as for Tat. The interaction between TAP and TFIIB requires a sequence near the carboxy terminus of TFIIB which is also required for binding the strong acidic activator VP16. The contact sites for Tat and TFIIB map within the TAP C-terminal region, which contains the TAP activation domain. These combined results are consistent with the hypothesis that TAP is a cellular coactivator that bridges the Tat transactivator to the general transcription machinery via TFIIB.
Degradation, Promoter Recruitment and Transactivation Mediated by the Extreme N-Terminus of MHC Class II Transactivator CIITA Isoform III

Multiple relationships between ubiquitin-proteasome mediated protein turnover and transcriptional activation have been well documented, but the underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. One way to induce degradation is via ubiquitination of the N-terminal α-amino group of proteins. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II transactivator CIITA is the master regulator of MHC class II gene expression and we found earlier that CIITA is a short-lived protein. Using stable and transient transfections of different CIITA constructs into HEK-293 and HeLa cell lines, we show here that the extreme N-terminal end of CIITA isoform III induces both rapid degradation and transactivation. It is essential that this sequence resides at the N-terminal end of the protein since blocking of the N-terminal end with an epitope-tag stabilizes the protein and reduces transactivation potential. The first ten amino acids of CIITA isoform III act as a portable degron and transactivation sequence when transferred as N-terminal extension to truncated CIITA constructs and are also able to destabilize a heterologous protein. The same is observed with the N-terminal ends of several known N-terminal ubiquitination substrates, such as Id2, Cdt1 and MyoD. Arginine and proline residues within the N-terminal ends contribute to rapid turnover. The N-terminal end of CIITA isoform III is responsible for efficient in vivo recruitment to the HLA-DRA promoter and increased interaction with components of the transcription machinery, such as TBP, p300, p400/Domino, the 19S ATPase S8, and the MHC-II promoter binding complex RFX. These experiments reveal a novel function of free N-terminal ends of proteins in degradation-dependent transcriptional activation.
Changes in Plasma Membrane Surface Potential of PC12 Cells as Measured by Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy

The plasma membrane of a cell not only works as a physical barrier but also mediates the signal relay between the extracellular milieu and the cell interior. Various stimulants may cause the redistribution of molecules, like lipids, proteins, and polysaccharides, on the plasma membrane and change the surface potential (Φs). In this study, the Φss of PC12 cell plasma membranes were measured by atomic force microscopy in Kelvin probe mode (KPFM). The skewness values of the Φss distribution histogram were found to be mostly negative, and the incorporation of negatively charged phosphatidylserine shifted the average skewness values to positive. After being treated with H2O2, dopamine, or Zn2+, phosphatidylserine was found to be translocated to the membrane outer leaflet and the averaged skewness values were changed to positive values. These results demonstrated that KPFM can be used to monitor cell physiology status in response to various stimulants with high spatial resolution.
Out-of-pocket costs in the year after early breast cancer among Canadian women and spouses.

BACKGROUND We lack comprehensive information about the extent of out-of-pocket costs after diagnosis of early breast cancer and their effects on the family's financial situation. METHODS This longitudinal study assessed out-of-pocket costs and wage losses during the first year after diagnosis of early breast cancer among Canadian women and spouses. Out-of-pocket costs for treatments and follow-up, consultations with other practitioners, home help, clothing, and natural health products were estimated, with information collected from telephone interviews. Generalized linear models were used to identify women at risk of having higher costs and the effects of out-of-pocket costs on perceptions of the family's financial situation. RESULTS Overall, 829 women (participation, 86.2%) and 391 spouses participated. Women's median net out-of-pocket costs during the year after diagnosis were $1002 (2003 Canadian dollars; mean = $1365; SD = $1238), and 74.4% of these costs resulted from treatments and follow-up. Spouses' median costs were $111 (mean = $234; SD = $320), or 9% of couples' total expenses. In multivariable analyses, the percentage of women with out-of-pocket costs of $1773 or more (upper quartile) was statistically significantly associated with higher education, working at diagnosis, living more than 50 km from the hospital where surgery was performed, and having two and three different types of adjuvant treatment (all 2-sided P values ≤ .01). However, when considered simultaneously with wage losses, out-of-pocket costs were not associated with perceived deterioration in the family's financial situation; rather, wage losses were the driving factor. CONCLUSIONS Overall, out-of-pocket costs from breast cancer for the year after diagnosis are probably not unmanageable for most women. However, some women were at higher risk of experiencing financial burden resulting from these costs.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation vs. surgical aortic valve replacement for treatment of symptomatic severe aortic stenosis: an updated meta-analysis.

AIMS Owing to new evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in low-risk patients with severe aortic stenosis, we compared the collective safety and efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) vs. surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) across the entire spectrum of surgical risk patients. METHODS AND RESULTS The meta-analysis is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42016037273). We identified RCTs comparing TAVI with SAVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis reporting at different follow-up periods. We extracted trial, patient, intervention, and outcome characteristics following predefined criteria. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality up to 2 years for the main analysis. Seven trials that randomly assigned 8020 participants to TAVI (4014 patients) and SAVR (4006 patients) were included. The combined mean STS score in the TAVI arm was 9.4%, 5.1%, and 2.0% for high-, intermediate-, and low surgical risk trials, respectively. Transcatheter aortic valve implantation was associated with a significant reduction of all-cause mortality compared to SAVR {hazard ratio [HR] 0.88 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-0.99], P = 0.030}; an effect that was consistent across the entire spectrum of surgical risk (P-for-interaction = 0.410) and irrespective of type of transcatheter heart valve (THV) system (P-for-interaction = 0.674). Transcatheter aortic valve implantation resulted in lower risk of strokes [HR 0.81 (95% CI 0.68-0.98), P = 0.028]. Surgical aortic valve replacement was associated with a lower risk of major vascular complications [HR 1.99 (95% CI 1.34-2.93), P = 0.001] and permanent pacemaker implantations [HR 2.27 (95% CI 1.47-3.64), P < 0.001] compared to TAVI. CONCLUSION Compared with SAVR, TAVI is associated with reduction in all-cause mortality and stroke up to 2 years irrespective of baseline surgical risk and type of THV system.
The potential for road accident reduction in developing countries

Abstract This paper illustrates the seriousness of the road accident problem in countries of the Third World by examining the cost of these accidents and also by comparing road accident fatalities with other causes of death. The paper then attempts to answer the largely hypothetical question, ‘If fatality and injury rates are thought to be too high at present in these countries, to what level could they be realistically reduced? ’ Results from the various methods used suggest that existing numbers of deaths and injuries could be reduced by between 30 and 40%, thus saving 40 000 to 50000 lives in the Third World each year. A comparison of those countries with particularly high fatality rates with those with particularly low rates showed that factors such as drinking and driving legislation and level of medical facilities available may be playing an important role in reducing fatality rates. The paper stresses the need for careful monitoring of remedial measures when introduced and an assessment made of thei.
Intercomparison study of six HTDMAs: results and recommendations

Abstract. We report on an intercomparison of six different hygroscopicity tandem differential mobility analysers HTDMAs). These HTDMAs are used worldwide in laboratory experiments and field campaigns to measure the water uptake of aerosol particles and have never been intercompared. After an investigation of the different design of the instruments with their advantages and inconveniencies, the methods for calibration, validation and data analysis are presented. Measurements of nebulised ammonium sulphate as well as of secondary organic aerosol generated from a smog chamber were performed. Agreement and discrepancies between the instruments and to the theory are discussed, and final recommendations for a standard instrument are given, as a benchmark for laboratory or field experiments to ensure a high quality of HTDMA data.
Predictability Modulates Human Brain Response to Reward

Certain classes of stimuli, such as food and drugs, are highly effective in activating reward regions. We show in humans that activity in these regions can be modulated by the predictability of the sequenced delivery of two mildly pleasurable stimuli, orally delivered fruit juice and water. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging, the activity for rewarding stimuli in both the nucleus accumbens and medial orbitofrontal cortex was greatest when the stimuli were unpredictable. Moreover, the subjects' stated preference for either juice or water was not directly correlated with activity in reward regions but instead was correlated with activity in sensorimotor cortex. For pleasurable stimuli, these findings suggest that predictability modulates the response of human reward regions, and subjective preference can be dissociated from this response.
PARP1–TDP1 coupling for the repair of topoisomerase I–induced DNA damage

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARP) attach poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) chains to various proteins including themselves and chromatin. Topoisomerase I (Top1) regulates DNA supercoiling and is the target of camptothecin and indenoisoquinoline anticancer drugs, as it forms Top1 cleavage complexes (Top1cc) that are trapped by the drugs. Endogenous and carcinogenic DNA lesions can also trap Top1cc. Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1), a key repair enzyme for trapped Top1cc, hydrolyzes the phosphodiester bond between the DNA 3′-end and the Top1 tyrosyl moiety. Alternative repair pathways for Top1cc involve endonuclease cleavage. However, it is unknown what determines the choice between TDP1 and the endonuclease repair pathways. Here we show that PARP1 plays a critical role in this process. By generating TDP1 and PARP1 double-knockout lymphoma chicken DT40 cells, we demonstrate that TDP1 and PARP1 are epistatic for the repair of Top1cc. The N-terminal domain of TDP1 directly binds the C-terminal domain of PARP1, and TDP1 is PARylated by PARP1. PARylation stabilizes TDP1 together with SUMOylation of TDP1. TDP1 PARylation enhances its recruitment to DNA damage sites without interfering with TDP1 catalytic activity. TDP1–PARP1 complexes, in turn recruit X-ray repair cross-complementing protein 1 (XRCC1). This work identifies PARP1 as a key component driving the repair of trapped Top1cc by TDP1.
Optimizing Superpixel Clustering for Real-Time Egocentric-Vision Applications

In this work, we propose a strategy for optimizing a superpixel algorithm for video signals, in order to get closer to real time performances which are on the one hand needed for egocentric vision applications and on the other must be bearable by wearable technologies. Instead of applying the algorithm frame by frame, we propose a technique inspired to Bayesian filtering and to video coding which allows to re-initialize superpixels using the information from the previous frame. This results in faster convergence and demonstrates how performances improve with respect to the standard application of the algorithm from scratch at each frame.
Comparative Analyses between Skeletal Muscle miRNAomes from Large White and Min Pigs Revealed MicroRNAs Associated with Postnatal Muscle Hypertrophy

The molecular mechanism regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs) that underlies postnatal hypertrophy of skeletal muscle is complex and remains unclear. Here, the miRNAomes of longissimus dorsi muscle collected at five postnatal stages (60, 120, 150, 180, and 210 days after birth) from Large White (commercial breed) and Min pigs (indigenous breed of China) were analyzed by Illumina sequencing. We identified 734 miRNAs comprising 308 annotated miRNAs and 426 novel miRNAs, of which 307 could be considered pig-specific. Comparative analysis between two breeds suggested that 60 and 120 days after birth were important stages for skeletal muscle hypertrophy and intramuscular fat accumulation. A total of 263 miRNAs were significantly differentially expressed between two breeds at one or more developmental stages. In addition, the differentially expressed miRNAs between every two adjacent developmental stages in each breed were determined. Notably, ssc-miR-204 was significantly more highly expressed in Min pig skeletal muscle at all postnatal stages compared with its expression in Large White pig skeletal muscle. Based on gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses of its predicted target genes, we concluded that ssc-miR-204 may exert an impact on postnatal hypertrophy of skeletal muscle by regulating myoblast proliferation. The results of this study will help in elucidating the mechanism underlying postnatal hypertrophy of skeletal muscle modulated by miRNAs, which could provide valuable information for improvement of pork quality and human myopathy.
The Effect Of Using Social Media On The Students’ Vocabulary Achievement At Tenth Grade Students Of SMA Swasta Persiapan Stabat Academic Year 2017/2018

The study is aimed at finding out the effect of social media on students’ vocabulary achievement. The writers choose the 2017/2018 tenth year students of SMA Swasta Persiapan Stabat as the subjects of the study. The population of the 2017/2018 tenth year students was 244 students. The writers took classes, namely X IPA-4 with 40 students and X IPS-2 with 35 students as the sample of the study and they were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group was taught by applying social media, while the control group was taught without social media. The data got from pre-test and posttest was analyzed by using t-test. The result of the t-test showed that the value of t observed was 9, 34. The t observed value of 9, 34 was higher than the value of t-table 2, 00 and 2, 66. This indicated that alternative hypothesis (Ha) was accepted. Therefore, the result of the study showed that there is significant effect of social media on students’ vocabulary achievement of the 2017/2018 tenth year students of SMA Swasta Persiapan Stabat.
Eye Movement Analysis for Activity Recognition in Everyday Situations

Den standigt okande mangden av smarta enheter i var vardag har lett till nya problem inom HCI sa som hur vi manniskor ska interagera med dessa enheter pa ett effektivt och enkelt satt. An sa lange har kontextuellt medvetna system visat sig kunna vara ett mojligt satt att losa detta problem. Om ett system hade kunnat automatiskt detektera personers aktiviteter och avsikter, kunde det agera utan nagon explicit inmatning fran anvandaren. Ogon har tidigare visat sig avsloja mycket information om en persons kognitiva tillstand och skulle kunna vara en mojlig modalitet for att extrahera aktivitesinformation ifran. I denna avhandling har vi undersokt mojligheten att detektera aktiviteter genom att anvanda en billig, hemmabyggd ogonsparningsapparat. Ett experiment utfordes dar deltagarna genomforde aktiviteter i ett kok for att samla in data om deras ogonrorelser. Efter experimentet var fardigt, annoterades, forbehandlades och klassificerades datan med hjalp av en multilayer perceptron--och en random forest--klassificerare. Trots att mangden data var relativt liten, visade resultaten att igenkanningsgraden var mellan 30-40% beroende pa vilken klassificerare som anvandes. Detta bekraftar tidigare forskning att aktivitetsigenkanning genom att analysera ogonrorelser ar mojligt. Dock visar det aven att det fortfarande ar svart att uppna en hog igenkanningsgrad.
The Wnt Blows: On the Functional Role of Wnt Signaling in Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection and Beyond

In recent years, it has become apparent that the Wnt signaling pathway, known for its essential functions in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, exerts immunomodulatory functions during inflammation and infection. Most functional studies indicate that Wnt5a exerts pro-inflammatory functions on its cellular targets, which include various types of immune and non-immune cells. Wnt5a expression has also been linked to the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases. Activation of beta-catenin-dependent Wnt signaling, e.g., by Wnt3a, has however been shown to limit inflammation by interfering with the nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-kappaB) pathway. This review focuses on the regulation of Wnt5a, Wnt3a, and the recently identified Wnt6 and their functional role in bacterial infections with a primary focus on pulmonary tuberculosis, a leading infectious cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.