Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism for de novo initiation at two sites in the respiratory syncytial virus promoter

Abstract The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) initiates two RNA synthesis processes from the viral promoter: genome replication from position 1U and mRNA transcription from position 3C. Here, we examined the mechanism by which a single promoter can direct initiation from two sites. We show that initiation at 1U and 3C occurred independently of each other, and that the same RdRp was capable of precisely selecting the two sites. The RdRp preferred to initiate at 3C, but initiation site selection could be modulated by the relative concentrations of ATP versus GTP. Analysis of template mutations indicated that the RdRp could bind ATP and CTP, or GTP, independently of template nucleotides. The data suggest a model in which innate affinity of the RdRp for particular NTPs, coupled with a repeating element within the promoter, allows precise initiation of replication at 1U or transcription at 3C.
The Secret of Internet Celebrities: A Qualitative Study of Online Opinion Leaders on Weibo

Internet celebrities are widely observable on social media platforms and are an essential component to a social media marketing program. Drawing on the media success literature and online influencer research, this study reflects Internet celebrities’ fameseeking practices and discusses on three issues from literature: definition of Internet celebrities, Internet celebrities’ identification criteria and what factors can contribute to individual online influence. A series of interview from three Internet celebrities and three followers of each celebrity were conducted to enrich this study. The results show that Internet celebrities are people who have become famous by means of Internet, and have the ability to influence others. They are characterized as having a certain number of followers; high level of interactivity on their profile; and promising business value. Moreover, this study suggests a five-dimensional perspective to understand individual online influence. We believe that these findings provide new insights for interpretation of Internet celebrities and suggest a possible success formula for fame-seekers to achieve influence on the increasingly competitive social media platforms.
[Brain Perfusion, Cognitive Functions, and Vascular Age in Middle Aged Patients With Essential Arterial Hypertension].

OBJECTIVE This study aimed to assess the cognitive functions and cerebral blood flow measured with arterial spin labeling (ASL) and their possible correlations with vascular age in untreated middle-aged patients with grade 1-2 essential arterial hypertension (EAH). METHODS We examined 73 subjects aged 40-59 years (33 with EAH and 40 healthy volunteers [controls]). Neuropsychological assessment included Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Trail Making test (part A and part B), Stroop Color and Word Test, verbal fluency test (phonemic verbal fluency and semantic verbal fluency), 10‑item word list learning task. All subjects underwent brain MRI. MRI protocol included ASL. Vascular age was calculated by two techniques - using Framingham Heart Study risk tables and SCORE project scales. RESULTS Patients with EAH had lower performance on phonemic verbal fluency test and lower mean MoCA score (29.2±1.4 vs. 28.1±1.7 points) compared to controls (13.4±3.2, р=0.002; 29.2±1.4, p=0.001, respectively). White matter hyperintensities (WMH) were present in 7.5 % controls and in 51.5 % EAH patients (р=0.0002). Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in EAH patients was lower in both right (39.1±5.6 vs. 45.8±3.2 ml / 100 g / min) and left frontal lobes of the brain (39.2±6.2 и 45.2±3.6 ml / 100 g / min, respectively) compared to controls (р.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews Understanding sources of adult age di ﬀ erences in task switching: Evidence from behavioral and ERP studies

The task-switching paradigm is a valid tool to measure age-related changes in executive functions. It allows identifying the most vulnerable cognitive control processes a ﬀ ected by aging. This review provides an overview about the current evidence on behavioral and electrophysiological signatures of adult age di ﬀ erences in task switching with a focus on age-related changes in ERP correlates of three task-processing phases: (1) advanced task preparation as re ﬂ ected by the cue-P3 and the CNV; (2) task implementation including P1 / N1, P2, N2, N450 / Ni as well as target-P3; and (3) response monitoring mechanisms as indicated by the Nc / CRN / MFN during correct responding and Ne / ERN in error trials. While most of these ERP correlates of executive control are reduced in older age, qualitative ERP di ﬀ erences between age groups are less consistent. We also report some recent ﬁ ndings from cognitive training research showing the potential for enhancement in task switching in older age. The results are discussed in the light of current models of cognitive control.
The Betting Odds Rating System: Using soccer forecasts to forecast soccer

Betting odds are frequently found to outperform mathematical models in sports related forecasting tasks, however the factors contributing to betting odds are not fully traceable and in contrast to rating-based forecasts no straightforward measure of team-specific quality is deducible from the betting odds. The present study investigates the approach of combining the methods of mathematical models and the information included in betting odds. A soccer forecasting model based on the well-known ELO rating system and taking advantage of betting odds as a source of information is presented. Data from almost 15.000 soccer matches (seasons 2007/2008 until 2016/2017) are used, including both domestic matches (English Premier League, German Bundesliga, Spanish Primera Division and Italian Serie A) and international matches (UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europe League). The novel betting odds based ELO model is shown to outperform classic ELO models, thus demonstrating that betting odds prior to a match contain more relevant information than the result of the match itself. It is shown how the novel model can help to gain valuable insights into the quality of soccer teams and its development over time, thus having a practical benefit in performance analysis. Moreover, it is argued that network based approaches might help in further improving rating and forecasting methods.
Acute and Chronic Iron Overloading Differentially Modulates the Expression of Cellular Iron-homeostatic Molecules in Normal Rat Kidney

Little is known about the renal responses to acute iron overloading. This study measured the renal tubular expression of transferrin receptor-1 (TfR1), cubilin/megalin receptors, hepcidin, ferroportin, and ferritin chains following subacute intoxication of 40 male Wistar rats with a single oral dose of ferrous iron (300 mg/kg). The animals were randomly subdivided into 4 equal subgroups at the time of necropsy (1, 2, 4, and 8 hr). The results were compared with the controls (n=15) and with the chronic group (n=15), which received iron for 4 weeks (75 mg/kg/day; 5 days/week). Although both toxicity models inhibited TfR1, they upregulated the cubilin/megalin receptors and hepcidin, and triggered iron deposition in tubular cells. The ferritin heavy-chain and ferroportin were downregulated in the 2-hr and 4-hr acute subgroups, whereas chronic toxicity promoted their expression, compared with controls. Moreover, the 4-hr and 8-hr subgroups had higher intracellular Fe+2 and marked cell apoptosis compared with the chronic group. In conclusion, the kidney appears to sustain iron reabsorption in both intoxication models. However, the cellular iron storage and exporter proteins were differentially expressed in both models, and their inhibition post-acute toxicity might contribute toward the intracellular accumulation of Fe+2, oxidative stress, and ferroptosis.
Implications for the Measurement of Psychopathy in the DSM–5 Using the Computerized Adaptive Test of Personality Disorder

ABSTRACT This study investigated the ability of the Computerized Adaptive Test of Personality Disorder (CAT–PD) model to capture psychopathy in a sample consisting of U.S. (n = 565) and Australian (n = 99) undergraduates and a U.S. community sample (n = 210). More specifically, this study examined (a) the association between CAT–PD facets, particularly those consistent with DSM–5 Section III antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), and measures of psychopathy, (b) the extent to which CAT–PD ASPD traits improve on DSM–5 Section II ASPD in measuring psychopathy, and (c) the utility of measuring functional impairment in additional to dimensional traits in assessing psychopathy. Analyses revealed CAT–PD ASPD traits, including traits' associations with Section III psychopathy specifier, were strongly associated with measures of psychopathy. Furthermore, CAT–PD ASPD was found to be an improvement over DSM–5 Section II ASPD in measuring psychopathy, and the dimensional nature of the CAT–PD was found to render the addition of measures of impairment unnecessary. These findings generally support the utility of the CAT–PD in the measurement of psychopathy, particularly as it relates to the dimensional assessment of psychopathy in the DSM–5 alternative model for personality disorder.
ERP Solution Acceptance by Students

ERP acceptance by its users in companies has been researched by several authors while ERP acceptance by students within study programmes has not been researched so often. For teachers should be important to know which factors have influence on student ERP acceptance. Our study researches student acceptance of ERP solutions while they are exposed to ERP solution and they are involved in ERP actual use. Our research is based on TAM which provides a basis for tracing impact of external factors on internal beliefs (perceived usefulness – PU and perceived ease of use – PEOU), attitudes (AT), intentions (behavioural intention – BI) and actual use. Research model includes additional external factors such as: experience with computer, computer self-efficiency, personal innovativeness toward IT, computer anxiety, user manuals (help), system quality, social influence (environment), training and education etc. Research was conduct within a group of 121 students after short interaction with Microsoft Dynamics NAV ERP solution. Results show that most important external factors for student ERP acceptance are: individual benefits, training and education on ERP system and quality of ERP system.
Provider Agreement in the Assessment of Glaucoma Progression Within a Team Model

Purpose: Glaucoma specialists and optometrists who work in a team model at a single institution utilize a common definition of glaucoma progression and treatment algorithm. The purpose of this study was to assess the consistency of agreement in identifying glaucoma progression among glaucoma specialists and optometrists of 1 team. Methods: In total, 399 eyes of 200 patients age 18 or older with glaucoma were enrolled over 2 years. Clinical data, disc photographs, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and visual fields were independently reviewed by 2 masked optometrists and 2 masked fellowship-trained glaucoma specialists. Each eye was judged as progression or no progression of glaucomatous disease. The following were assessed: (1) agreement among optometrists; (2) agreement among glaucoma specialists; and (3) agreement among optometrists and glaucoma specialists. The frequency of use of testing modality to determine progression was also studied. &kgr; statistics were used to evaluate agreements. Results: Optometrists agreed with each other for 74.2% of the eyes assessed (&kgr;=0.42), whereas glaucoma specialists agreed with each other for 78.7% of eyes (&kgr;=0.39). All 4 providers agreed with each other for 54.4% of the eyes evaluated (&kgr;=0.37). Providers had the highest agreement when the progression decision was based on disc hemorrhage (92%) and the lowest agreement when based on OCT progression analysis (36%). Compared with optometrists, glaucoma specialists used OCT (P⩽0.01) more frequently to determine disease progression. Conclusions: Fair to moderate agreement levels were found among providers in their assessment of glaucoma progression, suggesting that a team approach to glaucoma management may be effective. Further work is needed to investigate ways to optimize consistency within the glaucoma team.
Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells reduce monosodium iodoacetate-induced apoptosis in cartilage

Objective: The present study investigated the therapeutic potential and underlying mechanisms of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (HUCMSCs) on joint cartilage destruction induced by monosodium iodoacetate (MIA) in mice. Materials and Methods: HUCMSCs were tested for mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) characteristics including surface markers by flow cytometry and mesoderm differentiation (adipogenesis, osteogenesis, and chondrogenesis). Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling assay and Western blot assay were used to evaluate MIA-induced chondrocyte apoptosis. In the in vivo study, 18 mice were divided into three groups (n = 6 each); normal saline (control), MIA-treated, and MIA-treated/HUCMSC-transplantation. Rota-Rods tests were used to evaluate MIA-induced cartilage destruction behaviors in mice. Histological changes in the mice cartilage were examined by immunohistochemistry. Results: HUCMSCs had an immunophenotype similar to bone marrow-derived MSCs and were able to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Conditioned medium of the HUCMSCs exhibited an anti-apoptotic effect and inhibited expression of caspase 3 in MIA-treated chondrocytes. HUCMSC transplantation assisted in recovery from movement impairment (from 30% on day 7 to 115% on day 14) and in regeneration and repair of cartilage damaged by MIA. (International Cartilage Repair Society score: 3.8 in the MIA group vs. 10.2 in the HUCMSC-treated group); HUCMSC transplantation ameliorated cartilage apoptosis through the caspase 3 pathway in MIA-induced cartilage destruction in mice. Conclusion: Taken together, these observations suggest that HUCMSC transplantation appears to be effective in protecting cartilage from MIA damage.
Two-Level Cache Performance for Multiprocessors

For shared bus multiprocessors operated in multiprogramming mode, the addition of second-level caches tends to significantly increase system performance. Trace-driven simulation was employed to obtain performance measurements over a range of system parameters, with the cache sizes at both levels being the parameters of most interest. For both light and heavy system loading, the addition of second-level caches was found to boost system performance. For heavily loaded multiprocessor cases, the workload-averaged percentage increases in performance ranged from 187% with 32k byte first-level caches to 507% with 4k byte first-level caches when 128k byte second- level caches were added. The main memory configuration and number of processors largely dictates the performance of a shared bus multiprocessor running in multiprogramming mode. The addition of larger second-level caches to the system results in increased system performance over a range of system configurations and workloads.
Falling Behind Early and Staying Behind When Learning to Program

We have performed a study of novice programmers, using students at two different institutions, who were learning different programming languages. Infl uenced by the work of Dehnadi and Bornat, we gave our students a simple test, of our own devisin g, in their first three weeks of formal instruction in programming. That test only required knowledge of assignment statements. We found a wide performance difference among our two student cohorts. Furthermore, our test was a good indication of how students performed about 10 weeks later, in their final programming exam. We interpret our results in terms of our neo-Piagetian theory of how novices learn to program.
Examining Trust and Reliance in Collaborations between Humans and Automated Agents

Human trust and reliance in artificial agents is critical to effective collaboration in mixed human computer teams. Understanding the conditions under which humans trust and rely upon automated agent recommendations is important as trust is one of the mechanisms that allow people to interact effectively with a variety of teammates. We conducted exploratory research to investigate how personality characteristics and uncertainty conditions affect human-machine interactions. Participants were asked to determine if two images depicted the same or different people, while simultaneously considering the recommendation of an automated agent. Results of this effort demonstrated a correlation between judgements of agent expertise and user trust. In addition, we found that in conditions of high and low uncertainty, the decision outcomes of participants moved significantly in the direction of the agent’s recommendation. Differences in reported trust in the agent were observed in individuals with low and high levels of extraversion.
The Measurement, Nomological Net, and Theory of Perceived Self-Esteem Instability: Applying the Conservation of Resources Theory to Understand the Construct

The current article performs the first focused investigation into the construct of perceived self-esteem instability (P-SEI). Four studies investigate the construct's measurement, nomological net, and theoretical dynamics. Study 1 confirms the factor structure of a P-SEI Measure, supporting that P-SEI can be adequately measured. Study 2 identifies an initial nomological net surrounding P-SEI, showing that the construct is strongly related to stable aspects of the self (i.e., neuroticism and core self-evaluations). In Studies 3 and 4, the Conservation of Resources Theory is applied to develop and test five hypotheses. These studies show that P-SEI is predicted by self-esteem level and stressors, and the relationship of certain stressors is moderated by self-esteem contingencies. P-SEI also predicts stress, depression, anxiety, and certain defensive postures. From these studies and the integration of Conservation of Resources Theory, we suggest that P-SEI emerges through an interaction between environmental influences and personal resources, and we provide a theoretical model to better understand the construct of P-SEI. We suggest that this theory-driven model can prompt the initial field of study on P-SEI.
Hatching distribution and embryo mortality of eggs laid by broiler breeders of different ages

This study investigated the hatching distribution of eggs from broiler breeders of different ages in distinct periods of incubation. Eggs were incubated in a single-stage experimental incubator. A number of 3.510 eggs were distributed into 3 treatments with 13 replicates of 90 eggs each. Treatments corresponded to breeder age: young (34 weeks), intermediate-age (44 weeks) and old (72 weeks) breeders. Eggs were transferred to the hatcher at 432 incubation hours, hatching was first checked at 449 hours, after which the number of hatched chicks was counted every 6 hours up to 515 incubation hours. After each count, hatched chicks were removed from the hatcher. Data were submitted to analysis of variance using measures repeated. A significant interaction between breeder age and incubation time was found. The total period required to hatch all incubated fertile eggs was not influenced by breeder age, which, however, affected hatching distribution. Eggs from old breeders hatched later as compared to young and intermediate-age breeders. More than 71% of the eggs had already hatched at 485 incubation hours, and 94% at 491 hours. Eggs laid by old breeders presented higher infertility and total embryo mortality, resulting in lower hatching percentage.
Stress and Achievement of Cardiovascular Health Metrics: The American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 in Blacks of the Jackson Heart Study

Background Ideal cardiovascular health metrics (defined by the American Heart Association Life's Simple 7 [LS7]) are suboptimal among blacks, which results in high risk of cardiovascular disease. We examined the association of multiple stressors with LS7 components among blacks. Methods and Results Using a community‐based cohort of blacks (N=4383), we examined associations of chronic stress, minor stressors, major life events, and a cumulative stress score with LS7 components (smoking, diet, physical activity, body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting plasma glucose) and an LS7 composite score. Multivariable logistic regression assessed the odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels of cardiovascular health adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic, behavioral, and biomedical factors. The LS7 components with the lowest percentages of intermediate/ideal cardiovascular health levels were diet (39%), body mass index (47%), and physical activity (51%). Higher chronic, minor, and cumulative stress scores were associated with decreased odds (odds ratio [OR]) of achieving intermediate/ideal levels for smoking (OR [95% confidence interval], 0.80 [0.73–0.88], 0.84 [0.75–0.94], and 0.81 [0.74–0.90], respectively). Participants with more major life events had decreased odds of achieving intermediate/ideal levels for smoking (OR, 0.84; 95% confidence interval, 0.76–0.92) and fasting plasma glucose (OR, 0.90; 95% confidence interval, 0.82–0.98). Those with higher scores for minor stressors and major life events were less likely to achieve intermediate or ideal LS7 composite scores (OR [95% confidence interval], 0.89 [0.81–0.97] and 0.91 [0.84–0.98], respectively). Conclusions Blacks with higher levels of multiple stress measures are less likely to achieve intermediate or ideal levels of overall cardiovascular health (LS7 composite score), specific behaviors (smoking), and biological factors (fasting plasma glucose).
Detection of convulsive seizures using surface electromyography

Bilateral (generalized) tonic–clonic seizures (TCS) increase the risk of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP), especially when patients are unattended. In sleep, TCS often remain unnoticed, which can result in suboptimal treatment decisions. There is a need for automated detection of these major epileptic seizures, using wearable devices. Quantitative surface electromyography (EMG) changes are specific for TCS and characterized by a dynamic evolution of low‐ and high‐frequency signal components. Algorithms targeting increase in high‐frequency EMG signals constitute biomarkers of TCS; they can be used both for seizure detection and for differentiating TCS from convulsive nonepileptic seizures. Two large‐scale, blinded, prospective studies demonstrated the accuracy of wearable EMG devices for detecting TCS with high sensitivity (76%‐100%). The rate of false alarms (0.7‐2.5/24 h) needs further improvement. This article summarizes the pathophysiology of muscle activation during convulsive seizures and reviews the published evidence on the accuracy of EMG‐based seizure detection.